One day in the life of many pole dancers, the question arises: Which heels should I buy? First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that pole dance always requires specialized heels. Everyday heels are not designed to withstand the demands of pole dancing and may break. Additionally, unlike pole heels, they lack a rounded sole necessary for spins and maneuvers.
The renowned heels brand Pleaser is a solid choice, particularly recommended for beginners. Further brands can be found in the Pole Wiki. The type, height, and coating of the heels depend on your level, goals, and needs.
Types of heels include:
Arten von Heels
Low Boots
High Boots
Overknee Boots
Sandals
Slides
Pumps
Heelsless Heels
Boots offer more ankle stability, helping to prevent twisting or supporting the ligaments if a twist occurs. Therefore, starting with boots is advisable.
I would recommend peeptoe heels as they reduce toe compression and are notably more comfortable for extended dancing compared to closed-toe heels. However, caution is advised with kicks and flips to avoid toe injuries. Feet must be pointed to ensure the platform contacts the ground first, allowing for a gentle roll. Proper sizing and foot pointing can reduce the risk of injury.
If necessary, additional pairs of heels can be purchased once you've built up the necessary foot and ankle muscle strength and feel confident dancing in heels. Sandals typically feature supportive straps made of leather or plastic. Plastic straps tend to offer more support as leather ones can stretch significantly. Mules have no straps, while heelless heels lack a heel altogether, reserved for advanced practitioners.
Coatings:
Leather (imitation)
Suede (imitation)
Patent
The coating not only affects the appearance but also grip. Patent heels offer the best grip on the pole and floor but may hinder floorwork due to sticking. Suede provides minimal grip on the pole compared to patent and is more suitable for flow and floorwork. Leather blends both aspects, offering less grip than patent but more than suede, without the risk of sticking. Choose the coating that best suits your preferences!
Heel height can reach up to 25cm, with varying platform heights. Each additional centimeter adds weight, especially during figures. The most commonly chosen heights are 6, 7, and 8-inch heels. 6-inch heels are ideal for floorwork due to their minimal height, reducing the risk of catching on the pole. Flowwork in 8-inch heels may feel easier due to the curved platform, facilitating movement. Alternatively, a middle ground of 7-inch heels is also an option.
I started with 6-inch sandals, which I later replaced with 6-inch closed-toe boots and eventually 8-inch peeptoe boots due to their improved stability. Flowwork particularly felt easier in 8-inch heels. Despite initially resisting peeptoes, I found them to be a better choice for extended wear.
Preparation and conditioning of the feet are essential. Always include a conditioning session in your heel training! Ultimately, choose heels that suit you, your feet, and your training.
I hope this answers your questions and gives you an idea of which heels may be right for you. Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram (@hallofpole).
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