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Best Squash Shoes In 2021 For Men and Women

One common mistake made by many squash players playing recreationally is the failure to wear dedicated court shoes.

Most players often assume they can get by with a standard pair of cross-training shoes, but this is a huge mistake.

See, wearing an inappropriate shoe would not only hamper your playing performance, but this could also cause injuries such as blisters, shin splints, etc.

This guide covers all essential information you need to know about squash shoes. We review the best women’s squash shoes as well as top shoes for men.

Let’s get started then.

Do You Need Special Shoes for Squash?

Players often spend plenty of time and money finding the right squash racquet, so why wouldn’t you put in the same effort when it comes to finding the right shoes to play in?

To answer the question, yes, you do need special shoes for squash.

Such a shoe should offer protection from a lateral roll, adequate ankle support, heel and midfoot cushioning, etc. All squash shoes are designed differently with different player needs in mind.

So, it would be ideal for you to try on different shoe brands before finding the pair which best suits your needs and your style of play.

Not only that but similar to your racquet, your squash shoes will need regular replacement as well. The cushioning and support in a shoe will tend to erode with time.

The rubber sole gets worn out, and the cushioning in the shoe will pack down and become dense.

So, while an old pair of squash shoes might still feel great on your feet, they might no longer offer your feet the protection you need.

If you are a regular player who’s on the court say, 2-3 times a week, then the basic guideline here is to change your court shoes every six months.

Are Tennis and Squash Shoes the Same?

No, tennis and squash shoes are not the same.

Each sport has its own characteristics, and so shoes are tailored with a specific sport in mind. This is often based on the playing surface of each sport, as well as the movement involved in each sport.

The proper shoe should enhance your performance while at the same time, offering optimum support and cushioning to prevent injuries.

The first difference between the two is that tennis shoes are designed to be used on abrasive surfaces, while squash shoes are to be used on slick surfaces such a wood.

The soles of the two shoes are, therefore, very different.

Squash is a fast sport often involving sudden movements and abrupt changes in direction. In this case, a squash shoe has much superior cushioning for enhanced shock absorption.

The weight of the shoe is another big difference whereby tennis shoes tend to weigh significantly more than squash shoes. Also, squash shoes are designed to give a very snug fit than what you would get with a tennis shoe.

The differences between tennis shoes and squash shoes go on and on. So, while the two sports appear related, you cannot substitute one shoe for the other.

How Do I Choose Squash Shoes?

Grip

The part of a squash shoe that makes it drastically different from all other types of shoes is the sole.

The sole of a squash shoe is designed to have a soft and sticky feel, and this is done so that the shoe can provide the right amount of grip on slick wooden floors.

At the same time, the sole must be non-marking. So, you will never find squash shoes having black soles.

The sole of a squash shoe is typically made from a blend of gum rubber and synthetic rubber. Pure gum rubber is very soft and blonde in color.

The synthetic rubber is added because pure rubber would not provide adequate support for the shoe.

Playing squash involves a lot of abrupt stops, sprints, and sudden changes in direction. So, you need a shoe that will allow you to stop in an instant and change direction in a heartbeat.

The rubber sole on a squash shoe will enable you to make sharp movements with stability and without risking injury to your ankles.

The rubber sole is designed to be soft and sticky so that it grasps the floor surface securely, optimizing contact between the shoe and the flooring.

At the same time, this firm grip allows for optimal weight distribution, thereby improving the stability of the player’s feet.

Durability

The durability of a soccer shoe will largely depend on how often you play as well as your style of play. Besides that, however, the materials used and construction of a shoe determine its durability as well.

The movements involved when playing squash will place a lot of stress on the shoe so you do not want a shoe that will fall apart at the seams after only a couple of uses.

Often, when it comes to durability, you tend to get what you pay for. The upper of a squash shoe should be made from hard-wearing material.

Additionally, the shoe should be able to stand up well to the abuse of toe drag, so there should be a rub-guard toe cap in place for drag protection.

With continued use, the inside of your shoe may become misshapen, and the cushioning may also be worn out. When this starts happening, you will find that your feet get sore the day after playing squash.

