Fitting Gaynor Minden pointe shoes is logical and easy to learn.
As in fitting conventional pointe shoes:
- You never fit with “room to grow.”
- The toe box must be snug. (Reason: a shoe that is too big cannot provide proper support.)
Unlike fitting conventional paste shoes:
- You allow 1/8” to 1/4” pinch (at the top of the heel by the drawstring casing) when on pointe.
(Reason: our satin does not stretch as much as conventional satin does.)
- You select a shoe stiffness that will never change; there is no “breaking in” or softening.
(Reason: our shanks and boxes are elastomeric; they never weaken.)
- A Gaynor Minden “size” consists of six variables; length is just one of them. You specify all six.
1. Determine length.
- Start with a length one size longer than the dancer’s U.S.
street shoe size.
- Demi-plié, deeply on one leg. The big toe should just touch
the end of the shoe. Pressure on the big toe indicates a
length too short or a box too wide.
- Stand on pointe. You should be able to pinch 1/8” to 1/4”
of material at the top of the heel by the drawstring casing.
If you can pinch more, try a half size shorter. If you cannot
pinch any material at all try a half size longer.
2. Determine width and box.
- Width is measured between the edge of the box and the
side seam. Minimize bagginess and gaping at the sides of
the shoe by using the narrowest width that still allows the
foot to slide into the box.
- The box should be snug and its appearance smooth. Its
edge should neither dig into the big toe joint nor end
abruptly just below it causing the joint to bulge. If
necessary, try a larger box or a wider width. If you change
to a wider box, try it first with a box liner to ensure a snug
fit; remove the liner if the box is still too tight.
- If the dancer’s forefoot is narrow try the #2 box, if average
the #3, if wide (and square) the #4. A compressible foot
often requires a smaller box.
3. Select stiffness and vamp.
- The shank should be stiff enough to allow the
dancer to maintain correct, comfortable
placement on pointe, but pliable enough to
achieve a high demi-pointe easily. Be sure the
shank is sufficiently flexible!
- Longer vamps add support. Vamps should always
cover toes completely–no visible cleavage.
