Best Cheer Shoes for Flyers
The goal of this guide is to help you choose the best cheer shoes for flyers. We will dive into what makes a flyers different from all the other cheerleading stunting positions and we’ll discuss all the key features that the cheer shoes for flyers should have.
What is a flyer in cheer?
The ladies who truly know how it feels to be on top of the world. Flyers are the athletes on top of all the stunts, pyramids and basket tosses in cheerleading. They are lifted, thrown, spun and flipped into the air in different variations throughout the routine.
Fear of heights? Not for them. They get a thrill out of soaring through the air, executing skills that define gravity and push the human body to its limits. The cheer shoes for flyers are probably the most important cheer gear that a flyer cheerleader should invest in.
Flyers are responsible for squeezing their muscles tight and controlling their bodies during stunts. They are also the one held accountable for stretching and conditioning their bodies to maintain maximum flexibility and balance.
Their role is very prominent in cheerleading and can be extremely intense while performing difficult stunts under high pressure situations.
In addition to the high level of coordination the role requires, flyers have to simultaneously grab the audience’s attention with their eye-catching performance skills, consisting of attention-grabbing facials and utmost confidence. This confidence is supported by the gear that the flyers are wearing, including their shoes.
Different Cheer Shoes for Different Positions
Flyers
Flyer cheerleading shoes need to support their balance and be easy for bases to hold. Since the feet are often the only part of a flyer’s body that bases have direct contact with during a stunt, it is critical that the flyer feels that their bases have a strong, close grip on their foot.
Bases & Back Spots
Cheerleading shoes for bases have a comfort fit sole and ultra durability. Ankle support is a plus to prevent rolled ankles while holding the flyer up. It is important that the base's shoes are secure to their feet with laces that won’t come untied.
Before we dive into the best cheer shoes for flyers in 2021, let’s look at some of the terms used in the world of cheerleading. Specifically, when talking about cheer shoes.
Cheerleading Shoe Terms
Outsole: The most outer layer of the bottom of the shoe
Midsole: The layer between the insole and outsole
Footbed: Also known as the insole, the inside of the shoe under the foot
Finger Grooves: Cheerleading shoes can be constructed with grooves that base’s hands can naturally settle into while gripping the foot
Exo-skeleton: The most external layer of the shoe which provides support
Spin Pad: An outsole feature that can provide ease of turning and added durability
Ventilation Air Holes: Provide ventilation to keep feet cool and dry
What’s the Difference Between Cheer Practice Shoes and Competition Shoes for Flyers?
Flyers often wear the same cheerleading shoes for practice that they do for competitions. Cheer shoes that are both durable, but also extremely breathable will hold up the longest and maintain their shape and cleanliness.
Since flyers take the mat for performances in the same shoes they practice in, having a slim, sleek design also comes into play.
Finding the right shoe can be challenging. This detailed cheerleading shoe overview will help you save time and money trying out shoes that aren’t the right fit for you.
#1 Best Cheer Shoes for Flyers: Rebel Revolution
The Rebel Revolution by Rebel Athletic is the optimal flyer cheer shoe because it is engineered with a comfortable, knit construction with a high-tech stabilizing exo-skeleton and inner heel cushions for additional support.
Additionally, the sole has Rebel’s Patented Stunt GroovesTM that provide outstanding grips for stunting. Their knit fabric conforms to the foot, giving bases a close grasp on the flyer’s actual foot, which makes a world of a difference compared to holding on to a thick, heavy shoe that gives you less leverage.
The Rebel Revolution (white) and the Rebel Revolution Blackout (black) by Rebel Athletic is the optimal flyer cheer shoe because it is engineered with a comfortable, knit construction with a high-tech stabilizing exo-skeleton and inner heel cushions for additional support.
Additionally, the sole has Rebel’s Patented Stunt GroovesTM that provide outstanding grips for stunting. Their knit fabric conforms to the foot, giving bases a close grasp on the flyer’s actual foot, which makes a world of a difference compared to holding on to a thick, heavy shoe that gives you less leverage.
The shoe also features bubble laces and a thread and lace channel lock, which secures the foot to the sole with laces that won’t come undone. It’s the little details of the Rebel Revolution that set it apart from other cheerleading shoes.
It is the best cheer shoe for flyers because of the construction, but it’s stylized design is definitely a major bonus. With the look of a sleek street shoe, but the comfort and support of an athletic shoe, the Rebel Revolution is a cheer flyer’s dream come true.
Watch Cheerleading Champion Angel Rice explain why the Rebel Revolution cheer shoes are durable
#2 Best Cheer Shoes for Flyers: Rebel Revolt
The Rebel Revolt is a great option as a cheer flyer shoe. If comfort is your main priority, or you often find shoes uncomfortable because of the size or shape of your foot, this is the cheerleading shoe for you.
The Rebel Revolt comes in white and black colors. The Rebel Revolt Blackout is the black version of the Rebel Revolt cheerleading shoes.
The knit construction of the Rebel Revolt conforms to the foot and truly has a sock-like feel. It is lightweight, breathable, and has some stretch, giving your feet freedom to move and breathe.
Though they have a barely-there feel, the Rebel Revolt and Rebel Revolt Blackout contains some outstanding features for athletes, including shock cushioning to absorb impact and stunt grooves.
#3 Best Cheer Shoes for Flyers: Rebel Ruthless
You can’t go wrong with Rebel’s original performance shoe, the Rebel Ruthless, for all positions in cheerleading. This shoe is constructed with multi-layer mesh, allowing your feet to stay cool and dry through intense workouts.
Rebel Ruthless is the white cheer shoe, while the Rebel Ruthless Blackout is the black version of the same performance shoe.
Say goodbye to heel inserts because this shoe contains a Cushion Cup to cradle and support the heel. It’s unique weight-distribution technology makes this shoe a reliable, long-lasting option for both flyers and bases.
What are Cheer Flyer Champions Wearing?
With several quality cheerleading shoes on the market, the champion cheerleaders we all know and love wear a few different shoes. Gabi Butler is primarily spotted in the Rebel Ruthless for its versatility and breathability. Many other Navarro athletes, like Shannon Woolsey and Morgan Simianer are often seen on the mat and sidelines in the knit Rebel Revolt.
Gabi Butler - Navarro cheerleader champion wearing Rebel Athletic shoes
For all day comfort and impact absorption, this shoe is great for the long days they have at the gym or events. Another World Champion cheerleader and world renowned tumbler, Angel Rice, also chooses the Rebel Revolt cheer shoe.
After Rebel’s latest shoe, the Rebel Revolution, hit the market, high profile athletes everywhere have been seen wearing it more and more. With it’s mid-rise style and more luxurious details than any other cheer shoes on the market, it is a hit among top athletes all over the world.
How to Clean Flyer Cheer Shoes?
Watch Angel Rice - 3X Cheerleding Champion about how to clean your cheer shoes
You can extend the life and cleanliness of cheerleading shoes by only wearing them indoors. Since cheerleading shoes are often durable and comfortable enough for everyday wear, you can clean your cheer shoes by wiping down with a damp cloth. Cheer shoes can also be hand washed or laundered with the proper technique.
