Gaynor Minden Extra Flex (Yellow Bag)

Specify your length and width for a precise, professional fit—it’s the custom pointe shoe you don’t have to special order.

Gaynor Mindens last 3-6 times longer than traditionally made pointe shoes. The parts that provide support for the dancer, the shank and toe box, are made from advanced flexible polymers. 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 polymers are a type of synthetic material prized for extraordinary flexibility, strength, and resilience. They are neither rubber nor fiberglass. The ones we use are 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

Handmade in the U.S.A. 

*Please call our store to check size availability. While our website may state we have all sizes in-stock, this does not represent our inventory* 

Model: 

• Classic: Our original "U" shape: the metatarsal, midfoot, and heel are generously cut.
• Sculpted: For the foot in-between Classic and Sleek: Sculpted has an ample metatarsal, a snug midfoot, and a narrow-medium heel.
• Sleek: For a tapered, "V"-shaped foot: Sleek has a slim metatarsal and a truly narrow midfoot and heel.

Length:

• Gaynor Mindens usually fit one to one and a half sizes longer than your U.S. street shoe size. Please note not every length is available in every model. If you require a length that is not available, use the up arrow to change your previous selection.

Width:

• Width fits the metatarsal and mid-foot area. Please note not every width is available in every model. If you require a width that is not available, use the up arrow to change your previous selections.

Box:

• The box fits the toe and metatarsal area. Please note not every box is available in every combination. If you require a box that is not available, use the up arrow to change your previous selections.
• #3: Medium and tapered
• #3+: Medium and square
• #4: Square and wide
• #5: Square and wider

Shank:

• Gaynor Minden shanks do not break in or soften, and all are equally durable and long-lasting. Make sure your new shoe is pliable enough to allow you to achieve a high demi-pointe easily.

  The number next to each shank name ranks the ease of roll-through — or demi-pointe — with 1 being the easiest, and 5 being the most difficult.

• 3 - Supple - Medium (Pink)
• 4 - Extra flex - Stiff (Yellow)
• 5 - Hard - Extremely stiff (Green)

Vamp:

• The Deep vamp is 1/4" (0.6 cm) longer than the Low vamp (previously the Regular vamp).

  Dancers who wear a Gaynor Minden size 7 or shorter often prefer a Low vamp. Sizes 7.5 or longer tend to prefer Deep vamps.

Heel:

• The High heel is 3/8" (1 cm) longer than the Low heel (previously our Regular heel).

  Dancers who wear a Gaynor Minden size 7 or shorter often prefer a Low heel. Sizes 7.5 or longer tend to prefer High heels. The Low heel minimizes excess fabric when en pointe.

Colour:

• Traditional Pink
• Cappuccino (please call us if you need this colour - Gaynor Minden may not have them in-stock)
• Mocha (please call us if you need this colour - Gaynor Minden may not have them in-stock)
• Espresso (please call us if you need this colour - Gaynor Minden may not have them in-stock)