From First Steps to High Spins: Your Guide to Pole Heels

Choosing the perfect pair of pole dancing shoes can be a big decision. There’s endless colors and heights. A classic clear stripper heel, perhaps? Or a more understated black suede stiletto. The invasive thought to just go ahead and throw the patent finish lace-up thigh highs in the cart might even creep in. But before you click “purchase,” read on for helpful tips on selecting the best pole shoes for your needs.

Purchasing your first pair of pole dancing heels can feel daunting. AKPole is here to guide you step-by-step in choosing the right pole fitness shoes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Material for Your Pole Heels

Most pole heels come in plastic, patent leather, or faux suede. While you might be thinking, “A shoe’s a shoe—just pick the cutest one,” the material actually makes a big difference in your pole dancing performance.

• Patent leather pole shoes are ideal for climbs and tricks that require grip, as they help you stick to the pole. They are popular for pole fitness and exotic dance.

• Faux suede pole shoes might be a better choice if your style leans towards floorwork and low flow, allowing for smoother, more sensual glides across the floor and around the pole. These are preferred for contemporary and lyrical pole styles.

• Plastic buckle pole heels are a good introductory option if you’re unsure about heels in general. However, the plastic can stretch over time, compromising the shoe's stability and potentially leading to injury. These are generally considered less durable for serious pole dancers.

  
  

In short: if you’re into floorwork and flow, go with faux suede. If more baddie tricks and spins are your jam, go for the patent finish.

Step 2: Size Matters When Choosing Pole Dancing Shoes

While a hefty height like 8 inches may sound (gulp) and little painful, the extra inch really does make a difference for pointing the toe box and gripping the ground when performing true pole dance.

Does 8-inch pole heels feel too high? 7-inch or shorter heels work well for floorwork-based choreography, facilitating smoother movements and slides, though coming up onto your toes can be more challenging due to the smaller front edge. These are often called platform heels or shorter pole heels.

• For stunning lines and showcasing your legs, you can go even higher but remember that greater height requires more strength and flexibility. That extra height adds weight and can be quite demanding. These are considered extreme heels or high platform heels.

Ultimately, comfort is key when selecting your pole dancing shoes. If you're unsure about heel height, try borrowing a pair from your pole bestie. Here at AK Pole, we even offer shoe rentals so you can try before you buy and discover what works best for you.

Step 3: Style

You're probably most familiar with the classic sandal heel, which features an open toe and adjustable ankle straps. These are great for floorwork and flow choreography since they allow for mobility in the ankle, but there are a few more cuts you can choose from.

Boots (ankle and thigh-high) are also a great option if you're performing more high-intensity tricks and dance routines. The added ankle support provides a little extra safety during complex moves and can help grip the pole for certain holds and tricks.

If you're unsure which to try first, a solid ankle boot is a great choice because it provides that extra bit of stability and safety. Of course, we always recommend trying different styles to see which one works best for your practice.

Step 4: Express Yourself

Here comes the fun part. When it comes to adding a little bit of flair to your clack, the possibilities are nearly endless. Heels can range from a simple cotton candy pink to battery-powered disco glow.

Websites and companies like Pole Junkie and Pleasers offer literally thousands of shoes to choose from. And the best part? They're usually running sales at least once a quarter so you can feel like a fairy queen one day and a night tigress the next.

A quick word of caution, however. Before purchasing, check with your studio about their restrictions. The rhinestone-clad stilettos can scratch the surface of the studio floor, so it's best to double-check before you purchase.

And lastly, have fun with the heels that you do purchase. Your first set of heels is special and a big spin forward in your pole journey. And with these tips, you're ready to find the perfect shoe that fits you!

XOXO - AKPole