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Upper: Satin/Man-Made; Sole: Leather
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Fit: True to size
Gaynor Minden has done it again! Is there anything better than a perfect pointe shoe fit? I'm so excited that Discount Dance is now offering the Sleek Fit option! This feature was previously only available through custom orders. If you have a wider metatarsal tapering to a narrower heel, this option will eliminate any excess bagging in the midfoot, making a sleek, elegant line. It offers more support as well. My first pair of Gaynors fit nicely, but there was some bagging that gaped on demi pointe, and just didn't look polished. I found out about the Sleek Fit from the GM office in NY and it resulted in a second skin look and fit - it made all the difference. It doesn't matter if you have narrow or wider feet. I have seen many dancers complain of the aesthetics when all they needed was this option.
Thank you, Discount Dance, for including this option to make a perfect shoe even better.
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I'm an older dancer who dances for fun and exercise. I've tried just about every major brand of pointe shoe before I tried GM. I went to the GM dancer.com site and entered my foot points. Within a couple of days, the fitters there had determined my shoe size, so I came over to Discount Dance to order them. It took just over two weeks, which is great because the shoes are custom made for each order. My first pair arrived today and I am delighted with them! I put them on without any kind of padding and NO PAIN! I went en pointe and NO PAIN! I think I may have found my forever shoe!
These shoes are a real miracle for someone with hard to fit feet. DD has very narrow feet but large bunions. They are the only shoe she has found to not twist on her heel and not hurt her bunions. We are excited to see how they fare once she's worn them to class. We have had to buy many styles, shanks, boxes to find just the right fit. So don't give up if the first pair isn't perfect. You can get a perfect fit.
I have read many reviews by people who claim Gaynors are cheat shoes� - the one glaring "pointe" in all these reviews is the lack of personal experience with them. There is no shoe that suddenly turns you into a skilled dancer! Russia is taking them by storm, as is Italy, Cuba, ABT, Hong Kong, etc.
If the nearly 3,000 combinations don't work, (rare)! you can send tracings/pictures online and get a perfect custom fit and they are PAINLESS! They are sent usually within 2 weeks from date of order (custom orders).
The five shanks range from all but dead to newly broken in. Rolling up in them actually strengthens the feet and ankles and you can feel the floor since no extra padding is needed. Plus, they last up to 7 times longer.
"Suffering" isn't rite of passage and isn't necessary now. 21st Century dancers deserve the "leaps" in technology available to them!
So, you've probably heard people say that Gaynor Mindens are "cheater shoes" that make your feet weak. You've probably even heard dance teachers say this. However, dance physiologists and doctors say this just isn't true.
Gaynors are different from other pointe shoes, and they ask different things of the dancer who wears them, but as with any pointe shoe the important thing is to have a proper fit and to work the shoe (not let the shoe run the show). You have to learn to resist the shank a bit, and not "pop" up, but this in fact strengthens your feet. Many fitters say the most important thing is not to choose to firm a shank; it might feel good, but it isn't the best thing for technique.
I am an older dancer who came back to pointe at 40; as a youngster I danced exclusively in Freeds and they really, really hurt. I was thrilled to discover that the new breeds of pointe shoes, not just Gaynors, are designed to work with a much wider variety of feet; I have the classic "Giselle" type foot with a narrow heel, high arch, relatively straight forefoot, and super-short toes. In many way it's an ideal, if not pretty, pointe-shoe foot, but I always struggled with the very tapered boxes and high vamp on mainline pointe shoes.
When I was fitted for my Gaynors, I tried on about fourteen different pairs in varying widths, vamp lengths, and shanks, and because there was so much variety, I was able to dial in the exact right fit -- the shoe literally conformed to my foot like a second skin. I wear a very thin "toe-saver" pad, or just a little lambswool, and I have NEVER GOTTEN A SINGLE BLISTER from these shoes. What, what? The secret is they don't break down or change fit at all; what you try on is what you get.
Because my feet are no longer young, because they remember all the abuse they were handed years ago, and because at my age, dancing on pointe is a little crazy, I have fallen in love with Gaynors. Unlike the other shoes I was wearing before, which I liked very much, they last forever, and so save me tons of money to spend on ballet tickets and leotards.
The important thing is: get fitted. Once you know your size and specs, you can order online, but it's so important to try on as many pairs as you need to before you decide. At this price, you owe it to yourself to buy the right pair, because you're going to have them a long time.
Age: 40-49
I was surprised by the negative reviews, then I read them. The bad reviews were from people who weren't fitted before they bought.
Strong feet? Then you get the softer shoes (it is the opposite of every other shoe brand). No wonder that reviewer was over arching.
Felt like it was too narrow (obviously didn't get fitted before buying)
Every brand is different don't assume you know your size, get fitted. If you don't have a fitter in your area go to the gaynor website they have a way for you to trace feet and send pics to them.
I was lucky and at a summer intensive they came and fitted me. I had been fitted locally and I liked the gaynor shoes my local shop had me in, the gaynor pro switched me to a different shoe, it had the same heel and box combo but wanted me in a softer shoe. If you are in a shoe that is harder than you need your muscles won't develop as strong as they could. Stronger feet need a softer shoe so that they are doing the work to hold you up... Again this is the opposite of every other kind of shoe.
Super comfortable and the new design fixed the peeling liner issue and my fitter said that in the new design of shoes I shouldn't wear any pads. Ridiculously comfortable.
Not cheater shoes (jealous much?) if you have the right shank strength your feet will be working hard and safely. These last forever. I once wore my tips to the plastic inner lining, patched the uneven points and put on suede tips and they were good as new. They can last a really long time. Just make sure you are wearing the correct fit... But that should be in every shoe regardless of brand. Get fitted!
Age: 15-18
I have tried these shoes, and I personally have very strong feet with a high arch, and these shoes have not worked at all. I used the hardest shank, and I over-arch a LOT. Since these are pre-arched, it makes it WAY easier to go en pointe which is bad for me because of my arch. I also feel as if I am cheating because there is already gel padding in the bottom of the box, so no toe pads are necessary. These are very comfortable though because of that. I have never and will never buy shoes that already have gel padding because I want to strengthen my feet as much as possible. My company does not like these shoes because they are known for being cheater shoes, and I will say that I agree. I have gone to many pointe shoe fitters who do not even sell the brand because of that. I would recommend these however, to beginning dancers who have trouble going en pointe. But if you are an advanced dancer, who has a high arch and strong feet, I would not recommend these shoes because they will not last for you and you will go way over your box.
I was dissapointed with my Gaynor mindens. The inside lining of the box peeled off ,which caused much discomfort.
Also,the box width,seemed to be quite narrow for the width I ordered(slightly tapered)
I would reccomend getting them fitted at a store not ordering online.
I have finally found "the shoe"! I am so happy. I have tried Blochs, Freeds, Grishko, and Suffolks and none of them worked for my feet. I have high arches, and really strong feet. My feet killed the Freed studio Professionals after one class. Grishkos lasted pretty long surprisingly, but they didn't bend in the right place which was really frustrating. Blochs were perfect but weren't comfortable. When I first thought about trying Gaynor Minden, I was a little hesitant about it. I've heard lots of review saying that they are for cheaters and that they weaken your feet. None of that is true. They actually strengthen your feet. They don't make any noise while jumping. They look awesome on stage, and they are the most comfortable pointe shoes I have ever put my feet in. I don't recommend them for beginners because they are a different type of shoe and I think its essential that every beginner strengthens their ankles and feet with a traditional pointe shoe before moving on to Gaynor Mindens to prevent Injury. However, Ever since I started wearing them, I am turning like a top! When I wear Gaynor Minden, I don't have to think about anything but my dancing. I love these shoes!
i was skeptical to try gaynor mindens at first. i had been wearing grishko 2007's for over a decade, and they were perfect for my feet - a perfect fit every time, i never got blisters, and they looked beautiful on my feet! however, i was going through them much too quickly - in the month of february 2014, i went through 5 pairs. FIVE. PAIRS. at retail price, that's $500 in one month just for pointe shoes. i'm a soloist in a recreational company, but i am not a professional dancer. i was getting, at most, 7 hours worth of wear in my shoes before i'd crush the platform. something had to change. i didn't want to switch - i was very unhappy about it at first. pointe shoes are a very personal thing to dancers, after all. but for the sake of my wallet, i had to try. so i purchased my first pair of gaynors. they definitely took some getting used to! i didn't have to work at all to get to demi-pointe in them, even when they were brand new. but more than that, because of my size, i wasn't able to get them in a similar enough shape to my grishko's, and at first, i HATED that i had so much extra room in the box. i tried everything i could think of! extra padding, different sizes, etc. finally, i settled on using the gaynor minden dynamic box liner along with my ouch pouch orignal toe pads and a pair of toe savers mini pointe shoe pads along the tips of my little toes. i also ended up needing 2 separate sizes for each of my feet - something i hadn't encountered the need for with the grishko's (but that i had dealt with before they hit the market and i was still wearing a special makeup capezio contempora). once i got used to the new shape and feel (gaynors are lined with flannel, as opposed to canvas like traditional pointe shoes), i had to get comfortable with a shoe that wouldn't break down - even in the hard shank, these shoes felt like my previous shoes would when they were nearly spent. at first i didn't trust it! after all, i had spent 18 years on pointe before trying gaynors, so it was a little disconcerting. but then, between my 2 pairs of shoes (remember, i had to get 2 different sizes), i was able to get through 7 months worth of classes, rehearsals, and performances, including the ever-intense marathon that is nutcracker. the 2nd pair still has a little life left in it! i'm very impressed that they've lasted so long AND that i haven't gotten any blisters, regardless of the difference in the shape and fit. i think i'll always miss the grishkos, but gaynors have a growing place in my dancer heart. :)
Age: 22-29
I have always had a wonderful experience with all of my orders through the years. This time though, my daughter needed new pointe shoes for her performance in the Nutcracker. She only wears Gaynor Minden, which are some of the MOST expensive pointe shoes at Discount Dance. When we received the shoes the first time my daughter tried to tighten the strings the strings broke. We didn't have time to return the shoes, luckily her costume designer was able to fix it. But it's very frustrating when you pay so much for usually well made shoes.
