10 Best dance Shoes for Exotic Dancers

High heeled platform shoes make the exotic dancers legs look so alluring. These exotic dance shoes are frequently seem on the feet of pole dancers, pole fitness fanatics and those working as dancers in clubs after hours. However, many students and professionals tent to practice in flat feet, leaving the platform heels for the show.

If you’ve caught the pole or lap dance bug, for exercise and fitness or for paid work and are thinking of investing in some new footwear, what sort of shoe should you be looking for?

The Independent consulted with a podiatrist and ex-professional dancer who said that each style of dance has it’s own unique considerations such as the movements, the aesthetics of the style and the floor surface. Polers must also consider whether they will try and climb the pole. The podiatrist said that primarily the shoe needs to be appropriate to the style of dance. 

It is generally accepted that pole dancers move around the the pole, dance in releve and when performing postures and tricks on the pole that pointed toes give better lines. So platform heels have been adopted, as worn by professional exotic dancers. Those that participate in Pole and Lap dance for fitness will often wear bare feet or ballet slippers unless they are taking part in a choreo class, a photoshoot or competition. 

Trainers tend to be discouraged although dance trainers, with a pivot point on the ball you would think would be acceptable – however, they prevent the wearer from going up on tip toes. 

Of course when dancing, aesthetics are crucial. Thus buying dance shoes from a brand that specialises in exotic dance shoes is encouraged. The heeled shoes worn for exotic dance differ from a standard high heel shoes because the forefoot region of the shoe is semi-flexible which allows the dancer to point the toes – this highlights the length of the leg creating beautiful lines. 

There are a couple of other ways that the shoes differ from standard high heels. The heel is often curved so that they offer better balance. The heel and platform are often one piece to offer more support.  The inner sole is padded for comfort. 

Shoes and boots are usually made from leather or PVC which you find sticks to the pole when needed. Some brands have created shoes made from suede which offers  a small amount of grip. 

For pole it’s best to avoid any shoes or boots with big buckles as these can scratch the pole and get in the way of some tricks. 

Buying from a reputable online store ensures that you get shoes that are designed to meet the demands of exotic dance. The aesthetics are important but you also need to ensure that they fit well and are comfortable. Yu might need to buy a few pairs so that you can try them out on a carpeted area to see how they fit and move. You can always return those that don’t fit.

The products below were tested by me or have been recommended by friends in the industry.