Best Pole Dancing Shoes for Beginners (2026)
The best pole dancing shoes for beginners are a 6- or 7-inch platform sandal with an ankle strap. Our top pick is the Pleaser Aspire-608, a 6-inch shoe from the line Pleaser itself recommends for beginners. If you’d rather start at 7 inches, the Pleaser SKY-308 is a popular choice, and the Adore-1020 is the go-to beginner boot.
Our picks compared
| Shoe | Best for | Heel | Platform | Style | Typical US price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleaser Aspire-608 | Best overall for beginners | 6″ | 2¼” | Sandal | About $56 |
| Pleaser Delight-608 | Best budget | 6″ | 1¾” | Sandal | About $50–60 |
| Pleaser SKY-308 | Best 7-inch for beginners | 7″ | 2¾” | Sandal | About $74 |
| Pleaser Adore-708 | Best classic 7-inch | 7″ | 2¾” | Sandal | About $68–74 |
| Pleaser Adore-1020 | Best beginner boot | 7″ | Lower than most 7″ boots | Ankle boot | Check price |
| Hella Heels Glitterati 7″ | Best premium | 7″ | 6.5 cm (about 2½”) | Sandal or boot | About $110–160 |
Prices are from the Pleaser and Hella Heels US stores and major retailers, checked October 2026. They change often, so check the retailer before you buy.
The best pole dancing shoes for beginners
Pleaser Aspire-608
Pleaser recommends its 6-inch Aspire line as the starting point for beginners: it’s 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 helps the shoe stay put through spins and kicks. A comfort-width version is available if you have wider feet.
- Gentle foot angle for a 6-inch heel
- Recommended by Pleaser for beginners
- Comfort-width option
- You may want a 7-inch pair as you progress
- Pleaser doesn’t make half sizes
Pleaser Delight-608
The Delight-608 is one of the cheapest ways into proper pole heels and a long-time first pair for many dancers. Its 6-inch heel sits on a 1¾-inch platform, so the angle is steeper than the Aspire’s, but it’s light, simple and easy to find in classic clear-and-black.
- Low price
- Lightweight and easy to walk in
- Widely stocked
- Smaller platform means a steeper angle
- Often sells out in popular sizes
Pleaser SKY-308
Many studios and specialist stockists start beginners at 7 inches, and the SKY-308 is a favourite pick for them. Its rounded, D-shaped heel is wider than a classic stiletto, which adds side-to-side stability, and the stretchy clear upper is forgiving if you’re between fits.
- More stable heel shape
- Big platform keeps the angle comfortable
- Stretchy upper
- Heavier than a 6-inch shoe
- Takes a few sessions to feel natural
Pleaser Adore-708
The Adore-708 is one of Pleaser’s best-known 7-inch sandals and a shoe you won’t outgrow quickly. It has the same platform height as the SKY-308 but a slimmer stiletto heel, so it looks sleeker and feels slightly less stable. It comes in dozens of finishes.
- Classic pole look
- Huge choice of colours
- Lasts from beginner to advanced
- Slimmer heel than the SKY-308
Pleaser Adore-1020
Both Pleaser and specialist stockist Shoe Me name the Adore-1020 as the boot to start in. Pleaser describes its platform as relatively low for a 7-inch boot, and the boot itself protects your shins and ankles during floorwork and climbs. The zip makes it easy to get on and off; the laces let you adjust the fit.
- Ankle support and leg protection
- Closed toe
- Grippy patent finish
- Boots can feel snug; see sizing
- Warmer than sandals
Hella Heels Glitterati 7″
If you already know you’ll train regularly, Hella Heels are the premium alternative to Pleaser, with vegan uppers and a padded insole. The Glitterati range comes in 6, 7 and 8-inch heights; Hella suggests beginners start at 6 or 7 inches, and says its shoes fit true to size.
- Comfort and build quality
- Lots of glitter finishes
- Roughly twice the price of a Pleaser
What heel height should a beginner choose?
