Pleaser and Hella Heels are the two dominant brands in pole dancing footwear. Both are trusted by professionals and beginners alike, but they suit different needs and budgets. This comparison breaks down exactly how they stack up so you can make the right choice.
Quick Comparison
| Pleaser | Hella Heels | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (UK) | £40 – £80 on Amazon UK; £74 – £134 direct from Pleaser | Stilettos £79 – £85; boots £115 – £135 |
| Heel heights available | 5″, 6″, 7″, 8″ | 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″ |
| Style range | Huge variety across heel heights, materials and silhouettes | Extensive pole-specific range (1,200+ products including stilettos, boots, thigh highs and open toe) |
| Materials | Vegan leather, patent, glitter, faux suede | Vegan materials: gloss, velvet, faux suede, clear/transparent |
| Sizing | Runs half a size large | Runs half a size small |
| Wide fit options | Yes (Comfort Width collection) | Yes (dedicated Wide Fit collection, sizes up to UK12) |
| Best for | Beginners, budget-conscious dancers, those who want style variety | Regular trainers, performers, dancers who prioritise build quality |
Price
Pleaser is the more affordable option, particularly when buying through Amazon UK or UK pole retailers where prices typically sit between £40 and £80. Buying direct from Pleaser’s own site is more expensive, with most styles priced from £74 to £134. Hella Heels are priced in GBP on their UK site, with stilettos starting around £79 to £85 and boots ranging from £115 to £135. The gap between the brands is smaller than many people assume at the entry level, with both brands offering stilettos in the £74 to £85 range when bought from the right stockist.
Heel Heights
Pleaser offers heel heights from 5 inches up to 8 inches, covering the full range most pole dancers need. Hella Heels go further, offering 6, 7, 8 and 9 inch options. The 8 and 9 inch Hella Heels styles are popular with experienced performers who want maximum visual impact on stage. For most recreational and competitive pole dancers, the 7 inch range from either brand is the most popular choice.
Comfort and Fit
Pleaser shoes typically run half a size large, so most buyers size down. Hella Heels run half a size small, so sizing up is usually recommended. Getting the sizing right makes a significant difference to comfort, so always check the brand’s own sizing guidance before ordering.
Hella Heels are generally regarded as more comfortable for longer sessions. The insole is thicker and the shoe fits more precisely around the foot, which reduces movement inside the shoe during training. Pleaser can feel less polished at first but breaks in faster, particularly in entry-level styles.
Both brands have a break-in period. Expect two to three sessions before either feels fully comfortable.
Performance on the Pole
For serious training, Hella Heels have a slight edge. The shoe stays on the foot more securely during dynamic moves, which matters for spins, inversions and floorwork. The platform grip is also marginally better.
Pleaser performs excellently for most pole work, and at the recreational level the difference is not significant enough to justify the higher price for most dancers. Where Pleaser really holds its own is in sheer variety, particularly for those who want matching shoes for different routines or aesthetics.
Style and Range
Both brands offer extensive ranges, but in different ways. Pleaser covers an enormous variety of heel styles, price points, materials and aesthetics — from 5 inch beginners sandals to rhinestone-encrusted platforms. Their Flamingo-808 alone comes in over 30 colourways. They also offer unique categories like heel-less platforms, LED light-up shoes and rhinestone styles not available from Hella Heels.
Hella Heels are exclusively pole-focused and have built an extensive range within that specialism, with over 1,200 products spanning stilettos, boots, thigh highs and open toe styles. Key model families include the BabyDoll, Ashton, Azra and $tripperella ranges, each available in multiple colourways and finishes. If you want a shoe built specifically for pole with premium vegan materials and a wide colour selection, Hella Heels more than holds its own.
Wide Fit Options
Both brands cater to wider feet. Pleaser has a dedicated Comfort Width collection, and their open-toe and slingback styles are naturally more forgiving for wider feet. Hella Heels have a dedicated Wide Fit collection with sizes up to UK12, offering stilettos and boots in wide fit across multiple colourways.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Pleaser if:
- You are just starting out and want an affordable first pair (see our beginners guide)
- You want a wide range of styles and colours
- You prefer fast UK delivery
- You train once a week or less
Choose Hella Heels if:
- You train two or more times per week
- You compete or perform regularly
- Comfort during long sessions is a priority
- You want a shoe built specifically for pole fitness with premium materials
Further Reading
- Full Hella Heels Review
- Full Pleaser Shoes Review
- Best Pole Dancing Shoes for Beginners
- Best Pole Dancing Shoes — Our Top Picks
The Verdict
Neither brand is objectively better. Pleaser is the right starting point for most dancers, offering good performance at an accessible price with an enormous range of styles to choose from. Hella Heels make sense as an upgrade once you are training regularly and want a shoe that keeps up with your progress. Many experienced pole dancers own pairs from both brands for different purposes.
Where to Buy
Pleaser Flamingo-808 — Best for Beginners
The most recommended entry-level pole shoe, available in 30+ colourways.
Buy on Amazon UK |
Buy on Amazon US
Pleaser ADORE-709 — Best 7-Inch Step-Up
Pleaser’s most popular 7-inch sandal. A natural upgrade once you have a few months in 5-inch heels.
Buy on Amazon UK |
Buy on Amazon US
Pleaser Delight-609 — Best 6-Inch Option
A popular 6-inch sandal from the Delight range, good for training and performance.
Buy on Amazon UK |
Buy on Amazon US
More Pleaser Styles
Pleaser carry hundreds of styles across heel heights, materials and colourways — the above are just the most popular for pole. Browse the full range on their site.
Hella Heels
Hella Heels sell direct only — they are not on Amazon. UK customers get the best pricing and sizing guidance from the UK store.