Things to Keep in Mind While Shopping for High Heels Online
Get the perfect fit every time. Learn how to measure your feet, choose the right platform height, and break in Pleaser heels comfortably at home.
Shopping for platform heels online gives you access to an extensive catalog of iconic heights, silhouettes, and finishes from the comfort of your home. Whether you are searching for your first studio pair, stage footwear, or bedroom glam, finding the right fit ensures you feel confident, secure, and balanced from your very first step.
High-platform footwear—ranging from our grounded 6-Inch Collection to showstopping 8-Inch Collection—relies on precise footbed alignment and secure strap tension. Here is everything you need to keep in mind when measuring, sizing, and choosing your next pair of Pleaser heels online.
1. Measure Your Feet at the End of the Day
Foot volume naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Standing, walking, and daily activity cause slight swelling by the evening:
- Measure in the Late Afternoon/Evening: If you measure your feet first thing in the morning, you risk ordering footwear that feels uncomfortably tight during long dance rehearsals or evening events.
- Trace on Paper: Stand upright with your full weight on a piece of paper, trace the outline of both feet with a pen held vertically, and measure the distance from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
- Fit to Your Larger Foot: It is completely normal for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always choose your size based on the measurement of your larger foot.
2. Factor in Platform Rise and "Effective Pitch"
When shopping for high heels, the total heel height is only part of the equation. In platform footwear, the effective pitch is the actual incline angle your arch experiences:
Effective Pitch = Total Heel Height − Front Platform Height
Because the front platform absorbs much of the vertical rise, a 7-inch platform like the Adore-708 (7" heel / 2.75" platform) or an 8-inch style like the Flamingo-808 (8" heel / 4" platform) maintains a foot incline of around 4.0 to 4.25 inches—similar to or gentler than a standard non-platform street heel.
3. Consider Upper Materials: Sandals vs. Boots
Different upper materials fit and behave differently across various silhouettes:
-
Clear PVC Sandals:
Styles like the Adore-708 and Delight-609 feature thermoplastic clear vinyl. PVC softens with body heat and conforms directly to the contours of your foot. If you are between whole sizes, many dancers prefer staying at their lower whole size so the straps remain snug after break-in. -
Lace-Up Platform Boots:
Closed-toe boots from the Pleaser Ankle Boots Collection—such as the best-selling Adore-1020—allow you to customize the fit across your instep and ankle by loosening or tightening the laces. Sizing up is common for boots if you plan to wear thick socks or have wider feet. -
Protecting Finishes:
If you choose high-shine patent or glitter finishes for dance practice, pair them with reusable covers from our Shoe Protectors Collection to prevent surface scuffing during floor routines.
4. Try Them on at Home Before Your First Event
When your new shoes arrive, take time to try them on properly at home before heading straight to the studio or a night out:
- Test on Clean, Carpeted Surfaces: Try on your heels indoors on carpet or a clean towel to keep outsoles pristine while checking the fit.
- Check Footbed Alignment: In open-toe sandals, your toes should align neatly with the front edge of the insole without spilling over, and your heel should sit securely inside the rear heel cup.
- Practice Gentle Walking: Walk around your living space for 10–15 minutes to allow your weight to settle and ensure there are no uncomfortable pressure points.
Online Sizing & Fit Checklist
| Shoe Silhouette | Sizing Recommendation | Material Behavior | Core Style Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear-Strap Sandals | True to size (or size down if between whole sizes) | PVC warms with body heat and molds snugly to foot width | Adore-708 (7" Sandal) |
| Lace-Up Ankle Boots | True to size (size up for wide feet or thick socks) | Lacing offers adjustable tension across instep and ankle | Adore-1020 (7" Boot) |
| Wide-Fit Lines | Order standard shoe size with wider width base | Built on specialized wider lasts (Excite, Gleam, Passion, Naughty) | Extended Sizing |
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Are Pleaser shoes available in half sizes?
A: Pleaser platform footwear is manufactured in standard US whole sizes. For sandals with clear PVC straps (Adore-708), sizing down is common if you are between sizes because the vinyl softens and molds to your foot. For closed-toe boots (Adore-1020), sizing up is recommended for added toe clearance or thicker sock wear.
Q: Where can I find extended or unisex sizes?
A: We offer a broad range of inclusive sizing reaching up to US 12, 14, and beyond across both sandals and boots. Explore our dedicated Extended Sizing Collection to browse all available extended-size styles.
Q: What should I do if the clear straps feel too snug right out of the box?
A: Put on a pair of crew socks, warm the clear straps on low heat with a hair dryer for 30–45 seconds, slip your foot in, and allow the vinyl to cool. The material will quickly adapt to the exact width of your foot.
Q: Which heel height is best for someone new to platforms?
A: If you want maximum ground awareness and stability, start with our 6-Inch Collection (such as the Delight-1020). If you are looking for smooth floorwork transitions and standard studio flow, our 7-Inch Collection (Adore-1020) is the gold standard.
The Verdict: Shop With Confidence
- Measure accurately: Always measure in the evening and fit to your larger foot.
- Understand the pitch: Platforms reduce the steepness of the arch, giving you height without extreme arch strain.
- Test indoors first: Walk around your living room on carpet to confirm a comfortable, secure fit before wearing your new heels out.
