beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 After a year en pointe I feel like I've never found 'the one.' I have very extreme diamond feet. For example, in Grishko I've been fitted in an XXXX to accommodate my wide forefoot but even a Gaynor sleek is too wide at the heel! The only way I can keep on a shoe is with ribbons, elastic and an elastic drawstring. I also have very, very sensitive feet (all over) and pronating, hyper-extending big toes and a high profile foot (well over 1 inch!) A few weeks ago I went to a small local dance shop. Though the lady was very nice, we didn't find 'the one' but I took some Grishko Novas in size 5.5, XXXX M to try. The shank is just way too hard for me, I cannot get it to conform to my arch at all and they are too low profile- my big toes are very unhappy after about 5 roll throughs (I am doing the intermediate foundation RAD) and after these 5 roll throughs the heels have practically fallen off despite ribbons sewn far back and elastic. So far I have tried (it feels like every shoe out there!) Bloch: Serenade, Alpha, Sonata, Aspiration, Synergy Grishko: 2007, Triumph, Fouette Gamba: 93 Capezio: Glisse Sansha: Recital Gaynor Mindens in various combinations Freed: Studios I've never put a pointe shoe on and felt it was 'the one.' I have brought some home (Bloch Serenade, Sansha Recital) but the Serenade was too short and severely bruised my toenails (despite this, would still not stay on at heels!) and the Sansha Recitals had too hard a shank and too long a vamp (couldn't get over the box) but did sort of stay on at heels. I'm not sure what the problem is, neither is my fitter. I feel like if I could get a shank that worked for me, the heel problem would get better. So far I have not got a shank to break in. The Novas are OK under the arch BUT I cannot get the shank to break in at demi-pointe at all. However, I am still a beginner to pointe so am worried about getting a soft or super soft shank. I tried the Gaynor Minden in pianissimo and honestly felt scared- I felt as if I might as well have been in a pair of demi pointe shoes, I felt no support at all. Are all super soft shanks like this? Also most soft shanks are special order so I feel like I'm taking a gamble as couldn't return them if I hated the shank. What would you do next? Thanks, Becky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Can you get to London easily, becky? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Can you get to London easily, becky? I can, but I don't know how much more choice it would offer to be honest (given how much I have tried/tested already.) I'm hoping if I found that 'elusive' shoe with an elastic drawstring, narrow(er) heels and a softer shank it might be a winner! I feel like I know what I need but fitters are trying to put me in shoes that are too low-profile (I knew I should have said no to the Novas but the lady said they were an 'OK fit' but OK is not enough at this point!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Whereabout in the country are you based Becky My dd has very difficult feet & Dancique in Birminghsm have been great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loulabelle Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 My suggestion would be to go to Freed in London and have a chat with the fitters there. You may need some specially made for you. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I can, but I don't know how much more choice it would offer to be honest (given how much I have tried/tested already.) I'm hoping if I found that 'elusive' shoe with an elastic drawstring, narrow(er) heels and a softer shank it might be a winner! I feel like I know what I need but fitters are trying to put me in shoes that are too low-profile (I knew I should have said no to the Novas but the lady said they were an 'OK fit' but OK is not enough at this point!)Grishko shanks were always too hard for my dd for the first year en pointe. I would be loathe to go with the softest GM shank as if I recall, they are akin to a "dead" pair of pointes and I doubt you need to go that soft. I asked about London for two reasons - one is that my dd's friends has just converted to Gaynors despite having wide metatarsals and the tiniest, narrowest heel - and the other is that if you can make an appontment with Beth or Sophie at Freed, I would put money on them being able to find a good shoe for you, even if it involves some customisation back at the factory. I'm wondering if a Classic Light or a Classic Pro would help you get over on your platform better. If you can get to London and make an appointment with Dancia's most senior Gaynor fitter, and Beth or Sophie in Freed, you could do both shops in one day. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loulabelle Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It sounds like you have similar shape feet to my DD. She wears Freeds as they are the only shoes we can find with long enough wings to suit her taperd toes and high bendy arches. She doesn't have them custom made as she finds she can keep Freed Studio Pros (with elastic drawstring) on her heel so I suspect she's not as narrow heeled as you are. DD tried Gaynors but the box isn't deep enough for her tapered toes, she could pull up out of them but we could see she could easily knuckle in them when tired, so the extra wing support (with added shellac) of the Freeds is ideal........ for now!???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you for the suggestions, guys. I live in rural Oxfordshire. think I have gone through just about every Gaynor fitting! Unfortunately the combination I need (size 10, N, sleek, #4 box) is only special order and I don't think it would work with my high profile foot. I am kind of leaning towards Freed as they can be customized totally: I think a classic pro with a soft shank or a classic light with an elastic drawstring might work. I am also wondering about a pair of custom Grishkos based on the Ulanova II (for tapered heels) with a soft shank and an elastic drawstring might work. The nova overall fit (length and width) works well but the profile is too low and the heel too big on the Novas (and the M shank too strong.) I guess if I need a soft shank I need a soft shank, right, no mater what level of pointe work I am at? I find it so frustrating as all I do currently is do roll throughs at the barre, I haven't had the confidence to try any echappees at the barre as I don't feel confident enough in my shoes yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 As you progress en pointe you may need a different shank - or even a different shoe - for different types of work. As your feet get stronger you may well need a harder shank - or you may always prefer a softer shank. But for Inter Foundation you sound as if you need a lighter shoe, so you have the confidence to get over on the platform. There are so many combinations and customisations to Freeds that I really would suggest trying there first before custom ordering Gaynors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks everyone. Out of interest, how long do custom Freeds take to get after ordering? And do I need to specify a maker? Because I have a feeling that what I want will be a very minor tweak (for instance, a Freed Classic Light but with an elastic rather than cotton drawstring or a Freed Class pro but with a lighter shank?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopeforpointe Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Beckyl have you tried a Bloch European balance. I have narrow heels and wide feet and so far so good (it's th 4th pointe shoe style I've tried now.) that obviously doesn't mean it will necessarily work for you. It does have the elusive elastic drawstring however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 I have some on order from Bloch! (I'm trying about 8 pairs, jus to see if I can find 'the one.') It sounds very promising but I'm afraid the shank might be too hard for me (Bloch Aspiration was impossible to mould for me.) It might be 'the one' I hope it might be 'the one' as obviously a stock shoe is 100 times easier than a custom made deal! Thanks for suggesting it, hopeforpointe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Dd started with a balance european as despite needing support for a very bendy foot she needed a shoe with some give to encourage her to work her foot. She has a very wide foot. 2.5 G Her needs have now chsnges & she is in a Merlet which I think has a 3/4 shank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks everyone. Out of interest, how long do custom Freeds take to get after ordering? And do I need to specify a maker? Because I have a feeling that what I want will be a very minor tweak (for instance, a Freed Classic Light but with an elastic rather than cotton drawstring or a Freed Class pro but with a lighter shank?) What they would suggest to start with is trying different makers in the same handmade shoe, to see which suits you best. Classic Pro come with elastic drawstrings but small customisations like that only usually take a week or two. Once you find the best maker for you, Beth or Sophie can put in a special order for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks for all the info on Freed. If I said something like this would I be able to be matched with a maker? (This is what I think I need) Freed: size 6 Width: XX Lightweight block/box- easy to break in, no pressure on toes, easy demi pointe Higher vamp Elastic drawstring Soft shank Slightly tapered heel (Obviously I am trying a stock shoe for the width and length first!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Yes, if you make sure you see Beth or Sophie (Jade is very good too but I think Beth and Sophie may have more discretion with regards to customisation) that will give them a good idea of where to start. You may find you need half a size bigger in Classic/Classic Light/Classic Pro than in Studios. Likewise you may need a triple X. For example my dd is half a size smaller and one width narrower in Studio Pros than Classic Pros. They will decide on a model and a size and then bring you different Makers' shoes to decide which suits you best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you. I never feel like I've had a good fitting. I've always come out with an shoe that is 'just OK' (that I get home that clearly don't work!) rather than 'YES, this is the one!' I've also felt kind of pressured to buy or 'oh, well I think you should try a Bloch' (I've tried almost every single Bloch model!') or 'sorry, we don't stock Freeds here.' For buying a shoe online (I have ordered a Freed from Move Dancewear to just see what length/width is best) how does that work with the maker? Is it just random? The master list implies shoes are made so differently, how is it possible to tell if a shoe will suit?!