Leather or PVC for Pole Dancing?

by Jenelle
(Tulsa, OK)



I want to buy a pair of shoes or boots for my pole dancing class but I'm not sure what material is best. Should I get leather or PVC?

Comments for Leather or PVC for Pole Dancing?

Click here to add your own comments

Stay away from leather
by: Susan from PDFF

Thanks for your question Jenelle.

Many women wonder if leather or PVC is a better choice in in terms of their footwear assisting with their pole grip.

For pole dancing, you'd definitely want to go with PVC, PU, or patent as these have the best grip quality (more about these materials below). Genuine leather doesn't do much for the grip at all, and can actually make things more slippery.

If you're considering pole dancing boots, all three man-made materials (patent, PU and PVC) do allow some movement through the knee, though you may not be able to drop into a deep squat, depending on the thickness of the material in the boot. But typically they allow for at least a 90 degree bend in the knee, which should be adequate for the majority of pole dancing moves.

Real leather is much more supple, so it's a good choice if you're thinking of thigh high boots and will be doing a lot of floor work, for example. However, leather pole dancing boots won't be very useful in terms of helping you grip the pole during climbs and aerial poses.

Also, just a further explanation about materials..."patent" used to refer to a type of real leather that was shiny as opposed to matte or dull like natural leather. I'm not sure what the process was, but it was an actual leather, back in the day.

These days, the term "patent" usually refers to a man-made material that's shiny like patent leather used to be. It's not as slick or "wet" looking as PVC, but it does have a nice grip.

Another abbreviation you might see when shopping for pole dancing shoes or boots is PU. PU is short for polyurethane and is a man-made material designed to mimic the look of leather. It has a different texture and is somewhat less shiny than patent.

PVC is another man-made material, often used interchangeably for patent or PU.

Generally speaking, genuine leather boots are going to be more expensive than patent, PU or PVC, which is one way you can determine whether "patent" refers to a man made material or a type of actual leather.  

And just one final note...for the sake of your pole it's wise to stay away from any shoe or boot styles with buckles or other metal objects if you plan to do climbs and spins. Some people just like the look of these and don't necessarily want them for pole dancing, but generally speaking, metal objects on your footwear aren't a great idea when combined with the pole!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and make your own submission! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Pole Dancing FAQ.

Show / Hide

What's New?

RSS

  1. Top Pole Fitness Studios in California | Pole Directory

    May 18, 26 07:14 PM

    Discover pole dance studios and pole fitness instructors in California. Find classes for beginners to advanced students in Los Angeles and statewide.

    Read More

  2. Isle of Man Pole Studios | Pole Dance Directory

    May 14, 26 11:37 PM

    Discover pole dancing studios on the Isle of Man with this online directory. Find a class in your are and get started with pole fitness today.

    Read More

  3. Pole Dancing For Fitness — FAQs & Benefits

    Apr 16, 26 05:32 PM

    pole-lunge-exercise-reverse.jpg
    Curious how pole dancing for fitness can help with weight loss, strength, and flexibility? This FAQ answers common questions so you can train smarter.

    Read More

  4. Beginner Pole Dance Songs for Easy Timing & Flow

    Apr 15, 26 04:18 PM

    Find the best beginner pole dance songs with steady beats to build confidence while you learn timing and transitions. Press play and start building your skills.

    Read More

  5. Exotic Pole Dance Songs for Heels Flow & Sensual Movement

    Apr 13, 26 05:25 PM

    Discover exotic pole dance songs perfect for heels flow and sensual movement. Press play to bring confidence & attitude to your pole dance choreography.

    Read More

Your Pole Pal loves to have fun, but she also has to earn a living, right? That's why you'll see ads on this site. She may also earn commissions on some of the products you'll see here, but there's never any cost to you since the advertisers pay for these.

The income generated through these means helps ensure Your Pole Pal can devote the time to providing you with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll find on this website.

Want to learn more? Your Pole Pal invites to you read her full advertising disclosure. You know...in case you haven't read enough legalese lately.