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.

copyscape-banner-white-200x25.png

Follow Your Pole Pal...

Show / Hide

What's New?

RSS

  1. Pole Dance Studios in Greece | Pole Directory

    Feb 10, 26 09:59 PM

    Looking for pole dance in Greece? Discover studios and instructors offering classes in Athens and across the country.

    Read More

  2. Pole Fitness Studios in Georgia | Pole Directory

    Feb 10, 26 07:30 PM

    Discover pole dance studios near you in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia, whether you're looking for pole fitness classes or a fun stagette pole party.

    Read More

  3. Florida Pole Fitness Directory | Find Studios in Miami and Beyond

    Feb 08, 26 09:58 PM

    Searching for pole dance studios in Miami or other parts of Florida? With over 50 Florida pole studios listed in this directory, you're sure to find one near you!

    Read More

  4. Pole Dance Studios in Egypt | Pole Directory

    Feb 08, 26 08:48 PM

    Explore pole dance studios and classes in Cairo and across Egypt. Check out this directory to find studios near you and discover your next fitness adventure.

    Read More

  5. Pole Fitness in Delaware | Pole Dance Studio Directory

    Feb 02, 26 05:54 PM

    Looking for pole studios in Delaware? Find certified instructors in your area to help you discover pole dance classes and pole party options.

    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.