A few months ago, Alex from Siberian Swan got in touch. After a bit of back-and-forth, he sent me a couple of pairs of the new brand's shoes to test out.
Siberian Swan (siberianswan.com) is a relatively new pointe shoe brand that is adding another aspect to the mix of technology-meets-classic. The shoes, like Gaynor Minden, have a plastic shank that doesn't wear out from use. However, unlike Gaynors, the Siberian Swan shoes have a traditional paste box that does break down, so the fit is more familiar to dancers used to traditional shoes. Siberian Swan shoes also offer arch support and light padding in the footbed to make the shoes more comfortable and kinder to dancers' feet. Siberian swan also offers customizations/special orders for all dancers (not just company pros), and matte or shiny satin options. The shoes come in four widths and three shank strengths.
After measuring my feet (check out the Siberian Swan website for the details of how to measure--it's interesting), Alex sent me the Pavlova style (tapered like RP Almaz or GR 2007, suited to my foot) in a size 4 width 2 and the Karsavina style (broader like SOD Claudia or BL Seranade, not suited to my foot) in a size 4.5 width 3, both in matte satin and medium shank, for comparison. Although I measured as a Pavlova size 4 width 2 even with my relatively thick toe pads, the shoes were actually a tad small when they arrived and I tried them on. Because of this, they never made it to the studio for a proper road test, but they did make it through a few "barre classes" at my kitchen table.
Sizing wise, both shoes fit like Grishko 2007. Take street size and subtract 2 sizes (1.5 for especially thick toe pads), and choose width accordingly. As for how they feel on the feet, I think the boxes on these feel very similar to Russian Pointe (which makes sense, as they are all handmade in Russia). The shanks are pretty soft and bouncy, very like Gaynors. True to their word, Siberian Swan shoes require very little in terms of breaking in--the shoes are ready for wear right out of the box.
Personally, I felt these shoes took the best of Gaynors and the best of other traditional shoes and combined them into a very well-made and comfortable product. If you are a fan of the longevity of Gaynors, but dislike the fit, I recommend checking these Siberian Swans out. They are a nice medium choice in the classic vs. modern debate.
I'm not giving up my Grishkos for Siberian Swans yet, but I do very much like the product. I'm looking forward to watching this baby brand grow into one of the big players on the market. I think the shoes are definitely of the quality to stand among Grishko and Russian Pointe on the main stage in the future.
Siberian Swan (siberianswan.com) is a relatively new pointe shoe brand that is adding another aspect to the mix of technology-meets-classic. The shoes, like Gaynor Minden, have a plastic shank that doesn't wear out from use. However, unlike Gaynors, the Siberian Swan shoes have a traditional paste box that does break down, so the fit is more familiar to dancers used to traditional shoes. Siberian Swan shoes also offer arch support and light padding in the footbed to make the shoes more comfortable and kinder to dancers' feet. Siberian swan also offers customizations/special orders for all dancers (not just company pros), and matte or shiny satin options. The shoes come in four widths and three shank strengths.
 |
| Karsavina |
After measuring my feet (check out the Siberian Swan website for the details of how to measure--it's interesting), Alex sent me the Pavlova style (tapered like RP Almaz or GR 2007, suited to my foot) in a size 4 width 2 and the Karsavina style (broader like SOD Claudia or BL Seranade, not suited to my foot) in a size 4.5 width 3, both in matte satin and medium shank, for comparison. Although I measured as a Pavlova size 4 width 2 even with my relatively thick toe pads, the shoes were actually a tad small when they arrived and I tried them on. Because of this, they never made it to the studio for a proper road test, but they did make it through a few "barre classes" at my kitchen table.
 |
| Pavlova |
Personally, I felt these shoes took the best of Gaynors and the best of other traditional shoes and combined them into a very well-made and comfortable product. If you are a fan of the longevity of Gaynors, but dislike the fit, I recommend checking these Siberian Swans out. They are a nice medium choice in the classic vs. modern debate.
I'm not giving up my Grishkos for Siberian Swans yet, but I do very much like the product. I'm looking forward to watching this baby brand grow into one of the big players on the market. I think the shoes are definitely of the quality to stand among Grishko and Russian Pointe on the main stage in the future.
As an older dancer with arthritis in my left big toe, I can happily say I really like these pointe shoes. They are super comfortable for my beat up feat through my years of dancing, as well as not having to go through that break-in process for a film project or performance I may have coming up. I like to be ready in case there is a last minute phone call for a gig. I have the Pavlova model and my feet are very tapered. I really enjoy how quiet and again, how comfortable these pointe shoes are because my feet do not fit properly in Gaynor Mindens, I am in between box sizes and will not spend anymore money taking chances on more and more customizations. Even though they were very comfortable for my feet as well as shock absorbent, they just aren't right fit. I don't feet stable in the size that is technically supposed to fit me, and I don't like how they don't break in (or break down). My feet don't look good in them either, and I have had enough of trying to make them work for me. I have been saddened by the GM experience altogether since I thought they had shoes and customizations to fit literally ANY one. Well, I am the lucky one lol (sarcasm). So, I have been using BLOCH Axioms for the past few years and they seemed to be the best fit for me in the meantime. When Alex contacted me from Siberian Swan, it was a long awaited blessing in disguise. He sent me a pair of shoes, after going back and forth with sizing a bit. And now I can still feel the floor, not have pain, and though I realize they will probably break down much faster, they give me the correct amount of support and flexibility. They compliment my feet very well/mold to my feet, and I feel very aligned in them. To me, they are the next best thing to Gaynor Mindens. I am just at that point in my life where I don't want to go through the break in process anymore (as it is very distressing on my arthritic toe joint) and just need a shoe that is comfortable, and performance-ready. I love how much easier it is to articulate my foot, really feel the floor, be able to jump better, and do certain movements without worrying about the shoes.
