Pole Heel Heights Explained: 6, 7, 8 or 9 Inch?

What heel height should a beginner pole dancer wear?

Start with a 6 or 7 inch heel. UK pole shoe shops such as Pole Dancing Shoes UK recommend 6 and 7 inch heels for most beginners, and suggest moving up to 8 inches once you’re comfortable. Pleaser stockist Luna Lae calls 6 inches the safest option if you don’t feel confident in heels.

What do 6, 7, 8 and 9 inch heels mean?

The number is the height of the heel at the back of the shoe. Pole heels also have a platform under the front of the foot, and the platform gets taller as the heel does. So an 8 inch Flamingo has a 4 inch platform, while a 6 inch Delight has a platform of just 1¾ inches.

Pleaser heel heights compared

Heel and platform heights are from Pleaser’s own product pages (checked October 2026). *Real lift is the heel height minus the platform height: how much higher your heel sits than the ball of your foot.

Is an 8 inch heel harder than a 7 inch?

Yes, but not because your foot is at a steeper angle. The real lift in an 8 inch Flamingo (4 in) is almost the same as in a 7 inch Adore (4¼ in). The 8 inch shoe is harder because you’re an inch higher, with a taller, heavier platform. That makes balance, walking and turning harder, and it puts more strain on your ankles if you roll over.

What is the difference between heel height and platform height?

Heel height is measured at the back, platform height at the front. Take one from the other to get the real lift, which is how high your heel is above the ball of your foot. A normal 4 inch heel with no platform has about the same real lift as a 7 inch pole heel, which is why pole heels are easier to stand in than they look.

Do pole boots come in the same heights?

Mostly in the taller heights. Pleaser stockist Luna Lae says most standard Pleaser boots have 8 inch heels. Boots give your ankles more support than sandals, which some dancers find helpful. See our guides to pole dancing boots and Pleaser thigh-high boots.

How do I get used to higher heels?

1. Start with an ankle strap, so the shoe stays on your foot.
2. Practise walking at home on carpet, a few minutes at a time.
3. Build up to turns, then floorwork, before trying spins or climbs.
4. Only move up a height once walking and turning feel easy.
5. Stop if your ankles feel weak or sore, and take a class if you can.

For a step-by-step practice plan, see how to walk in Pleasers.

Pleaser heels at each height

Which height should I buy?

For your first pair, pick a 6 inch heel like the Delight or a 7 inch heel like the Pleaser Adore. Move up to the 8 inch Pleaser Flamingo once you’re steady. See our best 6 inch heels, our Pleaser size guide and where to buy Pleasers in the UK.