Tonya Twins began with a mother’s resolve to protect her daughters from the pain of poorly made half-shoes. That commitment grew into a mission: to give every gymnast access to footwear that feels better, lasts longer, and supports every move with confidence.
We believe no gymnast should train in discomfort. Our mission started with a single pair made to prevent blisters, pain, and injury—crafted with care, for every floor routine ahead.
We’re here to prove that high-performance gear doesn’t need a high price tag. Each pair is thoughtfully designed to balance comfort, durability, and affordability.
From handmade shoes to international competitions, our journey is guided by impact—not trends. We aim to keep evolving while staying true to what matters: real support for real athletes.
From Painful Beginnings to Triumph: The Half-Shoes Journey
When my daughters’ gymnastics routines increased, I noticed their half-shoes weren’t keeping up. As a mother, I’ve always put my children’s comfort and safety first, so it was hard to watch them struggle. I tried a pair from a well-known brand, but the harsh material and rough stitching caused blisters and discomfort. Determined to find a better solution, I spent a year experimenting with different fabrics and designs, using my daughter’s foot as the guide for a perfect fit. In the end, I created half-shoes that are both durable and gentle—a practical solution born from a mother’s care.
A glimpse of the modest table where this journey began.
The variety of fabrics I experimented with during this early phase.
This is the very first fabric I tried—adorable in appearance yet ultimately too rigid for active use.
An early attempt with improved fabric, though the colors still needed a more vibrant touch.
A candid snapshot of the creative and heartfelt experimentation that followed, where I experimented with shapes, colours, and stitches to refine the design.
The breakthrough soon became evident. My daughters proudly wore the shoes during training, and soon other gymnasts became curious. Word of a mother-made solution spread quickly, and I received my very first orders. Even our club’s coach was impressed enough to try them out. Although I initially made only one size, the coach’s feedback inspired me to expand my size- range. That year, my small, heartfelt experiment in a cramped room blossomed into my very first official order—a symbol that care for our children can spark change.
Then came the unexpected challenge of lockdown due to COVID-19. While the world paused and we were confined to our homes, our training sessions at the VGA club continued online. Even in isolation, my intention only grew stronger. I refined the designs further—adding an extra layer of soft fabric to the toe area and sourcing better rubbers and piping. These improvements not only increased comfort but also gave the half shoes an elegant, presentable look. Even in crisis, my heart was set on providing the best for our little champions.
A version designed for competitions, combining functionality with a gentle aesthetic.
An experimental leap into using leather—a new direction born of necessity and creativity.
Customers have diverse tastes—some favor the dazzling allure of glittery rubbers.
Provides a closer look at the various types of rubber experimented with during this transformative phase.
Shows my daughters proudly wearing the shoes—moments that reminded me why this journey mattered.
A bespoke set of shoes crafted for the unique needs of young gymnasts.
As life slowly returned to normal and gymnasiums reopened, the demand for my half-shoes soared. The assortment expanded to include even the smallest sizes fitting the feet of 3 years old gymnasts. The half shoes, born from a mother’s deep care, quickly became a hit at competitions, and coaches from other clubs began reaching out. What started in a tiny room was evolving into something much bigger—a testament that when a mother follows her heart, the impact can be far-reaching.
The joyful process of packaging and sharing these creations with families and gym owners alike.
The vibrant and playful range of colors introduced to celebrate individuality.
The momentum continued to build. Orders came in from several clubs, and my half-shoes began to capture attention beyond our local community. I even gave a set of my innovative designs to foreign gymnasts to try during international competitions and off-site training sessions in Malaysia. This was more than business—it was a movement born from genuine care, connecting mothers, gym owners, and children worldwide.
Personal touches added for those who wanted something uniquely special.
The final, polished product that symbolizes our evolution.
By the end of 2023, it was clear that the demand had outgrown my modest production capacity. Determined to continue delivering the quality and care my daughters—and every child—deserved, I teamed up with my dedicated team to find a reliable OEM production partner. After visiting 30 factories, each falling short of our high standards, we finally found one capable of meeting our exacting specifications. A year of rigorous back-and-forth adjustments culminated in the first batch of 15,000 pairs. Today, that stock is ready for sale—a milestone that celebrates the journey from a mother’s initial pain and love to a scalable process that delivers quality worldwide.
A comprehensive collage displaying every version of the shoes—from the very first prototype to the final OEM product—visually narrating this journey of love, perseverance, and transformation.
