>>>>>I love Gaynor Mindens! They provide so much support, and last longer than traditional pointe shoes. A lot of people dont like them cause they are made of new high tech materials and not made of glue, paper, cardboard, burlap like other brands. Why suffer and put yourself through so much pain when you can have a shoe that is comfortable and and last 3-4 times long from other shoes. Is the pain neccesary for ballet? Is the more pain what makes a ballerina so great? NO! Gaynor Mindens help you thats why they were made, so pointe isnt as painful. People who dissagre with me can keep wearing those old shoes made of paper, glue, cardboard, and enjoy your sore feet.>>>>I HATE THEM !!!! >Your cant really put other people down for not liking gaynors. personally, they are the shoe for me. but some peoples feet just dont work for them. me, bloches (all styles) refuse to fit my feet, and are not my shoe at all. in this "debate" you have to look at both sides. always remember what is awful for you, may be the dream shoe for another dancer, so dont say " ohhh god dont ever get -insert brand- shoes they suck, they are horrible." becuz like i said, what is bad 4 ur feet can be good for another. cyas. *jen