Q: Why are Gaynor Mindens more expensive?

A: Actually, Gaynor Mindens cost less to use than other brands because they last an average of 3-6 times longer — and with suede tips you can expect even more durability. How? Gaynor Minden is the only pointe shoe with flexible polymers, also known as elastomerics, in both areas of shoe that provide support: the shank and the box. Most other pointe shoes have a paper and paste construction that dates to the 19^th century. Elastomerics are highly specialized materials, engineered for extraordinary flexibility, resilience, and strength, so naturally they are more costly than paper and paste. Gaynor Minden is also the only pointe shoe with high performance Poron® foam linings built right into the shoe. Finally, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are hand made in Europe. If you examine the stitching and workmanship we think you will agree that our quality and consistency are unequaled. It is more expensive to manufacture in Europe, but the result is a superior product.  

Q: Why is an elastomeric box better?

A: Because an elastomeric box doesn’t weaken or deform, it both lasts longer and promotes correct alignment. A 1997 study at the Biomechanics Lab at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst reported that even highly trained dancers were better aligned in Gaynor Mindens than in traditionally made pointe shoes. (See Medical Studies) Why? Because a traditionally made box often wears unevenly, with greater wear under the big toe. This makes the platform uneven, which can contribute to sickling and winging on pointe. A box that never deforms makes it harder to stand incorrectly.  Proper alignment is essential for good technique, correct muscular development, and for protecting joints from injury.  

Q: Why is an elastomeric shank better?

A: Because it never breaks or softens. Many dancers use a hard shank in a traditionally made shoe to increase its longevity, but with Gaynor Minden they should wear a more supple shank and enjoy the benefits of a lighter, more flexible shoe without compromising its durability.  

Q: Why is a pre-arched shank better?

A: Our shanks are ergonomically curved to conform to the bottom of your foot. Traditional pointe shoes are straight and flat until the shanks break in. We believe that our shanks offer better support and a prettier line, just be sure can achieve a high demi-pointe even when they are new. Many dancers and teachers have found that our pre-arched shanks actually make feet stronger, that working against the curve of the arch in rolling through demi-pointe builds strength.

Q: Why is shock absorption important? 

A: Many dancers’ woes, whether mild aches or serious fractures, are caused by the repeated traumatic impact of jumping on hard surfaces. Many dance floors are not resilient; they are often either a wood floor that is not “sprung,” or linoleum laid directly on concrete. Also, most theatres in the world don’t have sprung floors because they were built to support heavy sets for opera or theater. No pointe shoe will make ballet easy, painless, or risk free, but Gaynor Minden is the only pointe shoe with high-quality shock absorbing Rogers Corporation Poron® Performance Cushioning built into the shoe (not cheap latex or EVA). Rogers Corporation Poron® Performance Cushioning carries the American Podiatric Association’s Seal of Acceptance.  

Q: If Gaynor Mindens never weaken or soften, how do I break them in?

A: Good news: you don’t. The shank that you select should feel broken-in and sufficiently flexible from the beginning. Dancers who are accustomed to traditionally made shanks are usually concerned with finding a hard enough shoe because they know that conventional construction rapidly softens. Because Gaynor Mindens will not break in or break down, be sure you are satisfied with the roll-through and flexibility of the shoe when it is new. Ask about our Supple, Feather, or Pianissimo shanks if you need more flexibility.  

Q: Are Gaynor Mindens suitable for beginners?

A: Absolutely. What’s most important is that the shoe fit properly and that the stiffness of the shank is appropriate for the dancer’s strength and size. Beginners often start in a Supple or ExtraFlex shank, but Gaynor Mindens come in five different stiffnesses from which fitters may choose. Gaynor Mindens are especially beneficial for beginners because they promote proper alignment and correct technique. Their elastomeric box can minimize “sickling” and “winging”, bad habits that can lead to injury over time. (See Question 2) Finally, Gaynor Mindens are lined with soft, shock absorbing materials that make them very comfortable. Painful pointe shoes can sometimes be so discouraging that many girls stop enjoying ballet class and give it up all together. Yes, ballet is hard and can be painful, but a great deal of the discomfort associated with pointework is preventable.  

