Like many, I used to think my foot size and shape were fixed after a certain age. So, imagine my surprise when, returning to dance after nearly a decade, my feet felt… different in my old pointe shoes! It was a wake-up call that our bodies, even our feet, evolve. What once fit perfectly now caused throbbing pain with just a few relevés. Clearly, my old Grishko 2007s were a relic of the past, and it was time to embark on a quest for new, supportive partners for my feet and my dance.
This realization sparked a journey to find the ideal pointe shoe. I scheduled fittings in New York City with renowned experts from Bloch, Capezio, Freed of London, and Gaynor Minden. Reflecting back, I hadn’t had a proper fitting since I was a young 12-year-old getting my very first pair of pointe shoes. The experience highlighted a crucial lesson: professional fitting is invaluable. If your shoes feel “off,” investing time in a fitting, whether with your current brand or exploring new ones, can be transformative. The knowledge I gained about my feet is already proving beneficial, and I’m excited to see how the right shoes will enhance my dance journey.
Gaynor Minden
My pointe shoe exploration began at Gaynor Minden’s Manhattan boutique. Although their physical store wasn’t open to the public at the time, they graciously accommodated my visit to document a fitting experience for Dance Magazine readers. For dancers interested in Gaynor Minden, their website offers a highly recommended virtual fitting service led by experienced fitters like Anna Pearson and Robyn Jutsum, who guided me through my fitting.
Anna Pearson, a Gaynor Minden fitter, assists the author with a pointe shoe fitting, showcasing the brand's dedication to personalized service.
Key Insights from the Fitters:
- I have a “disappearing heel.” When I point my foot, my heel bone shifts, causing gaping or slippage in many shoe styles. This is a common challenge in finding the right dance shoe fit.
- Subtle variations in shoe models significantly impact fit and performance. Trying two seemingly similar shoes, one with a slightly wider box, revealed this. The wider box placed me further back in the shoe during relevé, while the narrower box provided better support directly on top of the box. This nuanced difference is critical in Shoe Dance and pointe work.
Gaynor Minden Shoe Choice: Classic Fit, CL-7M4SDH
Advantages:
- Exceptional comfort. No pinching or pain points, making it ideal for extended dance sessions.
- Durable construction. Made from elastomeric materials similar to athletic footwear, Gaynor Minden shoes are designed for longevity, potentially reducing the frequency of replacement.
- Aesthetically pleasing. The shoe enhances the foot’s appearance without compromising support or security, crucial for both comfort and confidence in shoe dance.
Disadvantages:
- Higher price point. At over $150, the cost is a significant consideration. While durability may offset this, the initial investment is substantial. Balancing cost and quality is important when choosing dance shoes.
- Novel materials. The unique elastomeric construction is unfamiliar. While comfortable in the fitting, studio testing is needed to assess performance under rigorous dance conditions. Adapting to new materials can be part of the shoe dance journey.
Bloch
Next on my fitting tour was Bloch at Lincoln Center. Bloch was the brand of my very first pointe shoes, so returning felt nostalgic and hopeful. My fitter, Carol Alvarez, was exceptionally helpful, prioritizing the correct fit over brand loyalty. Her philosophy was clear: “I would never encourage someone to take a shoe that isn’t right for them. I would rather send you to a different manufacturer than risk putting you in a shoe that doesn’t fit your foot correctly.” This commitment to dancer well-being is paramount in shoe selection.
Key Insights from the Fitter:
- My left foot doesn’t fully engage with the shank in many shoe brands, including Bloch. This explained why my left foot consistently appeared less pointed in pointe shoes – a previously unnoticed asymmetry. Understanding these nuances is crucial for optimal shoe dance technique.
- Toe spacers are recommended. Carol identified the space between my big and second toes as a potential issue for pointe work. A toe spacer would provide a broader platform and alleviate pressure, enhancing comfort and stability in my shoe dance practice.
Bloch Shoe Choice: Superlative Stretch Satin
Advantages:
- Stretch satin comfort. The material conforms to the foot, gently hugging my disappearing heel without digging or rubbing, crucial for comfort during intense shoe dance routines.
- Visually appealing fit. The shoe enhances the foot’s lines, and the shank aligns well with my arch, creating a flattering and supportive fit.