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) If you have a fitting in the Freed shop the fitters will tell you which makers shoes will suit you best in the style most suited to you. There are slight variations in the shoes of same style depending on maker. They will also work out if you need bespoke adjustments to a pair. My dd wore ?pro a few years ago, we had to give a lead time of 4-6 weeks for the recommended maker to get the shoes best suited to her. The Grishko fitter in Brighton is very good, fittings in her house by appointment so no distractions. Edited to add just read Anna post and we are both saying the same really about Freed fittings. Edited September 1, 2015 by Jane 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you for the info, Jane. The thing is I've had a few fittings and when I've asked about custom shoes the fitter has just kind of rolled her eyes and said, 'You don't need custom shoes!' (particularly applies to Grishko.) I feel like people think I 'only' do Intermediate Foundation (I'm certainly not going to turn professional in my late 20's!) so I can 'make do' with a shoe. However, getting the perfect pointe shoe is very important to *me* as important as it is for a pre-pro girl but nowhere I have been seems to understand that yet. I feel like all the fitters I've seen have been too quick to put me in a shoe that is 'OK' but ultimately is not going to work. ... it's all very frustrating! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Beckyl I don't think the Freed or Grishko fitters would put you in a shoe that was 'Ok'. I don't dance and never have but have spent many an hour sitting patiently beside my dd as she has tried endless pairs. We left her last Bloch appointment empty handed as they were not interested enough to listen to her needs and look at her feet in the shoes. My experience of Freed shop, Grishko fitter and more recently Dancia have been positive. Can also recommend Dancique in Birmingham who have Merlet and Russian Pointe. Just Ballet get good reviews for their fittings and I believe owner is an adult dancer. Do you think the heel slips off your foot as you are not getting the shank pliable enough to mound to your foot? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you. I never feel like I've had a good fitting. I've always come out with an shoe that is 'just OK' (that I get home that clearly don't work!) rather than 'YES, this is the one!' I've also felt kind of pressured to buy or 'oh, well I think you should try a Bloch' (I've tried almost every single Bloch model!') or 'sorry, we don't stock Freeds here.' For buying a shoe online (I have ordered a Freed from Move Dancewear to just see what length/width is best) how does that work with the maker? Is it just random? The master list implies shoes are made so differently, how is it possible to tell if a shoe will suit?!! I have never bought handmade Freeds online for two reasons - one is that we are within reach of London so can easily get to Freed, and two, each maker has his own style - lighter or heavier weight box, wings, and thickness under the metatarsals, slightly different platform width and tilt etc. So although you are buying - say - a Freed Classic Pro - one maker can fit you perfectly while another may make a shoe too heavyweight, or too tapered. So you may buy online, get sent a specific maker's shoe, find the shoe too solid underfoot and discard the Classic Pro as not right for you when all you need is a different maker who makes a lighter shoe underfoot. Dd's first Maker left Freed a couple of years ago, so along with a good number of professionals, we had to go through a process of trial and error to find a replacement maker suitable for her feet. She now has a new favourite Maker. If they fit you in Studios, then these can be bought online as they are made by machine as opposed to by hand, so are all similar in terms of fit. But while you're still trying to find the right shoe, I would not advise you to buy the handmade Freeds online. There are just too many different combinations of maker styles and customisations available until you know your maker, size, width, style, and any "tweaks" you need. Incidentally, once you have had your fitting and found the best Freed style for you, the fitter will write your specifications on a card you can keep in your purse. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Freed does sound like a good choice, hopefully I will be able to get to London by October half term. If I have no luck with stock models I will try to talk to some Freed custom makers beforehand and see what they can advise once I have my length/width. