What are Pole Dancing Shoes and Boots?

Pole dancing shoes and boots are a specialized type of footwear designed specifically for pole dancing. They typically have a platform and a high heel to provide stability, grip, and aesthetic appeal during pole dance performances.

Here’s some of the common questions we get about pole dance shoes:

Are pole dancing shoes different from regular high heels?

Yes, pole dancing shoes have distinct differences from regular high heels. They often feature a thicker and more solid platform for better balance and support. The heels are also designed with a specific shape and height to facilitate pole tricks and movements.

How many Inches High Should Beginners Stripper Shoes Be?

The most popular height for pole dance shoes for beginners is a 6 inch heel. While this seems high, there’s also a platform under the toe usually around 1.5 inches high, so the heel height is around 3.5 inches high.

As you get more comfortable in the heels, you could move up to a higher heel such as 7 or 8 inches.

Are pole dancing shoes necessary for pole dancing?

While not mandatory, pole dancing shoes are highly recommended for several reasons. They offer better grip on the pole, help maintain proper posture, enhance leg lines and extensions, and provide added confidence and stability during complex moves.

Can I still climb the pole while wearing pole dancing shoes?

Some styles have a patent upper or straps, which offers great grip when climbing the pole. Other styles like suede or matte faux leather are less suitable for climbing.

How do pole dancing shoes help with performance?

Pole dancing shoes offer a number of performance benefits. The elevated platform helps create longer lines, emphasizing the legs and making movements appear more elegant. The added height from the heel can also aid in executing spins, climbs, and intricate footwork.

What features should I look for in pole dancing shoes?

When choosing pole dancing shoes, consider factors such as a secure ankle strap for stability, a comfortable fit, a non-slip sole for better grip on the pole, and a height that suits your comfort level and experience. Additionally, opt for shoes made with quality materials for durability.

Are pole dancing shoes comfortable to wear?

Pole dancing shoes can vary in comfort depending on the individual’s preferences and the shoe’s quality. However, reputable brands such as Pleaser offer designs with cushioned insoles, adjustable straps, and ergonomic construction to enhance comfort during extended pole dance sessions.

Can I wear pole dancing shoes for activities other than pole dancing?

Absolutely! They’re suitable for other activities like exotic dance, burlesque performances, or costume parties. Some styles are perfect for a night out.

How do I choose the right size of pole dancing shoes?

It’s important to refer to the specific size guide provided by the shoe manufacturer when selecting pole dancing shoes. Measure your foot accurately and consider any recommendations for sizing up or down based on the brand’s guidelines to ensure a proper fit.

Are there specific brands that are popular for pole dancing shoes?

Pleaser are known for producing high-quality pole dancing shoes, and are the most popular amongst pole dancers for boots as well as heels. These brands offer a wide range of styles, sizes, and heel heights to cater to different preferences and skill levels in the pole dancing community.

How do I properly care for and maintain my pole dancing shoes?

To maintain your pole dancing shoes, it’s best to keep them clean and dry after each use. Wipe them down with a damp cloth if necessary and avoid exposing them to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures. Regularly inspect the soles and heels for any signs of wear and tear, and consider using protective storage bags or boxes to prevent damage when not in use.

Where do I buy pole dance shoes and boots in Australia?

Fairy Pole Mother is an Australian based company selling Pleaser shoes and boots. Some styles are shipped from the US warehouse if they aren’t in stock in Australia, but this only adds a week or two to the ship time.

What are the most popular types of pole dance shoes and boots?

Not sure what grip might suit you? Here at Fairy Pole Mother we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of grips available and what situation they suit best, along with some tips on how to use.

Dry hands, Hold Tight, Girlie Grip, Dancing Dust “Dusty”, No Sweat, Enviro Grip, Sticky Molly Chalk, Griptinite

These are fairly interchangeable and are a great starting point if you’re not sure what might work for you.

Chalk based grips can be used on your hands, body and the pole itself. They work by drying out your hands and repelling water/moisture to keep them dry and grippy.

Apply to hands and spread evenly. Spread on the pole or body contact points for extra grip and allow to dry for 15 seconds.

Click below to shop each of these grips:

Hold Tight, Girlie Grip, Dancing Dust “Dusty”, No Sweat, Enviro Grip, Sticky Molly Chalk, Griptinite

XDry

XDry is a non-sticky silicone-based gel works as an antiperspirant reducing sweat as well as increasing grip. 

Buy XDry on Fairy Pole Mother

Holy Grip

Holy Grip Rapid Traction is a new formula with a kaolin clay base. It instantly absorbs any moisture, stays dry, blocks perspiration, provides just enough tack without getting sticky, and leaves you with no chalky residue!

Holy Grip Rapid Traction applies as a gel, and once it’s fully dry it feels like an invisible glove, repelling moisture and blocking sweat. It takes approx 30 seconds to set.

Buy Holy Grip Rapid Traction on Fairy Pole Mother

Dew Point and Dancing Dust “Dewy”

Dew Point is best used on dry skin to create that bit of stick. This one is mainly used for body contact points rather than hands (but can be used on your hands if you don’t sweat and they’re very dry). 

Dew Point comes in a few different strengths for varying skin types. Spray on and allow to dry for 45 seconds.

Buy Dew Point on Fairy Pole Mother

Buy Dancing Dust “Dewy” on Fairy Pole Mother

Mighty Grip

Mighty Grip is a heat activated powder and creates a long lasting friction grip. Apply a small amount on your hands after warming up and rub them together to activate. As you keep working out, the product remains and continually activates.

