Ballet Boot modification + pictures

derf · 27th March 2007, 02:11

After breaking the heels on 2 pair of ballet boots from Devious I have created my own heels made of steel.
I have also included pictures of the comfort modification I spoke of in an earlier thread about how to make the toes stiff and add an insert that makes the boots tighter keeping the toes from ever touching anything. This makes the boots very walkable without toe tip pain. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. The insert piece is made of phenolic (layered fiberglass) but plywood works well too.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...steelheel3.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...steelheel2.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r.../balletmod.jpg http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...balletmod2.jpg

I hope this helps someone else who has had problems. Please keep in mind that I made the heels quickly without regard for appearance as I just wanted to wear my boots again.

derf · 27th March 2007, 02:26

Here is the insert and it's placement.http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...balletmod3.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...balletmod4.jpg

This makes the boots very tight and keeps your toes safe. The boots need not be purchased in a larger size for this to work. If your boots are very tight the cutout insert will not be needed. My feet are long but not wide so I needed the tightening effect of the extra insert.

Firefox · 27th March 2007, 03:06

Impressive; even with the heels shown they are very different to anything else I've seen.

derf · 27th March 2007, 03:32

Thanks.

The rods on the heels are stainless from a clothing display at Macy's that they were throwing away. A little cutting and welding and you have what you see very strong and stable replacement heels.

derf · 28th March 2007, 12:19

I'm quite suprised. I thought I would get more comments on how they look. Come on folks let me know what you think or if you have any other ideas.
If you have questions or comments please feel free.

Thanks, Derf

balletbooter · 28th March 2007, 13:33

does the insert press against the bolt to keep the toes stiff?

Jarl Ayari · 28th March 2007, 19:16

Love the heels, would like some of those on other shoes

derf · 28th March 2007, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by balletbooter

does the insert press against the bolt to keep the toes stiff?

It was intended to but I got the measurements off on this pair of boots. The insert will not move as the foot is too tight against it even with hose on. The metal bolted part is bent into the toe area keeping it stiff. The insert is was my first attempt at stiffening the toe area and it rvolved into the steel bolted in then I had to cut a notch in the insert to fit around the bolt but that was on another pair of boots. On this pair I made the steel longer so the bolt was less visible being right under the heel.

I would like to think the heels look cool as they are very functional now and not likely to break again. The area between the rods is also a great place to thread a chain through for locking purposes.

eah5151 · 29th March 2007, 03:40

What do the finished pair look like on? That is impressive handy work, you should make your own line and sell them.

jmc · 30th March 2007, 06:46

Looks like you're pretty handy with the welder! The three rods make for an interesting look.