Abstract: An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for dancers is disclosed. The inventive protector comprises a pad. The pad has its periphery at least partially surrounded by an elastic member. A plurality of other elastic members secure to the pad to the underside of a dancer's foot, in particular the ball of the dancer's foot. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, that portion of the periphery of the pad which is likely to be position over that portion of the ball of the foot on which the dancer rotates and/or slides is left without elastic in order to minimize discomfort which would be caused by the presence of a piece of elastic material.