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopeforpointe Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Beckyl, I also tried aspiration and couldn't get on with them. They were too square in the box and I could never get them to fit snugly to my arches. Fingers crossed for you that you do find your right shoe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Have either your teacher or pointe shoe fitter recommended that you have shoes with a soft shank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Are your feet compressible across the forefoot? if so to get proper support in your pointe shoe you won't need wide shoes. Dd had a problem with some fitters not realising this and once it was identified she felt more secure en pointe plus the end of bruised toe nails for her. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Have either your teacher or pointe shoe fitter recommended that you have shoes with a soft shank? Yes, one fitter said a medium Grishko might be too hard for me (it is!) another suggested perhaps a soft shank might work in a specific Grishko model. The demi-pointe is where I have the most trouble. Jane- nope, barely any compressibility at all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Grishko shoes are generally harder in the shank than other makes anyway, and aren't made (as far as I've been told) for the British-taught style of rolling up through demi-pointe onto pointe, but for the Russian way of springing up instead. Dancers with strong feet wouldn't find this an issue though, but since you are still at the earlier stages of pointe training it could be why this might be a problem for you. That might be why the Grishko fitter suggested a soft shank Grishko shoe. I agree with others, and suggest that you go to the Freed flagship store in London for a fitting. Other dance shops stocking Freeds won't have anything like the capability for ordering customised shoes, which is why they've probably tried to fit you with the 'stock' styles that they carry, and of course this isn't ideal if you don't have standard feet! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 I have heard this about Grishko. I haven't managed to break in a Bloch shoe either yet! Can anyone tell me if I make an appointment with Freed if I say I'm coming in for a custom shoe if that's what it's definitely for? It's hard for me t keep getting up to London so do I need to go back for another fitting? Also I'm not sure if the bigger problem is the heel shape/height being wrong or the shank being too hard- how can I/a fitter tell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 If you check Anna C's posts, she mentions the names of some fitters at the Freed shop in London. The fitters at that shop are true experts and fit many professional ballerinas from the Royal Ballet and other companies (all of whom need specialist custom fittings I would imagine!) and also a large number of full-time vocational ballet students. The fitters will know what is needed - it will be helpful if you can take some of your current shoes which will help them see what trouble you've been having. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you, I will try to book into them for sometime in half term. I assume the would be OK with me as a beginner student (with no professional aspirations) wanting a custom pointe shoe? And can you specify something like, 'I want the block to be softer so my toes don't get bashed' (I'm not sure if they could even insert extra padding into the box like the Bloch Jetstream or the Grishko Miracle?) or a tapered heel? The customizations page doesn't say anything about modifications like that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 The fitter will advise you on what would be needed. You can't go on what is on the customisations part of the website - the people using that will have been wearing Freeds for years and know exactly what they want - usually a tiny tweak to what they already have. If I were you, I'd go with a totally open mind. DD's now found the perfect shoe and they're nothing like what she had before. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyl Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you That's really reassuring to know. I feel like stores try to push me towards Grishko which I personally don't think are high profile enough in any model. I really can't afford to make any more mistakes with pointe shoes- at £50 a pop I can't afford to have any more useless relics lying around! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thank you, I will try to book into them for sometime in half term. I assume the would be OK with me as a beginner student (with no professional aspirations) wanting a custom pointe shoe? And can you specify something like, 'I want the block to be softer so my toes don't get bashed' (I'm not sure if they could even insert extra padding into the box like the Bloch Jetstream or the Grishko Miracle?) or a tapered heel? The customizations page doesn't say anything about modifications like that... You probably won't need a completely customised shoe - Beth and Sophie at Freed fit professionals and students of all abilities from all over the world and also know their stock inside out. They will know what needs to be done with the shoes. Speaking of padding, what do you use at the moment? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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