An article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising: a base axis, a first diagonal axis, and a second diagonal axis, wherein the base axis, the first diagonal axis, and the second diagonal axis are nonparallel, and wherein the base axis extends from one side of the article of footwear to an opposing side of the article of footwear; an upper and a fastening system; the fastening system including a fastener, a first receptacle, and one or more tensile elements, wherein the one or more tensile elements include a first tensile element (904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914); the upper comprising a first portion and a second portion; the first tensile element (904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914) being disposed along the first portion of the upper, and wherein the first tensile element is substantially aligned with the second diagonal axis; the fastener and the first tensile element (904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914) each being joined to the first receptacle; the fastening system including a secured state and an unsecured state; a first portion of the fastener being disposed along the first portion of the upper in the secured state, wherein the first portion of the fastener is substantially aligned with the first diagonal axis; a second portion of the fastener being disposed along the second portion of the upper in the secured state, wherein the second portion of the fastener is substantially aligned with the base axis; and wherein the fastening system is configured to distribute a compressive tension over at least a portion of the second portion of the upper and at least a portion of the first portion of the upper when the fastening system is in the secured state. a base axis, a first diagonal axis, and a second diagonal axis, wherein the base axis, the first diagonal axis, and the second diagonal axis are nonparallel, and wherein the base axis extends from one side of the article of footwear to an opposing side of the article of footwear; an upper and a fastening system; the fastening system including a fastener, a first receptacle, and one or more tensile elements, wherein the one or more tensile elements include a first tensile element (904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914); the upper comprising a first portion and a second portion; the first tensile element (904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914) being disposed along the first portion of the upper, and wherein the first tensile element is substantially aligned with the second diagonal axis; the fastener and the first tensile element (904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914) each being joined to the first receptacle; the fastening system including a secured state and an unsecured state; a first portion of the fastener being disposed along the first portion of the upper in the secured state, wherein the first portion of the fastener is substantially aligned with the first diagonal axis; a second portion of the fastener being disposed along the second portion of the upper in the secured state, wherein the second portion of the fastener is substantially aligned with the base axis; and wherein the fastening system is configured to distribute a compressive tension over at least a portion of the second portion of the upper and at least a portion of the first portion of the upper when the fastening system is in the secured state.