Okay, let me just say it—stripper heels. I know some people clutch their pearls at the term, but these platforms have been holding it down on red carpets and in real life. Pleaser heels have infiltrated high fashion, and honestly? and I’m here for it.

THE HISTORY

You know I have to give y’all a little background, so here’s the tea: modern pole dancing started back in the 1920s with women using poles in circus tents. By the 1950s, strip clubs opened up and pole dancing became the entertainment we know it as. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that pole dancing started getting recognized outside of clubs but as fitness, as art, as actual competition. The shoes though? They never forgot where they came from.

Pleaser became the brand because they’re actually engineered for performance. Every pair is built on the same balanced last, so whether you’re rocking a 4-inch heel or committing to the full 11-inch platform experience, the comfort stays the same.( it’s nice to know comfort and heels can exist in the same sentence 🙂)

These weren’t really designed for a cute photo op BUT (fast forward to 2026 they absolutely are used for this lol) they were made for women who need to perform in them for hours.

And get this: The Met had Pleasers in their permanent collection at one point. They literally describe them as Cinderella’s “glass slipper” turned plastic. When a museum puts you on display….you’ve done your big one.

*Photo courtesy of The Met | Manufacturer Pleaser America 2001*

THE CELEBS WHO CO-SIGNED

Beyoncé

Queen Bey was most recently seen in the all Red Pleasers pumps. Of course her version is probably custom made but you can still Shop the shoe - Pleaser Women’s Flamingo-809 Ankle-Strap Sandal

Lady Gaga Been Knew

Before it was trendy, Lady Gaga was walking around NYC in 9-inch Pleaser platform boots like it was nothing—pairing them with everything from couture to casual tees. She understood the assignment before there even was an assignment.

Doja Cat Gets It

Doja Cat has worn Pleasers multiple times from the 2024 Met Gala to her most recent Halloween photo as a mime. Definitely not a one-time thing for her either.

Kim K is Running them Through the Ground (It’s the commitment for me 💀)

Remember when Kim wore them in Marilyn Monroe’s dress and people were LIVID? Kim also showed up to the 2024 Met Gala in Custom Margiela Pleasers under her Maison Margiela gown. (I’m just here for the fashion, people.)

HOW TO STYLE THEM

Honestly? However you want.

Clear ones disappear under literally anything….gowns, jeans, you name it. Want to go bold? Feeling extra? Pleasers.

The beauty of Pleasers is they’re designed to be seen or not seen if you go clear. It’s really like a peek-a-boo moment. There’s no wrong way to wear a shoe that was engineered for actual performance. Just pick your height and commit to it.

Let’s Be VERY Real

This heel AIN'T for everybody. High fashion has been borrowing from dancers and performers for years without giving credit. These shoes were built by women who actually needed them to work. And I'm here to give Pleasers their flowers.

Pleaser Platform Heels Are Everywhere in 2026—Here's How to Style Them