Are you on the lookout for the best cheer shoes that will fly you to the moon? If your answer is yes, then you’re at the right place! This article has all the info you need (and more!).
Even though cheerleaders are known for their catchy chants that oftentimes involve spellings, cheerleading is not as easy as a, b, c. A lot of sweat and work has to be put into this job, and both individual strength and affinity toward teamwork are needed for the performance to be successful.
It’s actually pretty unfair when people don’t take it seriously, right?
Cheerleaders perform a lot of stunning moves, like flips and handstands. It is important that their shoes have a good grip to prevent slipping and have plenty of cushioning to ensure stability. They also need shoes with good traction and enough ankle support.
When you think about it, cheerleaders spend so much time in the air, they’re practically superheroines! They need shoes that are both lightweight, so they could easily be launched up, and sturdy and flexible they could safely land down.
No wonder it’s challenging to find the best cheer shoes! There are so many criteria to be met and so many options on the market.
Fortunately, I’ve done the hard part for you! All you need to do now is read this article and find your perfect pair among the 7 I have selected.
Without further ado, let’s jump into reading. Or, to use proper cheerleader words, “Hands on your hips, a smile on your lips, the spirit in your heart, and we are ready to start!”
What are the top 7 best cheer shoes?
Choosing any type of shoe is not an easy job. There are so many things to think about, like foot health, fashion and style, waterproof feature, breathable material, purpose and intention, and others. A good-quality shoe has to tick off as many features as possible in order to be considered – the one!
It’s a nerve-wracking, time-consuming, and frequently expensive chore. But, in the end, it’s all worth it!
Selecting the best cheer shoe is also extremely challenging. When buying these shoes, you have to take into consideration your budget, the right style usually approved by the coach, and the type of cheerleader these shoes will go to, whether she is a tumbler, base, or flyer cheerleader.
Below, I have listed the top 7 best cheer shoes, all of which combine quality, style, and functionality. I’m sure that you’ll find the perfect pair for you, the one that will, as Gwen Stefani would say, make you say, “These shoes are bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S.”
1. Adidas Performance Triple Cheer Shoes
Designed by the brand we all know and trust, these cheer shoes will make a great addition to your cheerleading equipment. They are made out of breathable mesh and synthetic leather upper and are super durable and flexible.
Adidas Performance Triple Cheer Shoes are very breathable, ensure ease with natural movements and provide high stability during tough landings.
These shoes offer great support and are a great foundation for any stunts and tumbles cheerleaders to be performed incredibly!
2. Kaepa Stellarlyte Shoes
These baddies are perfect for those who wish to buy the best cheer shoes but have a lower budget. They make a great alternative to more expensive options while sharing similar features. They are proof that cheaper doesn’t necessarily equal lower quality.
These Kaepa Stellarlyte Shoes are made out of lightweight synthetic leather upper with durable air mesh and webbing system. They feature a secure fit system that adjusts to arch height and tightens around the heel for a better fit.
These shoes have thinner soles meaning the foot is closer to the ground, which ensures better stability and overall performance.
3. Chassé Flip IV Cheerleading Shoes
This is another cheaper model of cheer shoes with exceptional quality. This model delivers both comfort and style – something which every cheerleader in the world needs.
These Chassé Flip IV Cheerleading Shoes feature a breathable nylon mesh tongue and a synthetic leather upper. And they have interchangeable color inserts on the sides. They are also extremely lightweight – you’ll barely notice you wear them.
Because of the synthetic leather, these cheer shoes are easy to clean, so you won’t need to worry about tedious maintenance after every performance. One wipe and all the dirt is gone!
4. Nfinity Vengeance Cheer Shoe
Without a doubt, these are definitely one of the best cheer shoes on the market. They are extremely light and breathable, easy to wear and feel very comfortable on feet.
Bottoms of these shoes have both outsoles made of EVA and phylon pads to help increase durability. They feature Nfinity’s signature bubble laces that won’t untie in the middle of the performance.
These Nfinity Vengeance Cheer Shoes are flexible enough for the flyers pulling stretches in the air. They are also great for bases to grip and catch. With these ones, you’ll be able to feel your every move.
