What you actually need
Mat shoes ($40-70) are essential. These are lightweight, flexible shoes designed for tumbling and stunting on a mat surface. They’re different from cheer shoes and sneakers. Top brands include Nfinity and Rebel. Make sure you buy actual mat shoes, not improvised alternatives.
Ankle braces ($20-50) are conditional. If your stunter has a history of ankle injuries or weak ankles, get one. Otherwise, wait and see how training goes. Many stunters get by without one initially.
Athletic tape ($5-10) serves multiple purposes: ankle support, securing hair, and taping fingers during high-impact work. A small foam mat for home stretching ($30-50) is valuable. Stunters need serious flexibility work outside of practice, and having equipment at home encourages it.
That’s the core list. Practice clothes are standard athletic wear. The program provides the competitive outfit.
Sizing notes
Need to know what size? See our Stunt sizing guide.
Used gear notes
Used mat shoes are acceptable from Facebook Marketplace or Play It Again Sports. Check the soles for uneven wear. Ankle braces should be new—used ones may have lost their structural integrity. Foam mats and tape are fine used.
What you can skip
Skip professional-grade physical therapy equipment. A basic foam roller and mat are enough. Skip multiple pairs of mat shoes. One good pair works. Skip expensive stretching programs or apps—basic YouTube stretching works for beginners.