Best Cheer Shoes for Bases
The purpose of this quick guide is to help you find the best cheer shoes for bases, that can be used for both cheer practice and cheerleading competitions.
What is a Base in Cheerleading?
Without bases, there would be no stunts. Bases are the glue that hold cheerleading stunts together. They lift, throw and catch the flyers, often holding them up in difficult stunt sequences for several 8 counts at a time.
Depending on the level of stunt, pyramid or basket, base positions often include a side, main, and back spot. At most levels, stunts are held up by 3 bases (side, main and back), but stunts at the highest levels are often held up by just 1 or 2 bases.
Bases are responsible for being strong, reliable, and trustworthy. They must remain confident and collected because their vibe sets the tone for the flyer who is relying on the bases for safety. Bases can often be put into dangerous situations when catching the flyer who is soaring through the air, often at extreme heights.
Cheer Shoes for Bases vs Flyers
Given the different nature of cheer moves of bases and flyers, their needs in terms of cheer shoes are different. We’ll explore these differences below.
Cheer Shoes for Bases
Base cheerleading shoes should be durable, supportive and extremely comfortable. They also should be slender and breathable. Bulky shoes with a thick sole can cause bases to roll their ankles or stumble under a stunt. Cheer base shoes should have a thin sole that ensures the foot is close to the ground, while also supporting the heels and ankles during intense impact.
Cheer Shoes for Flyers
The best cheer shoes for flyers should thoroughly support their ankles. Stunts require flyers to squeeze their muscles and control their bodies, so having a reliable shoe that fits well is extremely important. Finger grooves on cheer shoes for flyers is an amazing feature so the bases have a comfortable, sturdy place to grip the foot.
What Makes Perfect Cheer Shoes for Bases
The best base cheerleading shoes feature good traction that give them a good structure on the ground and don’t slip. The perfect cheer shoes for bases should be durable and hold up through stretching, turning and bending the feet. Breathability is definitely a very important factor as well.
Before we dive into the specifics of our shoes recommendations, let’s define some cheerleading shoes terms.
Outsole: The most outer layer of the bottom of the shoe
Midsole: The layer between in 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
Cheer Shoes for Bases: Practice vs Competition
One of the frequent questions that our customers ask is: what’s the difference between cheer shoes for practice and cheer shoes for competitions, such as all star cheer?
Bases often wear the same pair of shoes season-round for practice and competitions. A durable shoe is important that will withstand intense practices and long competition or game days. Sometimes bases prefer to wear white cheer shoes for practice, but black cheerleading shoes for competitions (or vice versa) if their team requires a certain color to match their uniform style.
#1 Best Cheer Shoe for Bases: Rebel Revolt
The Rebel Revolt, a knit shoe by Rebel Athletic is an amazing option for bases. It has some spectacular features that will keep bases feeling secure and comfortable while doing their job:
Shock Cushion: Absorbs impact and allows for long-lasting comfort
Cross Flex Tunnel: Ease of pointing and flexing feet and provides additional support
Rebel Spin Pad: Allows ease of turning and provides durability
Knit Upper: Sock-like fit is breathable and stretchy
Available in black - Rebel Revolt Blackout - or white in order to follow gym requirements and/or best match the uniform.
#2 Best Cheer Shoe for Bases: Rebel Ruthless
A phenomenal cheer shoe for bases (and all positions in cheerleading) is Rebel Athletic’s original performance shoe, the Rebel Ruthless. It is made with a multi-layer mesh outer layer, unlike Rebel’s knit shoe options. If knit shoes aren’t your thing, definitely check out the Rebel Ruthless and Rebel Ruthless Blackout base cheer shoe.
Rebel Spin Pad: Allows ease of turning and provides durability
Close Foot-to-Mat Placement: Provides intense control
Transverse Flex Tunnel: Allows for ease of weight transfer to toes
Available in black or white in order to follow gym requirements and/or best match the uniform.
#3 Best Cheer Shoe for Bases: Rebel Revolution
The Rebel Revolution is built atop the same sole as the Rebel Ruthless, but has a mid-top fit and several features unique to this shoe.
Exoskeleton: Wraps around the heel and ankle to prevent rolling and provides additional support
Ribbed Band: Comfortable sock-like fit around the ankle that won’t rub
Ventilation Air Holes: Help keep feet cool and dry during intense activity
Ankle Cushions: Cradle the ankle for additional support
Available in black, the Rebel Revolution Blackout, or white in order to follow gym requirements and/or best match the uniform.
Male Cheerleading Shoes
Male cheerleaders are often seen in mid or high top cheerleading shoes for maximum support and highest amount of shock absorption from intense landings. The Rebel Revolution is quickly becoming a favorite for school and all-star male cheerleaders. The Rebel Ruthless and Rebel Revolt are also popular male cheer shoes depending on if the athlete prefers a knit or mesh construction.
What are Cheer Bases Champions Wearing?
Top cheerleading bases all over the globe are wearing a few different cheer shoes. Cheerleading shoes are very personal and your preferences are a huge factor in selecting a shoe, that is why there are many shoe options on the market. The Rebel Ruthless and Rebel Revolution are very popular amongst high-level bases.
How to Clean Base 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.
