Skip to content
dancer-prod
Navigation menu
Shop
Shoes
Pointe Shoes
Technique Slippers
Accessories
Pointe Essentials
Go Beyond The Barre
Dance Bags
Jewelry
View All »
Clothing
Leotards
Tights
Warmers
Tutus & Skirts
View All »
Fitting
Schedule a Fitting
Store Locator
Fitting Info
About Us
Our Shoes
What Makes Them Better
From the Designer
Medical Studies
Pointe Shoe FAQ
What the Pros Say
In The News
Our Company
Company History
Mission Statement
Meet the Team
NYC Boutique
Contact Us
About Our Logo
Ambassadors
Icons
Artists
Muses
Teachers & Directors
Balletopedia
Pointe Shoes
How a Pointe Shoe Works
Pointe Shoe Anatomy
Peek Inside
Sewing Ribbons & Elastic
Pointe Shoe Evolution
Ballet History
Courtly Origins
Rebels & Scandals
The Ethereal Woman
Pioneers of Pointe
In The Studio
Studio Etiquette
When To start Pointe
Hairdo How-To
Terms & Positions
Health
Cross Training & Injury Prevention
Eat Right
Health Links
Resources
Ballet Companies
Modern/Contemporary Companies
More Dance Companies
Organizations & Resources
University Dance
Dance Schools
Dance Websites and Blogs
Dancers
USD $
Country
Afghanistan (USD $)
Åland Islands (USD $)
Albania (USD $)
Algeria (USD $)
Andorra (USD $)
Angola (USD $)
Anguilla (USD $)
Antigua & Barbuda (USD $)
Argentina (USD $)
Armenia (USD $)
Aruba (USD $)
Ascension Island (USD $)
Australia (AUD $)
Austria (EUR €)
Azerbaijan (USD $)
Bahamas (USD $)
Bahrain (USD $)
Bangladesh (USD $)
Barbados (USD $)
Belarus (USD $)
Belgium (EUR €)
Belize (USD $)
Benin (USD $)
Bermuda (USD $)
Bhutan (USD $)
Bolivia (USD $)
Bosnia & Herzegovina (USD $)
Botswana (USD $)
Brazil (USD $)
British Indian Ocean Territory (USD $)
British Virgin Islands (USD $)
Brunei (USD $)
Bulgaria (EUR €)
Burkina Faso (USD $)
Burundi (USD $)
Cambodia (USD $)
Cameroon (USD $)
Canada (CAD $)
Cape Verde (USD $)
Caribbean Netherlands (USD $)
Cayman Islands (USD $)
Central African Republic (USD $)
Chad (USD $)
Chile (USD $)
China (USD $)
Christmas Island (USD $)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands (USD $)
Colombia (USD $)
Comoros (USD $)
Congo - Brazzaville (USD $)
Congo - Kinshasa (USD $)
Cook Islands (USD $)
Costa Rica (USD $)
Côte d’Ivoire (USD $)
Croatia (EUR €)
Curaçao (USD $)
Cyprus (USD $)
Czechia (EUR €)
Denmark (EUR €)
Djibouti (USD $)
Dominica (USD $)
Dominican Republic (USD $)
Ecuador (USD $)
Egypt (USD $)
El Salvador (USD $)
Equatorial Guinea (USD $)
Eritrea (USD $)
Estonia (EUR €)
Eswatini (USD $)
Ethiopia (USD $)
Falkland Islands (USD $)
Faroe Islands (USD $)
Fiji (USD $)
Finland (EUR €)
France (EUR €)
French Guiana (USD $)
French Polynesia (USD $)
French Southern Territories (USD $)
Gabon (USD $)
Gambia (USD $)
Georgia (USD $)
Germany (EUR €)
Ghana (USD $)
Gibraltar (USD $)
Greece (EUR €)
Greenland (USD $)
Grenada (USD $)
Guadeloupe (USD $)
Guatemala (USD $)
Guernsey (USD $)
Guinea (USD $)
Guinea-Bissau (USD $)
Guyana (USD $)
Haiti (USD $)
Honduras (USD $)
Hong Kong SAR (USD $)
Hungary (EUR €)
Iceland (EUR €)
India (USD $)
Indonesia (USD $)
Iraq (USD $)
Ireland (EUR €)
Isle of Man (USD $)
Israel (USD $)
Italy (EUR €)
Jamaica (USD $)
Japan (USD $)
Jersey (USD $)
Jordan (USD $)
Kazakhstan (USD $)
Kenya (USD $)
Kiribati (USD $)
Kosovo (USD $)
Kuwait (USD $)
Kyrgyzstan (USD $)
Laos (USD $)
Latvia (USD $)
Lebanon (USD $)
Lesotho (USD $)
Liberia (USD $)
Libya (USD $)
Liechtenstein (USD $)
Lithuania (USD $)
Luxembourg (USD $)