Age: 19-21
I have only had one pair of Gaynor Mindens because they only lasted for a week. Normally I can get at least a month out of my pointe shoes, but the shank was dead in a matter of days. The shoes were surprisingly comfortable (as far as pointe shoes go) and they were easy to get on the box. The satin and materials had a nice finish and looked very elegant. If it weren't for the short lifespan than I would have ordered another pair.
I wore these shoes in a hard shank and they were extremely comfortable, although I do think they were a bit too well padded (to the point where I couldn't feel the floor very well). One thing I did really like about them was the noise...there was none! But when I returned to wearing traditional pointe shoes I realized that I was cheating in the Gaynors because I didn't have to think about keeping my shoes quiet or about landing jumps lightly. They also made my arches look amazing, but, unfortunately, because the shoes were pre-arched I went too far over the box on my shoe and I injured my big toe. The shoes were comfortable (until I hurt my toe) and my arches looked great, but Gaynor Mindens ended up setting me back in my pointe work. I suppose it could've been the specific combination I had that didn't work for my feet, but I don't want to risk getting another pair of Gaynors that injure my feet even more. So, overall, I strongly recommend using caution when buying Gaynor Mindens, as they aren't right for everyone even though there are thousands of possible combinations. Be sure to get fitted by someone who really knows what they're doing with Gaynors specifically! Also, make sure to get approval from your instructor too. Many instructors do not like Gaynors because they are "cheater shoes" that make it easier for one to go en pointe because they do not require as much strength.
So this was the first time I have ever tried Gaynors in my life, and I've been on pointe for a while now. My previous pointe shoes were Freed hard shank and I would be breaking them in like A week so I needed a change, so I purchased Gaynors and Im currently loving them!
These are the best pointe shoes! These are the only pointe shoes I feel make my feet look fantastic! I feel really safe dancing in them, and they last like FOREVER! I am in love with the fact that they don't break down and they are made from materials that actually will support us and prevent injury. I have bad knees and these shoes have done wonders to help cope with the pain because of the shock absorbant materials they use to make the shoe. It takes a little while to get fully comfortabke in the shoes becuase it is nothing like the pointe shoes we aee all used to wearing (for me, Grishko 2007), but once you do get used to them, they are your companion and will never leave them behind! THESE ARE NOT CHEATER SHOES!!! YOU HAVE TO WORK HARDER TO ROLL UP ONTO POINTE AND CONTOL COMING DOWN AND YOU NEED A CORE TO BALANCE, NOT THE SHOES. So don't believe people who say that they are cheater shoes. They are just mad they didn't have the shoes groeing up or they refuse to switch. It is extremely innovative and will allow you to dance longer. If you want your dancing carreer to last, get these shoes becuase you will be safe and dancing beautifully.
My favorite thing about Gaynor Mindens is that they last long. I only dance in them a couple hours per week, so mine last about a year. Comparing that to my classmates who go through 4 or 5 pairs per year, I save a lot of money! They also offer good support because they are designed not to wear out. Instead of spending time breaking my pointe shoes in and later dancing on dead pointe shoes for as long as I can before breaking down and paying for new ones, my pointe shoes feel the way I like them to for the whole duration of their use. I have fairly strong arches, so I appreciate a shoe that hugs my arch. I have narrow feet, so I like the customization available for these shoes. Just make sure you get them fitted properly. Not every pointe shoe fitter knows how to fit these since the rules are different than regular pointe shoes. As would be expected, improperly fitted shoes will not serve you well. If you have doubts about sizing, dancer.com has means for fitting by correspondence with the company itself. They tell you what size to order and you can order them from Discount Dance where they are cheaper. I love my feet and want to keep them healthy and happy and I feel like Gaynor Mindens are my best bet if I want to continue dancing en pointe.
I love these shoes, I really do. They fit my feet well, are relatively comfortable (the padding at the toe is a bit irritating), and are quite lovely. I feel secure in them and get over the box easily.
I am hesitant to recommend these shoes as I feel they are only good for certain feet. There are a lot of dancers who say that these shoes cause their feet to weaken or develop issues. I believe it; however, I don't think this happens if they are the right shoes for your feet.
I have very strong and fairly flexible feet with a moderate arch. My arch is fairly high on my foot (right below my heel) and Gaynors break at the exact right spot for me. They are pre-arched, which means that the arch really needs to be at your own arch otherwise you'll have issues.
I've heard many people say that these shoes are impossible, or at least extremely difficult, to roll through. I honestly do not understand this criticism at all. I have absolutely zero issues rolling through and/ or staying on demi. And I wear the hard shank!
I do have to say though that if you need a super hard shank, Gaynors are probably not the shoes for you. Even their hard shank is fairly flexible. While the shank doesn't weaken or become more flexible, I have noticed that they tend to get softer and more flexible by the end of class (likely due to the warmth of my feet).
Overall I love these shoes; however, I *strongly* recommend getting fitted by someone who is extremely knowledgeable about Gaynors before you decide if these are the best shoes for your feet.
These shoes make dancing so much simpler!
Best of all? No toe pads necessary!
hhhmmmm i dont know i like this or not...
they hurt me a lot in my big toe, but maybe have got wrong size... my street size is 9/9,5 and i have got wide feet... i have got 10,5W
next time I recommend size up, up to 2 size more than street shoe.
they are very soft!!! i have got extraflex and i have got medium arch and im going far up box. but for hard my feet arent to much flex. i dont recommend it, they hurt me soo bad.
I will say that I couldn't wait to get a pair of these shoes! As an adult dancer who stands all day to work, I was really concerned about getting a pair of pointe shoes that would keep my knees safe from all the impact that pointe work can have. I did what my teacher told me to do and went and got a pair of paste shoes, which were nice, but after three classes they broke right at the top of the box and I didn't feel secure in them any more. So, I went and bought a pair of Gaynor Mindens at my local dance wear shop, and I'm so glad I did. They are incredible!
Let me pause to say that no shoe is painless, or can do the work for you. If that were the case, every ballet academy would be buying them like hot cakes so they could have the best dancers in town on their rosters, right? But I can see where most teachers would want you to go through the process of breaking in a shoe to know what it looks and feels like. It's a right of passage I guess.
I have sorta strange feet to fit. They are Greek toes, wide at the metatarsal area, then they taper down to a thinner heel, but it's not too shallow a fit. It was fantastic to be able to buy a shoe that is nearly custom to my foot, and that needs no break in time. I ended up with a 7.5 box 2, regular vamp and heel fit. I wear a size six in street shoes.
The worst thing about them is sewing the elastic sand ribbons on...my thumbs hurt for the rest of the day.
They are way more expensive up front, but they will hold up through a lot of dancing, and you don't have to worry about them turning to mush if you are a "sweaty" dancer like I am. Florida in the summer is hot and no amount of AC can keep up with a 90 min class in a room full of windows!
If you are on the fence, go and have a fitting done. Try a pair on and really move around in them, then bring your own shoes on and try them right after. Huge difference in the support you will get. Plus that fleeting moment of the perfect shank and box will last more than one or two classes. They do have more padding in the box, so they will feel a little more snug on your toes. But I like the feeling of being held up high in the box, and being able to get up over it enough to balance en pointe for long periods of time is great! If you do get a shank that is too firm it can pop you up over the box, but you will struggle to keep yourself there. But even a paste shoe will do that for you.
Age: 30-39
I love dancing en pointe and have been dancing for my whole life. when I first got these shoes they were excellent!!! With no break in time and no shaping ( hair dryer, water molding. etc.) what ballerina wouldn't want these?!?! well I loved them (at first) really defined a "fake arch" in my already flat feet! AMAZING RIGHT? Well as my time grew longer with these shoes.... things got ugly. I almost ripped of a toenail, got several blisters, and could not feel the floor. I have I high tolerance for pain which is good when dancing en pointe. but these hurt so bad I was crying in the middle of class. I tried taking the stuffing on the inside out, helped for about one class. The truth is these shoes weaken your feet. and why I got them? because the felt amazing at first but beware they will hurt your feet as time progresses!!
