Ever feel like your feet are glued to the floor during a fast rally in squash? That sticky, frustrating feeling is often a sign that your footwear isn’t quite right. Squash demands quick stops, explosive starts, and sudden direction changes. Wearing the wrong shoes can mean slipping at a crucial moment or, worse, feeling heavy and slow on the court.
Choosing the perfect squash shoe is a real challenge. Do you prioritize grip, cushioning, or lightweight speed? Many players just grab a running shoe, only to find themselves sliding or lacking the right ankle support for those lateral lunges. Getting this wrong doesn’t just slow you down; it can lead to painful slips and injuries that keep you off the court.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great squash shoe, explaining the key features you need to look for. By the end of this post, you will know how to match your playing style with the best possible footwear.
Ready to step up your game and leave those slips behind? Let’s dive into the essential features that will keep you fast, stable, and winning on the squash court.
Top Squash Shoes Recommendations
- Fit Note: This product runs narrow.
- Synthetic leather overlays: Help provide good durability
- Solution dye sockliner: Helps reduce overall water usage by approx. 33% and carbon emissions by approx. 45%
- TRUSSTIC technology: Improves stability
- Wrap-up outsole and wider gauge: Help create smoother and more balanced movements Flex grooves in the outsole: Improve flexibility
- By working with the world’s leading footwear designers from Sweden and testing our shoes at every stage of their evolution with our growing number of professional players, we have sought to develop the world’s best squash shoe to allow players of all standards to perform at their best without the worry of injury.
- Every aspect of product design and manufacture is the result of our uncompromising search for the marginal gains that make our UNSQUASHABLE TOUR-TEC White squash shoe technically superior in all aspects of its design and performance.
- Rounded Heel Radius: To make it easier to land correctly on your heel and thereby roll smoothly in and out of the characteristic squash lunge, we have increased the radius of the heel area to provide a more efficient movement that minimises strain on your joints and Achilles.
- Carbon Torsion Unit: A super strong, ultra-lightweight Carbon Torsion Unit arch support allows the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently to provide better surface adaptation and stability for smoother and more agile movement.
- U-FOAM Cushioning: located in the rear and forefoot, U-FOAM cushioning absorbs impact shock with increased stability, allowing for more comfortable landings, pivots and stops for faster & more agile movement.
- Fit note: This style runs small for some customers. You may prefer to size up a half size.
- Breathable mesh underlays:
- The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology:
- Lightweight design that offers flexibility and a comfortable fit:
- Breathable mesh upper
- GEL technology: Shock-attenuating material placed in the midsole of the shoe for cushioning and shock absorption.
- TRUSSTIC technology improves stability: Flex grooves in the outsole improve flexibility
- Flex grooves in the outsole improve flexibility:
- Durable synthetic leather toe overlays
- Solution dye sockliner helps reduce overall water usage by approx. 33% and carbon emissions by approx. 45%
- TRUSSTIC technology and wrap-up outsole: Improve stability
- GEL technology cushioning: Provides excellent shock absorption
- Men's volleyball and handball shoes with non-marking outsoles made for indoor courts
- BREATHABLE AND SUPPORTIVE: Mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays for on-court comfort
- ADITUFF TOE: Abrasion-resistant Adituff wraps around the toe and medial forefoot to help protect against foot drag that occurs during serves, volleys and extreme lateral movements
- LIGHTWEIGHT CUSHIONING: Cushioned midsole offers step-absorbing, durable comfort
- MADE IN PART WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: This product features at least 20% recycled materials. By reusing materials that have already been created, we help to reduce waste and our reliance on finite resources and reduce the footprint of the products we make
- Breathable mesh upper
- GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
- TRUSSTIC technology: Improves stability
- Heel wrap-up: Generates smoother landings
- Flex grooves in the outsole: Improve flexibility
- Midsole - EVA
- Outsole - HexaGrip
- Stack: 25,5 mm center of heel, 15,5 mm ball of foot
- Upper: Mesh & Synth. Leather
Choosing Your Perfect Squash Shoes: A Buyer’s Guide
Squash is a fast game. You move quickly. You stop suddenly. Good shoes keep your feet safe. They help you play better. This guide helps you find the best squash shoes.
