MissL

On 29/01/2022 at 22:10, Meetmeatthebarre said:

Just to follow up on this, as info on the Dream Pointe seems quite scarce across the internet. 

 

I managed to make my current pair last in the wings by aggressively gluing the wings after every hour or so of pointe class, and this, together with adjusting the amount of lambswool, made them last another 10 hours. I actually started wondering if I was just being paranoid about them dying due to my previous experiences, until one shank snapped clean in (the usual) demi-pointe in the last combo of class - that was a fun pirouette. And pity, as they were so beautifully moulded and comfy at that point!

 

It turns out when deconstructing that the DP shank is plastic layered with canvas, building up from 1 layer in the heel, 2 in the mid-foot, and 3 at the demi-pointe, where it is over 5mm thick. Pulling apart both shoes, I found that the shank on the other shoe had actually split mid-way as well,  but the pressure from the top layer of plastic closest to the foot and the pin at the heel, kept the shoe together. 

 

In other words - it seems like the DP feeling softer in the shank with wear is actually due to the lower layers snapping, yet the shoe is constructed so it can still function for a very long time after that happens. The MF shank feels, out of the bag, similar to a brand new M Grishko shank. Being the nerd that I am, and preferring the 10 hours in feel, I am going to try a SF shank next time from a materials science perspective and see if the box dies before the shank this time. Still, I've had 8-10x longer wear from the DPs than the 2007s/Novas I used to kill in 4-5 hours, so I am super-grateful!

Also just to help you in the future - we can customise parts of the shoes to make them last longer. Do get in touch if you need assistance. 

Not sure if I have fitted you yet Elise? But I can help! I stock the widest variety of Grishko models in the world. I get booked up in advance though so do drop me an email if interested.

On 21/03/2022 at 19:44, valentina said:

I'm not sure where you're based, but a fitting with Leanne from Straight to the Pointe helped my daughter enormously. My daughter was getting through a pair of pointe shoes a day in yr 11 and after a 2.5 hour fitting with Leanne and an eight week wait for special order Grishkos, this problem was solved.

She has very high arches and insteps plus doing many full ballet classes en pointe. Her Freeds ( which she loves) were dead every day.

Leanne is based near Southend but travels about. Anyone who knows Leanne will tell you that she is an expert, extremely knowledgeable and takes great care. Sadly though, the factory she was ordering from was closing and there was no special orders being taken. I'm hoping that may have changed but it didn't look promising.

Thanks for your words.

"The factory she was ordering from was closing" - I just wanted to know what you meant by that as I did not say this? There was a delay due to COVID with custom orders but I certainly did not say the factory was closing

Please be rest assured Grishko as a company are thriving. There were backorders due to COVID related issues (some other brands also faced this issue). 

Mr Grishko is Ukrainian indeed and the work force are many nationalities. 

Shipments are still fine (exported usually from the Prague distribution) and indeed sometimes from Russia. 

Retailers can still order with no problems. Of course like any brand, if something is out of stock at distribution it will need to be made but the factory are catching up with the backlog now and doing great at it. Plus, it helps if retailers can check what sells the most for them and order in advance to have enough on their shelves coming into stock to cope with demand if possible

I got a great one with good support and smooth cups from debenhams! it was about £25 i believe but really worth it as it washes well too

I consulted the help of a physio to assist me in learning how to do it. But you can also watch youtube videos by physios. But honestly, it is best to seek professional advice because everyone is different

I am currently a full-time ballet student. Some of my classmates and I have found something quite interesting about Grishko's. 

We have found that the Medium shanks not only break in better than the Hard shanks, they have actually also lasted longer for most of us... 

At least for us (we have quite a variety of feet,) the medium shanks almost always bend at better places, high up at the top of arches instead of low down around the balls, so that they are more supportive and helpful. 

Applying Jet Glue, or any type of superglue, onto pointe shoes also extend their lives.

This may sound weird, but it is just something that we have realised lately. I hope this is somewhat helpful.

I have found this too... Especially with students I fit who typically wear harder shanks. I have done a video about it actually which will go up soon.