Not very good shoes, though very comfortable and durable. The annoying padding in the box makes it difficult to fully achieve balance and "feel the floor". And when you rip out the padding, you're left dancing on hard plastic, which hurts like crazy. Sadly, these shoes also weaken your foot. Before I wore these, I wore a Grishko 2007 H shank. I then wore these shoes over a period of 6 months, going though 2 pairs of GM extraflex (yellow bag) and a GM supple (pink bag). The only problem was turning in these. In pirouettes sur la pointe, you have to spring up before you turn, and these shoes, being very high arched and springy, threw me up en pointe a little but more than I needed to when attempting to turn, albeit keeping me up in the turn very nicely. I loved these shoes. They felt great. However, when I was about to order a 4th pair of these, they happened to be out of stock, so I decided to get a pair of grishko 2007's in H shank from my local dancewear store. Big problem: I couldn't get over the boxes like I used to before the GM's. My foot was pulled back in them, and my once-strong, arched feet had been ruined. My foot, much to my horror and chagrin, had weakened quite a bit. My arches even seemed to be lower than they had before. And no, this was not a faulty pair of Grishko 2007 H shank, because at my local dancewear store, I had tried on 5 pairs of 2007 H shanks, and reached the same conclusion for all of them. However, I am not a recreational student, but a serious pre-professional ballet student who takes my pointework and training seriously, and I knew that it would be best for me to discontinue wearing these shoes to better my feet and development. I now wear traditional pointe shoes again, and I'm trying to work my way up from medium to hard shanks in them.
Also, take caution when ordering GM pointe shoes from DDS if that is what you chose to do; because when I ordered a pair from here in the supple shank, I believe I recieved a faulty pair. my ordered shoes were very very hard (and being only the supple shank), and after a few classes, the shank made a strange crackling noise, and nearly cracked. Also, the outer sole was not made of classic brown suade like promised, but some strange, crusty, red/pinkish pulpy material. The next 2 times i ordered the extraflex pointe shoes though, everything was normal.
The bottom line is, that, these shoes weakened my feet and I had a hard time with their boxes. However, I'm sure for some people, these shoes could work out well, depening on what your feet are like.
I was always one of those dancers that would go through a pair of Bloch pointe shoes every three months. Gaynor Minden's are by far the most comfortable and durable pointe shoes I have ever owned. When I danced en pointe in them for the first time, I said I would never buy another brand again. Now several girls at my studio wear them, and we have the joke,
I have very difficult feet to fit with extremely high arches. narrow toes and narrow heels. i tried just about every company of pointe shoe out there before Gaynors were suggested to me. These shoes last much longer than ordinary shoes, usually lasting a month rather than a week. Definitely get fitted for them before buying them online, but after that they are much cheaper online.
These shoes make feet look good and they last a long time. However, there are a couple things about these that are keeping me from buying them again.
First off, these aren't good for wide feet. I wear a XXXX in most pointe shoes and I got a wide in these shoes with a #4 box. They look really good at the beginning of class but then during a long pointe combination, my feet will sort of sink into the shoe and bulge over the box line (which you can totally see).
Also, I don't like how these shoes don't form to your feet or soften over time. It is awkward to do Demi pointe in these because the shank is made specifically to stay arched.
Right now, I have these in rotation with a pair of really old blochs and a pair of grishkos.
I sure that these work really well for a lot of people but for now I'll stick to traditional pointe shoes.
I've tried a couple of pairs of these since they first came out. The first pair didn't fit right and was too short. The second pair, which I still have, is right in length, but the box is not right for me. I have very strong and wide feet. Their widest box is not wide enough for me. Even though it is the broad and square box, it still has a small platform and feels quite tapered. I think the part that I don't care for is the fact that it just doesn't give at all. I know that the durability is one of the features, but I have not been able to make it work and they are very uncomfortable. I really like the shape and look of the shoe though!
I got these as my second pair of pointe shoes, and love them! I need a flexible shank, and these work well. I got fit in a store, which I recommend, but after that you can order them. These aren't for everyone, they're very different from traditional pointe shoes, but they are great for people who have trouble with other ones. They're expensive, but seem to last a while. Maybe I'll change my review after I've had more pairs.
I have been wearing Gaynors for 3 years now, and I love them!! You NEED to get them fitted by someone who really knows Gaynors. I have super long toes, and my knuckles would always come out of my shoes en pointe. (I previously wore Blochs, then Grishkos, but I still love Grishkos) With Gaynor Minden, I customized the length and width of my vamp so it was really long and now my toes don't come out. These are great shoes for someone with strange feet, because it doesn't cost any extra to customize them. At first it was hard to remember my size if I was ordering them online, but now its engrained in my memory: 8.5 M SV/SH Extraflex. They don't last as long as they say they will, but they last a lot longer than the typical shoe. Usually, I buy ribbons and elastics from other companies because they are WAY less expensive.
I have gone through countless pairs of pointe shoes, and countless fittings. It's always been tricky for me to get shoes which fit, as my feet are quite wide in the metatarsal area. And even when I find shoes which fit, they never last long.
The great thing about Gaynor Mindens is that they are highly customizable. Because of this, it's more important than with other shoes to get fitted properly. But since you can customize the size of the box, the width of the shoe, the vamp length, the heel height and 5 different shank strengths, they can fit a lot of different kinds of feet.
Also, they last a LONG time. I did a 3 week summer intensive where we had a pointe class (1 hour) every day, plus variations twice a week, for a total of 7 hours of pointe a week. It wasn't until the very end of the intensive that they were starting to get a little too soft in the shank. But that's 21 hours, which is more than double what my old shoes lasted.
Another thing I love about the Gaynor Mindens is how well they fit too my foot. They show off the full extent of my low arch, which no shoe has done before. Because they mold to my foot so well, it also makes it easier to do things such as relevés on one foot.
Some people claim that because of this Gaynor Mindens are 'cheater shoes', but the reality is, they fit to your foot so your foot can do the work properly. A lot of traditional pointe shoes are bulky and awkward, and actually make it harder for your foot to work properly.
The only complaint I have is that the shoes are just a tiny bit too narrow. However, I do have quite wide feet, and even being just the tiniest bit too narrow, they're still better than any other shoe I've tried.
The bottom line is, I would definitely recommend these.
Unless you know your exact size, I don't recommend purchasing them. There are so many options and you need to know what works for you. Also, this might not be the best pair for beginners. My favorite part of Gaynor Minden is you don't need to "break them in" and very nicely pre-arched. The size suggests that you don't need toe pads, but I definitely need toe pads. Also they shape your feet pretty nicely. I have sleek fit, and LOVE the shape and color!
I have been dancing on pointe for about 7 years now. I have worn many different styles and fits of pointe shoes. I LOVE Gaynor Minden simply because I can personalize them to my feet. I wear a sleek heel/sleek vamp combo and it works flawlessly. No complaints, but the rumors you hear of Gaynor's are more than likely not true. The difference between a Gaynor and a traditional pointe shoe is the shank and box. The materials are that of the modern day instead of real wood. I don't think Gaynor's last any longer than a traditional shoe. I LOVE these shoe's and would recommend to a friend. Every shoe, foot, heel, arch, ect. are different from person to person. If you're looking for good quality, I suggest these. I also don't believe they are "cheater" shoes or do the "work for you." If you're not willing to invest yourself into pointe you shouldn't be on pointe.
I have Gaynor Mindens. They are great shoes, and thus far the best for my "bad" feet.
One thing- is that I wish the arch was lower. Since you can't break in Gaynors, you can't put the arch where your arch is.
I wish they had a 'lower arch' option, to help me get up.
Gaynor Mindens are absolutely wonderful shoes. They last for months, shape to your feet perfectly, and have a glossy, professional look. These shoes make bunioned, wide feet look light and long, and definitely enhance your arches.
I bought a pair of Gaynor Minden pointe shoes due to a friend recommending them purely on their image and durability. They are very pretty shoes and they do last longer. I break shoes reasonably quickly, enough for it to be more economical to buy a pair of longer lasting shoes (for example I broke a pair of unworn Freed's in just over 30 minutes- I wouldn't recommend Freed shoes.) I love my Gaynor's, they look lovely and are very comfortable and have lasted a long time compared to other makes I've tried.
They have been known as cheat shoes because they are easy to get up on and the pre-arched shank emphasises your own foot arch however in that case I feel you have to learn to use your feet properly rather than relying on the shoe to do the work. They do make certain things easier however I didn't find it more difficult when I tried a different make to do the same things, like any other shoe it just felt different. So basically what I'm saying is, you should be using your feet not relying on the shoe.
Yes, this shoe is comfortable. Yes, this show will last a long time. But I don't recommend this shoe, and it's ironic that part of the reason is what makes it so comfortable.
The molded sole is like a hug for your foot. It supports and is like a cloud. So what's the problem? Well, the pre-arched sole does the work for your foot. I am extremely concerned that this will lead to feet weakening. I used this shoe for a couple months and then put on an old paid or Pavlowas that had felt light. I was surprised that I felt my foot working whereas I felt no work in that old pair before switching.
I love the lining and the form instead of the pleats, but I see a shoe as a tool to use to safely participate in a physical activity, and so safety needs to come first. To dance, feet need strength. This shoe is comfortable partly because it lessens the need for foot strength to get a beautiful arch. So to the retired pile these shoes went.
I used to have a very, very difficult time with pointe because of my low arches. Pirouettes and other turns were nearly impossible. Now, I can do doubles AND get complimented on my arch. I was never able to get fully onto pointe before. These are the best pointe shoes I have ever tried!! (Trust me, I have tried A LOT.)
What I wear: Size 8 street
What I got: Size 9.5, W, Deep Vamp, High Heel, Featherflex Shank with a wide box
I first tried going one size up, but it was just a tad too small. 1.5 was perfect.
I've tried many, many different types of pointe shoes, and theses are the only ones that have worked with my super strong feet but low arches. They gave me blisters at first and I lost the same toenail 9 times, but those are small prices to pay for shoes that actually give me lovely arches. Glad to finally have a shoe that helps me!