Disadvantages:
- Left foot twisting. My left foot exhibited a slight twist within the shoe during relevé. While ribbons and elastics might offer a solution, this introduces an element of uncertainty. Addressing potential instability is key for safe and effective shoe dance.
Capezio
My third fitting took me to Capezio in midtown, where Allison Piette expertly guided me. Allison’s dedication to finding a suitable Capezio shoe was remarkable; we explored almost every style in the store! Her persistence highlighted Capezio’s commitment to diverse foot shapes and dancer needs in shoe dance.
Key Insights from the Fitter:
- Toe pain on pointe often signals shoes that are too large. Allison and her colleague Katie Graham emphasized the importance of a “just right” fit – neither too tight nor too loose. Properly fitted shoes distribute weight evenly across the toes, preventing sinking and pressure on the big toes. Understanding this is fundamental to avoiding pain in shoe dance.
- Popularity doesn’t guarantee fit. Despite high hopes for the Capezio Ava, it proved unsuitable for my foot. Personal foot anatomy dictates shoe choice over trends or general recommendations in shoe dance.
- Left foot twisting, again. The tendency for my left foot to twist during relevé was evident in most Capezio styles, raising concerns about potential ankle strain. This recurring issue requires careful consideration in any shoe dance context.
Capezio Shoe Choice: The Phoenix
Advantages:
- Flat box aesthetic. The flat box creates a slender foot appearance and extends the leg line, enhancing visual appeal in shoe dance performances.
- Arch support. The shoe effectively hugs both arches, providing a secure and supportive fit.
Disadvantages:
- Persistent left foot twist. The recurring twisting issue remained a concern, necessitating caution. Stability is paramount in any shoe dance form.
- Heel gaping. My disappearing heel caused noticeable gaping at the heel when on pointe, a fit challenge to address. Secure heel fit is crucial for shoe dance functionality.
Freed of London
My final fitting was at Freed of London, a brand favored by numerous professional ballet companies, including the prestigious New York City Ballet. I was eager to experience their renowned pointe shoes firsthand. My fitter, Julie Smith, was encouraging and confident, normalizing my return to pointe shoe fittings as a 27-year-old after a long hiatus. Her expertise and positive approach made the experience comfortable and informative for this stage in my shoe dance journey.
Key Insights from the Fitter:
- Size down for a tighter fit. Despite my feet measuring wide, their malleability and the natural stretching of shoes over time led Julie to recommend the tightest possible fit. This ensures optimal support and control, especially in demanding shoe dance routines.
- Pre-emptive Jet Glue application. To extend shoe lifespan, Julie advised applying Jet Glue to the boxes before the first wear. Applying glue after the shoe molds to the foot can create bumps and discomfort. Proactive shoe care is key for dancers.
- Thin toe pads are sufficient. Properly fitted shoes should feel comfortable even with thin toe pads, allowing for better floor sensation and connection, important for nuanced shoe dance techniques.
Freed Shoe Choice: Classic Pro 90 (CP90) by Crown, R, or Butterfly makers.
Advantages:
- Exceptional aesthetics. Among all the shoes tried, the Freed CP90 was the most visually flattering, enhancing the foot’s lines and providing a secure, twist-free fit directly over the box. No toe pain was experienced, indicating a comfortable and supportive fit for shoe dance.
- More affordable option. Freed shoes offer a more budget-friendly alternative compared to other brands considered, making them accessible for regular dance practice.
Disadvantages:
- Potential for shorter lifespan. Freed shoes are known to “die quickly,” potentially offsetting the lower price point with more frequent replacements. Durability versus cost is a trade-off to consider in shoe dance footwear.
- Heel slippage off pointe. Heel slippage when not on pointe was noted, although ribbons and elastics are expected to resolve this. Secure fit both on and off pointe is ideal for seamless shoe dance transitions.
My Picks
Choosing between these excellent options was challenging! Ultimately, my decision narrowed down to Freed of London and Gaynor Minden. The only definitive way to determine the best long-term fit is to test them extensively in the studio, under real shoe dance conditions.
Therefore, I decided to purchase both Freed and Gaynor Minden shoes for this month. I plan to rigorously test each pair during my dance sessions and observe which shoe ultimately proves superior. I’ll be sure to share an update on which brand wins my heart – and more importantly, best supports my feet – on this ongoing shoe dance adventure!
