Design Hunter's Journal

I love how ballet flats look, but unless they have a strap to hold the shoe onto my foot, I just can’t wear them. The shoe will ride up and down on my heel, and I will tense my foot and curl my toes, trying to keep the shoe from falling off. So I have pretty much decided that I can’t wear low-cut shoes of any kind. I have a feeling I am not alone!

A few years ago, Skechers sold some ballet flats with elastic laces that were just perfect, but… you guessed it… the company discontinued them.

So I was searching around on Amazon for other ballet flats with laces, when I saw it… what a freaking brilliant idea! Use an ankle bracelet as a strap for your ballet flat shoes!

Why didn’t I think of this before? I am impressed with the idea, if not with the actual shoe itself. (These particular shoes are being sold for a ridiculously low price, which is not exactly an indicator of quality.)

An ankle bracelet “strap” would be decorative as well as practical. (Of course, the ankle bracelet should be pretty strong so it doesn’t break when you try to take a step!) Some flats have a small loop of ribbon on the back that you can use to thread the ankle bracelet through.

If your shoes don’t have a loop of ribbon on the back, it is easy to get a shoe repair shop to add one. If you are handy with a needle and thread, you might be able to add them yourself. Then you can thread the ankle bracelet through the loop, and voila, ballet flats that stay on your feet!

I don’t own any ankle bracelets, so I tried converting a ribbon bracelet into an ankle bracelet by adding a longer chain:

These tapestry shoes are from a Turkish import shop. Previously, I had been threading ribbons through the loop on the back and tying them in a bow, but the bow look is kind of bulky, precious, and draws too much attention to itself. The ankle bracelet is much more low-key and elegant!

DIY Ankle Bracelet

These ankle bracelets are easy enough to make, using sturdy ribbon, ribbon crimps and a chain extender. Follow the instructions below to make your own.

Supplies You Will Need

1. Sturdy ribbon, 1/2 in. wide, about 20 in. long
2. Four ribbon crimps, 1/2 in. wide
3. Four heavy-duty jump rings, 6mm
4. Two heavy-duty hook clasps
5. Two sturdy chains with wide links, about 4 in. long
6. (Optional) Two dangling charms for the end of the chains
7. Craft Glue, Scissors, Pliers, Tape measure, Wire cutters

Ankle Bracelet Instructions

1. With the tape measure, measure around your ankle where the strap will sit.
2. Cut two pieces of ribbon that are about 2 to 3 in. shorter than your ankle measurement. This will allow room for the chain.
3. Glue the very end of one of the ribbons and insert into the ribbon crimp. Close the crimp tightly over the ribbon using pliers.
4. Repeat for the other end of the ribbon.
5. Allow the glue to dry, then attach the hook clasp to one end of the crimp using a heavy-duty jump ring.
6. Attach a 4-in. chain to the other ribbon crimp using a heavy-duty jump ring.
7. Thread the completed ankle bracelet through the ribbon loop on the back of your shoe. Adjust the length of chain as desired.
8. If the chain is too long, use wire cutters to shorten the chain.
9. If you wish, add a small charm at the end of the chain.

Once you are satisfied with the first ankle bracelet, make the second one, and your shoes are now ready to wear!

-Louise Hunter Burton