Shopping Bag
(
0
)
Tessa Ballerinas
Hand-knotted leather shoes, woven strand by strand in small batches. Tessa Ballerina and Tessa Sandal, designed in London, made by hand. Free UK shipping over £125
Designed in London
All-Day Comfort
Crafted with Care
30-Day Returns
Designed in London
All-Day Comfort
Crafted with Care
30-Day Returns
Sort by
-
SIZE- 3/36True to SizeWaitlist
- 4/37True to SizeWaitlist
- 5/38True to SizeWaitlist
- 6/39True to SizeWaitlist
- 7/40True to SizeWaitlist
- 8/41True to SizeWaitlist
-
SIZE- 3/36True to SizeWaitlist
- 4/37True to SizeWaitlist
- 5/38True to SizeWaitlist
- 6/39True to SizeWaitlist
- 7/40True to SizeWaitlist
- 8/41True to SizeWaitlist
-
SIZE- 3/36True to SizeWaitlist
- 4/37True to SizeWaitlist
- 5/38True to SizeWaitlist
- 6/39True to SizeWaitlist
- 7/40True to SizeWaitlist
- 8/41True to SizeWaitlist
Delivery and service excellent.
Lovely soft leather and very comfortable insoles.
Absolutely gorgeous trainers. I love them. Beautifully made and the leather is fabulous. Can't wait to wear them.
Really comfy , stylish and supportive. Taken me to the pub for an afternoon glass of Malbec ! Thanks @blacktulip💚
Questions about Tessa Ballerinas
How is Tessa Ballerina different from Tessa Sandal?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina and Tessa Sandal share the same hand-knotted leather in two silhouettes. The Ballerina is a closed-toe everyday shoe with a 0.3cm heel and a 5mm memory foam footbed — made for the office, city walking and considered weekend wear. The Sandal is an open summer silhouette with a 4cm heel for warmer days and dressier occasions, while keeping the hand-knotted leather detail front and centre.
How long does each pair take to make?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina takes approximately 19 hours of weaving per pair, as the hand-knotted leather upper is built strand by strand over a structured base. We work in small batches because the weave sets the pace, not the calendar. Designed in London, each pair is completed by hand.
How do I care for woven leather?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina is made from hand-knotted leather, so apply a neutral leather conditioner lightly to the woven sections every 4–6 weeks. Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth and never soak it; store in the dust bag away from direct sunlight. Avoid over-saturating — the weave shows wear differently from smooth leather and prefers a light touch.
Is the leather sustainable / responsibly sourced?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina uses 100% LWG-certified leather across the upper, lining and insole — sourced from tanneries audited by the Leather Working Group for environmental management, water stewardship and traceability. The hand-knotted leather is designed in London and finished by hand. Unsold stock goes to Smart Works, a UK charity supporting women preparing for job interviews.
Can I wear Tessa Ballerina in the rain?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina is made from hand-knotted leather, which should not be exposed to prolonged moisture. It is designed for dry days indoors, in the office, or on city streets in fair weather. Light exposure to a passing shower is fine, but standing puddles, wet grass or heavy rain will damage the weave.
How does the Tessa Ballerina fit - true to size?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina fits true to size, so pick your usual UK size. The hand-knotted leather softens and gently moulds to the foot within the first few wears, helped by the 5mm memory foam footbed. If you're between sizes, size up — we do not currently offer half sizes, and there is no wide fit.
Is Tessa Ballerina comfortable for all-day wear?
Yes. Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina pairs a structured base and a 5mm memory foam footbed with a hand-knotted leather upper that holds its shape without rigidity. A 0.3cm heel keeps the silhouette flat without losing definition. Most customers report a short break-in of 2–3 wears as the leather softens to the foot.
What is hand-knotted leather?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina is made from hand-knotted leather — woven strand by strand over a structured base, not stitched, glued or machine-pressed. Each pair takes approximately 19 hours to weave by hand. The technique gives the shoe its texture, lightness and a quiet kind of detail that machine production cannot replicate.
Where are Tessa shoes made?
Black Tulip's Tessa Ballerina is designed in London and drawn from three generations of shoemaking craft. Each pair of hand-knotted leather flats is completed by hand in small batches that follow the pace of the weave — roughly 19 hours per pair.
