Wide elastics are 3” in width 9” in circumference. To put them on, simply slide over the toe and place on the instep as needed. They provide support for a loose or gaping instep. They are also a popular cosmetic choice when covering laces or attaching a buckle to any hard shoe.

Ribbon elastics are ½” in width and 17” in circumference. Rather than sliding over the toe, these are placed by putting the entire foot through the center of the elastic. The elastic should rest on or above the ankle, then pull away from the foot and twist once to provide tension, and finally place the other end around the heel of the hard shoe. This method essentially creates two loops, one for the ankle and one for the heel, which will alleviate any heel slippage.

Long Ribbon elastics are ½” in width and 25” in circumference. These work exactly as the Ribbon elastics; however, their added length allows for greater tension, as well as allowing the dancer to put a third loop over the instep after being placed around the heel. Put the entire foot through the center of the elastic. The elastic should rest on or above the ankle; pull the elastic away from the foot and twist once to provide tension, then place the second loop around the heel of the hard shoe, twist, and finally place the final loop over the toe to rest around the instep.