Basically, the science is, if you have a super strong foot you need a shank that bends to the arch better. If it's just straight and not conforming right it will have a much higher chance of snapping and not lasting in general.

Pointe shoes are meant to last a total of 9 hours which a lot of people forget lol.

I suggest if she is doing a few classes per week she really needs to be using a couple of pairs per week (rotating shoes) so that each pair gets a chance to dry out properly and extend their life span.

I also recommend making sure they are the right width, if there is sinking going on then the platform and box will be dying faster.

And I also recommend use of shellac and glue too.

It took me ages to find "the shoe" but for me it's Grishko Maya 1 special order. 

My special order usually consists of:
- Maker number 18

- One shoe 4 X one shoe 4.5 X or both 4.5 X but I think I prefer the combo as my feet are different enough.

- Super soft shank or soft shank with easy roll thru

- Vamp made 1cm lower with drawstring

- Side quarters sometimes made lower

- Platform made a little wider

I have tried many many brands and styles of shoes and wastes tons of money over the years. But this is certainly the shoe for me.

I use this for my plantar fasciitis and it works a treat!

I'm personally not keen on it either. I also don't like the whole tights over leotard thing too.

My daughter would love to be involved, she's 16.

Fab like the above post says: please drop me an email on: leanne@straighttothepointe.net along with any photos you wish me to feature and I will email you back with questions for the interview/feature. Thanks!

i would be happy to

Fantastic please drop me an email on: leanne@straighttothepointe.net along with any photos you wish me to feature and I will email you back with questions for the interview/feature. Thanks!

hi, I'm sure my daughter would, shes 10 years old x

Sent you a PM

Thanks for much everyone! I will reply to you all soon and keep them coming! And yes, please make sure you get permission if you are under 18

Hi Leanne!

Is your website called pointeballetuk? If so I've already featured, but if not I'd love to get involved x

hello! my twitter is called that yes

my website is: www.straighttothepointe.net

They do look comfy. Are split soles more flexible/bendy ?

I've had many brands and styles but always end up going back to bloch pro elastic or bloch synchrony myself! they are both split sole and very flexible and in canvas. I much prefer canvas.

Hello!
I run a youtube channel and ballet blog/review website which also features dancers from around the world with a interview and whatever else they wish to add

I am seeking more dancers to feature on it and wondered if anyone here would be interested please?

You can be anyone who does ballet! Whether you are a student or someone older who has gone back to ballet. Any age, any size! I want to feature as much diversity as possible

Thank you,

Leanne

Thanks I shall do that!

Can't wait to add rest of the current content I have to add to it!

Hi!

I have finally launched my website www.straighttothepointe.net featuring a blog, reviews, tutorials and videos.

Lots more to add yet and more tweaks to be done but it's up

My review of this years move it to come plus video interviews from Russian Pointe CEO and what I think of their pointe shoes.

If this post isn't allowed please delete it.

Thanks
Leanne

Hello

I brought these at move it on Friday but sadly prefer the other pair of Russian pointes I brought that day!

These are stunning shoes and I did an interview with the CEO which will be on my YouTube soon.

The ones I am selling:

Russian pointe Almaz

Size 37.5

Width 1

Vamp 2

Shank flexible soft

V cut no drawstring

Brought for £50 will accept offers.

Images available!

Hi

Selling a brand new pair of grishko pointe shoes dyed by the factory themselves!

They are maya 1 style and size 4.5 width X shank super soft (this is like a Bloch standard shank for those not in the know!)

Can provide photos of course

I'm selling because they aren't the right size for me.

Please message if interested

Hi,

I have 2 pairs of slippers for sale I no longer require.

Both have been worn around 3 times max and in great condition.

Colour nude/light pink

I don't know size of sansha ones but I'm a 4 and these are M width they are the sansha pro slippers.

The dansgirl are size 23 M which is a 4 medium but fit narrow.

Both pairs are already sewn. Happy to sell together or separate.

Make me an offer

Thank you!

Forgot to add dance direct stock it BUT only full shank in a standard shank strength. This shoe comes in tapered or square and shank strengths super soft, soft, medium, hard, etc plus option for full or 3 quarter shank.