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
Our picks for each need, based on specs, stockist listings and dancer reviews. Shop buttons are affiliate links.
| Best for | Shoe | Heel | Style | Shop | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Pleaser Flamingo-808 | 8″ | Sandal | Amazon USUK | 8-inch guide |
| Best for beginners | Pleaser Aspire-608 | 6″ | Sandal | Amazon USUK | Beginner guide |
| Best premium | Hella Heels Glitterati Stiletto | 6–8″ | Sandal | Hella USUK | Hella review |
| Best for wide feet | Hella Heels Glitterati Xtra Wide Fit | 7 or 8″ | Sandal | Hella USUK | Wide-feet guide |
| Best extended sizes | Pleaser Delight-609 | 6″ | Sandal | Amazon USUK | Big-size guide |
| Best 7-inch | Pleaser Adore-708 | 7″ | Sandal | Amazon USUK | 7-inch guide |
| Best boots | Pleaser Adore-1020 | 7″ | Boot | Amazon USUK | Boots guide |
| Best luxury boots | Hella Heels MilkSnake Boots | 7 or 8″ | Boot | Hella USUK | Boots guide |
Our top picks in detail
Picked from brand specs, stockist listings and dancer reviews. We have not tested these shoes. How we research. Buttons are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices change, so check on the retailer site.
Pleaser Flamingo-808 – best overall
Pleaser’s most-reviewed pole sandal, rated 4.9/5 from more than 2,300 reviews on pleasershoes.com. The 8-inch heel sits on a 4-inch platform, so the pitch (the angle your foot sits at) is about 4 inches, gentler than the heel height suggests. The open toe is forgiving on sizing, the ankle strap keeps the shoe secure, and it comes in dozens of finishes.
Best for: intermediate and advanced dancers, and anyone wanting the classic 8-inch look.
Pleaser Aspire-608 – best for beginners
Pleaser recommends its 6-inch Aspire line as the place to start. The 2¼-inch platform is taller than most 6-inch shoes, so the pitch is only about 3.75 inches and the angle feels gentler. The ankle strap keeps the shoe secure through spins, and the Delight-608 is a cheaper alternative.
Best for: complete beginners and first-time pole shoe buyers.
Hella Heels Glitterati – best premium
Hella’s glitter range in 6, 7 and 8 inches, made from vegan materials with Hella’s plush lining and a cushioned ball of the foot on its stilettos. Hella costs more than Pleaser, and there is a separate Glitterati Xtra wide-fit version.
Best for: dancers who want a statement finish and a padded footbed.
Pleaser Delight-609 – best for extended sizes
A 6-inch peep-toe stiletto on a 1.75-inch platform with an adjustable ankle strap and coloured straps. Pleaser pole styles mostly run 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 popular 7-inch clear-strap sandal, rated 4.9/5 from about 480 reviews on pleasershoes.com. The 2.75-inch platform gives a 4.25-inch pitch, a step up from 6-inch shoes. The Adore-709 is the coloured-strap version.
Best for: intermediate dancers, training and performance.
Pleaser Adore-1020 – best boot
A 7-inch lace-up ankle boot with an inner zip, 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 catch or scratch the pole. For a lower boot, look at the 6-inch Delight-1020.
Best for: dancers who want ankle support, coverage and a performance look.
Pleaser model reviews
Specs, sizing, prices and alternatives for the most popular Pleaser pole shoes.
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.
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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.