Pointe Shoe Question...?

Question

I have not started pointe yet, but i hopefully will next year. But i hear that everyone says the Gaynor Midens are cheater shoes...how is that? What are the best pointe shoes for someone with an egyptian shaped foot (my big toe is the longest) and a narrow foot? i was looking at Sasha's tapered toe pointe shoe, but are the good?

Answer 1

hmm i wore blochs with no problem. in fact, i could break in a pair in a week. but they probably won't suit your feet because they tend to be wider.

capezios are typically pretty narrow, along with grishkos. i've never tried sanshas but i've heard several good things about them. when you are ready for pointe, visit your local dance supply store and try on every pair to get an idea. and be aware that your feet will change as you continue to grow so you might change brands several times over the years.

as for gaynor mindens, the structure of the shoe is such that it does take some of the work out of dancing on pointe. but would you really want to sacrifice building that strength just so you can have an easier time? there is indeed padding in the shoe and the shank is extremely flexible. what this does is prevent you from having to work the shoe (during class) in order to break it in. it's a great idea in theory because pointe dancing can be painful and it's most definitely not natural (otherwise our toes would be stronger). but in reality, old-fashioned pointe shoes are the way to go because they force you to build strength in your ankles, legs, and hips.

good luck!

Answer 2

yeah Sansha is  good. so is Callizo

Answer 3

Gaynor aren't the best. they get really soft pretty quickly (in my opinion) and when that happens to new pointe dancers, they can give their parents a heart attack when they have to buy new pairs every 6 months. I've never worn Sansha's, but When i first got pointe shoes i wore Grishko, (i have egyptian whatever feet) and they were really nice. of course, though, everyone's feet are different and i would check with someone who could fit you for them and most likely will have the best knowledge on pointe shoes.

Answer 4

whatever you do dont get bloch!!!!!! they are a pointe dancers worst nightmare...they are like rocks and you cant break them in, i have grishko and i love them, and i have the same kinda foot as u. i personally think gaynor mindens are too expensive and they wear out easily like they dont last very long

good luck and happy pointeing lol

Answer 5

I have the same type of feet and I have worn Chacott's Veronese 2 for ever. They have minimal break in time and fit my feet very well. Gaynor Midens are considered cheater shoes because they are molded plastic and already have padding in them. If you want to build up muscle, these are NOT the shoes for you.

Answer 6

from what ive heard, gaynors have a lot of padding in them, and use plastic shanks etc as oppose to more traditional materials. apparently, it takes some of the work out of pointe...im not en pointe, so i dont fully understand it, but theres a group on facebook called "sweetie, take off those gaynors" that goes into the subject in great depth =p

Answer 7

gaynor mindens would be considered cheater shoes cuz theyre semi pre padded and partially broken in...

i like gaynor mindens cuz u dont have to waste like a month or two to break shoes in! theyre great for beginners! i dont like sashas personally... but its whatever you choose..if u want comfort id go with gaynor minden

gaynor minden has a variety of boxes, widths, heels and shanks so just go with ur gut

just remember i highly recommend gaynors! best shoes ive ever had!