At Total Dance, we've spent years helping dancers and dance parents across New Zealand and Australia find exactly what they need to perform their best, from premium dancewear to the small but essential accessories that keep everything in place. This buying guide is for NZ dance students and the parents supporting them: a practical, no-nonsense resource for navigating pointe shoe elastics, ribbons, suede toecaps and more. Whether your dancer is preparing for their first pointe work or deepening an established practice, getting the right foot accessories matters more than most people realise.
All products mentioned in this guide are available through Total Dance and ship tracked from our Melbourne warehouse to New Zealand in 5 to 10 business days. Orders over NZ$140 qualify for free shipping to NZ, making it easy to stock up on everything your dancer needs in one go.
Why Foot Accessories Matter for Dancers
The feet are a dancer's most important tool. Pointe work in particular places enormous demands on the toes, arch and ankle, and having the right accessories fitted and sewn correctly can be the difference between a comfortable, supported performance and one that ends in blisters or a poorly secured shoe. Beyond comfort, properly attached ribbons and elastics help maintain the aesthetic line of the foot that teachers and examiners look for.
For NZ dancers preparing for exams, performances or regular class work, understanding what each accessory does, and how to choose between the available options, will save time, money and frustration. Let's work through each category.
Pointe Shoe Elastics: What to Choose and Why
Elastics are sewn onto pointe shoes to hold the heel of the shoe firmly against the foot during relevés and jumps. Without a well-fitted elastic, the heel of the shoe can slip, creating both a safety risk and an unsightly line. There are a couple of different elastic options worth knowing about.
Wide Pointe Shoe Elastic
A wide elastic sits flat across the back of the heel and provides firm, even support. This style is especially popular for dancers with a narrow heel or those whose shoes tend to slip during fast footwork. The broader surface distributes tension more evenly than a thin elastic, reducing the chance of the elastic digging in or creating pressure points on the Achilles tendon. When selecting a wide elastic, look for one with a firm stretch that recovers its shape well after use. A floppy or overstretched elastic won't provide adequate support and will need replacing more frequently.
Elastorib: The Versatile Favourite
Elastorib is a ribbon-style elastic that functions as both an elastic and a ribbon in one. It provides a cleaner finish along the side of the foot and is often preferred by teachers who want a streamlined look without the bulk of a separate ribbon and elastic combination. Because Elastorib has some stretch but also holds its shape like a ribbon, it suits dancers who want less fuss at the barre and a polished result for performances. If you're unsure which elastic option suits your dancer's shoe and foot shape, it's worth asking their teacher before purchasing. For a deeper comparison of your options, our article on ballet shoe ribbons, Elastorib and stretch ribbon walks through the differences in detail and is a helpful companion to this guide.
Tips for Sewing Elastics
- Always try the shoe on before marking the elastic placement, as foot shape varies significantly between dancers.
- Use a strong thread that matches the shoe's satin. Cotton thread is generally preferred over polyester as it's less likely to damage the satin if it needs unpicking.
- Sew through the drawstring casing, not through the drawstring itself, to avoid restricting the shoe's fit.
- Check elastics regularly for signs of wear, especially before exams or performances.
Pointe Shoe Ribbons: Getting the Finish Right
Ribbons are one of the most visible foot accessories in ballet, and the way they are sewn and tied contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic of a dancer's line. Choosing the right ribbon and attaching it correctly is something every dance parent will need to learn early in their child's pointe journey.
Ballet Shoe Ribbon and Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon
The Ballet Shoe Ribbon is a classic choice for attaching to pointe shoes. It provides a secure wrap around the ankle and ties neatly for a clean finish. The Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon offers a smooth, lustrous surface that photographs beautifully and holds up well through regular use. When choosing between ribbon options, consider the colour match to your dancer's tights or shoes, the width (standard widths suit most shoes, but check your teacher's requirements), and how well the ribbon holds a knot without slipping.
Satin ribbons do fray at the cut edges, so always seal the ends either by folding them under when sewing or by carefully melting the edges with a lighter, keeping the flame moving to avoid scorching.
The Ribbon Sewing Service
If sewing is not your strong suit or time is short, Total Dance offers a Ribbon Sewing Service. This is an excellent option for parents who are new to pointe shoe preparation or for dancers who need their shoes ready quickly before a performance season. Having elastics and ribbons sewn professionally means the placement is correct and the stitching is secure, giving you one less thing to worry about.
How Many Ribbons Do You Need?
Most pointe shoes require two ribbons per shoe, one on each side. Standard ribbon lengths are usually cut to around 60 to 70 centimetres per piece, but this can vary based on the dancer's ankle size. It's always worth buying a little extra so you have enough for adjustments or for replacing a ribbon mid-season if one becomes worn or stained.
