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How
long will these shoes last me?
Generally,
GMs last three to five times longer than ordinary pointe shoes. As always,
there are variations according to intensity of dancing, surface on which
you are dancing, etc.
Why
do you have to leave a pinch at the back of the shoes ("none of my other
pointe shoes have ever fit that way")?
Unlike
other pointe shoes, GMs will NOT soften, loosen, or stretch. You need to
allow a small amount of space for normal expansion and contraction of the
foot during dancing.
What
is the general size comparison to street shoes?
GMs
generally fit one size longer than street shoes. Sometimes it is only half
a size, sometimes a size and a half, but usually it is one whole size. Width
and box size need to be determined at the time of fitting.
If
I have a general idea of my foot size and current pointe shoe, can I easily
approximate the GM size ("I tried on my friend's shoes and they seemed
OK")?
Because
there are so many options available with each pair of GMs and because each
dancer has two feet that are usually slightly different from each other,
it is best to have a custom fitting with one of our fitters or at one of
the retail stores that sells GMs. If there is no store in your area that
can fit GMs, you can obtain them from us in the mail and a fitter will talk
you through the fitting over the phone.
I
am concerned about the shoes breaking down; shouldn't I use a harder shank?
The
important thing to remember with GMs is that the way the shoes feel in the
fitting is the way they will feel for the life of the shoes. GMs DO NOT
break down, because the materials do not deteriorate and the satin stretches
very little. Harder shanks will not change as you wear them, and you could
find too much resistance in rolling through. Remember, the shank will not
change so you should be absolutely satisfied with both the flexibility and
the stiffness of the new shoe at the time of fitting. As a special order,
we can make the Hard shank even harder, and add extra stiffness under the
heel area as well.
Can
I wear the regular padding that I am used to or do you HAVE to wear the
special GM cushions?
Most
other types of pointe shoe padding will work with GMs, however, if you wear
Toe-Flos, you will probably need your shoe to be a 1/2 size longer and 1
width (or box size) greater. The GM fitting adjustors are specially designed
for our shoes and we strongly recommend their use, but dancers should always
use what is most comfortable for them.
What
do the numbers mean for the boxes?
Our
boxes are numbered according to their width- #2 is smallest and most tapered,
#3 is average with some taper, #4 is broadest and most square. The box sizes
do not necessarily correspond to the width of the whole shoe.
What
part of the shoe is included in the sizing "Narrow, Medium, and Wide?"
The
"Narrow, Medium, and Wide" measurements refer to the girth, the measurement
around the metatarsal area (ball of foot). This measurement also affects
the fit of the shoe at the sides and the heel.
Are
GMs made of fiberglass?
NO!
NO! NO! GMs are made of thermoplastic elastomeric materials (similar to
materials used in some athletic shoes) that allow for greater comfort, quietness,
and durability. Other pointe shoes are made of a paste and paper construction
with nails and glue holding them together.
What
is the specific difference between the Sleek Fit and the regular stock
sizes?
The
new GM Sleek Fit is another innovation in pointe shoes, three years in the
making. The Sleek Fit design caters to the dancer with relatively narrow
heels, but wider metatarsals. The entire cut of the shoe is different (as
named, a much "sleeker" line through the shoe). A Sleek Fit size may be
slightly different (in width or length) than a dancer's stock size, but
that can be determined in a personalized fitting. Stock shoes are also wider
in the back and middle. In a stock shoe, you can specify length, width,
box, shank, vamp and heel height for most sizes. In a Sleek Fit, you can
specify length, width, box and shank in most sizes.
Why
are the drawstrings on the side of the shoes?
Many
dancers, including Eliza Minden, found that locating the drawstring opening
at the throat caused painful rubbing on the metatarsals. With the drawstring
on the side, rubbing can be eliminated and the visual effect is generally
more pleasing. Most dancers wear the shoes with the drawstring at the inside
of the foot, but there is not a specific "right" and "left" shoe.
It
really bothers me when my heels slip- how can I fix that?
With
GMs, you have several different heel options: low, regular, and high as
well as the narrow Sleek Fit. As with any pair of pointe shoes, there are
different ribbon sewing techniques that will be effective in helping to
keep your heels at a comfortable place. We also recommend heel grippers
which adhere to the inside of the back of the shoe and cling to the dancer's
foot. These heel grippers are very effective.
How
can I make the tips last longer?
An
effective way to help preserve the tips of your shoes is to apply a thin
layer of Duco-Cement® all along the seam at the tip. This acts as a
sealant which will protect the satin and give longer life to your shoes.
Even more effective is moleskin, which can be purchased at most supermarkets
or drug stores and should be applied before wearing the shoes. Gluing moleskin
over the entire tip, using a strong glue, will provide an extra protective
layer over the area of the shoes that will inevitably wear down first.
How
long will GMs take to "break in"?
As
mentioned before, GMs will NOT break, because the materials with which they
are made do not deteriorate. You may find that the satin loosens a little.
The reason you need to replace a pair of GMs is because the tips have worn
down (exposing the cushion or hard material underneath) or the outside of
the shoes has become too worn, dirty, etc.
Can
I use a blowdrier to soften GMs?
No.
Heat forming with a blowdrier will temporarily
soften the shank and box long enough for you to adjust the shape of the
box, or the place where the shank bends, or the degree to which it bends.
The softening is only temporary; the shoe will regain its stiffness in the
new shape when it returns to room temperature.
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