Widths and Boxes
Gaynor Minden offers three different width and box styles.The width, which refers to the girth measurement taken around the metatarsal, is available in Narrow, Medium, and Wide. The box styles number, which refers to the size and shape of the box, is available in #2, #3, and #4. Most shoe sizes are available in all three widths, and many are available with different box styles as well.
Shanks
Gaynor Minden shanks are made from a thermoplastic elastomeric material - not fibreglass, not cardboard, not leather. With few exceptions, traditional pointe shoes have shanks made from a paper product such as cardboard or fibreboard - hence the lack of durability. A Gaynor Minden shank can be shaped to provide a custom fit with the heat of an ordinary blow dryer, thus allowing the dancer to bend it in the desired spot without weakening it.
GAYNOR MINDEN SHANKS NEVER BREAK OR WEAKEN
Supple
(Very flexible shank.) is our all-around flexible, supple shank. This provides good support for strong dancers and lightweight dancers, and allows them to roll through demi-pointe easily. If the dancer is petite, a Supple usually gives ample support. If the dancer likes the demi-pointe in a Freed or a soft Chacotte, and if she likes half-shanks or cardboard-type shanks that break low, then she will probably prefer Supple. Also, if the dancer does not have a great deal of flexibility in her ankle, a Supple can help her "go over" more. However, inexperienced dancers should be cautious about overstretching their ankles in shanks that are too soft. Some students deliberately choose shoes that are too soft in order to make their feet appear more arched. This should be discouraged.
ExtraFlex
(Extra-flexible) is our medium/firm shank. This provides ample support for most dancers, and a slight springiness that helps the dancer rise up to pointe. If the dancer likes the shank in a Bloch, Repetto, firm Capezio or Grishko, then she will probably prefer Extraflex.
Hard
Gaynor Minden's hardest shank) is best for taller, larger dancers and/or dancers with big arches who easily break other shanks. The Hard with a Deep Vamp, heat-formed into a "3/4" configuration will provide the most support for this type of dancer, and it should prevent her from going over too far. It is preferred by dancers who need maximum support from their shoes, and can sacrifice some flexibility in rolling through demi-pointe.
Vamps
There are three vamps: Regular, Deep and Sleek. The vamp should always cover the toes, metatarsals and bunion joints. On most dancers it covers the front third of the foot. A vamp that covers half the foot is almost certainly too long.
Regular Vamp
In Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7, most dancers prefer the Regular Vamp. If the dancer has shorter toes or less flexibility in her ankle, sometimes the Regular Vamp will help her "go over" more.
Deep Vamp
In Gaynor Minden sizes 7.5 to 12, most dancers prefer the Deep Vamp. The Deep Vamp is one quarter of an inch longer at the throat than the Regular Vamp so that the shoe covers more of the foot. It is especially helpful for dancers with pronounced arches and/or long toes.
Sleek Vamp
Dancers whose feet are wide around the ball of the foot and narrow along the sides of the heel prefer the Sleek Vamp. This is our newest vamp and is available only in combination with the Sleek Heel to create a sleek, snug fit that hugs the foot.
Heel Heights
High Heel
This is Gaynor Minden's most popular heel cut in Gaynor Minden sizes 7.5 to 12. It is similar to the cut of a Russian shoe.
Regular Heel
This is Gaynor Minden's most popular heel cut in Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7. It is especially good for dancers with thin, fine-boned feet.
Sleek Heel
Created especially for dancers whose feet are wide around the ball of the foot and narrow along the sides of the heel. This is Gaynor Minden's newest heel and is available only in combination with the Sleek Vamp to create a sleek, snug fit that hugs the foot.
To order Gaynor Minden Pointe shoes, please select the pointe shoe size below. (Gaynor Minden pointe shoes run on an average of one whole size up from street shoe.)
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