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To submit your own review click here.
Reviews and ratings are submitted by visitors to this site. They do not reflect the opinion of Discount Dance Supply or its suppliers. Reviews may have been edited for spelling, punctuation and/or clarity without altering the intent of the review.
11/02/11 by Ashley
Better than Grishko
Rating: 5
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).
06/14/11 by Arya from Medway, Ohio
It is true these shoes NEVER die.
Rating: 3
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!
08/16/10 by frontline corps from New York
Never going back!
Rating: 5
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.
08/15/10 by concerned
Rating: 1
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.
07/29/10 by Mimi from Coral Springs, FL
Fabulous
Rating: 5
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!
06/09/10 by Dancer from Long Island, NY
Excellent
Rating: 5
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.
04/10/10 by Emily from Wilmington, Delaware
Best for me!!!
Rating: 5
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.
01/20/10 by Bama dancer
Best ever
Rating: 5
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.
01/20/10 by Anonymous
Rating: 3
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.
12/14/09 by Lizzy from New York
Rating: 5
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!
11/15/09 by Anonymous
Awful
Rating: 1
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.
11/14/09 by Anonymous
Rating: 5
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.
11/10/09 by Jem from Manila
Rating: 5
Reliable shoes for the serious dancers.
11/08/09 by Sable from Los Gatos, CA
Love these for performances
Rating: 5
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.
10/16/09 by Emily from New Jersey
Rating: 5
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.
10/12/09 by Klynn from Boulder, CO
Rating: 5
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. :)
10/11/09 by Olivia
The best pointe shoes EVER.
Rating: 5
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.
09/02/09 by Erica
BEST SHOES!
Rating: 5
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!
08/17/09 by Kate
Amazing
Rating: 5
I love these pointe shoes they are so comfortable. These are awesome.
08/16/09 by Kaneme
Even better than the original!
Rating: 5
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!
07/20/09 by Karen from LaGrange Park, IL
Best Pointe Shoe Daughter Has Danced In
Rating: 5
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.
07/06/09 by Jenn from New York
Ah-mazing!
Rating: 5
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!
05/18/09 by Rheanna from Wisconsin
Rating: 3
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 piqué arabesques or échappés 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.
04/12/09 by Anonymous
AMAZING!!!
Rating: 5
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.
03/30/09 by Bekz from New York
Ehh...
Rating: 3
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.
03/05/09 by Samantha
Great!
Rating: 5
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!!!
02/03/09 by Natalie
Amazing!
Rating: 5
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.
12/22/08 by Kira
from TexasRating: 3
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.
12/12/08 by Live, Love, Dance :)
Pain!
Rating: 2
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!
12/11/08 by Marisa from Miami
Ahhhmazing!
Rating: 5
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!
11/25/08 by Newpointshoes from Georgia
Rating: 5
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.
11/24/08 by Ile from San Juan, PR
Rating: 5
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.
10/31/08 by Laura
Best pointe shoes I have ever had!
Rating: 5
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)...
08/30/08 by Annie from California
Best pointe shoes EVER!
Rating: 5
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!
07/29/08 by Natalie from Long Island
Rating: 5
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.
07/20/08 by Colleen The Ballerina from Princeton, NJ
Best Pointe Shoe Made!
Rating: 5
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!
07/03/08 by Lindsey from Arizona
Perfect for beginners!
Rating: 5
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!
05/03/08 by Michelle from OK
Rating: 5
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.
04/05/08 by Lolo from Alaska
Rating: 5
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.
03/30/08 by Love2dance from California
The ultimate shoe!
Rating: 4
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.
02/12/08 by Jenny from Salt Lake City, UT
Not For Me
Rating: 1
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.
12/01/07 by Vicki from OK
Good and Bad
Rating: 3
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.
11/22/07 by Kate from SLC,UT
Rating: 5
AMAZING! These are the only kinds of pointe shoes that I can dance in.
08/20/07 by Anonymous
WOW!
Rating: 5
This should be the only pointe shoe dancers wear.
08/16/07 by Bethany from Oregon
Rating: 1
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.
08/13/07 by Mackenzie from Utah
These are the best
Rating: 5
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.
08/03/07 by Krista Lee from Connecticut
Rating: 5
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!!!
08/03/07 by DaiZ
Rating: 1
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.
05/23/07 by Laura from Pennsylvania
Beautiful Shoes
Rating: 3
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.
04/09/07 by Gayner lover from Boston
AMAZING!!!
Rating: 5
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!
03/30/07 by Carrie
AMAZING
Rating: 5
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.
03/22/07 by momandmeme
PERFECTO!
Rating: 5
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!
03/07/07 by Hannah from California
Rating: 3
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.
03/05/07 by Eden from Connecticut
Awesome
Rating: 4
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.
02/23/07 by Lynnie from Aspen,CO
Rating: 5
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.
02/16/07 by Ashley from Las Vegas
Good if your strong enough!
Rating: 4
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.
NOTE: DO NOT BUY THESE SHOES JUST FOR COMFORT UNLESS YOU'RE GOING TO WORK PROPERLY IN THEM!
02/11/07 by Nancy from Poway CA
Professional dancer, instructor, annotat
Rating: 5
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.
02/07/07 by Ilivetodance
Saves me money. :)
Rating: 5
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.
02/04/07 by Annie from New York
Rating: 2
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 =]
01/12/07 by Anonymous
Rating: 5
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.
12/24/06 by Melanie
Rating: 5
These shoes are so beautiful. They are very comfortable, and they don't give me pain like the other pointe shoes!
11/23/06 by Vangie
Rating: 5
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.
10/30/06 by K from California
Rating: 5
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.
09/24/06 by Anonymous from Philadelphia
The Best!
Rating: 5
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!
09/19/06 by Megan from Montana
Only for strong but stiff feet
Rating: 4
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.
09/18/06 by Jen from Dallas
Super
Rating: 5
My favorite shoe ever. I will never use another!
08/17/06 by Kasey from Texas
AWESOME
Rating: 5
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...
08/12/06 by Mari from New York
Rating: 5
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.
08/08/06 by Lola from Albany, NY
The Perfect Shoes For Me!
Rating: 5
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!
07/28/06 by Balletobsessed from North Carolina
Wow!
Rating: 4
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.
07/17/06 by Kayla from Ohio
Wonderful!
Rating: 5
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!
06/29/06 by Gabby
Five Stars Here!
Rating: 5
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!
06/19/06 by Jill from Ohio
Rating: 3
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.
06/03/06 by Rachel from Pittsburgh
Only for pros performing
Rating: 1
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.
05/31/06 by Anonymous
Rating: 4
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.
05/08/06 by Ali
Rating: 3
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.
05/08/06 by Danidancer28 from Wausau, WI
Amazing!
Rating: 5
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.
05/02/06 by N.S from California
Rating: 4
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.
04/20/06 by Hayley Fields Dance Company
Something completely different
Rating: 4
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.
04/12/06 by returning dancer
Rating: 3
(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).
04/01/06 by Anonymous
Not for beginners, unfortunately.
Rating: 3
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.
03/27/06 by Anonymous
Rating: 5
It is fabulous! The best I have ever worn. Very comfrotable for a point shoe :)
