How to Buy a Shoe

Are Platform Stilettos for me? (Yes, Please!)

I spent my weekend indulging in my passion and taking the last (for now) certification that is available with Liquid Motion. I learned so much in the first few minutes of the training that I wish I had known 3 years ago. I cannot BELIEVE it is not crucial for any instructor to teach basic safety and technique before allowing their students to strap on a pair of stilts to their feet. We all follow @polelols on Instagram and delight at the videos of stumbles, wobbles and outright catastrophic face plants that we see from newbies all the way up to the elite polers. My goal in the coming days, weeks, months, forever…(?) is to share some of this foundation in the first 5 minutes of class, then move on to broadening your Liquid Motion vocabulary and floor work arsenal that we have been growing together.

Let’s focus on how the shoe should be thought of – a piece of equipment. If you have ever strapped on a pair, you have learned that you only thought you knew how to walk! Walking in even 6” platform stilettos requires, strength, stability, and conditioning, and with every inch you go up, proper technique becomes even more important. In class, we will cover the proper way to stand, walk, transition to the floor (all on our own power) and get up again (No Pole Required!)

What happens when you get to the edge of the stage, and your starting position is on the floor in a beautiful pose, right between the poles? How will you get to your starting spot? What is the first impression you want to make on the judges? The audience? Your video? I know! It is shuffling across the stage hoping not to break an ankle!! Or maybe not.. Be sure to Book Your Class and hone your craft.

What shoe should I buy?

That depends. If you are new to shoes, or a primarily upright dancer, you can’t go wrong with a 6” platform with wide plastic straps. They are typically priced a little less and should offer a great jumping off point. If you have a little experience in platforms, or spend a lot of time on the floor, jump it up to 7”, which are better for clacking, pivoting and edge work due to the slightly larger toe box. As you gain more experience, 8” can be the best. They give you a ton of leg in your visuals and pivot and clack like crazy. Be warned! The difference is dramatic with that step from 7” to 8”, it will feel like you are walking on stilts. It is VERY easy to roll your foot, making technique SUPER important.

What about boots?

Boots have closed or peep toes, so are great for protecting your toes from impact. There are several types and styles. I love a good ankle boot in patent “leather” finish for climbing since they stick to the pole. I like at nice matte finish or cloth for floor work when I don’t want to stick. Boots provide some stability and structure to the ankle so can make you feel more secure in the shoe, but will make it more difficult to articulate the foot and build the real strength you need when using a sandal style.

Thigh highs are a treat; I think everyone should have a pair. Be warned, your leg will move inside, so while they are great for climbing and leg hangs, your leg can shift inside punctuating the false sense of security with a fall. They have some cloth ones now, which are great for floor work and not nearly as sweaty.

What size do I need?

Platform shoes need to fit tight and do not come in half sizes. Sandals are more forgiving, as the plastic will stretch as you wear them and your toes or heel can skirt the edges. My true shoe size is 7.5 US. I wear a 7 in sandals, and an 8 in boots. Boots have laces you can tighten and you need a little extra space for your toes. You can also wear socks inside. If your platforms are not snug, you risk injury, they need to hold your foot.

Where should I buy them?

There are lots of specialty companies out there selling amazing shoes- if that is your jam, go for it. It is becoming common to find stiletto platform shoes at major shoe companies. I will say that I have built quite the stockpile buy signing up at shoes.com and utilizing the promo emails they send. If you are patient, they regularly send out 25% and 30% off coupons and have a rewards program for more dollars off in the future. Unless it is a brand-new style, you can usually apply those savings to Pleasers.  

In the future we will cover tips and tricks to prolong the life of your shoe, as well as conditioning your feet. If you want a head start on that info, book a class now!