Best Cheerleading Shoes in 2021

The sport of cheerleading occurs in many different formats. Whether it is rostering a routine for the Friday night football game or executing aerial stunts as you fly, the category remains the same. Since this sport covers a wide gap of population types, it is important to host the correct footwear for competitions, enhancing your skill set, or participating in long events like a football game.

This piece helps apply the correct terms of usage to your desired area of work, keeping you light on your feet or adopting a heavy set of shoes that withstand the test of time. Below, we have compiled 15 different cheer shoes, ranging from the different aspects of sport. Each shoe comes with a review in which we point out some successes and a few flaws. We also will present you with a buying guide that better helps to determine the main areas of focus with these shoe types. Finally, a frequently asked questions section is included to help sew up any loose ends.

15 Best Cheer Shoes

Nike New Women's Sideline III Insert Cheerleading

One of the most stable production companies in the athletic space is Nike. Their commitment to sound production and advanced means of building their product lines have placed them near the top of almost any shoe category, so it is no wonder there are a major player in the cheer space. The Sideline III model is one of the most reinforced cheer shoes ever constructed, keeping a durable title through and through. This shoe is designed primarily from synthetic means, holding a strong construction while keeping the overall weight of the shoe minimal. The reinforcement occurs from material overlap at the outer shell. This gives the shell a smooth covering that is both abrasion and wear resistant. Small slits are placed at the sides of the shoe to bring an even pattern of air flow to and from the model. Elegant stitching helps to separate shoe into three components, spacing out the capabilities of this model.

An ergonomic outsole is placed at the undercarriage of the shoe to better counter for hard pressures. This sole is designed with major support platforms underneath the heel and the toe box, making it the ample target for those seeking long-term support. The arch hike also meshes with the natural fit of the foot, holding a tight covering that allows for a greater range of motion. The tighter fit is desired by the tumblers and flyers, while the strong material and durable outsole is great for spotters and sidelines work. This design mechanism keeps this model as one of the best dual-use cheer shoes on the marketplace today.

Ion Cheer Women's Celebration Shoes

If you scale through the brands of cheer shoes, many of the most notable extend their product reach to other avenues. One of the unknown brands extending from this space is Ion Cheer. Their models are designed with a simplistic approach that keeps the reinforcement and strengthened build a staple in their productions. This Celebration model is treated to a leather and synthetic blend, teaming strength with lightweight capabilities. The upper of the shoe is treated to the leather, applying the proper lockdown overtop the foot and keeping the abrasion resistance coverage high. This is a low-profile build, making it the perfect match for low-to-the-ground movements. This is great for building speed with on your runs, its assists in using your body and feet to produce natural explosiveness, and it keeps you agile.

The mesh tongue extends from the midfoot, allowing the user room to fit the shoe. This material is extremely breathable, and it helps keep the positive stream of air flow heading to and from the foot. The outsole is rather thin, which is a common build for a cheer shoe. This is a minimalized model, keeping the user closer to the ground, helping them to excel from natural bursts of energy and utilize their natural outputs. The undercarriage of the outsole features the same star logo design. These stars are spread out, creating smaller extensions from the shoe that help with grip and stability. A hike is also added to the midfoot for proper arch support.

The Nfinity brand has actively participated within the sport of cheerleading for many years. Their products are a testament to their long-standing success. Their Evolution model features a unique design with target areas of support increases. The shoe is made primarily of leather components, with synthetic blends at some locations. Starting with the interior, this shoe features an ergonomic design that directly caters to the shape of the foot. This helps to create the desired mold for a snug fitting. A thick bed of padding also greats the bottom of the foot, creating the starting point for increased cushioning.

The exterior features many different components of support, holding, cushioning. The outsole is thin, but features extensions that rise at the rear, midfoot, and toe box. The toe box features a flat base and a rounded front. This allows the toes to rest naturally to the form they are accustomed to. The midfoot features a raised rubber. This not only assists lateral movements, but it also helps to absorb the blow of shocks and pressures. It also creates for a rounded surface that keeps your movements crisp and effective. The outsole rises to tackle both sides of the heel. This helps to create a natural ankle lock. Nfinity propertied this technology and utilize a similar design at the insole. This helps create a strong hold on the ankle/heel and reduces any unnecessary twisting or turning. The toe box also features a thick, synthetic covering that brings this area additional protection.

