Choosing the right cheer shoes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to cheerleading or buying for your daughter for the first time. At Living Cheer, we regularly help parents navigate the options, and this guide is designed to make that decision simple, informed, and confident.
With over 20 years’ experience supplying cheerleading footwear across the UK, we understand what matters most: fit, performance, safety, and durability.
What are the Best Cheer Shoes?
There isn’t one single “best” cheer shoe—it depends on your child’s experience level and how they train.
A beginner attending their first classes will have very different needs compared to an athlete progressing through levels, learning tumbling, jumps, and stunts.
Many cheerleading clubs will also recommend specific styles or brands, so it’s always worth checking first.
As a general guide:
Beginner Cheer Shoes:
Cheerlyte, Zenith, Nike Sideline
Intermediate Cheer Shoes:
Zenith, Stellarlyte, Nfinity Vengeance, Triumph
Advanced Cheer Shoes (Flyers):
Nfinity Vengeance, Nfinity Flyte
Choosing the correct level ensures your child has the right support and flexibility as they develop.
What Makes Cheer Shoes Different?
Cheer shoes are specifically designed for the unique demands of cheerleading—combining elements of gymnastics, dance, and athletic performance.
Unlike standard trainers, cheer shoes provide:
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Lightweight construction for agility
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Flexible soles for tumbling and jumps
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Targeted grip for stunts and landings
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Secure fit to prevent movement during routines
Beginner shoes typically feature more cushioning and slightly thicker soles, offering added support and stability.
Advanced shoes, particularly for flyers, are ultra-lightweight with a close, “second-skin” fit. This allows for precision, control, and ease when being lifted or thrown during stunts.
It’s important to avoid using:
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Fashion trainers
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Running shoes
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Dance or jazz shoes
These do not offer the structure or grip required and can increase the risk of slips or injury.
Cheer Shoes with Colour Inserts
Cheer shoes aren’t just about performance- they’re part of the overall team presentation.
Some styles, such as Cheerlyte and Triumph, include interchangeable colour inserts. These allow athletes to match their shoes to team colours, helping create a clean, coordinated look on the competition floor.
It’s a simple feature, but one that adds personality and team identity, especially for younger cheerleaders.
How Long Do Cheer Shoes Last?
A good-quality pair of cheer shoes should last a full season or longer, even when used for both training and competitions. However, to maintain their condition:
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Avoid wearing them outdoors
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Only use them on mats or indoor surfaces
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Keep soles clean to protect training floors
Outdoor use can damage the grip and transfer dirt onto mats, which is often discouraged by clubs.
Why Are Cheer Shoes White?
Most cheer shoes are white - and this is no coincidence.
White footwear:
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Makes foot placement more visible to judges and coaches
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Helps teams appear synchronised during routines
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Complements the majority of cheer uniforms
It’s estimated that over 90% of cheer shoes are white, making it the standard across UK and international competitions.
There isn’t a single "best" cheer shoe—it all depends on various factors, with the most important being your daughter's cheerleading level. Is she just starting out, or has she been training for a year or more, mastering routines, exercises, and stunts while progressing through the levels? Choosing the right cheer shoes means selecting a pair suited to her stage of cheerleading development. Often your club will recommend certain shoes they like children to wear.
What Size Cheer Shoes Should I Buy?
Getting the right fit is essential for both performance and safety.
At Living Cheer, we stock leading brands including Kaepa, Zephz, Nike Sideline, and Nfinity—each with slightly different sizing:
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Kaepa & Zephz: True to size
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Nfinity & Nike: Run slightly small (we recommend going up half a size)
Fit Guidance by Level:
Beginners:
You can allow a small amount of growing room (around half a size), especially for younger athletes.
Intermediate & Advanced:
Shoes should fit snugly with minimal movement inside the shoe.
Flyers:
A tight, glove-like fit is essential. This ensures stability and control during lifts, throws, and catches.
If your child has wider feet, consider going up half a size for comfort.
Where to Buy Cheer Shoes
Your child’s cheer club may recommend specific shoes for training or competitions, particularly if they require a uniform team look.
At Living Cheer, we specialise in cheerleading footwear and stock all major brands and best-selling styles. Our team offers expert advice on sizing, fit, and suitability - whether you’re buying your first pair or upgrading to a performance shoe.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews and offer a straightforward returns process. If your shoes don’t fit, simply return them for an exchange or refund—so you can shop with complete confidence.
Final Thoughts
The right cheer shoes will support your child’s progress, improve performance, and help them feel confident on the mat.
If you’re unsure, start with their level, check club recommendations, and prioritise fit above all else.
And if you need help—just ask. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
