Europa, Pianissimo Shank (Purple)

Deep Vamp & High Heel Pointe shoes perform a remarkable job — enduring tremendous forces and repeated strains, all the while appearing as dainty and delicate as the ballerina herself. Gaynor Minden retains the classic beauty of lustrous pink satin and elegant tapered lines, but with a completely modernized interior to meet the needs of today’s athletic dancers. They are made with expert European hand-craftsmanship, the most up-to-date athletic materials, and first-hand knowledge of ballet. The designer and almost the entire team are former dancers. Gaynor Mindens last 3-5 times longer than traditionally made pointe shoes. The parts that provide support for the dancer, the shank and toe box, are made from flexible molded inserts. These are modern materials, not the 19th century paste and cardboard construction found in most other brands. The buoyant support that you feel in the new shoe will remain the same throughout its life; that’s why it’s so important to select a stiffness that feels perfectly broken in when new — they do not soften with use. We offer FIVE stiffness options for stock shoes, and additional options by special order. Our flexible molded inserts are made from a synthetic material prized for extraordinary pliability, strength, and resilience. They are neither rubber nor fiberglass. The same material is also found in medical devices such as prosthetics, and in a wide range of athletic equipment. Gaynor Mindens have been tested to withstand hundreds of thousands of relevés without any weakening or deformation of the shank or box. They can actually help promote correct alignment (see FAQ). Shanks are pre-arched for better support and a prettier line. However, the dancer must still work her feet in moving through the demi-pointe position.