You’ll hardly find cheer shoes that are as comfortable as they are light. These make a perfect choice for a perfect cheerleader!
5. Nike Sideline IV Cheerleading Shoes
No wonder these ones made it on our list of the best cheer shoes. Nike can never disappoint, am I right?!
These Nike Sideline IV Cheerleading Shoes are made out of durable synthetic leather. They are highly breathable because of the mesh upper and perforated sides.
They have wrapped rubber outsoles that provide excellent grip. Additional underfoot cushioning in the midsole ensures comfort and flexibility while walking.
They are a bit narrow, though. So they might be a bit uncomfortable for those who have slightly wider feet. Or also consider getting a half size up if these Nike’s truly speak out to you.
6. Varsity Ascend Cheer Shoes
(Source: Varsity)
This pair is for all those girls who love to stand out. This model is the lightest one in the Varsity family.
Varsity Ascend Cheer Shoes feature the Exomesh and shock-resistant memory foam which ensures the support of the arch. These shoes are extremely comfortable and loved by many.
An interesting feature of these ones is the fact that, apart from coming in black color too, they can also be customizable according to the teams’ preferences. Many cheerleaders have put their own little personal touch on this Varsity model by including their school’s colors and the logo of their team. How cool is that!
These shoes really do ascend the throne of the best cheer shoes ever!
7. Zephz Tumble Cheerleading Shoes
You want functional shoes for an affordable price? If so, then these are the right ones for you!
These Zephz Tumble Cheerleading Shoes are extremely lightweight and durable cheer shoes, so you won’t be making a mistake if you opt for them. They have a synthetic upper and stitched heel and toe areas for maximum durability.
A stunt heel of these shoes provides extra stability on hard landings, and their midsoles are cushioned to absorb shock.
One of the fun features of these shoes is that they come with colorful laces, like black, yellow, red, green, and blue. A great way to add some spice to your performance!
What are the features of the best cheer shoes?
In case you didn’t like any of the shoes listed above, I have some tips and tricks that can help you in selecting your own trusty pair.
As we have said, being a cheerleader is no walk in the park. There are a lot of quick and agile movements which require a proper pair of cheer shoes. If the shoes aren’t right – everything might be ruined. And I’m sure nobody wants that!
For example, a pair of good old Converse shoes might be good for walking, but for jumping, tumbling, and doing a handstand… well, let’s just say no one cheers for these babies on the court.
To ensure you buy one of the best cheer shoes there are, there are a few features you simply must look for. Here are the three main characteristics you should keep an eye on.
1. Stability
Alongside comfort, stability is a must when it comes to cheerleading. The best cheer shoes should have midsoles with proper cushioning, so the feet could feel comfy and stable while participating in the challenging performances.
Shoes with thin midsoles have poor cushioning and offer less shock absorption. With these kinds of shoes, landings are hard, uncomfortable, and painful, and can even result in some serious injuries.
2. Durability
Nobody in their sane mind should expect cheer shoes to last a lifetime. These shoes are oftentimes used on a regular, daily basis, and worn during some challenging pieces of training that involve high-impact movement.
However, a quality pair of cheer shoes should last you a while. Nobody wants to buy shoes that will get destroyed in a matter of a few weeks, right?
The best cheer shoes should be made with durable materials like synthetic leather, and they should have reinforced toe and heel areas. The better the material, the more durable the shoe will be.
And the more durable the shoe equals better stability!
3. Breathability
Imagine being a flyer, standing on the base’s shoulders, and having stinky cheer shoes! Ew!
It’s crucial to get cheer shoes with a high-breathability feature because good cheerleading depends on it. Your feet have to stay dry and cool for as long as possible since wet and sweaty feet can greatly affect your performance on the field.
The best cheer shoes feature mesh uppers and perforations along the sides. This ensures better ventilation and airflow and makes the wearer feel confident and comfortable.
Final thoughts
I hope I managed to present you with a pair of the best cheer shoes for your cheerleading career through this article. I tried to make a list of the top 7 best options where every shoe is both affordable and of high quality.
Good luck with your purchase and stay cheery!
