Everything you need to know about these exotic footwear!
With so many elements of pole dancing relying on the right footwear, the choices can easily become overwhelming. Beyond eye-catching stage presence and dramatic styling, the ideal performance heel should be comfortable to wear — even during the most intense routines — while offering support for everyone from first-timers to advanced dancers.
From choosing the right heel height for confidence in fitness pole classes to tips on selecting your first pair for performance, we’ll answer your most common questions and help you feel empowered every step of the way.
💡 Looking to shop? Explore our full pole dancing shoe collection for platform sandals, performance boots, and beginner-friendly styles.
Why Are Platform Heels Popular in Dance?
Well, as a style of dance, pole dancing requires the body to move in certain ways and for the dancer to exude confidence. To achieve this sensual movement, you need to be ready for building strength for pole dancing through practice, workouts, and the correct footwear. By having taller-than-average platform height, right heels can help your posture, keep your movement fluid, and make you look great while doing it!
Pole Dancing Shoes are just as much a technical addition as they are a fashion addition to your pole style. For many dancers, a dramatic platform and heel height combo adds a sexy element to their onstage look and boost confidence.When you are on the stage, your confidence is your greatest asset!
Can You Use Everyday Heels for Dance Practice?
Some people, whether they are involved in sport pole or dance pole, find that regular high heels are more comfortable for them while in the initial pole dancing learning stage, as it helps with overcoming the fear of pole dancing. It can also be intimidating to see platform high heel styles usually worn, so a lower heel feels safer.
However, it is safer for you to pole dance barefoot rather than in regular high heels, as the average heel in your shoebox won’t help you with balance or movement in the same way. Starting with a lower platform and heel height option is a great compromise when initially getting into pole.
Why Dancers Prefer Boots for Training & Performance
Boots are very often the more popular choice for pole dancing, as they offer ankle support and toe protection, as well as enabling you to have a better grip and flow for your pole dancing tricks. Helping you to hold on to the pole during motion, boots are often considered the best pole dance shoes for beginners and those doing aerial pole.
Often worn in instructional demonstrations for how to do a pole dance invert or other pole dancing tricks, ankle boots are regarded as the best style for on-pole dancing techniques. Pole boots are available in a huge range of colour, pattern, and style options, making them a great addition to your pole uniform!
Browse our stunning range of pole dancing boots for all styles and skill levels.
Should You Train Barefoot Before Wearing Heels?
If you are beginning to learn pole dance at home or in a community studio, barefoot is the better choice if you can’t yet wear platform shoes. If you’ve done a search for ‘pole dance classes near me’ and are looking for somewhere to go and learn or are engaging in pole dance workout for cardio reasons, it is a good idea to ask your new pole community members what they suggest.
Dancing barefoot can help you with your grip, climbs, drops, and floorwork until you are ready to transition into more technically challenging moves like spins, a static hold, and even learning to invert.
Best Grip Materials for Stage Heels
Shoes made with PVC or patent leather are the best for pole shoes, as they help you get a better grip. Whether you are looking for a pole dancing high heel to wear to a performance, or for completing pole dance challenges for Instagram, your patent leather shoes are an awesome choice to help you get the most from your performance.
Also being considerably cheaper than leather varieties, patent leather shoes are easier to replace and require much less maintenance.
What Makes Pleaser the Go-To Brand for Dancers?
Internationally regarded as the gold standard for pole dancing shoes, Pleaser shoes are high quality and made specifically with pole dancing in mind. Inspired by the creativity of exotic dancing, Pleaser has a wide range that includes sandals, ankle boots, and more in colours and textures that will thrill you!
Easy to find and with sizing that is simple to navigate, Pleaser shoes also offers extended sizing in many styles, making them a great choice for both female and male pole dancers.
How Should Stage Heels Fit for Comfort and Safety?
For safety and style reasons, making sure your pole dancing shoes fit well is very important. For the perfect fit, you are better off getting a shoe with a little tightness in it that you can stretch to match your foot rather than a shoe that is obviously too big. A shoe too small will lead to foot pain and damage, while a shoe too loose can cause injury while you’re dancing to your ankles or knees.
What Heel Height Works Best for First-Time Dancers?
The best for beginner pole dancers is generally considered to be the 6-inch heel varieties. This platform and heel height is optimal as it allows you to get used to the extra height you need, while also giving you a sexy, elongated leg perfect for performing. Check the best pole shoes for beginners post for more information.
Conclusion
From the beginning of your pole dancing journey to your time as an expert or professional, the right pair of performance heels can transform your dance journey, offering confidence, grip, and a style that feels truly you in your experience on the pole and off of it. Choose the best pair of shoes for you that fit well, look great, and make you feel like a star, and you're well on your way to perfection!
💡 Ready to take the next step? Browse the full range of performance heels to find your perfect fit, whether you’re just starting out or levelling up your flow.
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