Feet & Fitting - Problem Solving

Bunions
Bunions are hereditary but can be worsened with improper technique or improperly fitted pointe shoes. If you are experiencing no pain then leave the bunion alone. If you feel pain check the following:

Are the shoes too wide? Are the shoes too short? Are the shoes too tapered? Are you wearing a bulky toe pad? Are you pronating severely? Are you "over-rotating" to force your turn-out?

Pain can usually be alleviated by strapping the metatarsal area once with a good sports tape (Johnson & Johnson Coach tape or Elastoplast). It should be snug and supportive but not tight. Many times the fit of the shoe is causing the problem.

Pain Or Pressure On The Big Toe
This is a relatively common problem that can easily be solved. Make sure that the toenails are short enough. Long toenails make pointework excruciating. Use the Oval or Mushroom cushion from the Fitting Kit in the box of the shoe, on the inside of the platform, directly underneath the tip of the big toe. If you still feel pressure, place an additional Oval cushion on the other(s), slightly off center towards the outside of the big toe. If pain continues, tape an Oval cushion to the sensitive part of the toenail and keep the other cushions in the box. If pain persists, you may be dropping too far into the box.

To minimize dropping into the box, try a narrower size. If a narrower size is too tight, then go back to the wider size and use the cushions in the Fitting Kit to prevent dropping in too much. (Sometimes the dancer slides into the end of the shoe even standing flat.) If pain persists, then place the Dynamic Boxliner in the box, soft side next to the foot. The Oval and/or Crescent Cushions may also be added to provide more comfort. Follow the instructions that accompany each Fitting Kit.

Pain On The Long Second Toe / Morton's Foot
Morton's Foot is the Greek foot type with the long second toe which can sometimes cause pain on the long second toe. If the toe begins to hammer (pop up), it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist or physician who specializes in sports medicine. If it is not severe, the Crescent Cushions in the Fitting Kit can take the pressure off the second toe. The cushion lies against the big toe and the third toe, creating a space for the long second toe to lie straight, without pressure from the end of the box.

Fitting The Compressible Foot Fitting difficulties are more likely to occur when the dancer has a compressible foot. Be sure the drawstring is tightly pulled and securely tied. Be sure that the box is as narrow and snug as it can be without compromising demi-pointe or causing the foot to bulge out. Use a Dynamic Boxliner, and often a Full Sockliner, to downsize the shoe. The Fitting Kit cushions are especially effective because they compress to make room for the foot when it spreads out, and then spring back to their regular thickness to take up space and to hold the foot in place when it compresses on full pointe.

Often there is extra room at the heel. In order to have sufficient length to plie in second position without pain, the shoe will seem too long on full pointe. If the dancer can wear a low heel this will minimize the problem. Be sure the ribbons and elastics are properly sewn. Full Sockliners and Heel Grippers will also help.

Gapping Or Bagginess In The Back Part Of The Shoe
Be certain that the drawstring is pulled snug and tied securely. Bagginess can be corrected by varying the place where ribbons and elastics are sewn into the shoes. Heel Grippers will help keep the shoes secured to the heel. We highly recommend using Heel Grippers for this purpose instead of rosin, which may cause painful blisters that can lead to infection.

There is a new GM style called Sleekfit, designed especially for dancers with a wide forefoot and a narrow heel. Some sizes are already available. Please call for more information.

Gapping Or Bagginess In The Front Part Of The Shoe
Be certain that the drawstring is pulled snug and tied securely. You may need to adjust the position and angle of the ribbons and elastics. If gaping persists try a narrower shoe and/or a different vamp. Bagginess in any part of the shoe can also be corrected by the addition of a Full Sockliner.

Pulled Back Or Cannot "Go Over" Enough
A less flexible ankle and/or a less arched foot can make a dancer feel as if she is being pulled back or cannot "go over" enough. A more flexible shank, such as Supple or FeatherFlex, offers less resistance to "going over". It will also help the dancer achieve a higher demi-pointe before attaining full pointe, and will more readily conform to the foot. Heating the shank and putting more bend into it will help place the dancer more forward onto the platform of the shoe. The Regular Vamp allows the foot to stretch and "go over" more than the Deep Vamp does. This helps the dancer who cannot " go over" or who has short toes to achieve a better placement, but it is important that the knuckles and bunions be totally covered and supported by the vamp. Also see Heat Forming.

Over-Arching
An overly flexible arch can make it very difficult to stand en pointe. The Deep Vamp will help hold back and support this type of foot. Heat forming the shank and bending it into a "3/4" configuration will also prevent over-arching, as would the use of Vamp Elastic sewn into the throat of the shoe. Also see Heat Forming.

Heel Slipping Off
Place a Heel Gripper in the back of the shoe. If it takes up too much room and causes the shoe to become too short, cut it in half, and place one half on each side of the heel tape inside the shoe so that they will grip on the sides, not the back of the Achilles tendon. Sometimes a shoe that is too short will cause the heel to fall off, so be certain that it is long enough.

Feet Of Different Lengths
It is best if the dancer buys one pair for each foot. If you only buy one pair, then fit the longer foot and use the Fitting Kit to take up space for the shorter one.

"Dropped Arches"
Very loose tendons in the arch causes the whole arch area to spread out and lie down on the floor, sometimes causing the pointe shoe to appear crooked on the foot. A few simple straps around the arch area with sports tape can help. Make sure that the taping in snug but not tight. If you pronate severely and are experiencing pain on the inside of the knees, you should consult a podiatrist specializing in Dance Medicine.

Changeable Or Reactive Foot
These feet become so swollen during pointe work that they change by as much as a length or a width over the course of a day. In extreme cases two different sizes are needed. Fitting with Dynamic Boxliners and Full Sockliners that can be added and removed as needed is also helpful.

Satin, Stitching, Seams
Gaynor Minden has successfully combined the latest technology with the traditional aesthetics of classical ballet. The beautiful, delicate pink satin that covers the pointe shoe has always been the universal signature of the classical ballerina; we wouldn't ever change that. Underneath the soft pink exterior, however, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes have virtually unbreakable elastomeric shanks and boxes. Although the seam surrounding the tip of the shoe is the most vulnerable area to normal wear and tear, the tip of the Gaynor Minden is still stronger than other pointe shoes with pleated tips.

Wooden floors, rosin, and "slip-no-more" are especially abrasive to the delicate satin, but there are a few ways to help preserve the tip. You can create an additional protective layer by gluing moleskin (available at most drugstores and supermarkets) over the tip and replacing it as needed. This is especially helpful if done before the shoes are worn. Dancers who have used moleskin have gotten a whole year out of their Gaynor Mindens. Another way to reinforce a new pair is to apply glue sparingly along the tip seam, about an eighth of an inch wide all the way around. After allowing the glue to dry, you may add a second coat. It is important to reapply the glue regularly, as it wears off after a while. We recommend Duco Cement, available at hardware stores, etc. Do not cover the entire tip with glue. Too much glue may be slippery. Careful maintenance of your Gaynor Mindens might seem like a bother, but you will be rewarded with much longer-lasting shoes.

Normal wear-and-tear at the tip seam is purely cosmetic and does not effect the integrity of the shoe. However, if the tip is worn down to expose the cushion or the hard material underneath, it may be slippery. If this occurs, it is time to order another pair of Gaynor Mindens!