How to Select the Right Footwear for Cheerleading

As a cheerleader, the shoes you choose will affect all of your stunts, jumps and moves during your routine. They must not only fit well, but must match the uniform of your school or team while offering you the support and cushion you need to perform effectively. There are many vendors online and in stores where you can buy your cheerleading shoes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Local dancewear or cheerleading store
• Team colors
• Extra cushion for inside the shoe
• Funds to purchase the right shoes

Select The Right Footwear For Cheerleading

1. Find a local location that sells cheerleading footwear. The sales associate should be able to offer advice about the shoes that are right for your needs. Some online sporting good stores also carry cheerleading apparel and shoes, while comparison sites like NexTag and BizRate can list your options (see Resources below).
2. Be sure that your shoes fit snugly, but not too tight. If your shoes are even half a size too big, you can get blisters on your toes and the balls of your feet.
3. Purchase the shoes with the most padding. A good sole cushion or gel cushion in your sneaker will allow much more comfort than a shoe without extra cushioning. Shoes with built-in cushioning generally last longer as well.
4. Go for the softer sole. The bottom of the shoe may not seem important, but cheerleaders are many times required to stand on one another's hands and shoulders. The softer the bottom of your shoe is, the happier you will make your teammate.
5. Select a shoe that is lightweight and offers special features. Cheerleading specific shoes sometimes have features such as finger grips or grooves, shock absorption and flexibility.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to call your local sporting goods store ahead of time. They only sell apparel and footwear for certain sports at specific times of the year. A store manager should be able to let you know when they will be getting in cheerleading footwear inventory.
• Lace your shoes tight all the way up to ensure proper ankle support.
• Avoid wearing your cheerleading footwear for everyday use. Select a pair of sneakers that you use for cheerleading only. This will allow your shoe to last longer and stay cleaner.
• Be warned, cheerleading footwear is not cheap. While there are some shoes that are very expensive, the majority of shoes are somewhat moderately priced.