PUMA is a brand that dabbles in the cheer space, but the natural design that their shoe models have adopted over the years host a presence in the space. The design mold matches up with some of the biggest competitors on the market, making their unique designs more than deserving of a spot on our list. This leather model features hints of synthetic builds, allowing for this dual force to produce a strong and lightweight option for cheerleaders. The insole is padded with a memory foam, which creates an excellent layer of cushioning below the foot. The outsole contains multiple grippers and adhesives, applying the proper base for standing and a solid grip on your surface. This makes this model a perfect proponent for sideline use and other such heavy workloads.

The natural design of the Puma logo and stripes helps create an additional set of padding and holding at the sides of the foot. Three, off-set stripes extend from the upper to reach directly below the arch. While they may seem like a visual cue, they also double as a stability measure at the forefoot. The build also allows for the proper hike in the arch, keeping the user supported on the basis of the natural foot mold. A thick heel counter is also added to keep the proper lockdown and hold on this crucial area of use.

Kaepa Stellarlyte Cheer Shoe

Trailing down the list of cheer shoe producers, we have an indoor contender for lightweight usage in the Kaepa Stellarlyte. This model starts by creating a synthetic mold that helps secure the fit to the foot. The properties of cushioning in the midsole, insole, and interior help accommodate for a snug, molded fit. This fit helps cater to the average sized foot, helping you gain more from your movements and reduce the number of layers to create your effectiveness. The midsole is made from EVA materials and is specifically contoured for the tumbling and floor routine space. It helps you gain the right amount of spring and reduces the pressures placed on the foot with absorbent technology. A thin anti-microbial lining helps conquer moisture and keeps the foot cool.

The outsole is designed with a rubberized and foam treatment, allowing for a full flex in the undercarriage. This helps the user grip to their surface and helps compromise for uneven settings. The foam helps to mesh with the midsole to provide the user cushioned comfort. There are also interior and exterior heel cups and heel counters that help keep the rear of the foot from moving or twisting. This is important for keeping stability in a flexible model, as the trade-off often limits the stability gains. The dual-function of these two forces helps combat pressures and reduces internal movements, allowing you to gain the most from your push-offs and landings.

ASICS Women's GEL-Cheer 6 Cheerleading Shoe

ASICS has been a top competitor in the athletic footwear space for quite some time, continuing and extending their product lines to all areas of the market. Their Cheer design helps introduce the properties of their previous athletic builds. The Gel-Cheer 6 is designed with lightweight materials, utilizing mesh and synthetic blends as the main ingredients of the mold. The upper is treated with synthetic leathers, which helps to keep a strong hold on the forefoot. It is designed as a form-fit, leaving little wiggle room and reducing any internal movements or twists. As we head from top to bottom, there is an added arch panel placed within the midsole region. This helps add stability from forefoot to heel. This area also works to absorb shock and reduce pressures.

The outsole of this model is designed for mat-specific use. It is treated with a light adhesive that helps the user retain footing on any surface. This practice can also be utilized by those who rely heavily on planting their feet or helping to create quick explosions of push-off. It thickens at the heel to increase the cushioning and support in this region. This is important for users who remain primarily grounded or looking for explosion because the heel represents the area of the foot that gets the most usage in these movements. The back-heel counter is another component to behold. It is widened to ensure a fit on any foot type, but the interior reinforces the padding and holds a thicker collar, keeping the snug fit a staple of the design.

Another brand that tries its hand at the cheerleading space is Adidas. Their Cheer Sport Cross-Trainers are the perfect mold for those looking to gain a multipurpose performance model. Featuring the strengthened leather design, this shoe is built to stand up to the test of time. The other two materials that are present in the build are mesh and textile. The tongue features the mesh design, but it is thin, which helps create an excellent example of lockdown and holding. The textile comes in at the interior lining. This same material is utilized at the insole, producing a padded base that helps surround and cushion the foot during movement.

