Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe and preferably according to the preferred embodiments to a self-closing mechanism within the shoe. The shoe optionally has an inbuilt mechanical fastening system which operates via insertion of the foot into the shoe which depresses an embedded releasing mechanism in the shoe which pulls closed the fastening-cords of the shoe top tightly around the wearer's foot. Subsequently a lever operated by the companion shoe situated on the back of the shoe body acts as a loosening mechanism enabling removal of the shoe from the wearer's foot.