A lace or draw string fastening system can include a clamping unit and a capture element. The clamping unit can clamp onto the laces, such as shoe laces, to tighten the shoes and the capture element can capture and contain the free ends of the laces that extend from the clamping unit to prevent tripping by securing them to other portions of the laces or the article that houses the laces. The fastening system can be used in a shoe lace fastening system without the need for knot tying. The clamping unit can clamp the laces together at the top of the shoe to hold the laces tight while the capture element can contain or secure the free ends of the shoe lace to the shoe or the laces adjacent the toe to prevent tripping.