The midsole features the desired EVA technology, keeping the weight low and the cushioning high. It is called the compression model due to the shape taking on a similar mold to the foot. This helps the padding and cushioning reach all areas of the foot and rise to meet coverage standards. The outsole is split into two pieces, both meeting at the middle. These pieces both contain rubberized extensions that are also spaced. This allows for the flexibility you would need during tumbling and flying, but it also helps provide the solid base you would need for sideline work. This outsole is treated with grooves and spaced spheres at the undercarriage.

The grooves help absorb pressures and the circular designs keep the main pressure points of the foot supported and free of unwanted shocks. This outsole is also non-marking and slip-resistant, gaining the user the proper traction they need to host success at the indoor or outdoor space.

Zephz has proven themselves worthy of production in this space, and these years of commitment have allowed for narrowing the focus to a certain genre of sport. One of the most heavily competed types of cheerleading is tumbling. It involves a lot of movement and it is practiced by all cheerleaders, meaning a specific shoe type is fitting. Their tumble model is made from leather materials and features a thick outer shell for proper protection. This keeps this model standing up to wear and tear and makes it the right fit for those with wider feet. Being that this model is a little bulkier, the outsole is treated to the thin design with the adhesive grippers. This helps to counter for the correct traction means without boosting the intrigue with grooves and cuts into the rubberized core.

The midsole is designed with the EVA mindset, but also introduces a layer of foam for increased padding. This gives pressures and shocks an additional layer to run through, helping to reduce these pressures from reaching your foot even more. The heel of the outsole is treated to the proper cupping and stability notions. It is reinforced at the heel cup, helping to produce a long-term hold that keeps the user operating in the correct, upright positioning. This shoe is known as a foundation shoe and should be features by users who are looking for a grounded model that does not compromise on build.

Zephz is one of the top brands when it comes to the sport of Cheerleading. Their products extend all realms of the sport, making their working a fitting proponent for the footwear space. Their Butterfly 2.0 model is the revamped looked at one of the best sellers. Made from leather materials, this stitched design keeps reinforcement strong. This model takes on a smaller surface area, making it a low-profile intrigue for users who need to make swift movements. The midsole features an EVA design, providing cushioning underneath the foot. This material is also responsible for absorbing shock and limiting the pressures placed on the foot.

The outsole features a thin design, keeping the minimalist notion alive and strong. This allows the user to gain the proper force from their surfaces, excelling in both the indoor and outdoor spaces. The outsole also features a stunt edging design, which helps counter for rough and uneven surfaces. This allows the user to gain the proper traction and footing on any surface. The overall weight of the shoe contends with similar models for the lowest on the market, marking for a durable yet lightweight build. Interchangeable inserts are included in 8 different color schemes, helping to fit the mold of your school or team colors. This model also features a heel cup that keeps the heel in place during movements. This is important for exercising the correct stability and gaining the most from your movements.

DADAWEN Women's Sport Training Cheerleading Shoes

DADAWEN puts the obscure spin on design to produce models that host proper functioning. While this model may look a little different, this doesn't detract from the functional usage this cheer shoe hosts. This shoe is made from a synthetic leather and mesh combination, keeping the overall weight low and the protection high. The upper is treated to the leather material, while the tongue features the lightweight, mesh design. This combination keeps lockdown strong and allows for a positive flow or air to and from the foot. The mold is designed for a secure fit, hiking to the proper level of arch support and evening the balance between heel and toe box supports.

The outsole features the two separate parts for proper spacing. This outsole is rather thick when compared to other models, but the low-profile build helps counter for this increase. This thick area helps account for the proper base for push-off and reducing any pressures the individual user would feel. This separation also helps this model generate the correct levels of flexibility needed for proper performance. It can be utilized across many different platforms, but cheerleading is the number one usage space.

Chassé HighLyte Cheerleading Shoes

Chasse has a narrowed focus when it comes to cheerleading, allowing their products to hoist functional excellence at all levels of competition. One of the lightest models on the market comes from this brand. The Chasse HighLyte only weighs 4.6 oz, which at least an ounce less than any of the products we have mentioned so far. The lightweight attribute directly transitions into the tumbling and flying space, where the weight of the shoes is one of the telling signs of individual performance. This model relies heavily on its synthetic and mesh combination to keep the weight low and not compromise for strength in build. The fabric features an open knit which allows for the positive air flor correlation. This also helps to keep the foot from overheating or from absorbing too much moisture.

