Ballet heel sizing

Northflower · February 9, 2012

Hello, I'm new on the forum, I registered a couple of days ago because I have a question that you high heels enthousiats could probably answer. First, let me say that I don't wear high heels that often, nor do I have many of them. I put them on for special occasions like family reunions or fancy restaurents, otherwise i'm in running shoes or sandals most of the time. I am also into fetishism a bit , that's where I saw for the first time ballet boots and I must say, they got me pretty intrigued. So after many many months of thinking about getting a pair for myself, I finally ordered some online and they got here about a week ago. They are great! I love them, even tho I can't walk in them heh. I can stay up but only for 30 seconds before I lose my balance . So far I only put them on 5 times for about 20-25 minutes each time, but the last time I wear them I asked myself if I had bought the right size for me. As I mentioned I'm not a high heels specialist so here's where you guys can come in and give me some advice. I wanted to order a size 9.5 but they told me they didn't do half inch sizes so I went with a 10, (I was told to go a size up as those shoes are very narrow and it's better to go a size up rather than down). So after I tried them a couple of time, I noticed when i'm standing up in them that there is enough space to fit a finger between my heel and back of the shoe, pretty much like every pair of running shoes where there is a little space in them. Is it ok/normal to have that little space in that kind of shoes or a very tight fit is better ? Should I get a size 9 ? I feel like my ankle flexes more then it has to because of that extra half inch of space. Right now i'm padding the bottom of the shoes with cotton balls, seems to help a little. So there it is, I looked on other threads about this but couldn't find anything that would help me for this issue. So any feedback and advice you can give me is appreciated. Thank you.

at9 · February 9, 2012

Is it ok/normal to have that little space in that kind of shoes or a very tight fit is better ? Should I get a size 9 ? I feel like my ankle flexes more then it has to because of that extra half inch of space. Right now i'm padding the bottom of the shoes with cotton balls, seems to help a little.

Northflower, welcome to HHP.

Ballet boots need to fit tightly over the instep and fairly tight round the ankle. The idea is to take as much weight as possible on your instep rather than your toes. All this means that going up a size is not a good idea. Another problem is that heels are often too long, throwing your whole leg forward and making it very difficult to stand.

Even when all this is right, there are very few people who can walk and stand easily in ballet heels. Before I shortened the heels on mine I could just about stand and stagger a few steps. After cutting about 1cm off the heels I can stand for short periods and walk across the room without too much trouble.

There's quite a lot here at HHP on ballet heels. The forum search facility is enabled for you after you have made (I think) 5 posts. This will help you find a lot of advice on the subject.

Northflower · February 9, 2012

Thanks, Well like I said I would of like to get a 9.5, but going a whole inch down seemed too much. I rather have the shoe to be a bit bigger then not being in get in them at all. I wish I could of tried a pair first but it's not like you can find these at your local shoe store :/ You really think I should of got a size 9 instead of 10 ? Anywho it's too late now, they are used and I douth they will exchange them if I send them back for a size 9 so i'm stuck with them. I searched a little on the forum and saw the stress ball cut in half tip. I tried it, again seems to help a little. Maybe if I cut the little base of the heel, it would take off about 1 cm like you said. Would probably take some pressure off the ankle a little and my heel could rest better on top of the heel section of the shoe. Still not sure, I don't wanna ruined them either you know, they aren't cheap!

Acin75 · February 9, 2012

If I were you I'd change the shoes to size 9. Then put the toe-box on the edge of a table and see if the heel is perpendicular to the table or not and if it throws the whole shoe a bit to the front. If it does, check how much. Usually in size 9 about a centimeter or 1/3 to 1/2 inch. Then let shorten the heels. Tell the shoemaker that these heels have a metallic rod in them and that he might be difficoult to to grind/cut off. At last, the idea of having a 1/4 of a stressball in the toe-box, as Imelda suggested is a good one. I have tested it, and it helps for me. But as at9 stated previously, the shoes have to snug tightly around the inshoe, or middle of your foot. Let us know if all worked out well, Have fun ballettbooting!! Cheers :-)

Northflower · February 9, 2012

Ok I'll see what I can do about cutting off the heel a little. Like I said I can't return them because I'm pretty sure they won't take them back and i'll just end up paying for shipping both ways to send and get them back

I got them from Pierre Silber for 165$, but I recently saw them for 76.99 on http://www.milanoo.com/Coffee-7-1-10-High-Heel-Patent-Leather-Lock-Sexy-Shoes-p66990.html

How can them sell them so cheap ? I looked on a couple of sites before getting them from PierreSilber and they all ranged from 150-180$. Are they knock-off or something ?