Suede Toecaps: Protecting Pointe Shoes and Feet
Suede toecaps are fitted over the platform (the flat tip) of a pointe shoe to extend the life of the shoe and provide extra grip. This is a particularly practical accessory for dancers who work on sprung wooden floors or polished studio surfaces, where a worn satin platform can become slippery.
Suede Toecap Pair
A Suede Toecap Pair attaches over the platform of the shoe and is held in place with glue or by tacking with a few stitches. The suede surface grips the floor better than worn satin, helps the dancer feel more secure during balances, and protects the shoe from premature wear at the tip. For dancers who go through pointe shoes quickly, a toecap can meaningfully extend the life of each pair, which is a real advantage given the cost of pointe shoes.
When fitting a toecap, make sure it sits flat without bunching at the corners, and that it covers the full platform area. A poorly fitted toecap can actually reduce stability, so take the time to fit it carefully or have a dance specialist assist you.
Toe Protection: Lambswool and Beyond
No guide to foot accessories for pointe dancers would be complete without mentioning toe padding. The toes bear significant pressure in pointe shoes, and adequate padding is essential for both comfort and injury prevention.
Lambswool
Lambswool is the traditional choice for toe padding and remains popular among dancers who prefer a customisable, breathable option. You simply tear off as much as you need, wrap it around the toes and shape it to suit the individual foot. Lambswool moulds to the toes with warmth and creates a natural buffer between the skin and the box of the shoe. It is also a good option for dancers who find pre-formed toe pads too bulky or who have irregular toe shapes that don't suit a standard pad.
For a broader look at everything available to keep dancer's feet comfortable and protected, browse our foot and shoe accessories collection, where you'll find the full range of elastic, ribbon, padding and protection options available to NZ shoppers.
How to Build Your Foot Accessories Kit
For dancers new to pointe work, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Here is a practical checklist to help you get organised before the first lesson or exam season.
Essential Starter Kit
- Ribbons: Ballet Shoe Ribbon or Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon, two per shoe, in the colour your teacher specifies.
- Elastics: Wide Pointe Shoe Elastic or Elastorib, depending on your teacher's preference and your dancer's foot shape.
- Toe padding: Lambswool for a traditional, adjustable option.
- Toecaps: Suede Toecap Pair to protect the shoe and improve grip.
- Sewing help: Ribbon Sewing Service if you need professional attachment.
What to Check Before Buying
Before purchasing foot accessories, always confirm the following with your dancer's teacher:
- Ribbon colour requirements (usually pink or skin-tone, but this varies by school or exam board).
- Whether elastic or Elastorib is preferred, as some teachers have strong views on this.
- Whether toecaps are permitted or required for your dancer's current level.
- The dancer's current shoe fit, as accessories can affect how the shoe feels in the box.
Getting clarity on these points before you order saves you from having to return items or make additional purchases. For a thorough comparison of ribbon and elastic types to help inform those conversations, take a look at our guide to choosing between ballet shoe ribbons and stretch ribbon options, which covers the key differences in detail.
Ordering from NZ: Shipping, Pricing and What to Expect
All Total Dance orders to New Zealand are shipped tracked from our Melbourne warehouse and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Pricing on our site is shown in Australian dollars, so NZ shoppers will see a currency conversion at checkout based on current exchange rates. Orders over NZ$140 qualify for free tracked shipping to New Zealand, which makes it worthwhile to consolidate your purchases.
If you have questions about specific products or need advice on what to order, our team is here to help. We understand the demands of dance education and can point you in the right direction whether you're buying for a beginner or a senior student preparing for a major performance season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use Wide Pointe Shoe Elastic or Elastorib?
This often comes down to your teacher's preference and your dancer's foot shape. Wide Pointe Shoe Elastic provides firm heel support and suits dancers whose shoes slip easily. Elastorib gives a ribbon-like finish with some stretch and is popular where a cleaner aesthetic line is important. When in doubt, ask your teacher before purchasing.
How long do suede toecaps last?
The lifespan of a Suede Toecap Pair depends on how frequently your dancer wears pointe shoes and on what type of flooring they work on. On average, toecaps last through several weeks of regular use. Check them periodically for lifting at the edges or thinning in the centre, and replace them before the suede wears through to the satin underneath.
Can I use lambswool with pre-formed toe pads?
Yes, some dancers layer a small amount of Lambswool over or under a gel or fabric toe pad to customise their comfort and fit. This is a matter of personal preference and foot shape. The key is ensuring the total padding doesn't make the shoe too tight in the box, which can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort. If your dancer is unsure, their teacher or a professional pointe shoe fitter can advise.
How do I stop satin ribbons from fraying after cutting?
The most reliable method is to briefly pass the cut end of the ribbon through a small flame, such as from a lighter, keeping the flame moving so you seal the fibres without scorching the satin. Alternatively, you can fold the raw edge under before sewing so it is hidden within the stitch line. Some dancers also use a small amount of clear fabric glue to seal the edge, though this can stiffen the ribbon slightly.
