A device for assisting with tightening footwear laces includes a frame configured to at least partially surround a portion of the footwear. The footwear has laces and sidewalls. The device also includes at least two compression pads coupled to the frame. The compression pads are positioned so as to contact a respective sidewall of the footwear. The compression pads have a distance between them that is adjustable so as to cause the compression pads to press the sidewalls of the footwear inwardly.

Operating device (5) for a sports shoe/boot (1), including: a tightening device (6) intended to tighten the sports shoe/boot around a foot or lower leg of a user; a first lever (14) able to move between a first position and a second position, the first lever being able to actuate the tightening device; and a second lever (15) distinct from the first lever (14), the second lever (15) being able to move between a first position and a second position, the second lever being intended to actuate at least one accessory (10) of the sports shoe/boot, the first lever and the second lever being configured to rest one upon the other.