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What are Ballet Boots?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ballet boots are a type of fetish fashion, and they should not be confused with ballet shoes, which are dancing wear. Their design melds the classic look of pointe shoes for ballet with extremely high heels. The result is a highly specialized piece of fetish footwear, most commonly worn by women. Wearing ballet boots successfully takes acclimatization because of the extreme design, which is very hard on the feet and calves of inexperienced wearers.

A pair of ballet boots has extremely long heels, designed to closely match the length of the foot. Seven inches (18 centimeters) is fairly standard, although those designed for larger feet have even longer heels. The design of the shoe forces the wearer into the en pointe position familiar to fans of ballet, with the foot fully extended and the bulk of the weight concentrated in the toes.

Ballet boots combines the look of en pointe shoes, which are worn by ballet dancers, with high-heeled shoes.
Ballet boots combines the look of en pointe shoes, which are worn by ballet dancers, with high-heeled shoes.

Walking or standing in ballet boots is extremely difficult. Most people are only able to take a few steps as they begin to learn how to wear the shoes, and it is important to slowly train the feet to avoid permanent damage. The ankles and calves must be strengthened for the unusual walking position, and a burning sensation can set in along the calves if the boots are worn in an upright position for too long. Some wearers bend their knees when they are learning how to wear ballet boots, but this can lead to physical discomfort and health problems down the line, and should be avoided.

Latex and leather are commonly used to make ballet boots, which come in ankle, knee, and thigh high lengths. Many designs lace up in front, allowing the fit of the boots to be customized, although a zipper may run along the back of the boot for easy removal once the boot has been adjusted for fit. It is extremely important to find ballet boots which fit properly, because of the high amount of stress put on the foot and ankle in the shoes.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

KaBoom

@starrynight - I agree, these shoes don't seem worth it. A friend of mine was really into ballet when we were younger and she worked her way up to dancing en pointe. It takes years of work to get ready to dance on your toes and it's really hard on your body. I don't think it would be worth it to go through all of that just for fashion.

Monika

@starrynight - Since these boots are a type of fetish fashion I doubt people are causing themselves too much damage with them. I imagine fetish ballet boots are probably worn for fun and special events, not for everyday walking around!

starrynight

Wow, these boots do not sound worth it at all. It seems like wearing ballet heels could lead to permanent damage to the feet. I've actually seen these in photos and I personally don't think they even look good enough to take this kind of risk with your health!

Anath Smith

I've just got my first pair of ballet boots. I've tried them on and absolutely loved them. Right enough, they are not comfortable to wear, but they look so good that I don't mind a little discomfort.

anon9289

I love heels and over time can wear them for hours and sometimes overnight. My husband thought it was really freaky and now puts up with my quirky love of ballet boots. Sheryl

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    • Ballet boots combines the look of en pointe shoes, which are worn by ballet dancers, with high-heeled shoes.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Ballet boots combines the look of en pointe shoes, which are worn by ballet dancers, with high-heeled shoes.