The material design helps create the flexible title, but this notion continues at the midsole and outsole. The midsole features the popular EVA design and is cut thin to keep the weight of the model as low as possible. The outsole rests directly under the midsole and is also cut thin. This cut gives the user a greater range of motion and allows them to utilize this base as a flexible mean. This is the perfect model for those performing many different movements over the course of a cheer. This shoe is also competition certified, marking it as one of the lightest options to use during competition. The undercarriage of the outsole features a wavy design and groove cuts. This helps the user obtain the proper footing without compromising on flex.

Danzcue Danzuce Cheer Shoe

Another brand that extends from the unknown, this company keeps the lightweight notion alive by treating their products with a heavy focus on mesh and synthetic leather combinations. The mesh treatment is noticed across the outer shell. This allows for the proper streams of air flow, makes for a simpler fit for the user, and helps increase the overall flexibility of the model. Each inclusion of the synthetic leather comes with stitching and reinforcement at high-traffic areas, keeping this total design sound and effective for the user. The toe box features a synthetic capping that helps to reduce any threats to this area via pressures or abrasions. This layered material extends to the heel, resting directly above the midsole. This helps create an extra layer of support for the user to enjoy.

The outsole is created as a direct run-off from this synthetic material, forming a rubber compound for increased support. Trailing off in this fashion keeps the overall weight of the product low for the user, helping it exist in the lateral movement space. This outsole features grooves and timely cuts that help increase the flex over any types of surface while also increasing individual traction. The thickness of the outsole remains rather thin, which promotes usage in multiple facets of sport.

Kaepa Stellarlyte Cheer Shoe

One of the original pioneers to the Kaepa brand was their Stellarlyte model. Adopting a basic design with elegant amounts of stitching, this model quickly climbed the popularity charts amongst consumers. While other models might host more beneficial uses to cheerleaders today, this model still includes some of the most important benefits, helping it find a spot on our list. This model is made from mostly synthetic material blends, keeping the weight at a minimal build. The shoe features a lot of stitching, which gives the user peace of mind knowing this model will stand up to the test of time. This shoe operates much like an athletic shoe. It features the correct height at the arch, a normal sized outsole in terms of thickness and extension pieces, and a thick, padded collar for creating the proper hold surrounding the ankle area.

This model operates like a low-profile model while holding a mid-rise build. This helps to create additional coverage over the ankle area, an area that is often ignored in the design schemes of cheerleading footwear. The brand backing this model has been a long-term success in this space, making this timely classic a model worth mentioning.

Nfinity Adult Evolution Cheer Shoe & Nfinity Titan Onyx

Nfinity Adult Evolution Cheer Shoe 

Our last two mentions come from one the biggest names in the industry in Nfinity. Footwear companies are always looking for new ways to break the mold, and that's exactly what this company did with the creation of their high-top models. Both of these mentions feature a similar design frame, which is why we chose to keep their mention in the same company.

Nfinity Titan Onyx Cheer Shoe 

Most people are skeptical when it comes to buying a high-top model for cheerleading, with most past models featuring the low-profile framework. This model helps to increase ankle support and holding tenfold. Two straps are placed across the upper at the insertion point, creating a dual-hold overtop the foot. The rise in material also helps to fully house the ankle, severely limiting any unwanted motions from this area. It is built primarily from synthetic and mesh materials, allowing it to compete with the big dogs mentioned previously. It is said to go great with tumbling, helping to create the solid foundation needed for success in sport. If you are a user who has weak ankles or find yourself caving within the lighter shoe options, this stability increase is the choice for you. It greatly reduces your risk of injury when compared to other models, making it the correct choice for proceeding with caution or swaying to the side of safety.

Cheer Shoes Buyer's Guide

When it comes to selecting the right shoes for the sport of cheerleading, you must first prescribe usage. You aren't going to want to apply a flexible pair with stability concerns if you are consistently performing holds and relying on a solid foundation or base. The same goes in the opposite direction. The best way to avoid this debacle is to find presence in both areas. A synthetic leather can host the function of a leather when it comes to strength but will advert to synthetic properties when it comes to weight. This produces a win-win for the user. A simple decision between material type can make all the difference when it comes to cheerleading shoes.

