Abstract: An article of footwear with an adjustable fastening system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a strap that is incorporated into the lacing system. The strap freely spans the throat opening of a footwear upper, both entering and exiting the upper on each side of the shoe. The strap is made of a single non-stretch element and is configured to adjust and tighten around the mid-foot area of the wearer's foot using laces. The mid-foot being defined as the semi-rigid area of the foot between the ankle joint proper [talocrural joint] and the ball of the foot under the metatarsophalangeal joint.