Find your perfect pole dancing shoes
Clear, researched guides to Pleaser, Hella Heels and more, plus sizing help and heel-height advice for every level, from your first class to competition.
Shop by heel height
Most beginners start at 6 or 7 inches. Which height is right for me?
Shop by style
Sandals are lighter; boots protect your shins on climbs. Sandals vs boots
Platform sandals
Ankle boots
Thigh high boots
Closed toeOur top picks at a glance
The shoes dancers and stockists recommend most, by what you need them for.
| Best for | Shoe | Heel | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Pleaser Flamingo-808 | 8″ | Sandal | See more |
| Best for beginners | Pleaser Aspire-608 | 6″ | Sandal | See more |
| Best premium | Hella Heels Glitterati Stiletto | 6–8″ | Sandal | See more |
| Best for wide feet | Hella Heels Glitterati Xtra Wide Fit | 7 or 8″ | Sandal | See more |
| Best extended sizes | Pleaser Delight-609 | 6″ | Sandal | See more |
| Best 7-inch | Pleaser Adore-708 | 7″ | Sandal | See more |
| Best boots | Pleaser Adore-1020 | 7″ | Boot | See more |
| Best luxury boots | Hella Heels MilkSnake Boots | 7 or 8″ | Boot | See more |
Our top picks in detail
Pleaser Flamingo-808 – best overall
The Flamingo-808 is the most iconic pole shoe on the market and has been the top recommendation for over a decade. The 8-inch heel sits on a 4-inch platform, so the actual pitch (the angle your foot sits at) is far more manageable than the heel height suggests. The open toe is forgiving on sizing and the ankle strap keeps the shoe secure. It comes in dozens of finishes, from classic black patent to holographic glitter.
Best for: intermediate and advanced dancers, and anyone wanting the classic look.
Pleaser Aspire-608 – best for beginners
Pleaser recommends its 6-inch Aspire line as the place to start: stable, but high enough to get the benefit of a platform. The Aspire’s 2¼-inch platform is taller than most 6-inch shoes, so your foot sits at a gentler angle, and the ankle strap keeps the shoe secure through spins and kicks. A comfort-width version is available for wider feet. On a tighter budget, the Delight-608 is a popular cheaper alternative.
Best for: complete beginners and first-time pole shoe buyers. Full beginner’s guide
Hella Heels Glitterati Stiletto – best premium
If you train seriously and want a premium shoe, the Glitterati Stiletto range is a favourite: vegan leather upper, a thicker insole than Pleaser equivalents, and a fit that stays secure through demanding sequences. It comes in 6, 7 and 8-inch heights and a wide range of colours.
Best for: regular trainers and performers who put quality and comfort first.
Pleaser Delight-609 – best for extended sizes
A 6-inch peep-toe stiletto sandal with a 1.75-inch platform and adjustable ankle strap. Sizes go up to US 14, which suits larger feet, including many men who train in pole.
Best for: dancers who need bigger sizes or prefer a 6-inch heel.
Pleaser Adore-708 – best 7-inch
Pleaser’s most popular 7-inch stiletto and one of the highest-rated pole shoes at specialist retailers. The open-toe platform works equally well for training and performance and gives a dramatic line for less than Hella Heels. It’s also available as the Adore-709 in patent.
Best for: intermediate to advanced dancers, performance and competition.
Pleaser Adore-1020 – best boot
For more coverage, or cooler studios, the Adore-1020 is the go-to boot. The 7-inch heel and platform give excellent lines without restricting movement. For a lower 6-inch boot, look at the Delight-1020 lace-up.
Best for: dancers who prefer boots and performance styling. All pole dancing boots
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most comfortable pole dancing shoes?
The Pleaser Aspire range is the most commonly cited comfortable option, thanks to its higher-than-usual platform and comfort-width footbed. See our guide to the most comfortable pole dancing shoes.
What heel height is best for beginners?
Most beginners start at 6 or 7 inches. A 6-inch shoe like the Aspire-608 is lighter and easier to walk in, while a 7-inch shoe’s bigger platform can sit your foot at a comfortable angle. See best pole dancing shoes for beginners.
Do you need special shoes to pole dance?
Most pole classes are done barefoot or in grip socks. Pole heels are worn for heels classes and choreography, and become useful once you start working on spins and floor transitions. Their platform sole supports balance in a way regular heels don’t.
Do pole dancing shoes run true to size?
Pleaser sandals generally run true to size. Pleaser boots and Ellie Shoes tend to run small, so most buyers size up by half a size. Hella Heels use Australian sizing. See our sizing guide.
Not sure where to start?
Our beginner’s guide walks you through heel height, sizing and your first pair, step by step.