I bought these as my eighth pair of pointe shoes and have very mixed emotions about them. On one hand, they lasted me 3 months, where before shoes lasted 2-3 weeks. On the other hand, I lost 2 toenails (as Gaynors are known for doing) and suffered extreme foot pain after class. Pain put aside, these shoes allowed me to easily accomplish double pirouettes and were VERY complimentary of my arch.
These shoes do not, and will not improve your feet. Yes, they are very durable, but they ended up giving me really bad blisters. I don't think I was the size, because I got fitted at the store in NYC.
This really work for the structure of my foot. I do get a custom shoe, because I worry about the way this works my muscles, because it is broken in. I do wear these for rehearsals and sometime performances though. To me they work if you're not necessarily going through technique training.
I bought these shoes a while ago. Yes they do last a long time, but developing dancers should beware. Gaynor Minden's will weaken the muscles in your feet which you need for pointe. When I wore these shoes for a few months, and when I went to a pair of Russian pointe shoes, I had a really hard time getting up to releve because the muscles in my feet were weak, and I spent a month doing exercises to get my strength back. You really don't need padding with these shoes, but I wore Lamb's wool, these shoes are not meant for dancers who wear thick gel toe pads. As I've said these shoes last long, but aren't good for the muscles in your feet.
These shoes are so comfotable, you need little padding. these shoes are broken in in all the right places when you get them. the demi pointe is broken in already which is a huge plus. However, if you switch from a traditional shoe like Grishko, bloch, capezio, ect, it will be very hard to go back. In these shoes, i feel like I am "cheating" because it makes it so much easier. switching back to your old pair after these is hard because these are comfy and have natural arches that support your feet. If you have a pointe shoe that fits your foot, stick with it. I had to get these because I have wide metatarsils and this shoe helps with that. But this shoe has AMAZING durability. I usually had to get a new pair of Grishkos every month or two, but I had these from September through December (dancing on them four days a week for multiple hours a day). These seem to stay at the perfect level of brokeness, while Grishkos are first not broken in, then dead. A downside to these pointe shoes is that it it really puts pressure on your big toe nail and toe. I have had lots of ingrown toenails in these shoes. thats the only reason i am thinking of changing back to my old shoes.
Originally, I had gotten my Gaynors at a store, but after I found out they fit, I ordered more online. the ones that came online seemed huge! they didn't fit me, even though they were the same size. wierd, right? I had to use water to try to shrink them.
If you have to Chalamine your shoes for performances, these shrink terribly with chalamine lotion. Mine were ruined after my last performance.
When rolling through releve, the preformed arch always wanted to pull away from my heel. When pointing off the ground, the shoe did the work for my foot.
The inside of these shoes are wonderfully soft, and they do last, but I'm concerned about foot weakening by not needing the work the muscles so much. In this field, muscle tone is vital.
These shoes are soooo comfy!! I used to wear russian pointes and grishkos but even with good padding i would still get bruised toenails and they would go dead so quickly, but with gaynors you need very little padding. My feet are very wide at the metatarsel but are narrow at the heel which makes finding a good fitting pointe shoe hard, but with the gaynor minden "sleek fit" the shoes fit very nicely to my feet. The inside and bottoms of the shoes are lined with foam which makes the shoes very quiet, plus they never go dead so you dont have to buy a new pair until they are dirty!! They are also very springy which aids with fouettes and releves!
I used to wear a custom shoe before the company made ordering a nightmare! Then I moved to Freeds, but but I was going through shoes like crazy! And being a poor little Trainee, I don't exactly have money to throw around on pointe shoes. So I tried these and they are amazing!
Not only are they comfortable and super easy to dance in, They last for ever! I made it through half the season on one pair! Most of the company I dance at wear this shoe for that exact reason. I'm never going back :)
I used to wear Bloch Aspirations but hated how bad they hurt my toes. I recently switched to gaynors and they are so comfortable. They have a special padding in the toe area that makes it so that I don't find the need to wear toe pads. I'm usually a 8 in street shoe but when I was fitted I was put into a 9.5 narrow with an extra flex shank because I felt that the supple was a little too flexible. I also got the sleek fit so that it wouldn't bunch around my heels. The only con I found is that sewing ribbons and elastics can be a bit of a pain since there is no inner lining in the shoe. I just sewed along the stitch line making sure to avoid the draw string. Other than that I love how beautiful they look and I always get compliments in class. I recommend every dancer at least try them once.
I have been doing pointe for 5 years and these are the best pointe shoes I have ever tried! They have lasted me so much longer than any other pointe shoe I've ever tried. Very professional!
I've been wearing these pointe shoes for about three years now, and after getting fitted at a dance store, I order them from DDS, because they offer a better price.
But I'm disappointed that DDS does not stock my size - 10.5 N, hard shank, slightly tapered box, deep vamp, high heel - so that means waiting four weeks for made-to-order shoes.
The pair I recently received was oddly cut - the vamp is about a half inch higher than my previous two pairs of GM. But since my current pair is beyond dead, my feet can't stand waiting another four weeks.
I no longer live close to a dance store, so I don't have the luxury of getting fitted for another brand, but I'm a difficult fit. The only shoes that work for me are Capezio Contempora (worked in the beginning, now the shank is way too soft) and Russian Pointe Polette (discontinued).
I'll probably keep on using GMs because they are the only thing that is available that works for me. They are long-lasting, but I don't like how you cannot roll through the box like a traditional pointe shoe.
As a dance instructor, I probably would not recommend GMs for a new pointe students because I think it's important they learn how to break their shoes in and how work a traditional pair of pointe shoes. But, by no means, does that make them a "cheater shoe" - Gillian Murphy wears them. :)
I love this shoe! I was intrigued by the suede sole (reduces slippage), and the softness inside the box. I ripped out the toe padding inside because it was a bit bulky. This shoe lasted a long time, I got the supple shank and it did not break down as fast as others I have had. I guess there's some special space age material they use that makes them last longer. I would definitely buy another pair!
It is so comfortable! They last so long! Buy them!
Fit: Runs small
My shoe is the 9M, Slightly Tapered Box, Supple Shank, Sleek Vamp, Sleek Heel. It's expensive, but I absolutely love it!
I am an Engineer by day and choreographer/instructor by night, so when my last pair of shoes died (Bloch Suprima, great for narrow heels) I decided to splurge on a shoe that was "hi-tech" and engineered using new materials. I first tried the Bloch TMT Axis, but they put too much pressure on my big toe. Then I turned to the more expensive GM's.
The obvious downside is the high cost. The other issue with GM's is that fitting is extremely difficult and you must be fitted by a professional qualified to fit GM's. However, GM has a solution for fitting (see below). The GM's will not mold to your foot (water/heat will not work as they did with traditional shoes), but they do have the GM "fit kit" that I used to fix this with success. I only needed some of the pieces so the kit seemed like a waste, but it only costs $6.75, and my friend was able to use the pieces I didn't need.
I surprised at how easy it was to roll through demi-pointe, especially after the claims Bloch made with the TMT technology. The GM shoes are amazingly comfortable, especially on the tops of the knuckles of my toes. Instead of bruising from hitting plaster and burlap, the GM's cushion my toes with engineered "elastomers." I've heard they last longer than traditional shoes, and while I have not reached the point where I can confirm or deny that yet, I do know that they have not lost stiffness as my blochs did, nor have they decreased in support. I have had to work harder with my GM's than with my traditional shoes because they may not support your foot in the same way as traditional shoes and do not let me "sink" in the shoe instead of pulling up out of it. I have heard these to be "cheater shoes" but I found that they have instead strengthened my foot and my Axis feel more like cheaters than my GM's.
The GM shoe is made of synthetic materials which do not "break in" as traditional shoes. They will eventually die from repeated bending through demi-pointe and from supporting your weight. This is called fatigue. If you take a paperclip and bend it repeatedly, it will break. Same concept, but instead of metal, GM's are made of polymers.
GM lists qualified fitters on their website. You can be fitted at a brick and mortar store and still purchase the shoes at discountdance.com but many stores will charge a small fee, around $10. It is very important to provide a fitter with your weight and ability level as well as how many hours you spend on pointe. With the proper shank selection, the shoe should not "spring" you up en pointe. When fitted CORRECTLY, this shoe in not a cheater shoe.
I hope this helps you determine if GM is the shoe for you. As far as fit and performance, GMs are my dream shoe! However, because of the price, I will save them for shows and use my more economical Bloch Suprima shoes for classes.
I love these... my first pair lasted me a WHOLE year... The reason i had to new ones was because my feet grew.
buying these shoes with dds has been a night mare. i have two different size shoes and i think i fit a box 2, but i got a box 3, and then i got sleek for the vamp and heel, but i need a regular because i have short toes. if i get the longer size 7 shoe then its too big and i have too much space in the back of the shoe, but the 6.5 is too short for my right foot. i really want to give up and just go with grishko's, but i have been dreaming of wearing gaynors since i knew what pointe was. its just a major ball of confusion and i may have to call in and special order them.