ReplyDeleteI do have a couple of suggestions for the company. One would be to make a definite difference between the matte and satin finish of the pointe shoes. I can barely tell the finishes apart from each other right now. I also think they should make the shanks available in Hard, since I believe these shoes are going to break down very fast (I have them in Medium). I would hope to see these shoes in more dance stores, since it's a budding pointe shoe company, and nothing can replace the proper in-person pointe shoe fitting. I look forward to seeing Siberian Swan climb up in popularity and join in the competition among the bigger names of the pointe shoe world.
Thanks for sharing your experience! The shanks of Siberian Swan shoes are supposed to be very strong and resilient, so the plastic forming the Medium shank should wear for a good long time--no need for a Hard.
DeleteHere's some additional information from Siberian Swan RE: the shanks:
DeleteWe are on the final version of the shoes, which featured computer CAT generated single plastic shank. The firmness of the shank is regulated by the thickness of the plastic in certain spots, new technology allows full customization of the firmness with the precision of 0.5 mm, and done through the computer software
Version was tested by Russian State Ballet of Siberia during their United Kingdom Tour 2017-18:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFjVB7Mm6H0
· Longer lasting than regular cardboard shoes (based on normal, customary usage patterns of medium to medium-heavy use) due to the combination of engineered plastic shank and conventional, enforced box.
· Low noise level on stage (additional padding on platform).
· Softer and more comfortable due to custom padding on inner sole
· Active Arch Support patented technology – creates incredible level of support underneath the heel, relieving pressure on the toes and allowing them to be straight up and down inside the shoe. While this is a worthwhile feature for dancers both amateur and professional, it becomes especially relevant for ballet students, as it prevents sinking into box, avoiding injuries. EXCLUSIVELY OURS
· No Break-In is needed. Right out of the package, this shoe is designed to be ready to go with minimal heating up from the dancer's foot. Just walk around a bit, “releve” a bit and the shoe is ready for you!
All of this plastic shank and extra support doesn't take away from the shoes the articulation with the demi-pointe.
· Multi-layered vacuum pressed fabrics, engineered to be more durable and less slippery than similar satin. EXCLUSIVELY OURS
· Box is crafted with conventional, breathable materials reinforced with proprietary glue formulation at the platform to increase general edge longevity. EXCLUSIVELY OURS.
· Siberian cedar added to the platform area – the Siberian cedar provides for additional odor and humidity control, and provides increased inflammation prevention capabilities (when compared to similar shoes in the market) EXCLUSIVELY OURS.
· V-cut with drawstrings on the side for extra comfort, elegance and ease of use. EXCLUSIVELY OURS.
Here is the link to the shoe's features:
https://www.siberianswan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SiberianSwan_Printed_Info.pdf
A lot of innovation is done, and customers love the shoes once they try it. The thing is that in general it is hard to change people's perception
Once a person holds a strong perception about a specific brand, it's extremely difficult to change it.
We are currently exploring new ways of marketing.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteJillian,
DeleteThank you for posting the most recent features list of the Siberian Swan.
I have seen this shoe's capabilities first hand and it truly is unique in so many ways. The duration is remarkable compared to many shoes on the market. All three shank strengths are lasting months instead of weeks. The boxes are also extraordinarily durable while maintaining a high level of comfort. The shanks are definitely built (especially in the newest release) to support the arch of the foot to take pressure off of the toes .... whatever they have done works!
Siberian Swan has definitely created a shoe that needs to be positioned way up there in the pointe shoe market.
If I can be of any other assistance regarding this shoe, please reach out to me. I am teaching dancers in the shoe and fitting students from other schools in the shoe as well.
Sincerely,
Missy
We have begun using these, and so far LOVE them. Great product. thanks,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are enjoying the Siberian Swan! I hope your experiences continue to be as positive as mine have. As a retailer, I have been fitting Siberian Swan for over a year now in my store as well as watching this shoe perform on my students in my studio.
DeleteMissy Floyd, Tickle Pink Performance Wear, Buena Vista, Va.
