Pleasers vs Hella Heels: Why I Only Buy Secondhand Now

The expensive custom Hella Heels I ordered lasted exactly one wear.

The lace snapped. Customer service didn't believe me. Weeks of back-and-forth. Total headache.

Meanwhile, my $40 secondhand Pleasers from Depop? Still going strong after dozens of shoots.

If you're researching platform heels—whether you're a pole dancer, cosplayer, or content creator—this is the honest breakdown nobody else will give you.

image of MJ @teamsplenda on ig

The Pleasers vs Hella Heels Breakdown

I've owned both brands for years. Here's the pros and cons of each platform brand:

Pleasers: Built for Chaos

Pros:

• More durable (consistently)

• Higher platform options (8" exists)

• Dramatic pitch

• Built like they expect you to actually walk in them

• Cheaper to replace

Cons:

• Standard arch (not as sculpted)

• Interior can be stiff

• Less "aesthetic" curve

Best for: Longevity, durability, pricing, pole dancing

image  @teamsplenda on ig

Hella Heels: Higher Arch, Inconsistent Quality

Pros:

• Higher, more sculpted arch

• Softer interior padding

• More dramatic curve aesthetic

• Looks incredible in photos

Cons:

• Inconsistent durability (some pairs last, some snap)

• Customer service is a nightmare

• More expensive

• Quality control issues

Best for: Aesthetic shoots, arch support (if you get a good pair) performance

Why I Only Buy Platforms Secondhand Now

Here's the thing: platforms are props.

I'm not emotionally attached. I need them to work. If they break, I need to replace them without spending $200 again.

My Depop Strategy:

✅ Cheaper

Usually 40-60% off retail
✅ Pre-tested

If it's listed secondhand, it survived at least one wear
✅ Often worn once —

Half the resale market heels I see are "wore for photos only"
✅ No regret

If they break, I'm out $50, not $180

I don't buy Hella Heels full price anymore. Depop only. Period.

Pleasers I'll buy new occasionally—they're consistent enough to risk it.

TikTok Shop

But even then, I check secondhand firsthand thier Tiktok Shop second.

The prices are low Tiktok has a return and lost package policy more generous then many brands would ever offer

thy offer free shipping and discounts ia coupon deals you log on and shop often enough (guuity of both)

The Real Problem: Your Feet Are Weak

Neither brand works if your feet aren't trained.

You can't outsource strength to a shoe.

Platform heels require:

• Arch strength to support the dramatic pitch

• Ankle mobility to walk without wobbling

• Intrinsic foot control to prevent cramping

This is why pole dancers don't just buy 7-inch platforms and start walking around. They train their feet first.

Most people blame the platform. I blame the fact that no one strengthens their feet.

How to Actually Train Your Feet for Platforms

If you want to wear Pleasers, Hella Heels, or any platform boot without your calves screaming and your lower back filing a lawsuit, you need:

1. Block heel raises — Build arch strength

2. Pliés — Ankle mobility + control

3. Rolling through your feet — Intrinsic activation

4. Ankle circles — Mobility in all planes

5. Nerve flossing — Release tension in calves and hamstrings

I built Barbie Feet Training specifically for this. It's the exact protocol I use before shoots, performances, and any time I need to wear platforms for more than 5 minutes.

My Current Platform Collection

Here's what I actually own and wear:

• 5 pairs of Pleasers (mix of heights, all secondhand except one)

• 1 pair of Hella Heels (both Depop, both for aesthetic shoots only- I sld two when I moved to California.

• 1 pair of Xtra platforms (brand doesn't exist anymore—durability legend)

• 5 pairs of cosplay boots (one for each personality disorder I mean cosplay)

Different heights. Different pitch. Different jobs.

I can walk in all of them—not because the shoes are special, and not because I have "good feet."

Because I trained them.

The Bottom Line

For durability: Pleasers
For arch: Hella Heels (secondhand only)
For training: Stop blaming the shoes and strengthen your feet

Platforms don't make you hot. Control does.

And you can't buy control. You have to build it.

Watch the Full Collection Tour

I unbox a new pair show you the Hella Heels vs pleasers , and show off a brand called xtra:

Ready to train your feet for platforms?
Get the Barbie Feet Training guide here — 5 exercises, 10 minutes, no equipment needed.

Jessi Flowz is a Romana-certified Pilates instructor with 20+ years experience, boudoir model, cosplayer and pole dancer.. She teaches alt fitness for spicy nerds and movement with villain energy