I'm 18 years old and have been through alot of brands of pointe shoes such as Chacott, Bloch, GK, Grishko, Russian Pointe , and Freed....but never had an easy time with any of them because i' had flat feet ....these have helped define my arches, i 'dont have like the perfect dancers feet for pointe....so when everyone went to get fitted for pointe shoes my teacher told the lady she wanted me to try Gaynors and before i got them i would go through about 3-pairs of pointe shoes a year just trying to find the best ones for me....i' have found my perfect fit in these shoes that i never could find in other shoes, by far these have helped me become better at pointe...i' can wear these without any padding on days where i welcome blisters and on others i have gellows or the pink purple carousel toepads....they deffintely dont break down like other shoes my first pair i got in September and wore them until April of this year and am on my second pair , working on them for recital next week, i' have been wearing my new ones for about 2-months and already cant wait to buy another pair.....i have the yellow bag whitch in extraflex.....the box is perfect and the shank works wonders when i'm turning en-pointe....my mom was shocked at the $115.00's she spent on these alone with no ribbons an elastics at the dance store closest to us, so the second time she bought them online with ribbons and elastics for about $89.00's...........my recommendation of this product is very strong BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY :)
As a student I spent time in Capezio, Freed, Chacott, Bloch, Sansha, and Russian Pointe. My tendency was to break shanks and have big toe pain. I don't think a medium to hard shank in Gaynors would have made me strong on pointe. However, as an adult dancer, I actually prefer Gaynors in a Pianissimo shank (the softest available) because of the tremendous control you have in your shoe. A shank this soft will not "pop you up on pointe" as is described with the harder shanks. The Pianissimo is almost soft enough to do demi-pointe work. Trust me, the shoe isn't doing the work. It's true...the shank will not break. I am petite. I'd advise considering how much weight is going on the shoe before selecting a shank. Gaynor Minden says few actually require their hard shank. Fit is great because of all the options. Go to a brick and mortar store until you are satisfied with fit. Maybe even the first couple pair. Like all shoes, it takes experimentation. I have narrow feet and like the narrow width in a sleek fit. I do have to use 2 box liners per shoe from the TotallyToes Kit, but this eliminates the need to use additional padding except for one of the gel cushions for just one of my long, painful big toes! The Gaynors don't stretch much. With other brands I found my shoes getting wider and less supportive in the box after a few hours of wear. Not so with Gaynors! The fit remains consistent. The insole is very flat and made of foam. This helps distribute your weight better when landing jumps and helped with my heel and ball of foot pain. I get lots of compliments on their appearance. I am often asked what brand my shoes are. Everyone is surprised when I answer. Bottom line, if you are having foot pain or fit problems, give these shoes a chance in spite of the mixed reviews. They may be the solution.
I have very strong, straight feet and these have actually improved my arch. It's such a relief not to have to worry about my shoe twisting or giving out on me, etc. Also, money's a little tight so even though these are more expensive, they last long enough to be cheaper in the end.
THEY FINALLY CAME TO MY DOOR STEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been on pointe for 12 years. Gone through every make and model of pointes and 6 years ago I found Gaynor Minden the love of my life! These pointes were the best for my freakishly strong feet. Capizio, Bloch (my 2nd fav), Russian pointe, Sansha, you name it I broke it! Russians broke in one hour of class the rest in about a week. I danced every day for 2 hours of pointe class a day 4 hours of ballet. These pointe shoes were and still are the only ones that last. But when I can't afford these amazing shoes I usually go for Sanata Blochs :) SO HAPPY THEIR HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to buy Grishko Fouette Pro Flex (Hard Shank) until they were discontinued. I didn't care for the new Pro Flex shoe so I stopped by a dance store to try out some different brands.
The Grishko 2007 was ok, but these were perfect - they fit my feet like a glove. I wear a narrow width, slightly tapered box, deep vamp, high heel. I very rarely get blisters with these.
There's a few things that are different, versus a traditional shoe. I'm still not used to such an inflexible box, and they're hard to sew - with Grishkos you can normally sew through the liner, but with these you have to sew all the way through the satin because the liner isn't separate. I don't want to sew over the drawstring. Any suggestions?
I can do "quick releves" - i.e. those done in a fouette - a lot easier in these shoes - more support, and they don't deteriorate. It was awful trying to break in the shanks on my Grishkos - they were rock hard. Medium shanks did not provide enough support for me.
They last a lot longer, too. I went a year and a half with my first pair of Gaynors, versus 3 months with a pair of Grishkos. (I take pointe once a week for an hour).
I have been in Pointe for a year and have gone through 9 pairs in just my first year! I have extended classes and take a special training division for ballet. These were not my favorite, but I defiantly would wear them again. I have correct alignment but have issue with these shoes hurting my big toe. I found wearing toe pads, even though you don't have to, helps. These shoes lasted 3 months while the others last about a month! It is true these shoes NEVER die, but the tip wears so much it starts to show plastic which is VERY dangerous to dance on. I highly recommend you get them professionally fit for you first time, because there are SO MANY different options that even though they fit okay they could most likely fit better! If you chose to get these shoes and buy them at the store, save the code so you can buy the right size here!
I think they are great for beginners, as they promote proper alignment. There is no way you're going to round off that box if you sickle, and the shoes tend to be self-correcting. Obviously, they're good for pros and more advanced dancers if they are properly fitted. They're also such an easy shoe to wear. The only complaint I have about them is after sweating in them, they reek like nothing I've never smelled before. Letting them dry out and spraying some Febreze and antifungal spray in them seems to take care of this issue, though.
Yes, although these shoes can make you feel "secure," they are not good for your feet. I wore them once, and my arches dropped considerably. It was not a fitting problem because I had them fit in the Gaynor Minden store. After wearing them, I switched back to traditionally made shoes three quartered shoes and my feet are gradually getting better. These are shoes that should ONLY be worn by a professional dancer because otherwise your feet will become to reliant on them and you won't gain any strength.
I've been wearing Gaynor Minden for about a year and absolutely love them. I love how I am able to focus on my technique and alignment instead of fighting with my shoe. I feel secure knowing my shoe isn't going to weaken or break, and the flatness in the box of these is flawless. Also, being a girl who hates toe pads of any kind, these are a dream come true. I can see however how people would say they are a cheater shoe. After years of fighting with various brands to find the right fit, or hours of customizing and breaking in shoes for comfort, fit and noise reduction, I almost did feel like I was cheating by not having to do all that.They absoulutely do not cheat your feet though. I still use the same muscles in my feet and legs and don't rely on the shoe to do the work for me. Any shoe can "cheat" you if you let it. Shoes that are too soft will make your foot look amazing, but risk injury, and super hard shoes will hold your weight for you. It's up to the dancer to do the right thing for themselves. We don't need to suffer to be artists!
I am a beginner on Pointe and I love these shoes. I didn't buy them from discount dance but actually went to the GM headquarters in NYC. Definitely get them fitted and be careful, if you have a good arch even the Extra Flex (second hardest) may be too soft. I am a vegetarian and won't wear leather so GM actually custom ordered them with non-leather soles.... plus you don't have to order like 6 pairs minimum like with some other brands. The color is a little hard to match so I suggest buying the GM ribbon and elastic, but some people may not prefer it. For padding I use an ouch pouch Jr. and got the GM Totally Toes kit that was only about 5 dollars and they hardly hurt and you can still feel the floor. They are definitely not a bad shoe but you should get them fitted for your first pair and make sure the shank is not too hard when you buy them. Also you may want to get a breathable mesh bag because the one that comes with them is very close knit and not breathable at all.... but over all extremely good shoes.
I've been on pointe for 4 years and cannot find the right shoe for me, until I tried on this shoe. And honestly it was like heaven, I LOVE it!!! I've had sooooo many different pointe shoes probably about 15 different kinds and NOTHING worked for me because of the shape of my foot. I've had these for about a month and love them, and they really are perfect for me because of the narrow heel and the wide box. Also these could last you a very long time, and that's why they cost so much compared to other pointe shoes. And don't listen to other people saying that it's a cheater shoe because it's definitely not. I'm very glad I gave this shoe a shot, because all my friends were telling me that its like cheating, but they make your feet look beautiful, and I would certainly recommend this shoes to almost anyone.
I've been in pointe for a little less than a year and these are the absolute best shoes. I bought the hardest shank Gaynor Minden makes even though I am a beginner and they work great. Even though they say they don't break-in they really do. When I first got GM's I could barely get on point without having bent ugly knees. Now I am getting on pointe with correct alignment and straight legs. I would completely recommend these to any one especially beginners.
If you are looking for more information on how they are made go to Gaynor Minden's website it tells you everything you need to know.
Gaynors were o.k. for me, and my teacher did in fact recommend them. But the first time I danced on them and took them off, I felt no pain what so ever!!! But soon I realized that Gaynors are to be used for 1 big show and one show only. And they are ridiculously overpriced. For me, I get a new pair about 1 every 2 weeks and they just cost too much.
The great thing about gm is that they are not a traditional shoe: they are made out of foam instead of glue and cardboard which makes them so much easier to dance in. I can now do doubles on pointe which I couldn't do in normal shoes. I switched to gm 3 months ago and there's no turning back!
I HATE this shoe. Without a doubt, the worst shoe I've ever gotten and the most expensive! I got this shoe thinking it would be easier on my humongous bunion- but it just made my toes seem to curl under and made it hard for me to do multiple releves on one foot, not to mention fouettes! ugh! NEVER AGAIN.
It does not wear and tear like other shoes. A bit painful on the sole of the foot because it forces your foot to arch. Better for performance because it looks nice on the feet and is more comfortable. Don't get it for your first pair so your feet will strengthen first.
I love performing in these, but I prefer to stick to my Grishkos for practice to keep working on the strength of my feet and technique. Aesthetically, the colour and shape are quite nice. I have them in the Supple and Extra Flex and want to try the Hard Shank next.