Macao SAR (USD $)
Madagascar (USD $)
Malawi (USD $)
Malaysia (USD $)
Maldives (USD $)
Mali (USD $)
Malta (USD $)
Martinique (USD $)
Mauritania (USD $)
Mauritius (USD $)
Mayotte (USD $)
Mexico (USD $)
Moldova (USD $)
Monaco (USD $)
Mongolia (USD $)
Montenegro (USD $)
Montserrat (USD $)
Morocco (USD $)
Mozambique (USD $)
Myanmar (Burma) (USD $)
Namibia (USD $)
Nauru (USD $)
Nepal (USD $)
Netherlands (EUR €)
New Caledonia (USD $)
New Zealand (AUD $)
Nicaragua (USD $)
Niger (USD $)
Nigeria (USD $)
Niue (USD $)
Norfolk Island (USD $)
North Macedonia (USD $)
Norway (USD $)
Oman (USD $)
Pakistan (USD $)
Palestinian Territories (USD $)
Panama (USD $)
Papua New Guinea (USD $)
Paraguay (USD $)
Peru (USD $)
Philippines (USD $)
Pitcairn Islands (USD $)
Poland (EUR €)
Portugal (EUR €)
Qatar (USD $)
Réunion (USD $)
Romania (USD $)
Russia (USD $)
Rwanda (USD $)
Samoa (USD $)
San Marino (USD $)
São Tomé & Príncipe (USD $)
Saudi Arabia (USD $)
Senegal (USD $)
Serbia (USD $)
Seychelles (USD $)
Sierra Leone (USD $)
Singapore (USD $)
Sint Maarten (USD $)
Slovakia (USD $)
Slovenia (USD $)
Solomon Islands (USD $)
Somalia (USD $)
South Africa (USD $)
South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (USD $)
South Korea (USD $)
South Sudan (USD $)
Spain (EUR €)
Sri Lanka (USD $)
St. Barthélemy (USD $)
St. Helena (USD $)
St. Kitts & Nevis (USD $)
St. Lucia (USD $)
St. Martin (USD $)
St. Pierre & Miquelon (USD $)
St. Vincent & Grenadines (USD $)
Sudan (USD $)
Suriname (USD $)
Svalbard & Jan Mayen (USD $)
Sweden (EUR €)
Switzerland (USD $)
Taiwan (USD $)
Tajikistan (USD $)
Tanzania (USD $)
Thailand (USD $)
Timor-Leste (USD $)
Togo (USD $)
Tokelau (USD $)
Tonga (USD $)
Trinidad & Tobago (USD $)
Tristan da Cunha (USD $)
Tunisia (USD $)
Türkiye (USD $)
Turkmenistan (USD $)
Turks & Caicos Islands (USD $)
Tuvalu (USD $)
U.S. Outlying Islands (USD $)
Uganda (USD $)
Ukraine (USD $)
United Arab Emirates (USD $)
United States (USD $)
Uruguay (USD $)
Uzbekistan (USD $)
Vanuatu (USD $)
Vatican City (USD $)
Venezuela (USD $)
Vietnam (USD $)
Wallis & Futuna (USD $)
Western Sahara (USD $)
Yemen (USD $)
Zambia (USD $)
Zimbabwe (USD $)
Search
Cart
Close
Shop
Fitting
About Us
Balletopedia
Shop
Shoes
Pointe Shoes
Technique Slippers
Accessories
Pointe Essentials
Go Beyond The Barre
Dance Bags
Jewelry
View All »
Clothing
Leotards
Tights
Warmers
Tutus & Skirts
View All »
Fitting
Schedule a Fitting
Store Locator
Fitting Info
About Us
Our Shoes
What Makes Them Better
From the Designer
Medical Studies
Pointe Shoe FAQ
What the Pros Say
In The News
Our Company
Company History
Mission Statement
Meet the Team
NYC Boutique
Contact Us
About Our Logo
Ambassadors
Icons
Artists
Muses
Teachers & Directors
Balletopedia
Pointe Shoes
How a Pointe Shoe Works
Pointe Shoe Anatomy
Peek Inside
Sewing Ribbons & Elastic
Pointe Shoe Evolution
Ballet History
Courtly Origins
Rebels & Scandals
The Ethereal Woman
Pioneers of Pointe
In The Studio
Studio Etiquette
When To start Pointe
Hairdo How-To
Terms & Positions
Health
Cross Training & Injury Prevention
Eat Right
Health Links
Resources
Ballet Companies
Modern/Contemporary Companies
More Dance Companies
Organizations & Resources
University Dance
Dance Schools
Dance Websites and Blogs
Dancers
Cart
Your cart is empty
Pointe Shoe Fitters Reference
Page
1
of 4
Edit
Mark up
Sign a copy
175%
POINTE
SHOE
FITTER’S
REFERENCE
since
1993
1.
