How to Size Pole Dancing Shoes: Brand-by-Brand Guide

Getting the right size in pole dancing shoes is one of the most common sources of frustration for new buyers. Pole shoe sizing does not follow standard footwear conventions, and each brand runs differently. This guide gives you everything you need to order confidently the first time.

Why Pole Shoe Sizing Is Confusing

Most pole dancing shoes are made in the US and sized in US women’s sizing. If you are in the UK, you need to convert. On top of that, different brands run small or large relative to their stated size, and the style of the shoe (open-toe vs closed-toe, platform height, ankle strap) can all affect how the fit feels.

General Sizing Rules

As a starting point:

• UK to US women’s: add 2.5 sizes (UK 5 = US 7.5, UK 6 = US 8.5, UK 7 = US 9.5)
• EU to US women’s: subtract 31 (EU 37 = US 6, EU 38 = US 7, EU 39 = US 8)

These are baseline conversions. Each brand then has its own quirks on top of this.

Pleaser Sizing

Pleaser shoes run approximately half a size large. This means most dancers should order half a size down from their usual converted US size.

Example: if you are a UK 6 (US 8.5), order a US 8 in Pleaser.

This applies most consistently to open-toe styles like the Flamingo and Amuse ranges. Closed-toe styles like the Delight can run true to size, so check individual product notes before ordering.

Pleaser’s sizing goes up to US 16 in most popular styles, which makes them one of the most inclusive options for dancers needing extended sizes.

Hella Heels Sizing

Hella Heels run slightly small, the opposite of Pleaser. Most dancers order half a size up from their converted US size.

Example: UK 6 (US 8.5) – order a US 9 in Hella Heels.

The toe box is narrower than Pleaser’s standard styles. If you have wide feet or a high instep, going up a full size may be more comfortable, particularly in closed-toe styles.

Ellie Shoes Sizing

Ellie Shoes generally run true to size in US women’s sizing. Convert from UK and order your standard converted size. Some dancers with a wider foot report that the toe box can be snug in their standard size and prefer to size up half a size.

How the Shoe Style Affects Fit

Open-toe platforms (Flamingo, Amuse): Most forgiving for sizing. A half-size difference is unlikely to cause problems because the toe has room to breathe. These are the easiest styles to size for.

Closed-toe platforms (Delight, Kiss): More precise fit required. Toe length matters here. If you are between sizes, go up rather than down.

Ankle boots and knee-highs: The shaft width matters as well as foot size. If you have wide calves, check the circumference measurement in the product description before ordering boots.

Tips for Getting the Right Fit

Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening. Feet swell slightly during the day, and pole training involves a lot of standing and movement, so an afternoon measurement gives a more realistic fit guide.

If you are ordering online for the first time, choose a retailer with a generous returns policy. UK-based pole wear shops often allow exchanges, which takes the risk out of the first purchase.

Your pole shoes should feel snug but not painful when you first put them on. There will be a break-in period of a few sessions, but they should not cause sharp pain from the start. If they do, size up.

UK to US Size Conversion Chart

UK Women’s	EU	US Women’s	Pleaser (order)	Hella Heels (order)
3	36	5.5	5	6
4	37	6.5	6	7
5	38	7.5	7	8
6	39	8.5	8	9
7	40	9.5	9	10
8	41	10.5	10	11
9	42	11.5	11	12