Choosing the right heels is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a dancer. The wrong pair can throw off your balance or hurt your feet, while the right pair feels like an extension of your body.
Here's everything you need to know to find your perfect pair.
Heel Height: Where to Start
Pole dance heels typically range from 6" to 10". Here's a quick breakdown:
- 6": Great for beginners or strippers. More stable, and easier for navigating uneven strip club floors and stairs.
- 7": The sweet spot for most dancers — dramatic enough for pole performances, while still practical for navigating strip club floors and stairs.
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8": Ideal for experienced dancers who want maximum visual impact. Requires stronger ankles and more practice, but is a popular choice for both pole dancers and strippers.
- 9-10": Best suited for experienced dancers. These extreme heel heights are great for stage performances, floorwork, and tricks while holding the pole, but aren't designed for walking long distances or navigating strip club floors and stairs. That's why you'll see them more often in pole studios than in strip clubs.
If you're new to dancing in stripper heels, start at 7" or 8" and work your way up. Your ankles will thank you.
Platform Height Matters Too
The platform is the thick sole under the ball of your foot. A taller platform reduces the effective pitch of the shoe, making higher heels much more wearable. For example, an 8" heel with a 4" platform has an effective pitch of about 4"—similar to many high-heeled pumps or wedges.
That's why tall pole dance heels are often more comfortable to dance in than traditional street heels, despite their intimidating height.
Ankle Strap vs. No Strap
Ankle straps are one of the most important safety features on a pair of pole dance heels. If you choose a style without one, make sure it has a double toe strap (double vamp) to help keep your foot securely in place. Otherwise, we recommend choosing a style with an ankle strap.
A well-fitted strap keeps your foot securely attached to the shoe, giving you the stability to dance safely.
Because this is such a critical safety feature, it's important to only buy 7"+ stripper heels from reputable brands (like us!) that are specifically designed for strippers and pole dancers. A broken ankle strap can make the shoe impossible to dance or walk in safely.
Open Toe vs. Closed Toe
Open-toe or peep-toe pole dance heels are the classic pole dance silhouette—they show off your pointed toes and create a beautiful, elongated line. Closed-toe styles offer a different aesthetic and can feel more comfortable for some dancers. Both look great, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Material: Clear vs. Patent vs. Glitter
- Clear TPU: The iconic stripper shoe. The clear straps are made to look invisible when worn, making your legs look longer, and they go with everything.
- Patent leather: Sleek and glossy. Great for climbing the pole.
- Glitter & specialty finishes: Maximum sparkle for performances.
- Check out our shoes for all these styles!
Fit Tips for Pole Dance Heels
Pole dance & stripper shoes fit differently from street shoes. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Most styles run true to size, but if you're between sizes, size down — many materials are designed to stretch a little, and you want your heels to snug versus loose.
- Your toes should reach the edge of the platform but not hang over.
- There should not be a gap between the back of your heel and the back edge of the shoe's footbed.
- The ankle strap should fit snugly without gaps.
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Clear TPU styles are intentionally made to fit tight at first to account for the slight stretch that occurs with wear. If they feel uncomfortably tight, gently warm the TPU with a blow dryer, then slip your feet into the shoes to help mold the straps to your feet.
Protecting Your Investment
Once you've found your perfect pair, protect them. Heel covers are a must — they shield the platform from scuffs and scratches on studio and stage floors. Our Heel Covers are designed specifically for 8" pole dance heels and slip on in seconds.
Ready to Shop?
Browse our shoes — every style is created in-house, by dancers, with dancers in mind. Whether you're after your first pair or your tenth, we've got you.