Key Features to Look For
The right features make a big difference on the court.
- Grip and Traction: This is super important. Squash courts are often smooth. You need soles that stick well. Look for gum rubber soles. They give the best grip. This stops you from slipping.
- Lateral Support: You move side to side a lot in squash. Shoes must hold your ankle steady. Good lateral support prevents twists and sprains.
- Cushioning: You jump and land often. Soft cushioning protects your knees and ankles. Focus on the heel and forefoot.
- Durability: Squash is tough on shoes. The front and sides rub the wall. Strong materials last longer.
Important Materials Matter
The materials decide how long shoes last and how they feel.
Upper Materials
- Mesh: Mesh lets air move through. This keeps your feet cool. It makes the shoe lighter.
- Synthetic Leather/TPU Overlays: These materials add strength where you need it most. They help the shoe hold its shape during quick stops.
Sole Materials
- Gum Rubber: As mentioned, this is the best for court grip. It leaves fewer marks on the floor.
- EVA or PU Midsole: This foam part provides the bounce and shock absorption. EVA is usually lighter. PU can be more durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all squash shoes are made equal. Some details boost performance. Others lower the shoe’s life.
Quality Boosters
- Reinforced Toe Cap: A tough layer over the toes stops holes from forming when you drag your foot. This significantly improves quality.
- Low-to-the-Ground Feel: Shoes that sit closer to the floor give you better balance. This helps you react faster.
- Breathable Linings: Good internal fabrics wick away sweat. This keeps your feet dry.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Soles: Shoes with very thin bottoms wear out quickly. They also offer poor protection from hard landings.
- Poor Stitching: If the parts are just poorly sewn, the shoe will fall apart fast under stress.
- Heavy Weight: Very heavy shoes slow down your quick movements.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you play squash. Are you a beginner or a serious player?
For Beginners
New players need comfort and basic support. A mid-range shoe works well. Focus on good overall grip and decent cushioning. You do not need the most expensive features yet.
For Advanced Players
Serious players need high performance. Look for lightweight designs. These shoes often have specialized stability features. They help you push your limits safely. Good players demand excellent lateral stability for aggressive lunges.
Court Type Consideration
Most squash shoes work on standard indoor courts. However, if you sometimes play on dusty courts, you might need a slightly stickier rubber compound. Always wipe your soles clean often for the best experience.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Squash Shoes
Q: Can I play squash in running shoes?
A: No, you should not. Running shoes are designed for forward motion. Squash requires quick side-to-side stops. Running shoes lack the necessary lateral support and will likely cause you to twist an ankle.
Q: How often should I replace my squash shoes?
A: This depends on how much you play. If you play three times a week, plan to replace them every six to nine months. Look at the tread on the sole; if it is smooth, it is time for a new pair.
Q: What is the most important feature in a squash shoe?
A: The most important feature is the outsole grip. You need excellent traction to avoid slipping on the smooth court surface.
Q: Do I need special socks with squash shoes?
A: Yes, wear athletic socks. Choose moisture-wicking materials like polyester or wool blends. Cotton socks hold sweat, which can cause blisters.
Q: Why do squash shoes cost so much?
A: High-quality squash shoes use specialized, durable rubber compounds and advanced support technologies. These materials cost more to produce than basic shoe materials.
Q: How should squash shoes fit?
A: They should fit snugly but not tightly. You should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your heel should not slip when you move.
Q: What is ‘non-marking’ on a shoe sole?
A: Non-marking means the rubber will not leave dark scuff marks on the wooden or synthetic court floor. Most indoor courts require non-marking shoes.
Q: Are indoor court shoes the same as squash shoes?
A: They are very similar, but squash shoes often have slightly more reinforcement on the sides because the side-to-side movements are more extreme in squash than in sports like badminton.
Q: Should I buy shoes that are half a size larger?
A: Some players do this to accommodate swelling during long matches or to wear thicker socks. Try them on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly larger.
Q: How do I clean my squash shoes?
A: Wipe the uppers with a damp cloth. For the gum rubber soles, use a stiff brush and mild soap to remove dirt and restore grip. Always let them air dry away from direct heat.