The days when pulling on any old pair of running shoes was good enough for cheerleading have long gone. To protect your feet and legs and put on the best possible performance in cheerleading competitions while looking great, it is vital to buy the correct cheerleading shoes. Use this 7-point guide to ensure you choose the correct shoe.

1. Purpose-built

Tennis shoes will not do. Basketball shoes will not do. Running shoes will not do. There are wonderful purpose-built cheer shoes available so find them, and then find the best brand and style for you.

2. Price

Fortunately there is not a huge range of prices when it comes to prices. However, some brands and styles are more expensive than other. Decide what price-tag you can afford and then look for the best possible cheer shoe in this price range. Every cent you spend means more features and better-looking, safer shoes.

3. Comfort

You just know from looking at a shoe if it is going to be comfortable or not. Go for something that appeals to you and looks as though it will be a pleasure to wear and you will not be disappointed.

4. Cushioning

Check the specs to make sure the shoes are generously cushioned. This is a critical feature of a great cheer shoe. It improves mobility and prevents injury. A desirable feature is a removable insole for extra cushioning. Most good cheer shoes are made from synthetic materials specially formulate to absorb stress.

5. Weight

Cheer shoes should be lightweight. If the shoe looks light, it probably is. Even those with a higher profile and more external features look much later than the average track or running shoe. This promotes easy maneuverability.

6. Features

The features should meet your needs. If you are involved in tumbling and stunting, the cheer shoe’s features should be suitable for this. If you are involved in dance then a simple, no-nonsense lightweight all-purpose low-profile cheer shoe will do.

7. Appearance

The visual impression made by a squad in cheerleading competitions is important. Cheer shoes are probably the most important part of the uniform. How do they look? Do they match? Can they be color-adapted? You should consider all these things when buying cheerleading shoes. In fact, choosing a cheer shoe should preferably be a squad decision to lend uniformity to the look.