Applying Knowledge at the Outsole

One of the most important areas of a shoe is the outsole. It is the base we utilize each time we take a step, making it the highest area of traffic on our shoe. Reinforcing this area and adding some sort of rubberized extensions or grooves is common in the athletic space. This discussion will also take us back to the usage space. If you are performing tumbling, a thin and almost lifeless outsole will work the best. Most of these options will look as if there is no treatment to this area.

The only functioning that would be common would be to add an adhesive to the material, helping create traction for the tumbler. If you are operating as a base or utilizing the sidelines as your main area of cheer, that is when you want to sway towards the path of comfort. You will be spending longer on your feet and will be applying a greater amount of pressure on your feet, calling for a mechanism to partner with the outsole. This can be accomplished via a successful midsole (usually EVA design) or by holding a heel rest or other material that accounts for a bulk of the foot. These little support mechanisms help reduce the amount of pressure you feel, keeping your performance in top shape.

Importance of the Arch

One of the main areas you will often see catered to in the cheerleading space is the arch of the foot. This is not by mistake, as the form-fitting options are the preferred usage types for cheerleaders. The form-fit helps to cater to all the areas of the foot, either applying snug padding or a thin layer. The desired usage is to make the shoe as minimal as possible. This allows the user to tap into their natural capabilities, allowing them to grow with the sport. By hosting bulky footwear, the user can be slowed and put themselves at injury risk.

Catering to your arch is something that footwear companies don't do enough. Forgetting to do so leads to flat feet, which severely limits your capabilities as a cheerleader. These designs help promote a healthy fit. Most shoes will feet tight and need to be broken in a little. This is common for the cheerleading space. The minimalized functioning comes at the expense of sacrificing some space. Just ensure it is not too tight and that you are not cutting off the circulation of blood flow to your foot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I clean cheer shoes?

Thanks to the many different lifehacks created by the individuals of the internet, there are many different ways to clean white cheer shoes. The most common is to dampen a rag or toothbrush and gently scrub away at the shoes using a mixture of dish soap, shampoo, or similar washing products. If you find yourself facing a devastating stain, kick up the removal by using some dabs of rubbing alcohol. Other measures include the use of lemon juice, baking soda, and tooth paste to remove your stains and/or scuffs. Taking the material type into consideration before proceeding with one of these options is proper practice.

What are the best cheer shoes for flyers?

If you are a flyer, you are mainly looking to keep your weight as low as possible when it comes to clothing and footwear. The low-profile, minimalized builds will work best in this space. The light adhesives give the base plenty to hold onto, assisting their lifting and reducing slippage when being hoisted into the air. One could get away with the other mentioned options, but the general goal is to host the lighter option in this space.

What are the best cheer shoes for tumbling?

When it comes to tumbling, the same rules apply. You are running at high speeds and you want to make sure you are gaining the proper burst from your surface. The best way to do that is becoming as close to barefoot contact, as the natural bursts we emit become our most powerful. Once again, the user can get away with bulkier footwear, they just may cause issue if they have to be worn for a prolonged period of time.

What are the best cheer shoes for bases?

The base is the one who wants the even-keeled platform. These individuals spend heavy amounts of their time on their feet, often lifting someone who is near their weight. This can cause a lot of stress and pressure on the back and shoulders, so it is important to start at the source: the heel. Lock this area down or cup it to improve stability and the proper posture. A thicker outsole is also needed to reduce these pressures and to keep you operating on a solid foundation.

Conclusion

After breaking down our 15 products, there are two that stood out to us for different reasons. When it came to editor's pick, the Nike Sideline III reigned supreme. Separating the shoe into different areas is very important. This helps bring the correct amount of attention to each area of the shoe, allowing the user to locate a problem at the source or benefit from the combination of features. It also had a very protective outer shell and kept our intrigue when it comes to visually appealing designs.

If it is the value play you seek, look no further than the Ion Cheer Celebration shoes. The total cost of this model was about half the cost of most of our mentions. This omits the fact that it featured the same mechanisms that some of our high-end options did, helping make it the best bang for your buck on the market. With all that being said, there are some incredible companies working in the cheerleading space. Many of these mentioned brands features product lines that have depth and expand to specific sub-categories of sport. This makes prescribing the need of the consumer the biggest factor in determining which option would work best for you.