If you have sweaty palms, the sweat will break down the powder faster. Start by applying Tite Grip or Poletice as an antiperspirant first.

Buy Mighty Grip on Fairy Pole Mother

Tite Grip

Tite Grip is commonly used alongside other grips. As an antiperspirant, it will stop your palms sweating and help your grip last longer. 

Tite Grip 1 is the strong formula, designed for hyper but can leave a residue on your hands if you use too much. 

Tite Grip 2 is the standard formula for sweaty palms.

Tite Grip is a liquid which is applied to hands 30-60 minutes prior to activity and allowed to dry.

Other grips can be applied on top of Tite Grip when you start activities. 

Buy Tite Grip 1 or Tite Grip 2 on Fairy Pole Mother

Poletice and Poletice Liquid

Poletice is another antiperspirant commonly used alongside other grips. It will stop your palms sweating and help your grip last longer. 

Poletice is a powder based product. You apply a small amount onto damp hands and create a paste. Allow to dry for 4-8 minutes, then wash off and dry hands. 

Poletice Liquid is premixed into a paste ready to use. 

Other grips can be applied on top of Poletice when you start activities. 

iTac2

iTac2 is a wax based grip, used on dry skin for a tacky grip. Mostly suitable for body contact points, as sweaty hands will mix with iTac2 and get slippery. Best applied with a cloth to avoid contact with hands, and is also available in a handy stick version. 

Buy iTac2 on Fairy Pole Mother

Sticky Molly Liquid Rosin

Sticky Molly Liquid Rosin is a grip spray that is applied to body contact points when poling to add tackiness.

Also popular for aerial silks and hoop when used on hands. 

Buy Sticky Molly Liquid Rosin on Fairy Pole Mother

Pole Dance Grip Sample Packs

If you’d like to try out a few of our most popular grips, we also sell a grip sample pack. 

The different sizes, finishes and setups can be daunting at first when trying to shop for a pole at home. Never fear, Fairy Pole Mother can help you out with this extensive guide on the different options! And don’t forget, you can always contact us if you have any questions.

Static? Spin? Both?

A static pole does just that, it remains static. A spin pole will spin freely and a spin/static combination can be changed between to do both.

Pole Width / Diameter

40mm – Perfect for those who are petite, with smaller hands, or advanced users. 45mm – The current industry standard and used at competitions and a majority of studios around the world. 50mm – Ideally suited for those with larger hands.

Finish

Chrome – The most common finish on a pole, is good in all weathers however does wear over time and usage. Is great as a standard pole. The Chrome poles are cheaper than Stainless Steel but can be slightly less grippy. Stainless Steel – Great for those who suffer from metal allergies, however is very weather dependent. Stainless Steel is perfect for users who struggle or have allergies with materials such as chrome. The stainless steel pole comes polished, making it great for spins and when performing inverted tricks. This material is at its optimal state in humid conditions. It is used in studios a lot more than in homes as the material is more durable than chrome. There is no risk of the pole being liable to rust. Titanium Gold – Is electronically coated for an enhanced grip. This is done on top of the Chrome to attain this finish. The Gold will wear over time, even though this does not affect the grip, the colour of the pole may vary over time. Brass – An alloy of zinc and copper – the most superior metal finish on the pole when it comes to grip, brass is a great all round pole as it is very sticky. The Brass pole works well in hot weather, does not rust and is great for those with metal allergies. It is used widely in hot countries, however is a soft material so can damage more easily than chrome or stainless poles. [Please note: there is no such thing as pure brass – if you have seen such statements on other pole manufacturer’s websites, then please note that Brass is an alloy and ‘pure brass’ would not be solid enough to support an athlete] Powder Coated Poles – This finish is VERY sticky and is only recommended for those who struggle for grip on our traditional metal poles. Silicone – Used on Chinese pole. You can pole with your clothes on, so it is a great choice for cold countries; kids and men’s classes; and of course great for doing Chinese pole moves. This is great for beginners who want to build up their strength but do not want to take their clothing off.

Weather

Each finish is very weather dependant, for instance if the climate is very humid and wet (for example by the beach) then the chrome is more likely to rust, however the brass would be slippery so the stainless would be the best. Both chrome and Titanium Gold will rush and pit over time if the environment is damp. If you live in a hot area then brass is best for you as brass becomes stickier when warm. If in a normal environment chrome is great.

Pole Installation

Stage poles are completely portable, not reliant on attachment to ceiling. The stage is usually approximately 1.5 metres diameter and requires reasonably level ground to setup. The pole then secures onto the stage. Keep in mind the height clearance needed. Stage poles aren’t usually adjustable for height so are suited to higher ceilings (approx 3 metres or higher) or outdoors. Pressure mounted poles come with a base, a few pieces to put the pole together in various heights to suit ceiling heights of 2235mm – 2745mm, and a top piece designed to be pressure fixed in place. When you put the pole together, the final step is to expand the pole between the floor and ceiling to create that pressure that holds it in place. Bolt in poles come with a base, a few pieces to put the pole together in various heights to suit ceiling heights of 2235mm – 2745mm, and a top piece designed to be bolted in to the ceiling for extra security. These are more suited for commercial/studio use.

Brand

X-Pole is the most popular home pole for pole dancing in Australia. They offer a freestanding stage pole as well as a pressure mount pole. Lupit Pole also make a fantastic quality pole for home dancing. They have a pressure mount pole.

 

We never recommend buying no name poles, or replicas from amazon or ebay as they can be dangerous. We only sell authentic and reputable poles.