I am in a very unique position to review the Siberian Swan. I fit both the Siberian Swan Karsavina and the Pavlova in my store and I also have the opportunity teach dancers who wear these pointe shoes in my studio. So since May 2017, I have had the chance to really watch this pointe shoe in action and see how it reacts to different levels of dancers from the beginner to my budding professional dancer. I have watched this shoe's capabilities in classes, rehearsals and on stage from corps de ballet work to pas de deux and variations. This is a pointe shoe that really needs to be recognized as an elegant, sleek, well made pointe shoe that needs to be danced in.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned above the shanks are plastic yet the box is made of conventional pointe shoe box materials. The shanks come in three different strengths, all extremely durable. While the box is crafted with conventional materials, it is also extremely durable with extra epoxy inside the platform. The box of this shoe is beautiful. I have noticed little to no breakdown as the shoe is worn. Perhaps the days of adding shelac, floor polish and pointe shoe glue are over with the Siberian Swan.
A little more about the shank and it's design: the shank is created to break right underneath the dancer's heel creating an incredible level of support for the dancer's feet at the metatarsal, relieving pressure on the toes and allowing the toes to be straight up and down in the shoe. All of this plastic and extra support doesn't take away from the shoe's articulation with the demi pointe. Right out of the package, this shoe is designed to be ready to go with minimal heating up from the dancer's foot. Just walk around a bit, releve a bit and the shoe is ready for you!
Combine the arch support with the pitch the box offers the dancer and you have a beautiful, elegant line that allows the dancer to find the platform offering a beautiful balance while en pointe. The lateral support along with the metatarsal support is incredible. The stability this shoe offers is incredible!
An additional feature to the Siberian Swan shank that cannot be overlooked is the stability the dancer feels while standing flat (think about those long adagio combinations with promenade after promenade ..). Siberian Swan has managed to make this long-lasting, durable shank allow the dancer to feel closer to the floor while standing flat! No longer does the dancer feel the "wobble" that other conventional shanks offer. This is a benefit that I have yet to find in another pointe shoe.
Comfort .. let's talk comfort. The shoe is light in weight and is quiet when the shoe is jumped in. Siberian Swan has added a layer of foam just underneath the outer layer of material to the platform which dampens the sound of a traditional pointe shoe on stage. I love how they have added extra fabric to the inside of the shank to make a more comfortable and safer landing for the dancer!
The most recent release of the Siberian Swan has given dancers a sleeker profile so the look of the shoe is even more elegant. Add to that, the matte finish which blends in beautifully to the dancer's tights, color matched ribbons and elastic which are included in the shoe's price and you have a gorgeous shoe, made with professional dancers' input from start to finish. These shoes are made in Russia with solid input from the dancers of the Russian State Ballet of Siberia. The shoe is the first choice for the ballerinas who dance in this company.
Dancers, students and teachers: Find out more about this shoe and it's benefits to you / your students. This a beautiful shoe and the company is truly dedicated to the creation of a pointe shoe that is of the highest quality available.
Should you choose to reply or comment in this thread, please be sure to be positive and kind. If you want to comment privately, please do so at missy@ticklepinkdancewear.com or visit the company's website at www.siberianswan.com
I love them, I was looking for the right pair of points for a very long time, but they really do the trick. I recognised an improvement in my technique, and I finally getting stronger ankles. Also regarding looks I am very happy, while other point shoes sometimes break the line for me, they don't, they give my a lovely line. Also they have lasted me longer than any other pair before, and so far they are still going!
ReplyDeleteIsabella,
DeleteThank you for your feedback! May I ask, what model are you wearing?
As a teacher, I agree and support what you are saying about your technique and your ankle strength! My students feel their feet working with the Siberian Swan!
The lovely line you mention .. quite lovely indeed!
The duration of the shoe has given my students months instead of weeks! Finally! A shoe that offers the best features that dancers need! Duration, stability, support and comfort!! Add in elegance and the lightweight, quietness ... Siberian Swan has created an amazing tool for dancers of all levels!
Again, thank you for your positive feedback regarding the Siberian Swan!
I hope you continue to love this pointe shoe as much as we do!
Sincerely,
Missy
As a teacher who has become extremely frustrated by dancers battling in ill fitting shoes, shoes collapsing (old stock!) and parents screaming over costs of buying new shoes every few weeks, the Siberian Swan shoes are a gift from ballerina heaven. The strength of the box is phenomenal, the shank is virtually indestructible and the fit is simple and pretty much perfect.The V shanks and different bix shapes has also meant that a fancet essentially has two choices of size so that should her regular size not be immediately available she has an alternative.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! This is an incredible review of Siberian Swan Pointe Shoes!!
DeleteYour words speak right to the heart of Siberian Swan's goals .. Not to be different but to create something better .. to solve problems that exist with other pointe shoes on the market! I believe they've done it!!
As a Siberian Swan fitter and ballet teacher here in the US, I couldn't ask for a better choice for both my customers and my students.
Again, I thank you for this review!!
Thank you so much for such great review!
DeleteWe are here for you striving for the best! Using modern technology to address as many currently existing issues as possible - Longevity, Comfort, Support, Pain-free
I have as of late begun a web journal, the data you give on this website has helped me incredibly. A debt of gratitude is in order for the greater part of your time and work. shoe deodorizer
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