Shank, Vamp, and Heel Descriptions

Gaynor Minden offers a nearly bewildering array of choices and options to create as perfect a fit as possible. This page is our attempt to provide further information regarding Gaynor Minden's Pointe Shoes. Our thanks to Gaynor Minden for their input.

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Now Reviewing Gaynor Minden Shank, Vamp, and Heel Descriptions
Review Gaynor Minden Regular-Fit Sizing
Review Gaynor Minden Sleek-Fit Sizing
Review Gaynor Minden Size Availability

Pianissimo (7xx)
This is the most flexible shank. It is so supple that it is recommended only for very strong, or very lightweight professional dancers who want the softest possible shoe.

Featherflex (4xx)
This is an extremely flexible and supple shank. It is preferred by dancers who want minimal resistance from their shoes, and can sacrifice some support in order to obtain such flexibility.

Supple (2xx)
This is a very flexible shank, and is the all-around flexible, supple shank. It 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 Chacott, 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 (1xx)
This is a medium/firm shank. It 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 (5xx)
The hardest shank, it 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 (1)
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 (2)
In Gaynor Minden sizes 7.5 to 12, most dancers prefer the Deep Vamp. The Deep Vamp is 1/4-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 (3)
Dancers whose feet are wide around the ball of the foot and narrow along the sides of the heel prefer the Sleek Vamp. It is available only in combination with the Sleek Heel to create a sleek, snug fit that hugs the foot.

High Heel (2)
This is the most popular heel-cut in Gaynor Minden sizes 7.5 to 12. It is similar to the cut of a Russian shoe.

Regular Heel (1)
This is the most popular heel-cut in Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7. It is especially good for dancers with thin, fine-boned feet.

Low Heel (0)
In Gaynor Minden sizes 4 to 7, the Low Heel will be similar to the cut of a Freed. Most sizes with Low Heels require a special order and are non-cancelable.

Sleek Heel (3)
Created especially for dancers whose feet are wide around the ball of the foot and narrow along the sides of the heel. This is available only in combination with the Sleek Vamp to create a sleek, snug fit that hugs the foot.