DR Who 3 · February 9, 2012

Hi Northflower. Along with the stress ball padding in the toes perhaps you could put on 1 or 2 pairs of ski type socks to take up the extra room and make the boots tighter. Another thing I use is a thickness of packaging padding cut to the shape of my fore foot and I put this on top of my feet as I put my feet in the boots. This pad needs to cover the toes and be longenough to cover 1/2 the top of your feet in the arch area. I get this padding in various thicknesses and depending on how tight I want my boots I use 1 or 2 layers. It is abit of a trick to hold these in place while slipping my foot into the boots but with practice it isn't all that bad. I supose one could tape this padding to ones foot but I havent tried that. It probably would make getting the boots on easier. I have Delrious ankle boots. As has been stated you probably will need to cut some off the bottom of the heel to be able to walk in these because your heel needs to rest a bit on the heel of the boot so that not all you weight is on the instep and toes. Best to you and hope you enjoy your ballet booting. Dr Who 3

Northflower · February 9, 2012

What about the model from milanoo.com (link in my last post). Anybody know of them ? Maybe I'll order a size 9 instead of going through all the trouble of making the ones I have to fit. But at that price, I just don't feel it, there has to be a catch...

CassieJ · February 10, 2012

You should visit a dance or Ballet shop and pick up a package of lambs skin. You can bunch it up in the tip of the show and wrap your toes. It will fill up the empty space in the toe box and pad your toes. They also sell toe gels for ballet shoes. They can work well too.

Tom-NL · February 10, 2012

You probably have to add shipping costs to that price, and also import duties. And of course Pierre Silber also wants to make a profit on what they sell (probably also 'made in China', just like the stuff that Milanoo sells). Together that comes a long way in explaining the price difference.

I got them from Pierre Silber for 165$, but I recently saw them for 76.99 on http://www.milanoo.com/Coffee-7-1-10-High-Heel-Patent-Leather-Lock-Sexy-Shoes-p66990.html

How can them sell them so cheap ? I looked on a couple of sites before getting them from PierreSilber and they all ranged from 150-180$. Are they knock-off or something ?

Tech · February 10, 2012

What about the model from milanoo.com (link in my last post). Anybody know of them ? Maybe I'll order a size 9 instead of going through all the trouble of making the ones I have to fit. But at that price, I just don't feel it, there has to be a catch...

I wouldnt touch that fake website with a bargepole if I were you. You hand over your credit card, who knows who else is going to have your card details.

Seriously, the website, and very likely 100% of its stock, are fake.

Jolly good reason why something is too good to be true....

I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that the Pierre Silber stuff is not made in China at all?

Its far better quality than the sweat shop quick stiching of a 10 year old...

Northflower · February 10, 2012

Really you don't trust milanoo at all ? Damn, I was gonna order 1 pair from them :/ (URL removed)

May I ask from what site you normaly order ?

You probably have to add shipping costs to that price, and also import duties. And of course Pierre Silber also wants to make a profit on what they sell (probably also 'made in China', just like the stuff that Milanoo sells). Together that comes a long way in explaining the price difference.

Pierre Silber offers price matching, so I'll see if I can get a size 9 ballet boots from them for 79$. If not I found a more legit site that sells them for 119$ instead of 159$.

Northflower · February 10, 2012

Here's a little update for anyone that cares. I cut off the little semi-gummy plastic thingy at the tip of the heel, which took off 5 mm. After I tried them on they were much more confortable while standing up, I even could take 1, that's right I said 1! step forward . Only thing now is the shoes are very slippery because I just cut of the adhesion I had with the semi-gummy plastic thingy (by the way anyone have a name for that ? Know what I'm talking about right ?). Any Idea how can I replace it or find back some adhesion so I don't break my head if I fall down ? I'll try cutting off another 5mm in the upcoming days so it will be a whole cm off the heel. I think after that I will really be able to start praticing walking in them. Just by curiosity, how long did it take you guys to be able to walk in them, or at least be able to take 8-10 steps ?

Northflower · February 10, 2012

What did you guys use to cut the heels ? Grinder, metal saw, power tool ?

Tech · February 10, 2012

Really you don't trust milanoo at all ? Damn, I was gonna order 1 pair from them :/ (URL removed)
May I ask from what site you normaly order ?

I dont. But you only have checkout the site owners credentials, and the site itself to know its a fake.

I wont buy anything from any website in, or registered to anybody in Asia, selling goods at "Too good to be true" prices for goods that I know damn well cost more to make properly.

Remember, those streets are paved with fakes, and who sells fake goods?

Criminals...

DR Who 3 · February 10, 2012

So you cut the heel tips off (the rubber thingys) and the bottom of the heels are shinny metal right? If you look carefully you will notice a small round brighter metal thingy in the middle of the heel shafts. That is the metal shaft that you cut off with the heel tip. ( rubber thingy) I recomend that you trim the black heel covering back out of the way and cut an 1/8" to 3/16" ( aprox. 7mm more of the metal heel off. A hack saw with new blade in the proper position will work fine however you will want to square up the heel bottoms ( make flat and prependicular ) with the metal heel shafts. A metal grinder will work for this or some metal sand paper wraped around a narrow flat stick and a lot of elbow greese. After you have done this find a metal drill bit the size ( diameter)of the metal pin that you cut off with the heel tip and drill out this pin to at least 3/4 " deep or a bit deeper( aprox. 1 to 1 1/2 cm. Now go to a shoe repair store and show the person what you have done and ask if they have heel tips that can be reattached or ordered. Another posibility is go to a resale shop and buy a cheep pair of used high heel pumps that have heel tips the size of the heel shaft bottom on your boots or a bit bigger (match with the ones you cut off). Buy these and carefully take the heel tips off; note try to remove the heel tips and the shafts in tact ( prying with a flat screwdriver and needel nose pliers propably will work for this. Now glue the black covering back on the heel shafts, trim off the access and attach the new heel tips with a hammer and some super glue. If the rubber comes off the metal heeltip shaft it can be super glued back on if it isn't destroyed too badly. Trim off the extra rubber around the heel shaft with a sharp knife so it looks like it did before you cut anything off. If you don't feel comfortable doing all this; the shoe repair place can take care of it for you or perhaps a handy boy friend. Take your time and you will be back in busines in no time. I hope this helps. Dr Who 3

Tom-NL · February 10, 2012

You quoted my post, but react to Tech's opinion - we are different persons!

I have no personal experience with milanoo.com , but using the search function of this forum reveals that several forum members have already bought from milanoo.com . Read their posts, and possibly ask them for further advice.

Really you don't trust milanoo at all ? Damn, I was gonna order 1 pair from them :/ (URL removed)
May I ask from what site you normaly order ?

Pierre Silber offers price matching, so I'll see if I can get a size 9 ballet boots from them for 79$. If not I found a more legit site that sells them for 119$ instead of 159$.

Northflower · February 10, 2012

You quoted my post, but react to Tech's opinion - we are different persons!

I have no personal experience with milanoo.com , but using the search function of this forum reveals that several forum members have already bought from milanoo.com . Read their posts, and possibly ask them for further advice.

My mistake, I meant to quote Tech's, but don't worry, I saw your reply and it's appreciated!

Northflower · February 10, 2012

So you cut the heel tips off (the rubber thingys) and the bottom of the heels are shinny metal right?

If you look carefully you will notice a small round brighter metal thingy in the middle of the heel shafts. That is the metal shaft that you cut off with the heel tip. ( rubber thingy)

I recomend that you trim the black heel covering back out of the way and cut an 1/8" to 3/16" ( aprox. 7mm more of the metal heel off. A hack saw with new blade in the proper position will work fine however you will want to square up the heel bottoms ( make flat and prependicular ) with the metal heel shafts. A metal grinder will work for this or some metal sand paper wraped around a narrow flat stick and a lot of elbow greese. After you have done this find a metal drill bit the size ( diameter)of the metal pin that you cut off with the heel tip and drill out this pin to at least

3/4 " deep or a bit deeper( aprox. 1 to 1 1/2 cm. Now go to a shoe repair store and show the person what you have done and ask if they have heel tips that can be reattached or ordered. Another posibility is go to a resale shop and buy a cheep pair of used high heel pumps that have heel tips the size of the heel shaft bottom on your boots or a bit bigger (match with the ones you cut off). Buy these and carefully take the heel tips off; note try to remove the heel tips and the shafts in tact ( prying with a flat screwdriver and needel nose pliers propably will work for this. Now glue the black covering back on the heel shafts, trim off the access and attach the new heel tips with a hammer and some super glue. If the rubber comes off the metal heeltip shaft it can be super glued back on if it isn't destroyed too badly. Trim off the extra rubber around the heel shaft with a sharp knife so it looks like it did before you cut anything off.

If you don't feel comfortable doing all this; the shoe repair place can take care of it for you or perhaps a handy boy friend. Take your time and you will be back in busines in no time.

I hope this helps.

Dr Who 3

I don't recall seeing the shaft inside the metal heel you're talking about, I'll take a closer look later.

So bottom line is, cut off 7mm more, drill the shaft, and glue/nail the heel tips back on ? Seems easy enough. Right ?

You think just super glue-ing the original heel tips back on can work ?

CassieJ · February 11, 2012

Super Glue will not hold if you are walking in them. Besides, the tip is designed to be replaced when they wear out due to use.

at9 · February 11, 2012

I did mine as follows:

Pull out the heel tip, complete with pin.
Gently peel back the leather covering of the heel by a little more than you intend to cut off
Clamp heel in bench vice with suitable protection to avoid damage to heel covering
Cut off desired amount with hacksaw
Use grinder or file to get the face nicely flat and smooth
Drill hole in heel a little deeper since it was no longe long enough for pin
Trim leather covering and glue back
Replace heel tip.