This shoe is what you call amazing! I have been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes for approximately 2 years. They help articulate and strengthen the feet. This pointe shoe can last for months at a time. Talk about saving money on pointe shoes! In addition, to making feet stronger, Gaynor's are easy to break in and can truly make a dancer shine on stage. Many famous professional ballet dancers wear these shoes including Gillian Murphy (American Ballet Theatre) and Erica Cornejo (Boston Ballet). I suggest you chose Gaynor Minden over the tradition pointe shoe.
I absolutely love these shoes. No need for padding and no need to break in. Just get, sew, and go on stage. PERFECT for performance. :)
I have completely flat feet, and Gaynor Mindens are the only shoes that give me the support I need. I also love the many specific tweaks you can order to make the shoes just right for YOUR own feet.
These are by far the best shoes I have purchased. I love them! I used to go through 3 or 4 pairs of shoes a semester and now I have worn my Gaynor Mindens for a whole year! I do not think that these shoes are cheat shoes. I would recommend these shoes to all dancers!
I love these pointe shoes they are so comfortable. These are awesome.
The Gaynor Minden Sleek fit pointe shoe is even better than its original! I have a low arch so this shoe complements it very well. And it fits more snug on my foot so it looks great. It basically pampers your feet on stage and is good for beginners through pros!
My daughter has been in pointe for three years. Every three months we were buying new pointe shoes. The other brands (Freed, Bloch, and Leo's) just didn't hold up. The Gaynor Mindens we bought in January are still strong, have shape, and support. She does pointe year round. I'm glad her pointe teacher told us about these.
I started dancing on pointe in June and my teacher told me to get Gaynor Mindens and I absolutely love them. Of course I haven't tried any others but on the first I could dance the whole hour on them. They look really good on my feet. I do not think these are cheater shoes, and my feet have gotten increasingly stronger each class. I would recommend these shoes to all dancers!
I have very flexible feet, and these really accentuate my arches and make all my dancer friends jealous. However, I got the extra-flex, which is the second hardest shank I could purchase, and I find that they're flexible bordering on the point of being dangerous. When doing piqu� arabesques or �chapp�s I always have the horrible feeling that the shoe is going to snap in half and take my ankle with it. So if you have nice arches these shoes will accentuate them, but be careful about injury if your ankles are not strong enough.
I use these shoes all the time. I had some problems with them during my first year of pointe but I always ended up going back to them. They are really the perfect shoe for me. The only bad thing about them, is that the satin is really thick and hard to sew through, but they last a lot longer than any other shoes that I have used. They are so comfortable, that I don't even need to use toe pads.
I'm not sure I like these shoes. They are certainly more comfortable than traditional shoes, but you definitely lose strength wearing them. (When I switched back to traditionals for one class, I had trouble getting up on them.) Plus the fact that they are pre-arched is kind of weird, especially if you have a higher arch, because the built-in arch is low. They look weird on my feet but that's just me. So overall, they're okay, especially because they last FOREVER, but I definitely prefer my Capezios.
My friend has these shoes and I wore them once at class, they were amazing!!! They are a lot easier to work with than other pointe shoes. These are A MUST HAVE!!! I am definitely going to get them! If you order these shoes you won't regret it!!!
I have used both Blochs and Freeds, but Gaynor Mindens have been the best by far. They actually feel like an extension of my foot rather than a shoe, which really shows in my dancing. Another great thing about them is I don't need any padding except for the box liners from GM which work wonders. Turning in these shoes is much easier too; it's more effortless. Some people say that they decrease your strength by allowing you to spring en pointe, but I disagree. I have tried on my old Freeds and Blochs, and I still can dance in them with the same amount of ankle strength and such, but it feels so different. Gaynor Mindens make dancing feel more natural and not so forced. You have to try them to believe it. I was hesitant about trying them, but I am so glad I did.
Note: I first tried dancing in Gaynor Mindens without padding; this is a bad idea! It gives awful blisters and sore toes. I highly suggest the box liners, but other padding works too if that's what your comfortable with.
They look stunning, but they SPOIL you.
Unfortunately, after switching back to Blochs, my feet were discernibly weaker, and I think it was the shoes. They do seem to "prop and spring" you up onto pointe, and your feet work considerably less.
These shoes may make my feet look really good, but it's not worth all the pain!!! After my first few classes en pointe, my big toenail started bruising and it has gotten WORSE! Now, I have bruises on the BOTH big toenails! It's very frustrating, since Nutcracker is opening in less than a week, and I can't even do a three minute dance without walking away in pain!
I absolutely love these shoes! I've had the same pair for two years! When they start getting dirty I just throw them in the washing machine! THESE LAST FOREVER! When the shank starts getting worn down I just blow dry the shank and they stiffen up like new!
The second these shoes arrived I ripped open the box and tried them on. I must tell you, my feet haven't felt so good in a LONG time. I ordered the supple shank and was very pleased with them. The high vamp provided me with plenty of support (I need a high vamp because of feet issues) the shank flattered my arch when I pointed and quickly molded to my feet so they look even better than the first time I wore them. But you must be careful! I often switch back to my capezios so my feet can keep on becoming strong. Also, the fabric on the inside is so soft that the heel of the shoe would slip off when I wore tights underneath. I quickly fixed the problem with a pair of heel grippers. You can buy them online or make your own. Finally, many big-name companies don't let you wear Gaynors in their school if you go there over the summer because although the shoes look great and make almost no sound, they do not train your feet as well as any other shoes. Still, they are my show and rehearsal shoes and I (and several of my friends) are completely head over heals for them.
These shoes are the best pointe shoes EVER! I've been known to have a weak left ankle, and, although it has somewhat affected my dancing, these shoes take care of the rest. At first I had some Veronese shoes, but I switched to Gaynor Minden and would never dream of going back. They are so easy to dance in, and very adaptable to my feet. I wouldn't trade them for anything.
I absolutely love these pointe shoes. I have had mine for almost three years and they are still working for me. Even though they are no longer pink (in fact they are almost black), the fabric is coming apart (because I have worn them so much), and you can see the box (which is blue) I still love these shoes and I wouldn't think about changing them (even though mom fusses at me because they aren't as pretty as a new pair would be)...
I love these pointe shoes! They have really made a difference in my dancing. I used to have Grishko 2007s and I hated pointe. Now I really like it because these shoes are so soft and flexible. I've had them for about 3 or 4 months now. I would definitely recommend these shoes!
Gaynor Mindens are great shoes if you can't afford custom shoes and can't find shoes that are truly suited to your foot type. I decided to consider Gaynors after trying to find a shoe that really fit great and thanks to the choices you have with these shoes, I've finally found the shoe that works for me - narrow width, #2 box, sleek heel. I have never found a comparable pointe shoe. It's great Gaynor Minden has so many options.
I also think the colour is perfect and that they really do last long; they're a very well made shoe. The several shank options are convenient too. You DEFINITELY need to be fitted for these - the fitters at the New York boutique are sooo helpful and nice if you can get there, and you can call them as well for extra assistance.
I have tried every brand/ style of pointe shoe out there. I have also suffered many injuries due to former pointe shoes I have worn. The older paste style shoes just wouldn't hold up for me, they would get soft too fast, especially wearing them for hours upon hours in the studio during the summer. I ended up with black toe nails, which eventually fell off and grew ingrown, requiring surgery. Also, I have a high arch and have actually broken the older style shanks, resulting in tendonitis. With Gaynor Minden's, all my problems have been solved and my technique has greatly improved - not having too worry about your shoes during a performance is priceless. You can focus on your artistry and technique! Thank you Eliza!
Gaynor Mindens are the best pointe shoes EVER! I recommend to have your shoes fitted by a professional. The only bad thing that I didn't like was the box of the pointe shoe. I had to keep taping my toes so I wouldn't get any blisters. I can't wait to buy these shoes again!
I strongly recommend Gm's!!! They are very supportive and absolutely NOT a cheat shoe! I have read some of the other reviews and I think most people didn't get the right shank or vamp size. No pointe shoe is going to "magically" make you stay up en pointe!!! I recently decided to try a pair of traditional pointe shoes and right away, I got a sprained tendon in my foot. Granted, I was annoyed because they felt like they were working against my feet. Wearing traditional pointe shoes just isn't worth getting injuries.
I love Gaynor Mindens. For people who have really high arches, like me, they are so nice because they bend into every curve of your foot.
These are sooo comfortable. They have padding in the heel and toe so you can wear them without pads and your feet wont hurt! However, they don't work your feet and make them stronger.
For me, Gaynor Mindens were the absolute worst. I had them fitted properly by a trained professional, but they caused me terrible pain and I never felt like I was over my shoe. I have long toes and strong arch. I always felt like my strong feet were doing battle with these shoes. I had two pairs and I ended up giving both of them away because I couldn't stand them. Many people I've danced with swear by these shoes, but, based on my experience, I would not recommend them.
I was a serious dancer when I was young, but nowadays, I only dance as a part of my fitness routine. Naturally, my feet are not as strong as I would like them to be, but thanks to GM, I can dance semi-decently in these shoes. However, because they offer pre-arched shank, I find it awkward when standing in flat. If you like to feel the floor when you are en pointe, you will need to use the lightest toe pads. Also, as many mentioned, I don't think they are aesthetically pleasing shoes, especially if your feet are wide. Their vamps and wings make your feet look flat and wide when not en pointe. The satin fabric is also too shiny for my taste. That being said, if you are a "leisure" dancer like me with proper training in the past, and if you wish to get by your pointe class with less pain, these shoes are suitable. They are definitely not for young dancers in training.
