How Are Ballerina Flats Made?

The professional dancer's soft ballet slipper was the springboard for what is now known as the ballet flat. Their recent popularity has many shoe and clothing companies adding them to their collections. They come in a variety of colors and prints, as well as styles, and are priced anywhere from $12 to $450, depending on the brand. Although some stores still offer custom ballet flats, the current demand for these shoes has created a need for mass production.

America vs. Overseas

In attempting to keep production costs low, shoe manufacturers have turned to Asia, namely China, for their materials and labor. As a result, more than 86 percent of all footwear sold in America is made in China. The shoes are sold in chain and department stores, and can be offered at a lower price. Aside from this mass production, some ballet flats are produced in America, mostly made by private shoe shop owners as either custom models or in limited production, and are more costly.

Custom Made

Custom ballet flats are made to order by small specialty shops that can offer a more intricate, uniquely designed shoe. They are made on site, usually by the shop owner, and are the only pair like them in existence. The shoemaker measures the customer's foot to make a custom pattern; then they decide on color or print. To make the shoes even more personal, the customer can choose from an array of embellishments, such as lace, ribbons and silk flowers.

Limited Production

Limited-production ballet flats are not custom made, nor are they made on site. They are made using the same basic technique as custom flats except that there is a standard pattern for each shoe size, and they are assembled more by sewing machine than hand. They are made in the United States or overseas, and shipped to stores, usually small boutiques. The ballet flats in this category are not the only ones in existence, but only a certain number of each particular styles is made.

Mass Production

With mass production, the designs of the ballet flats are fairly basic and thousands of each design are made and shipped to the United States where they are sold in the bigger chain and department stores at a lower cost. Hundreds of workers are employed in production facilities and use the same technique as the limited manufacturers use, just on a much larger scale.

Expansion

The idea and the design of the ballet flat has been expanded upon in so many ways because of its popularity. The most recent idea for the ballet flat has been to manufacture it with a sole soft enough to allow it to be rolled up and sold in dispensers in women's bathrooms as emergency alternatives when their high heels become uncomfortable. What makes it so popular is that it is the one style of shoe that can be worn with virtually anything.

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