As our inventory is fluctuating on a daily basis, we kindly ask for your patience if your item is out of stock. We will notify you immediately if this is the case. As always, please feel free to contact us at 586.731.9350 to check stock prior to ordering.
PLEASE NOTE... The shoe you choose may fall under a "special make up" category, which may take up to ten weeks prior to shipment. If your shoe is not a stock size, you will be notified immediately. Feel free to contact us at 586.731.9350 should you need any assistance.
Ribbons/elastic are sold separately. Click
here for pointe shoe accessories.
Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are wonderfully different. Gaynor Minden pioneered the use of high-tech impact reduction in ballet shoes; our shock absorbing design is now doctor-recommended. The unbreakable shanks flatter the foot while ensuring buoyant support and a durability unattainable in conventional pointe shoe construction.
For a pointe shoe to look, feel, and function just right it must be fitted just right. Achieving that precise, made-to-order fit in a traditional pointe shoe usually requires a “special make-up” with traditional expense, traditional delays, and traditional hassles. Our ingenious fitting system lets every dancer obtain that professional, customized fit — no special order required.
NEW Sculpted Fit: The “Goldilocks” shoe for dancers who find the Classic Fit too wide, and the Sleek Fit too tapered. It provides a generously cut metatarsal, a narrow heel, and a “sculpted” mid-foot that securely hugs the arch for a beautiful, clean line and even more support.
You get to determine the seven crucial specifications that govern fit: Model, Length, Width, Box, Shank, Vamp, and Heel. Please take the time to understand your options. Call us 586.731.9350 if you need help!
REALLY IMPORTANT
1) Our shanks and boxes don’t soften. Be sure you love the pliability of your shoes when they are new because you cannot break them in.
2) Our satin hardly stretches at all — allow a little extra length (1/4″ pinch at the drawstring casing when en pointe).
3) If you’re new to Gaynor Minden, or if your current fit could be better, try Gaynor Mindens without toe pads. Starting a fitting without pads allows for a much more supportive fit, and once this is achieved most dancers find they don’t need toe pads in our shoes because the linings are already cushioned. Found the best fit but still want a little extra cushion? Try the box liner from our Fitting Kit.
Check the fit of your new shoes carefully. If you wish to return them for refund or exchange they must be in pristine, new condition. Do not attach ribbons or elastics; only pointe shoes that have never been sewn and are spotlessly clean inside and out can be returned or exchanged.
Getting Started
Wear ballet tights. Find a place near a mirror where you can see your feet. Stand only on a clean surface; it’s a good idea to stand on a clean cloth.
Gently loosen the drawstring so it moves freely inside its casing.
Put on your pointe shoes and adjust the drawstrings. Pull them parallel to the floor, not up toward your knees. Tie them in a shoelace knot
1) Check the Model
CLASSIC (CL) ~ Our original "U" shaped foot: the metatarsal, midfoot and heel are generously cut.
SCULPTED (SC) ~ For a somewhat tapered, "waisted" foot: cut with an ample metatarsal, a snug midfoot, and a narrow-medium heel.
SLEEK (SK) ~ For a tapered "V" shape foot: cut with a slim metatarsal and a truly narrow midfoot and heel.
2. Check the Length
Standing flat, your heel should touch the back of the shoe and your big toe should just touch the front. If they don’t the shoes may be too long. If your toes are crunching or curling the shoe may be too short.
Demi plié deeply on one leg. Significant pressure on the big toe indicates a length that is too short or a box that is too wide. The addition of a box liner and/or toe cushion can usually eliminate mild pain and pressure if the fit is otherwise correct. If they don’t, you may need a half size longer.
Place one foot on pointe. You should be able to pinch 1/8” to ¼” of material at the top of the heel by the drawstring casing. If you can pinch more, you may need a half size shorter. If you cannot pinch any material you may need a half size longer.
3. Check the Box.
The box should feel snug and its appearance should be smooth and without creases. Its edge should neither dig into the big toe joint nor end abruptly just below it causing the joint to bulge. If it does you may need a larger box or a wider width. If you change to a wider box try it first with a box liner to ensure a snug fit; remove the box liner if the box is still too tight.
On the other hand, your foot should not slide or “sink” into the box. Pain at the longest toe in a shoe that is the correct length may indicate that the box is too wide. If you’re in between boxes try a larger box with a box liner.
Consult the Size Availability Chart if you wish to adjust your box size.
4. Check the Width
Width is measured between the top edge of the box and the side seams. Minimize bagginess and gaping at the sides of the shoe by using the narrowest width that still allows the foot to slide into the box.
Consult the Size Availability Chart if you wish to adjust your width.
5. Check the Support — Shank and Vamp
The shank should be stiff enough to help you maintain correct, comfortable placement en pointe, but pliable enough to achieve a high demi-pointe easily. Remember that Gaynor Minden shanks and boxes never weaken.
The vamp must be long enough to prevent you from “popping out” of the shoe, but not so long that it hinders demi-pointe. It should cover the toes and big toe joint completely — no visible cleavage! Most dancers wearing Gaynor Minden lengths 8 and longer are better fitted with our deep vamp. Most wearing size 6 and shorter are better fitted with a regular vamp. Vamps can be made even longer or shorter by special order.
Stand on pointe. If you are “going over too far” or “knuckling” you will need a stiffer shank and/or a deeper vamp. If you cannot “get over enough” or feel “held back” you will need a more pliable shank and/or a lower vamp. Your shank should be as pliable as possible and still provide proper support. Do not fit Gaynor Mindens too stiff.
6. Check the Side and Heel
The shoe should fit the entire foot snugly. It should not be baggy or wrinkled at the sides or heels. A small amount of extra material can be eliminated with the addition of a heel gripper.
If a heel gripper is not sufficient, consider a low heel, a narrower width, or a Sleek or NEW
Sculpted Fit. Note: These models are narrower than our Classic Fit not
only at the heel but also in the middle of the shoe; you may need a
longer length.
Consult the Size Availability Chart to be sure that the length, box, and width you have chosen are still available if switching to a Sleek fit or Scuplted Fit. If they are not, please call us at 586.731.9350.
If the heel feels too low or if it is sliding off, you may need a heel gripper or a higher heel.
7. Are Your Shoes Comfortable?
Sleek and smooth? Do you feel balanced and properly — not overly — supported? If you plan to wear pads, gel pads, or any other kind of cushions inside your shoes put them in now — they can have a big effect on the fit and you may need a larger size. Re-check your fit with all cushions in place.
8. Show Them to Your Teacher
It is always a good idea to show your shoes to your teacher for approval before sewing ribbons and elastics, remembering to keep them perfectly clean when doing so. Then sew on your ribbons and have a great class!
Fit Model ~ Select Classic Fit, Sculpted Fit, Sleek Fit
Fit Length ~ Select Size: 4 through 13.5
Fit Width ~ Select Width: Narrow, Medium, Wide
Fit Box ~ Select Box: #2, #3, #4, #5
Assess Support Needs ~ Select Shank:- Very Flexible "Pianissimo"
Fit Top of Foot ~ Select Vamp: "Regular" or "Deep"
Fit Back of Foot ~ Select Heel: "Regular", "High" or Sleek"
PLEASE NOTE SLEEK HEEL COMES ONLY WITH SLEEK VAMP!!
As a dancer's foot & bone structure is constantly changing, it is imperative that a Pointe Shoe fit the dancer's foot properly. Please have a professional fit your Pointe Shoes.
