Cabaret shoes must support the ankle (strap or high shaft), have a height you can manage, and a sole suited to the stage floor. To start, look at the pitch rather than the heel: a 14 cm heel with a 4 cm platform gives a 10 cm pitch, which is easier to manage than a 12 cm pump without a platform.
Cabaret, burlesque, revue, pole dance: the heels are high, the movements are expansive, and the stage does not forgive a twisted ankle. The right choice depends on four factors: pitch, platform, support, and sole. Here is how to evaluate them.
Table of Contents
- 1. Pump, sandal, or ankle boot?
- 2. Heel and platform: look at the pitch
- 3. Support: strap, laces, or high shaft
- 4. The sole according to the stage
- 5. Size: a foot that does not slip
- 6. Progressing without injury
- 7. Our cabaret shoes
- 8. The 5 mistakes to avoid
- 9. Frequently asked questions
- 10. In summary
1. Pump, sandal, or ankle boot?
| Style | Strengths | For what |
|---|---|---|
| Strap pump | Elegant, elongated leg line | Cabaret, burlesque, limited floor choreography |
| Platform sandal | Softer pitch, foot well secured by straps | Cabaret, heels, starting out in high heels |
| Ankle boot or boot | Ankle support, foot protection | Pole dance, floorwork, dynamic figures |
2. Heel and platform: look at the pitch
The displayed height is misleading. What matters for balance is the pitch: the heel height minus the platform thickness.
| Heel | Platform | Actual pitch | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 cm | none | 8 to 10 cm | Beginner who has already worn heels |
| 14 cm | 4 cm | 10 cm | Beginner to intermediate |
| 20 cm | 7 to 9 cm | 11 to 13 cm | Intermediate to advanced |
The thicker the platform, the less you feel the floor: it requires an adjustment period for precise steps.
3. Support: strap, laces, or high shaft
- Buckle strap around the ankle: the minimum for dancing. The heel should not come out when you rise onto the ball of your foot.
- Laces or high shaft: the best support, useful for footwork and pole dance.
- Slip-on pump: very elegant, but without a strap, the foot can slip out. Reserve it for poses, walks, and simple choreography.
4. The sole according to the stage
Most cabaret shoes have a rubber sole (or TPR, thermoplastic rubber): it grips well on a smooth stage and on the pole mat, but it slows down pivots on a dance floor. If your choreography involves a lot of turns, some dancers have a thin suede sole fitted by a cobbler. In any case, test your shoes on the stage floor before the show.
5. Size: a foot that does not slip
In a high heel, the foot is pushed forward. A shoe that is too large lets it slip, crushes the toes, and causes loss of balance. Take a fitted size, try it with the tights you will wear, and check that the straps hold without cutting into the skin. Our size guide explains how to measure your foot.
6. Progressing without injury
- Walk and hold poses before any choreography.
- Add movements, then turns, then footwork.
- Increase height gradually: only move to a new pitch when the previous one is stable.
- Warm up your ankles and calves before each session.
Our heels for beginners guide details a progression plan.
7. Our cabaret shoes
In our cabaret collection:
- Dasha: cabaret sandal, to choose according to the heel height and platform indicated on the product page.
- Sandrine: pump with a 14 cm heel on a 4 cm platform.
- Valence and Helena: black platform sandals with studs.
- Nadya: black cabaret boot.
- Ljubljana and Esperanza (holographic ankle boot with a 20 cm heel): ankle boots designed for pole dance, with a platform to check on the product page.
- Ivana: cabaret pump, to choose according to the heel height indicated on the product page, for experienced dancers.
8. The 5 mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the height before knowing how to manage it.
- Dancing without straps or laces.
- Taking a size too large "for comfort".
- Discovering the stage floor on the night of the show.
- Neglecting to warm up your ankles.
Also good to know
- Heels for beginners: choosing the right heels
- Avoiding blisters when starting dance
- Maintaining your dance shoes
- All our women's dance shoes
9. Frequently asked questions
What heel height to start cabaret?
Aim for a pitch of 8 to 10 cm. With a 4 cm platform, this corresponds to a 12 to 14 cm heel. Then increase gradually, when you can manage turns and movements.
Platform or no platform?
The platform reduces the actual pitch and protects the front of the foot: it is a real plus for beginners and for pole dance. Without a platform, you feel the floor better, but the same height is harder to manage.
What is the difference between cabaret shoes and pole dance shoes?
Pole dance shoes have higher platforms and often a high shaft, for floorwork and figures. Cabaret shoes prioritize elegance: pumps or strapped sandals, with a more moderate platform.
Can you dance cabaret in regular pumps?
For a rehearsal, possibly. But a regular pump has neither a strap nor a sole designed for the stage: the foot slips and the ankle is less supported.
How to avoid foot pain in high heels?
A fitted size, a pitch suited to your level, well-adjusted straps, gradual progression, and regular breaks. Also protect areas of friction from the very first sessions. If pain persists, consult a doctor or podiatrist.
10. In summary
- Look at the pitch (heel minus platform), not just the heel.
- At least a buckle strap around the ankle, laces or a high shaft for pole.
- Sole suited to the floor, tested before going on stage.
- Fitted size and gradual progression.