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Flat ballet shoes were invented first in the 1700's and pointe shoes were later made by the famous dancer Marie Taglioni' father, who wanted to make her a better dancer. Marie was not the first to wear them, but she was the first to use them as technique.
Im not too sure about ballet flats, but pointe shoes used to be like a ballet flat, and very flimsy. The Italians hardened the pointe shoes. That's all I know.. I believe it was specifically Maire Taglioni, an Italian ballet dancer, that is attributed with starting to to harden the shoes at the point and danced on her toes.
The first ballet flat design was produced in the 16th century. Men wore similar shoes back then too, called pompes. They have come back in fashion and are often designed for outdoor use, referred to ballet pumps, as well as dancing.
Ballet flat shoes are made out of either soft leather or canvas. The box of point/toe shoes is made of layers of fabric and glue, which is then covered by satin.
Well I like Bloch from Dance Direct. Hope that helps!