A tensioning device for a traction mechanism drive. The tensioning device includes a tensioning piston which is mounted in an axially movable manner and provided with an attachment shaft facing the traction mechanism. The tensioning device also includes a tensioning shoe formed of a polymer plastic and mounted on the attachment shaft via a support hole, and a disk-shaped metallic support element which is fixed to the attachment shaft via its support hole. The force transmission between the tensioning shoe (2) and the tensioning piston (5) is improved by pre-mounting the support element (11) in or on the tensioning shoe (2) in a positively or non-positively fixed manner, and the support element (11) is connected to the tensioning piston (5), in the mounted state, via a press fit between the support hole (12) and the attachment shaft (4), and contacts a shoulder (9) of the tensioning piston (5).