Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, a sole, and a tightening system, the tightening system having a tightening plate arranged in the area of the instep zone of the article of footwear, the tightening plate having on each medial and lateral side, respectively, at least one channel for the passage of a tightening cord/lace, the sole and/or the upper having on each medial and lateral side, respectively, at least one guide arranged in the vicinity of the sole and adapted to the passage of the tightening cord/lace, the tightening cord/lace having at least one strand running along an alternating path between each guide and channel of the upper/sole and tightening plate, respectively, a blocking mechanism being associated with each strand of the cord/lace, the tightening plate being displaceable at least vertically in relation to the sole by traction on the cord/lace.