Start with no padding.
Because Gaynor Mindens have built-in cushioning, the dancer will get the best sense of how the shoe feels,
and you will get the best sense of how the shoe fits, by trying the shoes with nothing extra inside them.
2.
Always allow a pinch
Allow a
1
/
8
′′
–
1
/
4
′′
(
3
–
6 mm) pinch at the top of the heel (by the drawstring
casing) when on pointe.
Gaynor Minden satin is functional as well as beautiful.
Its lining is bonded rather than hung which makes the satin extremely strong and
contributes to the overall supportiveness of the shoe. The bonded lining also makes
our satin stretch-resistant, therefore the extra pinch is essential.
3.
Perfect the roll-through
now
Gaynor Minden shanks and boxes do not soften or deteriorate, so be sure the dancer is satisfied with the
shank flexibility from the start. Our shanks and boxes are made from a pliable polymer that eliminates
the need to “break in” the shoes. It is important to emphasize this aspect of our shoes during the fitting.
We recommend using a Gaynor Minden Fitting Loop around the foot while fitting to facilitate testing
the roll-through.
LENGTH
Ð
Determine the length of the dancer’s foot. We recommend using
a measuring tool such as the Brannock device.
Ð
In
Classic Fit
, start with a Gaynor Minden length about one size
longer than U.S. street shoe size. In
Sculpted Fit
and
Sleek Fit
,
start with a Gaynor Minden length about one and a half sizes
longer than U.S. street shoe size.
FRONT OF THE FOOT
Box
Ð
The dancer’s forefoot (toe shape and toe width) determine which
box will work best. If the dancer’s forefoot is small and tapered,
try the
#2 box
, if medium and tapered, the
#3
, if medium and square
or broad and tapered,
the
#3+
, if broad and square, the
#4
, if very
broad and square, the
#5
.
Ð
The box does not grade with length or width.
Width
Ð
Width is the measurement of the mid-section of the foot.
Ð
Gently squeeze the dancer’s metatarsals. Compressible feet
often require narrower widths, Box Liners, or Instant Wings.
Ð
To ensure proper support and to prevent bruised toenails,
do not fit Gaynor Mindens too wide.
LENGTH
1
⁄
8
"
–
1
⁄
4
"
(3 – 6 mm)
pinch at drawstring casing
WIDTH
Narrow
Medium
Wide
BOX
#
2
#
4
#
5
#
3
#
3
+
Small
&
Tapered
Medium
&
Tapered
Broad
&
Square
Very Broad
&
Square
TIPS AND GUIDELINES
Medium
&
Square
— or —
Broad
&
Tapered
MODEL
Sculpted Fit
Classic Fit
Sleek Fit
SHANK
Very Flexible
Flexible
Medium
Stiff
Very Stiff
PIANISSIMO
FEATH
ERFLE
X
SUPPLE
EXTRAFLEX
HARD
=
=
=
=
=
VAMP
&
HEEL
N
A
R
R
O
W
M
E
D
I
U
M
W
I
D
E
4 4.5
5 5.5 6
6.5 7 7.5 8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11 11.5 12
12.5
Na
r.
na 2
2 2 2/3 2/3 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4
2
/3/4 2/3/4
2/3/4 2/3/4 3/4 3/4 4
4
Med.
2 2
2/3 2/3 2/3/4 2/3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
4 4 4
4
4
Wi
de
na 2 2/3 2/3 3/4 3/4 3/4
3/4 4
4
4
4
4
4 na na
na
na
#
2
#
3
#
4
M
E
D
M
E
D
S
L
E
E
K
Na
r.
na na
na na 2 2 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3
2/3 2/3 3
3 3 na
na
na
Med.
na na na na 3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4
3/
4 3/4 4 4 4 na
na
na
Wi
de
na na na na 4 4
4
4 4
4
4
4
4 4 na na
na
na
4 4.5 5 5.5 6
6.5
7
7.5 8 8.5
9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5
Low Heel
High Heel
Deep Vamp
Low Vamp
BACK OF THE FOOT
Model
Ð
Sculpted Fit
works well for a dancer whose foot is shaped
like an hourglass, with a broad metatarsal, narrow midfoot
or high arch, and medium heel.