I very nearly wrecked the old heel tips but new ones are readily available. A UK supplier: http://www.stiletto-heel-tips.co.uk/ I'm sure there are similar suppliers where you are.

If you don't feel confident about doing all this I recommend you get a cobbler to do it for you.

Northflower · February 11, 2012

I did mine as follows:

Pull out the heel tip, complete with pin.
Gently peel back the leather covering of the heel by a little more than you intend to cut off
Clamp heel in bench vice with suitable protection to avoid damage to heel covering
Cut off desired amount with hacksaw
Use grinder or file to get the face nicely flat and smooth
Drill hole in heel a little deeper since it was no longe long enough for pin
Trim leather covering and glue back
Replace heel tip.
I very nearly wrecked the old heel tips but new ones are readily available. A UK supplier: http://www.stiletto-heel-tips.co.uk/ I'm sure there are similar suppliers where you are.

If you don't feel confident about doing all this I recommend you get a cobbler to do it for you.

That's what i'll do, as soon as I find the time. But, for the heel tip, when I took it off, I think I did it wrong. I pilled off the rubber tip but the pin must of stuck in the heel's shaft and I cut it without knowing, so i'll have to order some new ones from the site you gave me, thank you for the link by the way. Do you know a perticular heel tip that I should order ? Those seems like would be a good fit: http://www.stiletto-heel-tips.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_22&products_id=95&osCsid=9e095c51f3842df2d7e11c776951ea8f

thehighheelsgirl · February 12, 2012

You definitely want ballets as tight as possible so they fit like pointe shoes. Unless you really spend a bunch of money now its almost impossible to find anything but the Pleaser brand ballets and they kinda suck. All mine are from Qualifetish which is out of business now so I don't know where I'm going to get new ones from when I decide I want them but I don't want Pleasers. It seems like everyone who has Pleasers cuts down the heels but I don't know how you do that.

Northflower · February 12, 2012

Pretty simple really, look a couple posts down, people explained the how to.

DR Who 3 · February 13, 2012

Sometimes when cutting off the heel shafts like we recomend it is difficult to see the pin in the mist of the heel shaft. Take a file or gringer and as I said square up the bottom of the shaft and I believe by close inspection the pin will become visible. The color of the steel will be probably the same ( pin and steel shaft) but take a very close look the pin is there. Unless your heel tips were attached some other way. The pins aren't made to be glued in as they and the rubber heel tip are one assembly. If you are carefull with re-drilling the hole useing the same diameter drill bit a new heel tip and pin should work as the pin is generally nurled ( grooved) and the grooves compress when driven in place holding the heeel tip and pin fast in place. I used the thick super glue and it's quick set spray as I overdrilled mine and all is working fine. You might find a good cobbler and not risk making a mistake by letting them do this work. Dr Who 3

yozz · February 13, 2012

The alternative to making the heel shorter is...... But of course, put a little platform under the toe part! That is much easier. Y.

Jabble · February 13, 2012

Seems like you could possibly wear a size 9 comfortably. But if any of the modifying as mentioned in previous posts work then that is cool.

What type of ballet boots are they? Ankle-high, knee-high, or thigh-high.

Northflower · February 14, 2012

Ankle-high. I just got me some new tips, I get around the cutting and drilling in the coming days.

Northflower · February 17, 2012

The cutting is done, with the heel tips off the heel is 12-13mm shorter, but when i'm gonna replace the heel tips it will only be 7-8mm off. Only need to drill the shaft to make the pin fit. I tried it out without the replaced heel tips, I could stand in them pretty easely and even walk a little. But they almost feel like high heels now so i'm still gonna replace the heel tips, I want to have the feel of ballet boots By the way I contacted pierresilber and they are gonna price match milanoo for a 79$ size 9 ballet heels. I hope they fit better this time 'cause i'm not spending anymore money on this!

thehighheelsgirl · February 17, 2012

Ya I think the size 9s r gonna fit u better n u'll be able to walk a lot better to.

Northflower · February 28, 2012

Update for anyone that cares.

I received the size 9, and they are still not a tight fit!

Still a much better fit then the old ones tho, I can stand up without any problems with the 9s. I think that even if I would of got the perfect size for me I still wouldn't be able to walk (in that perticular model) because it just flexes forward the ankle too damn much! I'm sure with time my ankle would get stronger and more flexible if I was to wear them often but I bought them to put on every once in a while only for fun so I don't know if I ever will be able to walk in them. Still they are very fun to try on.

Maybe i'll try to cut off a 5mm on the new ones one of these days, but for now I will keep them like that, see if I get better in the coming months.

I'm not ordering another pair that's for sure :/

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