AMAZING! These are the only kinds of pointe shoes that I can dance in.
This should be the only pointe shoe dancers wear.
If you prefer to feel as if you are sluggishly stretching and working nothing when up on pointe, I would highly suggest Gaynor Mindens. Also if you prefer a shoe that looks rather odd on most feet and is adorned with the most synthetic pink satin color, then these are for you. Call me picky but my Gaynor Mindens were a major let-down.
These are the pointe shoes that the studio owner had us get and I don't regret it. I have no arch�my foot is as flat as a board. I got the ultra-flex and she made me get a different shank. I had to get supple even though I waited TWO MONTHS. These are the BEST.
Even though these are the only pair of pointe shoes I've ever worn, they are by far the best brand ever!First of all, you don't need to break them in. Also, the tip of the box is flat, not rounded, so you can always be on your pointe. They support your foot, but they DO NOT do all the work for you! They are also fine for beginners. My teacher has us wear them because they are good for anyone's feet and are custom fitted too. All the different sizes of boxes, vamps, and hardness are perfect to get the fit you need. GAYNORS ROCK!!!
Yes, these shoes are comfortable. Yes, these shoes last a long time. Yes, these shoes do not take too long to form to your feet. I definitely DO NOT recommend these shoes. They are pre-arched, therefore doing all the work for you when you are en pointe. They don't work your feet AT ALL. When you no longer use these shoes, your feet will feel different. Wanna know why? Because you have lost strength! You'll hardly be able to get over a shoe that isn't a "cheat shoe". At my studio, we're not even allowed to get these shoes anymore! And we're not the only ones. Many dance stores in my area have stopped selling them or supporting them in any way. Please, please, PLEASE consider before buying these shoes.
I have been reading some of these reviews and I am surprised to read people writing about the Shank needing to break-in or nor breaking in properly. Hello people, GMs do not break in. They are as is. I just purchased a pair and am going back to pointe after an injury. I thought these would be a life saver, but I am having issues. First of all, they were fitted too narrow in the box. My foot is wide in the front and narrow in the back and the 3 box is cramming my toes. I have a 4 box ordered and will try them. These shoes are the most beautiful of any I have worn. They look very sleek and elegant. The supple shank is fabulous and makes my low arches look lovely. I feel stronger and the shoes are so light and quiet. I highly recommend them if you get the right fit. But I don't think they work for everyone and maybe not for me either. I find the box not long enough and not supportive enough and I have the deep vamp. If you have short toes, these would be perfect, but my feet are just normal. All in all, these are worth a try.
These shoes are the best thing that ever happened to me. Not only have they improved my alignment, but they have also made me work harder technically. Forget everything Gaynor haters have told you. Once at a technicaly advanced point in your career, these shoes will only help you achieve perfection! I would recomend them for any dancer not born with amazing feet!
My ankles have been severely inflamed with tendonitis for the past six months. I was having trouble rehearsing even one dance, full-out on pointe, because I was getting so weak and was in so much pain. I tried these as a last resort and my feet feel like they are in heaven. If you are injured, do yourself a favor and try these wonderful shoes. You don't even need toe pads.
What more can be said? I'm an older dancer ... actually coming back after many years off (married,family) I've tried MANY pointe shoes. Most of them broke-in well then DIED after a month! I was worried that coming back after the years, this shoe would not give me the support needed( body changes with age and kids). So I started with Grishkos --great shoe but you will need several pairs due to the 3- day dry out time (figured that out the hard and expensive way)...($50-$80 a pair x 3 = $150 -$240) I tried others as well (some good, some a waste of $). The GM is a unique shoe and I had tried these on before with my fitter. I fell in love with them (wrong size box in stock) ... so I went to the GM website, researched, placed and ordered( with DDS). I was MOST impressed when the company called me to confirm the proper fit, they actually spent TIME asking Important questions. WOW! NO OTHER COMPANY has EVER done that! As a dancer, I was impressed. As a parent of two dancers, I was more impressed due to the fact I am not wasting money. The shoe fit to a tee! Looks? Unless your CONSTANTLY on stage and there are "important" critics out there, who cares? Are you dancing better than ever? (I am) Are you enjoying NO "better comfort",(no blisters, bad toenails --I am). Support? Read the comments from the pros out there! They are right on!!! Ladies ... Ballet is a WORK of art. IF you are using your body correctly, then it will not matter what shoe(unless your shoe is improperly fitted, which I find a lot). Granted, some are better for some feet than others, but I would recommend them to all. As a dancer and a mother of two dancers!
I like these shoes, but only for adagio and jumps.
Turns? No way!
They just don't turn well.
I have a really high arch and these shoes never really broke in, but I prefer regular pointe shoes.
These were my first pair of pointe shoes, but they are great. They have a soft bottom. Which makes them very comfortable. They come in small sizes too.
My daughter has gone through almost every pointe shoe there is. GM has been the best so far. They hold up longer than any other pointe shoe in the past and they are fairly easy to break in.
OK, well, I LOVE my Gaynor Mindens to death and the only bad thing I can say about them is that they are quite boxy. And they make SOME people's feet look boxy, big, flat, or unattractive. For others, their feet look beautiful, professional, and look like they aren't working to balance, etc. For people who think that beginners shouldn't wear them, they are right. UNLESS the person has EXTREMELY strong feet. And, if you think these shoes are "cheat shoes" or "easy pointe shoes", there is no such thing; If you are wearing a properly sized shoe, and are using them properly. GMs are the only pair of pointe shoes I have kept for half a year.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Weak beginners, people who are looking for "cheat shoes"
RECOMMENDED FOR: People who have strong feet, good arches, break paste shoes within 3-6 practices.
I used to love Capezio Contemporas; when I discovered Gaynor Mindens in 1999, I put the Contemporas away. I became a stronger dancer in GMs, and my rate of injury went way down. That's really important to remember as we grow older, and look at the statistics: one out of every one dancer will grow older!
Gaynor Minden pointe shoes help you to feel the floor much better--you might not even need anything in the shoes except your foot. Just try some bourees in a pair of properly fitted GMs; there's no way to describe the difference until you do. GMs are also quieter, & they won't fall apart if you get them wet! The complainers haven't read the GM manual & don't understand how these pointe shoes are supposed to fit & work, and how important the custom fitting really is. Some people want to be stuck in a previous age & call advances in technology "cheating". That's like saying that facemasks on football helmets are cheating because they didn't have them a century ago . . . So please remember to read the manual, don't judge without having all the facts, and above all, be kind! Your audience watches you offstage too.
This is my longest lasting pointe shoe to date. I have been on pointe for about four years and have gone through endless pairs of shoes. I do not recommend this shoe for beginners though. I think it is still best to learn to roll through your feet in traditional pointe shoes, as this may be hard to do on GMs, unless you already have strong feet. The main reason I decided to make the switch was because I used to need a new pair of shoes each month. This is because my feet are arched and sweaty, and I dance about 2-3 hours everyday. Upon switching to GMs, I noticed that they supported my feet more and prevented me from "going over to far". I disagree with others saying these are cheater shoes. If you choose the appropriate stiffness for your strength, solid technique and no sense of reliance on these shoes, they will in fact make you stronger.
I absolutely hateeee Gaynors, but I do wear them- haha. They're cheater shoes, and they are too soft for my feet [I have a high arch]. For girls who don't,I recommend these =]
I've had Gaynor Minden pointe shoes for a couple of years now, they are amazing. I feel very confident in them and that they will support me, no complaints about this shoe, I love them.
These shoes are so beautiful. They are very comfortable, and they don't give me pain like the other pointe shoes!
I love this shoe. I have tried many but this is the one. It really defines my foot and helps me strengthen my technique. You guys are great.
These shoes are only "cheater" pointe shoes if you allow them to be. That's why you are not supposed to get the shank too stiff, because it CAN prop you up instead of working your way up to the platform, but it won't do that if you are properly fitted and if the shank is the right stiffness. They are only "cheater" pointe shoes to those who cheat. I love this shoe, it lasts forever (not literally!). And no, my feet aren't weak, because I use my shoes correctly. I am not trying to diss other people, I'm just trying to explain that these shoes aren't fake, and they are truly great if you aren't lazy.
You really can't get a shoe that is better than this. Seriously. They are so comfortable, you don't even need toe pads! And don't believe what everyone else says about these being 'cheater shoes', 'fake pointe shoes' or anything else like that. The only reason people talk about them like that is because their feet are not strong enough to roll through them. You kinda have to have strong feet to work the shoe. A lot of people also say that these shoes are bad. They are not bad. You just have to be a good dancer to make them work. If you are not a good dancer, no shoe will be good for you. Trust me. These will not make pointe easier (nothing ever will) but they are pretty much the best you can get. Wow. That was definitely the longest review that I've ever written!
I have really stiff feet and ankles and I absolutely love that it is no longer a check-every-time-to-see-if-I'm-on-my-box-or-not situation. They are definitely not for beginners; I got mine after 2 1/2 years of pointe. Rolling through demi-pointe can be a bit of a hassle though. Otherwise, these shoes are MARVELOUS.
My favorite shoe ever. I will never use another!
