Best Youth Cheer Shoes
The purpose of this guide is to help you choose the best youth cheer shoes. First, we’ll get into the specifics of youth cheer shoes, we’ll describe why they’re so important. Finally, we’ll cover how to choose the shoes that are the best fit based on your cheerleading position.
What is a youth cheerleader?
Youth cheerleaders are 11 years old and under that are able to compete at levels 1-5 depending on their skill set and experience. Tiny and Mini (the youngest) cheerleaders can also fall into this category. You can start basic training to be a cheerleader as soon as the child is old enough to show interest in the sport, but can typically start officially joining teams or competing at age 5.
Youth Cheer Shoes: the most important piece of cheer gear
Cheer shoes for youth athletes are extremely important because they provide the foundation for young cheerleaders that are learning basic skills and techniques that will set the tone for the rest of their career. Youth cheer shoes should be lightweight, comfortable, durable and have a great fit. Parents often like to purchase cheerleading shoes a little too big for the athlete to grow into, but finding a shoe that supports the child’s foot and is not too oversized to provide the support it is intended for is relevant.
How to choose youth cheer shoes for bases
Base cheerleading shoes often feature a combination of features that allow the base to stay comfortable and secure under the stunt. A supportive cheer shoe with a spin pad and close foot-to-mat placement is ideal. Read our guide about choosing the best cheer shoes for bases.
How to choose youth cheer shoes for flyers
Youth cheer flyers should choose a cheerleading shoe that has finger grips for bases and a sole constructed to naturally fit into the bases hands. They should also be lightweight and fit close to the foot, as bulky shoes don’t allow the flyer to directly feel their bases hands on their foot, which is necessary for them to feel safe and confident while in the air. This is especially crucial for young flyers getting their bearings in the air for the first time in their lives. Read our guide about choosing the best cheer shoes for flyers.
How to choose youth cheer shoes for tumblers
Choosing a youth cheer shoe for tumblers involves focusing on the durability, shock cushioning, and bubble laces that stay tied. Youth cheerleaders may want to consider a mid or high-rise shoe to help prevent injury and provide maximum heel and ankle support. Check out our complete guide for the best cheer shoes for tumbling.
Next, we’ll dive into the best cheer shoes for youth athletes, boys and girls alike.
#1 Best Youth Cheer Shoes: Rebel Ruthless
Rebel Athletic’s Rebel Ruthless cheerleading shoe is perfect for young cheerleaders. The multi-layer mesh Ruthless shoe has some key features that allow the athlete to focus on training and learning new skills, while feeling comfortable and supported all day long:
Unique weight-distribution technology for feather-light feel
Rear heel finger notch and Patented Finger Grooves™
Close-to-mat foot placement
Responsive cushioning
Cushion cup- Cradles the heel
Rebel Spin Pad- Ease of turning
This shoe has a sleek design and is available in both black (Rebel Ruthless Blackout) and white to match the uniform design or personal preference.
#2 Best Youth Cheer Shoes: Rebel Revolution
The Rebel Revolution performance shoe is a great choice for youth athletes because it’s mid-rise style and durable exo-skeleton provide optimal stability. These Revolution features make it an amazing shoe opinion for youth cheerleaders:
Bubble Laces- Prevents slippage and laces coming undone
Ventilation Air Holes- Provides airflow and heat dissipation to keep the foot cool
Ankle Cushions – Cradle the ankle for superior support
Rebel Spin Pad - Ease of turning
Cross Flex Tunnel- Allows increased flexing of foot when pointing toes
Stunt Grooves- Perfect finger placement guides for natural hand grip position for bases
This shoe has a sleek design and is available in both black (Rebel Revolution Blackout) and white to match the uniform design or personal preference.
What shoes are youth cheer champions wearing?
I wear the Rebel Revolution cheer shoes because I liked how they have the ankle support. They feel like a sock when I wear them & they are so light when I am tumbling. My favorite part of the Rebel Revolution cheer shoes are the inner cushions around the heel. It’s like little pillows cushioning my feet! These shoes are so stretchy they really mold to your foot, I never have to worry about my foot sliding around in my shoe or my shoe flying off! The shoes are weightless so they make tumbling so easy. The grips on the sides give the perfect spots for my bases to hold. When I am hitting my flyer positions the shoes make it really easy to point my toe & show perfect technique. My bases like the Rebel Revolution shoes the best out of any cheer shoes I’ve ever worn! -Ave Shae Roberts, 10 years old, Cheer Athletics