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Stripper shoes: a siren virgin's guide to stripper shoes

Despite the concept of ‘Virginity’ being problematic in sexual contexts, we’ve reclaimed the word to describe someone who is totally new to the world of Sky Sirens! Purchasing your first pair of Stripper Heels (even if it’s fun!) can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve popped together the “Ultimate Virgin’s Guide” to Stripper Heels.

What's a Stripper Heel?

A pole shoe, sometimes also referred to as "stripper heels" is a high-heeled shoe that comes in a range of sizes, measured in inches. The height in inches refers to the stiletto heel at the back of the shoe. While these shoes are very tall, they are balanced out by a platform sole under the ball of the foot, which can range from between two to four inches high (sometimes more!). The shoes used for dancing often have ankle straps to keep them secure, and a shaped cushioned footbed. Many people actually find pole shoes more comfortable to wear than normal high heels, due to the cushioning and the fact that the difference between the platform and the heel isn't very steep.

Why Wear Stripper Shoes?

Pole shoes aren't just for looking fabulous though, there are many benefits to wearing them when training and performing on the pole. The elevated platform means you are able to grip higher on the pole, giving you more space to swing and get into the tricks. The shoes also act as weights on your feet, which helps to transition between moves and stretch out the legs in a flattering way. The weight of the shoes can also help you to maintain a great spin on the pole! The bottom of the shoes have a grip finish that will stop you from slipping over, while the rounded shape of the toe box is perfect for spinning on, and for floor work. In our Erotic classes, we use pole shoes to create sexy shapes and extensions, and also to create some seriously amazing spins on the lyra, pole and floor!

Heel Heights

Pole shoes come in a range of heights, from 5 inches all the way to 10 inches! Most pole dancers like to use a 7 or an 8 inch heel to dance in, as it combines height and ease of movement in a balanced way. If you're just starting out, you might like to play it safe with a smaller 7 inch heel. It's a good idea to try on some pole shoes to feel the different height and angle combinations, to find the height that is most comfortable for you.

Sizing

Hella Heels run true to size. We recommend taking your standard shoe size in all styles. We have found that the 8 inch sandals run a little large so consider sizing down in this style.

Boot Styles

For a sexier look, pole shoes also come in a variety of boot styles, in a range of heights and colours. The boots can be calf-high, knee-high and even high-high, and come in a large range of heel heights too. 
Boots can be a great option as they give a lot of protection to the feet and ankles, preventing rolling. However, this can lead to weaker ankles if you aren't actively working on strengthening them. Boots can also be a fantastic way to grip the pole, as the patent PVC material is very sticky.
The downside to boots is that the patent material can scuff easily with use. It is also much more difficult to point nicely in boots, due to limited ankle mobility.

Strappy Heel Styles

The classic style of pole shoe looks very similar to a normal “Mary Jane” high heel shoe style, with a wide strap over the toes, and an ankle strap to hold the shoe on. The straps can be opaque to match the rest of the shoe, or can be made from a clear PVC, which makes legs look super long!
You can get a number of different variations in this style too, including closed toe options. The benefits of this style, apart from the elongating effect, is that you have lots of ankle movement, and can use the fronts of your feet to grip onto the pole. The downfall of this style is that exposed toes may get hurt while you're dancing! The straps can also stretch or snap with lots of heavy use.

Disclaimer
Some of our shoes have been on display in our physical store. This means that they may have been tried on for size. They still remain brand new, and aren’t eligible for any discount. Please be aware that light coloured heels scuff very easily, and the dark colours will over time.