Gaynor Minden offers 3 widths and 3 box styles. The width, which refers to the girth measurement taken around the metatarsal, is available in Narrow, Medium, and Wide. The box styles number, which refers to the size and shape of the box, is available in #2, #3, and #4. Most lengths are available in all three widths, and many are available with different box styles as well, giving the dancer quite a number of choices in fitting this critical part of the foot.

In general, the lighter and more flexible the shank, the easier it is to roll through demi-pointe and to "go over". Flexible shanks permit a dancer to achieve a higher demi-pointe before attaining full pointe, and they more readily comform to the foot. They are beneficial for dancers whose ankles are lacking flexibility and thus need help "going over".

Firmer shanks often help prevent a dancer from "going over" too far; this can overstretch the ankle and hinder correct placement. Stiff shanks are usually preferred by dancers with highly arched feet and by those who are tall and big-boned. Stiffer shanks offer more resistance in rolling through demi-pointe; there is sometimes a springy quality to their action which some dancers enjoy because they feel it helps propel them up onto full pointe. Students often prefer stiffer shanks for this reason. Professionals often prefer supple shanks which allow them to better control their shoes.

NOTE: Ballet teachers hold different theories regarding the appropriate shank stiffness for beginners. When fitting in our New York showroom we follow teachers' wishes.

Gaynor Minden shanks are made from a thermoplastic elastomeric material - not fibreglass, not cardboard, not leather. With few exceptions, traditional pointe shoes have shanks made from a paper product such as cardboard or fibreboard - hence the lack of durability. Dancers have employed crude methods to prolong the life of the shank, such as coating it with floor wax or shellac. They have tried to make the shanks conform to their arches by removing a portion from the back. A Gaynor Minden shank can be shaped to provide a custom fit with the heat of an ordinary blow dryer, thus allowing the dancer to bend it in the desired spot without weakening it.

All Gaynor Minden shanks are equally durable. All can be heat formed to adjust the degree and location of the arch. The shoes will become slightly more flexible in demi-pointe after a couple of classes, because the satin fabric stretches, but the shanks do not lose strength or supportiveness.

Pianissimo
(Our most flexible shank) is so supple that we recommend it only for very strong, or very lightweight professional dancers who want the softest possible shoe.

Featherflex
(Extremely flexible shank) is very supple. It is preferred by dancers who want minimal resistance from their shoes, and can sacrifice some support in order to obtain such flexibility.

Supple
(Very flexible shank.) is our all-around flexible, supple shank. This provides good support for strong dancers and lightweight dancers, and allows them to roll through demi-pointe easily. If the dancer is petite, a Supple usually gives ample support. If the dancer likes the demi-pointe in a Freed or a soft Chacotte, and if she likes half-shanks or cardboard-type shanks that break low, then she will probably prefer Supple. Also, if the dancer does not have a great deal of flexibility in her ankle, a Supple can help her "go over" more. However, inexperienced dancers should be cautious about overstretching their ankles in shanks that are too soft. Some students deliberately choose shoes that are too soft in order to make their feet appear more arched. This should be discouraged.

Extraflex
(Extra-flexible) is our medium/firm shank. This provides ample support for most dancers, and a slight springiness that helps the dancer rise up to pointe. If the dancer likes the shank in a Bloch, Repetto, firm Capezio or Grishko, then she will probably prefer Extraflex.

Hard
(Our hardest shank) is best for taller, larger dancers and/or dancers with big arches who easily break other shanks. The Hard with a Deep Vamp, heat-formed into a "3/4" configuration will provide the most support for this type of dancer, and it should prevent her from going over too far. It is preferred by dancers who need maximum support from their shoes, and can sacrifice some flexibility in rolling through demi-pointe.

There are three vamps: Regular, Deep and Sleek. The vamp should always cover the toes, metatarsals and bunion joints. On most dancers it covers the front third of the foot. A vamp that covers half the foot is almost certainly too long.

The shape of the Gaynor Minden throat is oval, or egg-shaped, in between the sharp Russian-V and the open-throat styles. It flatters most feet and provides excellent support. However, variations are possible by special order. Longer and shorter vamps are also available through special order.

Regular Vamp
In Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7, most dancers prefer the Regular Vamp. If the dancer has shorter toes or less flexibility in her ankle, sometimes the Regular Vamp will help her "go over" more.

Deep Vamp
In Gaynor Minden sizes 7.5 to 12, most dancers prefer the Deep Vamp. The Deep Vamp is one quarter of an inch longer at the throat than the Regular Vamp so that the shoe covers more of the foot. It is especially helpful for dancers with pronounced arches and/or long toes.

Sleek Vamp
Dancers whose feet are wide around the ball of the foot and narrow along the sides of the heel prefer the Sleek Vamp. This is our newest vamp and is available only in combination with the Sleek Heel to create a sleek, snug fit that hugs the foot. Most sizes are available, please call for more information.

High Heel
This is our most popular heel cut in Gaynor Minden sizes 7.5 to 12. It is similar to the cut of a Russian shoe.

Regular Heel
This is our most popular heel cut in Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7. It is especially good for dancers with thin, fine-boned feet.

Sleek Heel
Created especially for dancers whose feet are wide around the ball of the foot and narrow along the sides of the heel. This is our newest heel and is available only in combination with the Sleek Vamp to create a sleek, snug fit that hugs the foot. Most sizes are available, please call for more information.

Low Heel
In Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7, the Low Heel will be similar to the cut of a Freed. Most sizes on Low Heels require a special order and are non-cancellable.

We use a special code to keep track of our inventory. You don't need to know it, but if you're curious as to what those numbers inside your shoes mean, here's the explanation: