Fitting pointe shoes is one of the most difficult parts about dancing en pointe. This is especially true of dancers lacking the “ideal” ballet foot, including those with long second toes, bunions, high arches or any other number of supposed “deformities.” I have the curse of wide feet with large bunions, which makes fitting pointe shoes a major headache.
Gaynor Minden understands how painful it is to dance with a pair of pointe shoes that don’t fit correctly. The company is devoted to fitting pointe shoes to all types of feet, even those that do not fit the traditional ballet profile. Read more to find out if Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are right for you:
Pros of Gaynor Mindens
Great Fitting Pointe Shoes
The best thing about wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes is that they can be crafted to fit almost any pair of feet, no matter the size, width or shape. As a dancer with wide feet and bunions, it is a huge relief to find shoes that fit perfectly. A lack of correctly fitting pointe shoes can lead to a number of problems in ballet class and may ultimately end a dancer’s career.
Convenient Ordering
While fitting pointe shoes in person may be the ideal means of ordering, it is not always possible for dancers who live outside of major cities. Gaynor Minden brings quality pointe shoes to the most rural of locales with its convenient ordering system. All you need to do is specify the correct length, width, box, vamp and shank sizes. Gaynor Minden will do the rest of the work and provide you with a pair of perfectly fitting pointe shoes.
Cons of Gaynor Mindens
Aesthetic Issues
My number one issue with Gaynor Mindens errs on the shallow side. While these pointe shoes provide excellent support, their appearance begins to suffer after just a few practices or performances. The satin on Gaynor Mindens does not last nearly as long as that of other pointe shoes. When the satin begins to wear off, the audience catches an unflattering glimpse of the grayish-blue plastic material of the box.
I also have found that the unique shank construction of Gaynor Mindens can make a dancer’s arches look flatter than they really are. This is especially problematic for dancers with low arches or flat feet, but can also create issues for those with higher arches. The lack of arch appearance in Gaynor Mindens can be minimized by using the entire leg to create a proper line, but some dancers may never be able to overcome this aesthetic problem.
Breaking In Pointe Shoes
Gaynor Mindens are nearly impossible to break in. This shouldn’t be a problem if you order the correct pair of shoes, but lets face it, not all dancers end up with the perfect pair. The Gaynor Minden website recommends that customers find pointe shoes that feel pliable enough when they are new, because they won’t soften with age.
All in all, Gaynor Mindens are a great buy. They may involve a higher upfront cost than other brands of pointe shoes, but they outlive almost every other brand of pointe shoes. And it is worth it to pay a little extra for perfectly fitting pointe shoes that won’t harm your feet.
For more on fitting pointe shoes, read Pointe Shoes for the High Arched Foot and Six Great Brands of Russian Pointe Shoes