Satin Full Sole Ballet Shoes are a great option for ballet exams and if you are looking to improve your foot strength. They are made from a satin upper giving them a sleek stage-ready look, while a leather full sole encourages correct muscle development. An adjustable drawstring ensures a snug fit, and the elastics are bought separately and sewn on to finish off the shoe.
Elastics are necessary for a snug fit and keeping your shoe on your foot when dancing (especially when going onto demi-point (tippy toes). Shoes do not come pre-fitted with elastics as the placement will vary from dancer to dancer depending on the build of their feet.
The process of sewing elastics onto your shoes is simple and easy.
To begin you will need:
• Your Satin Full Sole Shoes
• Elastics
• Needle and thread
• A sewing pin
• A pencil
• Scissors
Cut your elastic (purchased from The Ballet Co) in half. The provided elastic is enough for both shoes.
Fold the heel of the shoe inwards and mark where it meets the binding on both sides. Be sure to use only a pencil for this on the inside of the shoe.
Use your sewing pin to secure the elastic in position at your drawn marks on one side of the shoe. Be careful to only catch the lining of the shoe and not the satin upper. Carefully sew the elastic to the shoe.
Place your foot inside the shoe and pull the elastic straight over your foot (do not stretch the elastic). Using your pencil, mark on the elastic where it meets the shoe. Remove your foot and carefully sew the elastic onto the shoe’s inner canvas, using your pencil markings as guides.
Place your foot in the shoe to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. If so, you can cut off the remaining elastic and you are all done!
If the fit is too loose or tight, carefully undo the stitches of the elastic that was sewn on last and proceed through the steps again.
