Tightening mechanisms and applications including the same

An article, comprising:

• a base material;
• a tightening mechanism coupled to the base material, the tightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob, wherein rotation of the knob in a tightening direction tightens the article;
• and
• a concealing portion extending upward from the base material and at least partially radially surrounding the tightening mechanism, the concealing portion including a compressible material comprising a compressible foam, wherein at least a portion of the rotatable knob is rearward of an outer surface of the concealing portion;
• wherein the concealing portion comprises a second material that is less compressible than the compressible foam, the second material at least partially radially surrounding the tightening mechanism.

A method of making an article, the method comprising:

• providing a base material;
• coupling a tightening mechanism to the base material, the tightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob that is configured to tighten the article upon rotation of the knob in a tightening direction;
• and
• positioning a concealing portion so as to at least partially radially surround the tightening mechanism, the concealing portion including a compressible material and the concealing portion extending upward from the base material;
• wherein the concealing portion comprises an arcuate configuration so that, immediately adjacent the rotatable knob, a top surface of the rotatable knob is substantially flush with an outer surface of the concealing portion and so that, a radial distance from the rotatable knob, the concealing portion is substantially flush with an outer surface of the article.