What you actually need
Cheer shoes ($50-80) are not optional. They’re white, low-profile, and designed specifically for tumbling and stunting. They’re different from sneakers—the sole and ankle support are engineered for the movement. Top brands are Nfinity, Rebel, and Cheer Athletics. Make sure you buy cheer-specific shoes, not generic white sneakers.
A bow ($15-30) comes next. Most teams order one per season, so confirm with your coach before buying. If the team doesn’t supply it, get one in your team colors. Hair gel ($5-10) keeps hair in place during stunts and tumbling. Athletic tape ($5-10) gets used for wrists, ankles, and hair maintenance. Practice clothes are standard athletic wear—shorts, t-shirt, or sweatpants. Nothing special needed.
The team provides your competition uniform, so wait on that purchase. Trying to guess the colors, style, or fit is a waste of money.
Sizing notes
Need to know what size? See our Cheer sizing guide.
Used gear notes
Used cheer shoes are fine from Facebook Marketplace or Play It Again Sports. Check the insoles for wear—heavy wear means they’re near the end of their life. Bows and tape should usually be new, though slightly used bows are acceptable if they’re clean.
What you can skip
Skip matching warm-up gear unless your team requires it. Skip expensive hair accessories—bobby pins work fine. Skip brand-name athletic wear for practice. Generic athletic shorts and shirts are fine. Skip multiple bows. One works for most of the season.