Most beginners should start with a 6- or 7-inch pole heel. A 6-inch shoe is lighter and easier to walk in, while a 7-inch shoe usually has a taller platform, which can make the angle of your foot just as comfortable. Leave 8-inch heels until you’ve built ankle strength.
| Heel height | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| 5 inch | Total beginners nervous about heels; floorwork practice |
| 6 inch | First heels class; Pleaser’s own recommendation for beginners |
| 7 inch | The most popular height; many studios start beginners here |
| 8 inch | Intermediate to advanced dancers with strong ankles |
Expert advice differs here. Pleaser recommends starting at 6 inches; Hella Heels says 6 or 7; specialist stockist Shoe Me and pole school Exotic Academy both say most beginners do best in 7 inches because the bigger platform keeps the foot angle manageable. If your teacher has a preference, follow it. See our full heel height guide.
Should beginners buy sandals or boots?
Choose sandals if you want something light and easy to slip on; choose boots if you want ankle support and protection for your shins. Sandals are cheaper and cooler to wear. Boots like the Adore-1020 protect your legs during climbs and floorwork, and some dancers find the extra support helps them feel more stable in their first classes.
Compare the two in our guide to pole dancing sandals vs boots.
How should pole dancing shoes fit?
Pole shoes should feel snug, with your toes inside the platform and not hanging over the edge. To get the size right:
- Measure your feet and check the brand’s size chart rather than relying on your street size.
- For Pleaser sandals, start with your usual US size. Pleaser doesn’t make half sizes and advises sizing up to the next whole size if you’re between sizes.
- For boots, consider going up: Shoe Me suggests half to a full size up so there’s room for your toes and grip socks.
- Hella Heels says its shoes fit true to size.
- Check that your toes sit inside the platform and the ankle strap holds your heel firmly in place.
More detail in our pole shoe sizing guide.
Your first weeks in pole heels
- Wear them at home for short periods to get used to the height and break them in.
- Practise walking around the pole before you try spins.
- Work on floorwork and simple transitions to build ankle strength.
- Protect the platforms with covers or socks if you practise on hard floors. See how to protect your pole shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best pole dancing shoes for beginners?
A 6- or 7-inch platform sandal with an ankle strap. The Pleaser Aspire-608 (6 inch) is our top pick, the SKY-308 is a popular 7-inch choice, and the Adore-1020 is the most popular beginner boot.
What heel height is best for beginner pole dancers?
6 or 7 inches. Pleaser recommends 6 inches for beginners, while many studios and stockists suggest 7 inches because the taller platform keeps the foot angle comfortable. Avoid 8 inches until your ankles are stronger.
Can beginners wear 8-inch pole heels?
It’s not recommended. 8-inch heels need ankle strength and mobility that most beginners haven’t built yet. Start at 6 or 7 inches and move up once you’re comfortable.
Do Pleaser pole shoes run true to size?
Pleaser sandals are generally true to size, but Pleaser doesn’t make half sizes and advises sizing up if you’re between sizes. Boots often feel snug, so many dancers go up a size.
Should I buy pole boots or sandals first?
Sandals are lighter, cheaper and easier to put on. Boots give ankle support and protect your shins during climbs and floorwork. Both work for beginners; the Adore-1020 is the most common first boot.
Can I wear regular high heels to pole class?
No. Regular heels lack the platform that makes pole heels stable, and some studios don’t allow street shoes on their floors. Wear pole-specific heels or go barefoot.
How do I break in new pole heels?
Wear them around the house for short periods before class. Pleaser suggests a hairdryer on low can help soften the upper so it moulds to your foot.
Are Hella Heels worth it for beginners?
They’re a good choice if you know you’ll train regularly and want extra comfort, but they cost roughly twice as much as Pleaser. Many dancers start in Pleaser and upgrade later. See Pleaser vs Hella Heels.
Sources
- Pleaser: How to choose the best pole dancing shoes for beginners
- Pleaser: FAQ (sizing)
- PoleSphere / Shoe Me: The best beginner pole dance shoes
- Exotic Academy: Pole dancing shoes for beginners
- Hella Heels: Beginner bible
Pleaser model reviews
Delight-609 (6″) · Adore-708 (7″) · Flamingo-808 (8″)
Keep reading
Which heel height? · How to size pole shoes · How to walk in platform heels · Most comfortable pole shoes · Pole shoes for wide feet