If you have spent any time searching for the best shoes on the pole, you will have come across Hella Heels. They are the second-biggest brand in the market after Pleaser, and they have built a loyal following among professional and recreational dancers alike. This is our full review, so you can decide whether a first pair is worth the order.
Who Are Hella Heels?
Hella Heels is an Australian footwear brand founded in 2019 by experienced dancers with backgrounds in strip clubs and pole studios. The company says its designs are developed specifically for pole dancers, reflected in features such as thicker insoles, reinforced platforms and secure boot construction. Unlike Pleaser, which manufactures at scale for a broad market, Hella Heels offers a smaller, more focused range built around comfort and styling for performance. Many dancers describe their first pair as a noticeable step up in quality.
Styles and Design Details
The range is more focused than Pleaser but every style is well-executed. You will find open-toe platform heels, strappy sandals, knee-high boot styles, and ankle boots, with options in glitter, velvet, patent, and faux-leather finishes. Several styles come in multiple colour variations. Boot styles typically feature a side zip and an ankle shaft length that sits cleanly above the ankle. Popular styles include the velvet boots from the Babydolls collection and the statement prints from the Glitterati and Club Fantasy ranges.
Build Quality and Heel Construction
The upper material is noticeably more supple than Pleaser’s standard faux-leather, and the heel column feels solid throughout. The insole is thicker than many comparable Pleaser models, which many dancers report makes long training sessions more comfortable. The side zip on boot styles holds securely throughout a full training session without working loose, even during dynamic floorwork.
Fit and Sizing
Many buyers recommend sizing up by half a size, particularly for closed-toe boots. The toe box is narrower than Pleaser’s standard fit, though for average and wide feet the shoe holds the foot well during dynamic moves. If you are between sizes, go up. For boot styles, the shaft is adjustable and suits a range of calf widths, which is useful for dancers who find other brands restrictive. One practical tip: loosen the laces fully before your first wear. Each pair ships with a care card covering dos and don’ts.
Performance on the Pole
The platform grip is reliable on both dry and slightly sweaty floors. The ankle strap sits close to the foot and does not shift during spins or during floor sequences that put the shoe under lateral pressure. Boot styles in particular feel stable during heels choreography, where the shaft provides extra ankle support compared to a standard open sandal.
Slides are smooth on most studio floors. The sole does not drag or catch, which matters for heel-led floorwork. The heel column absorbs impact well during drops and transitions, and several dancers note it does not flex or wobble after extended use. Durability appears solid: the construction holds up to regular studio training without delamination or visible wear at the platform join. If you train more than twice a week, that kind of build quality will justify the price difference over Pleaser in the medium term.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Customer reviews of Hella Heels are consistently positive. The most common themes are comfort on long training sessions, the quality of the heel construction, and how secure the shoe feels during performance. On Trustpilot the brand holds a 4-star rating across over 122 reviews. Recurring complaints centre on the narrower toe box in closed styles and the price point, both of which are fair observations. This Reddit thread on r/poledancing is worth reading for unfiltered dancer opinions before you buy.
Price and Value
Hella Heels typically retail between £80 and £120. If your budget allows, they make an excellent first pair of pole shoes, particularly if you are already committed to training regularly. For dancers who are still experimenting, Pleaser offers a lower-cost entry point while you work out what style suits you.
Where to Buy
Hella Heels sells direct through their own regional stores, which is the best place to shop for the full range and fastest delivery.
- UK: uk.hellaheels.com. Ships from the UK with express options available.
- USA: us.hellaheels.com. Dedicated US store with local fulfilment.
- Australia: au.hellaheels.com. The original store, shipping across Australia and to New Zealand.
- Europe: uk.hellaheels.com. The UK store ships to most EU countries with duties collected at checkout, so no surprise charges on arrival.
Verdict
Hella Heels are a serious performance shoe built specifically for dance. The construction is notably better than most Pleaser equivalents at the same heel height, the comfort over a full session is a genuine advantage, and the range covers enough styles to suit most tastes. The narrower toe box is a real consideration for wider feet, and the price is a step up from mass-market options, but both are reasonable trade-offs for a shoe that is genuinely designed for the pole.
If you train consistently and want a shoe that will hold up to regular sessions, Hella Heels are worth the investment.
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Build quality: 5/5 | Comfort: 4.5/5 | Performance: 5/5 | Value: 4/5 | Style range: 4/5
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Noticeably better build quality than most Pleaser equivalents
- Thicker insole supports longer training sessions
- Stable ankle strap and heel column during dynamic moves
- Boot shaft provides extra support for heels choreography
- Consistently positive ratings across Trustpilot and pole community forums
- Regional stores for UK, USA and Australia reduce delivery times
Cons
- Narrower toe box than Pleaser in closed styles
- Higher price point than mass-market pole shoes
- Smaller range means less variety than Pleaser’s catalogue
- Half-size-up advice adds a step to the buying process
Best Hella Heels Styles
If you are ready to buy, these are the four styles most recommended by the pole dancing community.
Glitterati: The most distinctive style in the range. Available in multiple glitter colourways, the Glitterati is a statement shoe that works equally well for training and performance. The open-toe platform design suits most foot shapes and the glitter finish holds up to regular studio use better than you might expect.
Baby Dolls: The velvet boot. A popular choice for heels classes because the shaft provides ankle support and the velvet finish photographs well under stage lighting. Available in several colours. Size up by half a size in this style.
LipKit: A cleaner, more minimal boot style for dancers who prefer a sleeker look. The patent finish and simple silhouette make it versatile for both training and performance. Runs similarly to Baby Dolls on sizing.
Club Fantasy: The printed styles. Bold patterns and colourways that stand out on stage and in class content. A good choice if you want something that reads well in photos and video.