What is lifting in cheerleading, and are cheer shoes good for lifting?

Published: Jun 24, 2026

4 min.read

Bases support and lift flyers into the air, where they perform different skills. Stunting requires a lot of strength, timing, and coordination from the entire group, along with spotters to help ensure safety.

Common types of lifts

Lift Type	Description
Thigh Stand	A basic stunt where the flyer stands on the thighs of two or more bases.
Prep or Half	An intermediate stunt where the flyer is lifted to a partial extension.
Extension	An advanced stunt where the bases lift the flyer into a full extension with straight arms, holding their feet overhead.
Shoulder Stand/Sit	The flyer stands or sits on the base's shoulders.
Basket Toss	Bases toss the flyer high into the air, where the flyer can do a flip, twist, or body position before being caught in a cradle position.

Are Cheer Shoes Good For Lifting?

When it comes to stunting in cheerleading, your shoes matter. Cheer shoes are designed specifically for the needs of cheerleaders and they help support stunts and tumbling. With an ultra lightweight structure and grip that is made specifically for cheer mats. They are built for performance and not for general weightlifting, where completely different footwear is required.

Why Footwear Matters for Lifting

Grip and stability.

The last thing you want is your foot sliding on the mat mid stunt. Cheer shoes are designed with soles that grip indoor mats firmly, giving you confidence under pressure.

Lightweight

Light weight is one of the main features in cheer that makes it the best choice for cheerleaders because heavy shoes can throw off your balance and can make stunts difficult. Lightweight cheer shoes help you move quickly while staying solid under a flyer.

Shock absorption

Cheer stunts put a lot of pressure on feet and ankles. Shoes with proper cushioning reduce stress, so stunting doesn't come with aches later.

Nfinity Cheer Shoes Features That Help With Lifting

Nfinity Vengeance:

The Vengeance model offers strong arch support and a flexible sole that moves with your foot, perfect for quick pivots and stunts.

Nfinity Alpha:

Alpha shoes provide shock absorption without weighing you down, giving you confidence on every stunts.

Nfinity Flyte:

Nfinity Flyte shoes allow maximum mat contact, helping you maintain balance and form when your flyer's weight shifts unexpectedly.

Nfinity Beast Mid-Top:

For complex stunts or pyramids, the Beast Mid-Top adds ankle protection while staying lightweight, so your footing is secure.

When You Might Want a Different Shoe

Strength training in the gym

Heavy weightlifting isn't cheerleading. Squats or deadlifts might need flat-soled cross-trainers for stability.

Heavy resistance lifting off the mat

Cheer shoes are designed for mat work, so lifting heavy weights outside that environment may require specialized footwear.

Outdoor conditioning

Cheer shoes perform best indoors. Muddy or rough terrain might need more rugged shoes for safety.

Final Words

Cheer shoes can be used for stunting in cheerleading due to their grip, flexibility, and support. They enhance stability, reduce injury risk, and improve team coordination. For gym or outdoor lifting, though, other specialized footwear is still best.

Nfinity shoes are made for cheering. From Vengeance to Beast Mid-Top, every model is designed for balance, grip, and support during stunts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any cheer shoe be used for basing, or do I need a specific type?

Mid-top models like the Beast Mid-Top offer extra ankle support that helps bases stay stable, making them better suited for basing than low-top performance shoes.

Why shouldn't I use cheer shoes for general weightlifting?

Cheer shoes are optimized for mat grip and lateral movement, not heavy vertical loads. Flat-soled cross-trainers provide a more stable base for squats and deadlifts.

Content Written By: Atiq Ur Rehman

Atiq is a performance-driven content strategist with a deep passion for athletics, movement, and the culture of competitive cheer. With years of experience crafting high-impact digital content, he blends precision research with compelling storytelling to deliver pieces that educate, elevate, and energize. His writing for Nfinity is rooted in authenticity, athlete-first insight, and a commitment to helping every cheerleader push past their limits.

Proofread By: Kaylee Padilla

Kaylee is the Social Media Coordinator at Nfinity and has been involved in cheerleading for decades. With extensive experience in the sport and in brand communication, she helps review and proofread blog content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency with Nfinity’s voice. Her familiarity with the cheer community helps ensure content resonates with athletes and coaches alike.

Facts and Details Checked By: Cassidy Eytel

Cassidy brings a strong background in competitive cheerleading and marketing strategy to her role as Nfinity’s Marketing Coordinator. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the cheer industry, she reviews content to ensure accuracy, brand alignment, and relevance for athletes and coaches alike. From event information to product messaging, Cassidy helps verify that every detail reflects Nfinity’s standards of quality, credibility, and connection with the cheer community.