I wasn't able to get all the way on my box with Repettos, my teacher says, because of the way my feet and toes are shaped. I have a very long foot with short and even toes. My toes don't even taper at all. I switched to Gaynor and was able to get all the way on my box and other than my big toenail being sore (even with pads) they are comfy. I'm trying to find the right pads to relieve pressure on my nail. But other than that, these shoes are easy to work in and beautiful. Hope that helps...
Gaynor Mindens are perfect for specific kinds of feet. If the shoe feels too mushy or doesn't flatter your foot, it doesn't mean it's a bad shoe, it just means they aren't right for you. I, however, love them. I have always had trouble finding shoes that look good with my rather weak arch and narrow foot. GMs look the best on me by far and are comfortable and quiet. And they HAVE NOT made my feet weaker!! If anything my feet have gotten stronger and now have a better arch. I find them VERY supportive and they last an incredibly long time, so they are worth the extra money! My only complaint is that they don't breath very well and can have a numbing effect on my toes. I have been on pointe for 6 years now and can say from experience, that these are wonderful shoes, if you have the right feet for them.
My GMs are my first pointe shoes ever, I just got them last year. I have the worst feet a dancer can have: wide, flat, and a pointe that looks like your feet are flexed! My teacher suggested I get pointe shoes to weaken my feet and to make them more flexible, so I did. I LOVE MY GMs. They are so flexible, which gives me the perfect support for my none flexible feet. Since my feet are wide, the #4 is the perfect, not to mention widest box of all pointe shoes for my very wide feet. Also, I'm seeing the shape of my feet change from using pointe shoes. I don't think I'll ever try a different type of pointe shoes! Gaynor Mindens are the best!
I have never actually danced in GMs, but I tried a pair on and they felt like high quality athletic shoes (with no padding). If you are like me and go through traditional shoes quickly, these are a perfect shoe. If you are worried about GMs making your feet weaker, switch off between traditional pointe shoes and these. That way you get the benefits of traditional shoes and the comfort and longevity of GMs. Also, these shoes are very easy to get over if you have an injury, like tendonitis, or very inflexible feet.
I've been doing pointe for now 3 years, and I've tried a few different pairs of shoes and these are by far the best yet! They support very well and look very nice and last longer than others. I am definitely buying these again!
Positively a great shoe. I've only been on pointe about 3 1/2 years but until last year, I had always used traditional shoes. I had strong feet and a high arch but my feet were very skinny, especially my ankles, but my toes and balls of my feet are wide and stocky. As a result, traditional shoes were so painful because in order for the majority of the shoe to fit, I had to squeeze in my toes and balls, so going on relevee or even demi- pointe was excruciatingly painful. Finally, I got GM and they are a miracle shoe! And by the way, my feet are just as strong. But get them professionally fitted!
I wore Gaynors for about a year and they were pretty good, because they accentuated my high arch plus, they were very comfortable. I have switched to Sansha since, because my heels often slipped out of the shoe and I found myself working much harder with the Sanshas because Gaynors, as someone else said, "cheat". Pros: Last longer than other shoes and are comfortable. Cons: They are rather boxy and you don't build as much strength as you would in a "regular" pointe shoe.
I wore these for about a year. In that year, I lost most of my strength and got Achilles tendinitis in both legs. They're nice for performances because they don't need broken in and they look nice on most feet. But for everyday wear, DO NOT WEAR THEM. I've known many people that became weak and injured from wearing them everyday. Definitely a performance shoe, NOT FOR BEGINNERS OR THOSE WHO ARE WEAK.
These are the best shoes I've ever tried. I would suggest these to those who don't have as flexible feet. They have helped me.
I wore one pair of GMs. I think that they were fitted too small, which actually displaced the shank, and bunched up the inside fabric. I don't have banana feet, so since these shoes are very soft, they made me knuckle slightly all the time. Definitely get these fitted professionally, where they have a lot of combinations in stock.
I absolutely love these shoes! They are the best thing a dancer could ever hope for!!! They are so comfortable and easy to work with. I would recommend these to any newcomer on pointe. They feel one with your feet, not at all boxy and odd. Basically they are just great to work with and are super comfortable.
Contrary to what others may say, I believe that this is a great shoe for beginners. I started with these for about 5 years and I can wear just about any shoe I want. I've worn Grishkos, Blochs, and now I wear Freeds. The problem with these shoes though, are that if you have a wide foot like mine, you need a 4 box and they do not taper the toe, so it looks ugly and blocky. Overall, good shoe for beginners.
While very comfortable, they take some getting used to, after spending the past 20 years in paste shoes. The platform is enormous (twice the size of my paste shoes), despite the tapered box. Still easy to turn in, though I don't feel as much support for a full 32 fouette sequence, as I do in my beloved Grishkos. I would NEVER suggest these for beginners, as they provide just enough support for feet which are strong enough to hold their own on pointe anyway and no more. But for experienced dancers, they can be a comfortable treat for the feet after a long season in hard paste shoes.
(re: #3 box & suppleflex shank) Very comfortable! I was amazed at how painless doing hops on pointe was in these shoes. The box is great for those with very wide metatarsals but tapered toes. The shank is highly responsive yet supportive for those with strong feet. It gaps horribly on demi-pointe (even in the N width with tightened drawstring), and creates an odd line overall. I have a very high arch, but it doesn't look as good in these shoes. I caution against using them for beginners, as it would NOT help to build up strength with the sup shank. The box is also so light and flexible that it inhibits building strength. I did not, however, feel "propped up" or that the shoe did the work for me as others have claimed, though I do agree that it can make pointe "too easy" for new students (which will only harm them in the long run).
This is by far the most comfortable, easy-to-love shoe. Unfortunately, it "props" your feet, letting them be lazy. Sure, you will love these shoes, but they are not for students looking to create strong feet. 5 stars for comfort, 1 for strengthening and foot development.
It is fabulous! The best I have ever worn. Very comfrotable for a point shoe :)


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Charlie Lockwood studied Ethnomusicology at Vanderbilt University, where he explored the music traditions of Ghana, Uganda and South Africa. In 2006, Charlie conducted field research in Khayelitsha, a township of Cape Town, South Africa, working with youth theater for development activists and learning gumboot or isicathulo dance. He earned an M.A. in Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he played the 'ud (Arab short-necked fretless lute) in the UCSB Middle East Ensemble, directed by Dr. Scott Marcus, one of the foremost scholars of the Arab maqamat system. In July 2010, Charlie traveled to Cairo, Egypt with the UCSB Middle East Ensemble to play a series of concerts at the Cairo Opera House. At UCSB Charlie performed, studied, and taught a wide array of music and cultural traditions, and now performs in Austin with Atlas Maior and the Austin Global Orchestra, directed by Roberto Riggio. At Texas Folklife, he writes foundation, corporate, and government grant proposals, and manages grant awards, corporate solicitations, fundraising events, and coordates fiscal sponsorships for unincorporated organizations or individual artists. He also works closely with Texas Folklife's programs including Apprenticeships in the Folk & Traditional Arts, Foodways: A Place at the Table, a statewide survey of Texas food traditions, and Stories from Deep in the Heart youth radio documentary training program, which teaches AISD students and teachers to document their family, community and cultural traditions through audio stories. For the past several years, Charlie has been coordinating an archival preservation project to organization, digitize and ultimately dessimnate 30 years of Texas Folklife's rich archival holdings. In 2014 he co-produced Traditional Music of Texas Vol. 1: Fiddle Recordings from the Texas Folklife Archives, a compilation album of digitized audio cassette recordings from Texas Folklife's archive collection. In 2015 Charlie received the Community Sabbatical Research Award from the University of Texas at Austin Humanities Institute, to research historic and contemporary Texas regional music recordings.
Twitter/Instagram: @arborealthoreau

subset: commoncrawl


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Westerdam Cruise Review by dontworry: Pluses on the Westerdam
Overall Member Rating
Pluses on the Westerdam
Destination: Alaska
Embarkation: Seattle
We love HAL and have completed 10 Cruises with 3 of them just this year with 1 more to do in Dec. Greatest Cruise Line ever. On our 24 Aug. Alaska Cruise there were a few pluses that made the Cruise even more efficient than ever.
For the mandatory emergency drill on the first day they scanned the room cards to see who was there rather than having to listen to crew members wailing over loudspeakers 30 feet in every direction. This greatly speeded up the process and made it painless. On a few decks there were kiosks where you could book your excursions from there. I'm not sure if you could print the tickets right then and there but you could book the excursions and have the tickets delivered to your cabin. This proved to be very handy for many. At the Mariners Luncheon the Captain and members of his crew stood up front and greeted everyone as they entered the MDR with a loud and cheery good afternoon in at least 6 languages. Nice touch. The dis-embarkation process was the More smoothest that I have experienced. As everyone knows you get a ticket with a number/letter and a colour. They only made one announcement during the entire process. Your dis-embarkation was at such and such a time and that was when you showed up at the platform. There were no announcements of this colour/number could leave. People only showed up at their time and there was never any crowds or further announcements. It was a breeze. And there waiting at the end of the gangway was at least 10 crew members, including the Cruise Director wishing you safe travels. Very well done indeed. I was greatly impressed. Less
Published 09/20/13
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The early days of my life as a real estate writer were dominated by a number of issues, notably "active-adult" housing.
In the 1960s, these were called retirement communities, and they were in Arizona and Florida. Grandma and Grandpa moved there and played golf every day.
The first time I wrote about it, an editor asked whether "inactive adult" housing was what was found at Laurel Hill Cemetery, especially at those marble mausoleums overlooking Kelly Drive at Hunting Park Avenue.