Single pull squared-cord shoe closure system

A single pull shoe closure system that allows the wearer of a shoe to pull in a single direction to draw together the sides of the shoe across the upper of the shoe, the shoe having a width direction and a length direction, the shoe closure system comprising:

• at least one length of draw cord positioned in at least a partially closed geometric arrangement across the upper of the shoe, the draw cord having at least two lateral portions extending across the width direction of the shoe, and at least one longitudinal portion extending along the length direction of the shoe between the lateral portions of the draw cord;
• a plurality of guide point positioning structures slidingly engaging the at least one length of draw cord at at least two points on the at least partially closed geometric arrangement;
• a draw strap having at least a lateral portion extending across the upper of the shoe;
• a draw cord engagement member attached to one end of the lateral portion of the draw strap, the draw cord engagement member engaging at least one point on the at least one longitudinal portion of the draw cord;
• and
• an attachment surface positioned on the shoe, the attachment surface positioned to engage and retain a corresponding attachment surface positioned on the draw strap;
• wherein the action of drawing on the draw strap and securing the attachment surfaces together effects a drawing of the lateral portion of the draw strap across the top of the shoe and thereby effects a drawing of the at least one longitudinal portion of the draw cord across the shoe so as to tighten the lateral portions of the draw cord and thereby draw together the two sides of the shoe.