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
Picked from brand specs, stockist listings and dancer reviews. We have not tested these shoes (how we research). Each review has sizing help and links to US and UK stores.
Pleaser Flamingo-808
- 8″ heel
- 4″ platform
- Sandal
Pleaser’s most-reviewed pole sandal, rated 4.9/5 from more than 2,300 reviews on pleasershoes.com. The 4″ platform keeps the pitch to about 4″, gentler than the heel height suggests.
Best for: intermediate and advanced dancers.
Pleaser Aspire-608
- 6″ heel
- 2¼” platform
- Sandal
Pleaser recommends its 6-inch Aspire line as the place to start. The taller platform gives a pitch of only about 3.75″, so the angle feels gentler. The Delight-608 is a cheaper alternative.
Best for: first-time pole shoe buyers.
Hella Heels Glitterati
- 7″ or 8″
- Vegan
- Sandal or boot
Hella’s glitter stilettos, from $110 in the US, with a cushioned insole and a smooth clear ankle strap for some pole grip. The chunkier Glitterati Xtra is for looks: Hella says it does not grip.
Best for: a statement finish and a padded footbed.
Hella Heels Wide Fit stilettos
- 7″ or 8″
- Wide Fit
- From $110 (US)
Hella’s Wide Fit shoes are wider in the foot and ankle, not the calf, and come in US 6 to 14. Wide-fit stiletto straps are roomier than standard fit.
Best for: wider feet and ankles.
Pleaser Delight-609
- 6″ heel
- 1.75″ platform
- Sandal
A 6-inch peep-toe stiletto with coloured straps and an adjustable ankle strap. Pleaser pole styles mostly run to US 14, which suits larger feet, including many men who train in pole.
Best for: bigger sizes or a 6-inch heel.
Pleaser Adore-708
- 7″ heel
- 2.75″ platform
- Sandal
Pleaser’s popular 7-inch clear-strap sandal, rated 4.9/5 from about 480 reviews on pleasershoes.com. The Adore-709 is the coloured-strap version.
Best for: stepping up from 6 inches.
Pleaser Adore-1020
- 7″ heel
- Lace-up + zip
- Ankle boot
Rated 4.8/5 from more than 1,400 reviews on pleasershoes.com. Reviewers say it runs slightly small. Tuck the laces in so they and the eyelets don’t scratch the pole.
Best for: ankle support and a performance look.
Hella Heels MilkSnake Boot
- 7″, 8″ or 9″
- About $160 (Hella US)
- Boot
A snake-print lace-up boot in three heel heights, $160 on Hella’s US store (October 2026). It has very few reviews so far, so it suits experienced dancers wanting a statement boot.
Best for: a statement boot with Hella’s padded fit.
Brand reviews
How the main pole shoe brands compare on fit, price, sizing and returns.
Model reviews: Aspire-608 · Delight-609 · Adore-708 · Flamingo-808 · Adore-1020 · Glitterati · Hella Wide Fit · MilkSnake
You’ll also need
The extras that protect your shoes, help your grip and make floorwork easier.
Dance poles for home
Thinking of training at home? Start with these guides before you buy a pole.
Pole diameter and finish
45mm vs 40mm, chrome vs brass, and installation.
Explore the site
Guides
Buying your first pair in three steps
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, because skin grips the pole. 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 many buyers size up to the next whole size (Pleaser has no half sizes). Hella Heels use Australian sizing, which has the same numbers as US women’s sizes. 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.