Ð
Classic Fit
is ideal for a dancer whose foot is evenly proportioned,
from metatarsal to heel.
Ð
Sleek Fit
is excellent for a dancer whose foot tapers from the
metatarsal to a narrow heel.
Heel
Ð
high heels
are standard in
Classic Fit
and
Sculpted Fit.
Ð
low heels
are standard in
Sleek
Fit
as well as in select sizes
in
Sculpted Fit
(see our Pointe Shoe Size Chart for details).
Ð
All
models are available with a
high
or
low heel
. There is a
3
⁄
8
′′
(9 mm) difference between
high
and
low heels
in
Classic Fit
.
In
Sculpted Fit
and
Sleek Fit
, the difference is
1
⁄
4
′′
(6 mm).
SUPPORT
&
ROLL
-
THROUGH
Shank
Ð
Gaynor Minden shanks do not soften or deteriorate — they are
extremely consistent, ready to dance right away (just sew and go!).
Ð
The shank should be supportive 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 dancer
is all the way over the platform, right from the start. Try using a
Gaynor Minden Fitting Loop (as pictured).
Ð
Our more flexible shanks provide a better roll-through and demi-
pointe. We do not recommend the
hard
shank for most dancers.
hard
shanks do not last longer than our other shanks.
Ð
Sculpted Fit
hugs the arch, providing additional support, and often
allowing dancers to wear a more flexible shank for better roll-through.
Ð
pianissimo
,
featherflex
, and
supple
shanks
usually work best for:
GM sizes 8 and under
or
petite body types
or
feet with lower arches
Ð
supple
,
extraflex
, and
hard
usually work best for:
GM sizes 10.5 and longer
or
bigger body types
or
highly-arched feet
Ð
featherflex
,
supple
, and
extraflex
usually work best for:
GM mid-range sizes: 8.5
–
10
Vamp
Ð
The
deep vamp
is standard in all sizes.
Ð
All models are available with a
deep
or
low vamp
. There is a
1
⁄
4
′′
(6 mm) difference between the two options.
Gaynor Minden, Inc.
140 West 16
th
Street New York, NY 10011
dancer.com
USA: 212 929 0087
Europe: +44 (0) 1273 429 429
BOX LINERS
MICRO CUSHIONS
INSTANT WINGS
HEEL GRIPPERS
VAMP ELASTIC
TOE WRAP & ALIGNERS
FITTING ACCESSORIES
Ð
Gaynor Minden accessories are great for optimizing fit and comfort,
especially for dancers whose feet are not the same length and width,
or for dancers who wish to eliminate cumbersome toe pads.
Ð
Pointe Pocket Toe Pads
are designed and shaped expressly for
Gaynor Mindens. Slim and non-bulky so dancers can still feel the
floor. Seams are located away from the toes for extra comfort.
Ð
Box Liners
and
Instant Wings
offer extra support and comfort in
the front of the shoe.
Instant Wings
extend higher up the sides for
additional metatarsal protection. Both are helpful for dancers with
compressible feet.
Ð
Cool Blue Ovals
cushion the big toe.
Ð
Cool Blue Crescents
relieve pressure on longer second toes.
Ð
Mushroom Micro-Pads
protect the top of the big toenail.
Ð
Toe Aligners
fill large gaps between toes.
Ð
Vamp Elastic
provides the support of an extra-deep vamp.
Ð
Heel Grippers
stop shoes from slipping off heels.
Ð
Adhesive Sockliners
are helpful for dancers with shallow
or fine boned feet.
Ð
Toe Wrap
and
Dancers’ Dots
prevent blisters and relieve pressure
on sensitive areas of the foot.
DOUBLE CHECK!
Ð
Can you pinch an
1
/
8
′′
–
1
/
4
′′
(3 – 6 mm) of material at the drawstring
casing when the dancer is on pointe? If too much pinch, try shorter;
if too little a pinch, try longer.
Ð
When the dancer stands flat in demi-plié (in 1
st
or 2
nd
position),
the longest toe should just touch the end of the shoe. Pressure on
the longest toe could indicate a length that is too short or a box
that is too wide.
Ð
Is the dancer satisfied with the shank strength? Equally important:
is the dancer satisfied with the flexibility? Be sure the dancer
understands that the stiffness of the shank will remain nearly the
same for the life of the shoe.
Good pointe technique depends on a correctly fitted pointe shoe. These guidelines are a broad
overview to help you feel comfortable fitting Gaynor Mindens. We’ll gladly provide phone support
and additional reference materials to assist you in trouble-shooting any fitting issues that may arise,
and to ensure satisfied and repeat customers.
Photos: E.Patino ©2018, 2021 Gaynor Minden, Inc.
