It's not consider cheating (how would it be considered cheating, anyway, if you're not competing in a sport that doesn't allow so) nor unsafe to stand on a higher heel during Squats. In fact, every professional (and probably almost every amateur) olympic weightlifter wears shoes with an elevated heel when competing (and training).
It isn't safe, though, to step on anything when setting your stance for Squats. If you're going to elevate your heel, don't do it like that; do it from your your shoes. For that matter, you don't need to buy weightlifting shoes; you can easily buy a pair of good shoes and get an elevated heel done - it usually does the trick and it's not as expensive. That said, it's less expensive learning to do Squats without elevated heels.
okay thanks! Well not cheating but I meant less optimal or bad for gains. I have an olympic rubber mat 4 x 6 ft in my garage and I can use that. But even something like a carpet piece that I step on (giving me even a NEGLIGIBLE elevation helps). Every time ppl see my squat in a form check they say I never go deep enough, however I always feel stimulated in the hamstrings which is a result of squatting effectively deep. I think its my build, I have long ass legs which makes it a little awkward. But I will post a video in the VERY near future.
To previous posters, I do the back squat, but I'm now going to implement front squats in my routine (starting VERY light) .
