As for the ribbon, get at least 4 meters (yards), cut it in half, loop it under your foot, place your foot in the shoe (allow the ribbon to be loose in the bottom of the shoe) and pin the ribbon to the sides of the shoe where your arch is (angle them slightly forward, it allows them to cross your ankle easier), you'll need to experiment a little to find out exactly where the ribbons/elastics need to be attached and exactly how much that you'll need.
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