A cross-country ski binding (1) for cross-country ski shoes (2) which includes a sole front end (9) having a member which complements and engages a member of the binding (1). A pivot axis member (8) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoe and approximately parallel with the outsole surface and the binding members includes a retaining hook (3) which partially encompass the pivot axis member (8) and defines a hinge therewith. The retaining hook is adapted to move between a closed position and a release position. An elastically deformable element (10) engages the front of the ski shoe for elastically restoring the shoe (2) from an upward pivotal position to a position approximately parallel with the ski. The retaining hook (3) is maintained in the release position by a locking member (4) which is actuated by stepping the shoe into the binding, and particularly the sole-integrated pivot axis (8) which engages and pivots the locking member to the unlocking position. The retaining hook (3) is then freely movable to its closed position in which is encompasses the sole-integrated pivot axis (8). A spring (21) is coupled by an actuating lever (22) to the hook to move the hook to the closed position.