Q: Are they suitable for professionals?

A: Yes. Many professionals greatly appreciate the consistency of Gaynor Mindens because it frees them to concentrate on the artistry of their dancing. Often, professionals will vary the stiffness of the shoe they are wearing depending on the role. For example, a dancer might use Extra Flex or Hard shank for the Rose Adagio in Sleeping Beauty, and a Supple or Feather shank for the Act II of Giselle (which requires more jumping and demi-pointe work). Dancers at over 200 major companies worldwide wear Gaynor Minden: American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, The Mariinsky Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet, The Royal Danish Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, La Scala Ballet, Het National Ballet, San Fransisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, English National Ballet…any many more.  

Q: Why are they called “Cheater Shoes”?

A: Any pointe shoe that is overly stiff can be a “cheater shoe,” e.g. a shoe that does the work that the dancer’s body should be doing. Any inflexible shoe can prop you up on pointe and allow you to “sit”. An overly stiff shoe can also allow you to “pop up”, rather than roll up, to full pointe. However, a traditionally made shoe will soften with use and the problem will go away, but Gaynor Mindens don’t. That’s why we make five different shanks and why it’s essential to select the appropriate one.

Q: If a dancer breaks shanks easily, should she wear Gaynor Minden’s Hard Shank?

A: Not necessarily. All of our shanks are unbreakable, which means that a harder shank won’t necessarily last any longer than a softer shank. Our Hard shank is very stiff, and mainly used by dancers with extremely high insteps or who require extra support for some other reason. Dancers should be satisfied with the demi pointe of a Gaynor Minden when it is new because it will not break in.  

Q: I’m afraid that an unbreakable shank might “do the work for me” and let my muscles grow weak. Is this possible?

A: An overly stiff shank of any brand could do this. The difference is that traditionally made shoes will eventually break down and soften before it becomes a real problem, and a Gaynor Minden won’t. If you feel that you are not being made to pull up out of the shoe, try a softer shank. Ask your fitter about Supple, Feather, and Pianissimo options. Individual needs vary; that’s why we offer five different shanks.  

Q: Why do I need these extra cushions?

A: Maybe you don’t, but every foot is different and many of them are not perfectly suited for pointework. Gaynor Minden strives to make it possible for everyone to enjoy ballet, even those with “difficult feet”. The right combination of cushions and liners inside the toe box can solve a multitude of problems such as compressible metatarsals, narrow heels, tapered toes, longer second toes, a large space between the first two toes, and sensitive toe nails. For example, dancers with compressible metatarsals slide too easily down into the box, which causes painful pressure on the big toe (and perhaps a bruised toenail). For them, a Box Liner from our Fitting Kit can provide instant relief. In the past dancers were told to suffer patiently until their feet toughened or to use lambs’ wool to ease the pain. Lambs’ wool is soft but it lacks the dynamic qualities that provide real shock absorption and a customized fit. It also compresses greatly, which can cause your shoes to suddenly become too large.  

Q: Should pointe shoes be fitted with room to grow?

A: Never! A shoe that is too big, especially a shoe that is too wide at the metatarsal, cannot provide proper support. Inadequate support can cause severe pain and serious injury. Please note: Gaynor Mindens are fitted slightly differently from other brands because our elastomeric boxes do not flatten or squish, and our satin stretches only slightly. It is important to be able to pinch ¼” at the drawstring casing at the heel of a Gaynor Minden when en pointe, but the fit around the metatarsals should be snug.  

Q: My teacher wants a pointe shoe to fit very tight. Why must Gaynor Mindens be fit with this ¼” pinch at the top of the heel when en pointe?

A: Because they are made from advanced materials, Gaynor Mindens do not stretch or deteriorate the way traditional shoes do. The extremely tight fit of a traditional shoe anticipates the shoe stretching out and “mushing in”. Our satin does not stretch the way other satin does. Do not fit Gaynor Mindens as if you were fitting a traditional pointe shoe. The difference is slight but very important, since bruised toenails could result from fitting the shoe too short.