This shows that it is time to replace your shoes.

The sole should have a good amount of tread that doesn’t wear too quickly. If you find that you’ve started slipping on the court, or your sloes have become ‘squishy,’ then it’s time to change your shoes.

When looking for the ideal pair of squash shoes, players tend to look for certain things specific to them and their style of play.

Some players aren’t toe draggers, so they might not bother looking for a shoe that has toe cap protection.

Others tend to wear out the edge of their shoes first so they would be on the lookout for this. A smaller player might not need as much cushioning as a bigger-bodied player would.

Nevertheless, some brands are known to be more durably constructed than others, so you would need to do some proper research before buying your first pair of squash shoes.

The best way to determine the durability of a shoe is through personal experience or by reading reviews from previous buyers.

Comfort

The comfort of a squash shoe is determined by its fit, breathability, and support offered. Brands employ different technologies to enhance the excellent fit of a squash shoe.

An improperly fitting shoe will not only cause soreness, but it could also result in toenail damage, blistering, and low support.

The fit of a shoe is affected by the shoe material, the socks you will be wearing while playing, and any insoles you might choose to add to the shoe.

What material is the upper of your shoe made from? Leather and synthetic material both break-in differently.

Real leather stretches more natural, thereby giving a more form-fitting fit while synthetics stay true to their shape and size even after stretching.

Look out for shoes that are too stiff to your liking. This might not change even after you break in the shoe.

Additionally, pay attention to the lacing system. Can you loosen or tighten the shoes for a better fit?

When trying on the shoes at the store, you should be wearing the socks you intend to play in.

Otherwise, what will be the point in trying on the shoes while wearing thin socks, and yet you will be playing in thick socks and vice versa.

Some players may choose to replace the insole in their new squash shoes. This may be done either for extra cushioning and support or because they have certain conditions such as fasciitis plantar.

Whichever the case, carry your insoles with you while you go shoe shopping.

Additionally, be on the lookout for shoes with come with removable insoles so that you can replace them with the insoles of your choosing.

Take the shape of your foot into consideration, as well. Some shoes are designed for wider feet, while others are designed for narrower feet.

The right shoe for your foot shape should fit snug, but not tight. Neither should the foot have room to move about in the shoe as this can cause blisters.

Cushioning

The cushioning in a squash shoe is the shoe’s ability to absorb the impact of shocks generated when running or jumping.

The right shoe absorbs vibrations very well, thereby reducing foot fatigue and protecting the Achilles tendon.

As mentioned earlier, a player with a smaller frame might have less impact on their shoe as compared to a player who’s bigger in size.

The former might be okay with a slim profile shoe having minimal cushioning while the latter requires more cushioning.

In any case, the cushioning in shoe is meant to protect a player’s feet, knees, and hips from impact while playing. So, the better the cushioning, the longer you will last during a game.

However, the cushioning should not be too thick. Very thick cushioning will prevent the player from feeling the court, thereby throwing them off their game.

At the same time, very thick cushioning would add on to the weight on the shoe, therefore, slowing down the player’s movement on the court.

Weight

Squash players need to move around with speed and agility, which means that the shoe should not be so heavy that it weighs them down.

A lightweight snug-fitting shoe is preferred, but it shouldn’t be so light that it becomes prone to quick wear and tear.

Heavier shoes often offer increased ankle and joint support. However, this is not always the case. You can still find a shoe that provides ample support and cushioning without weighing you down when on the court.

It all depends on the materials used, the construction technique, and the technologies incorporated in the shoe.

Be prepared to pay significantly more for a lightweight shoe that allows for maneuverability yet still offers excellent ankle and lateral support.

Ankle Support

The right squash shoe should have lateral reinforcement to support your ankles. Always be on the lookout for this regardless of whether or not you have suffered an ankle injury before.

Ankle support in a squash shoe is provided by padding around the ankles. This padding should enhance stability, but without cutting off circulation to the player’s feet.

At the same time, ankle support should not hamper movement. The player should be able to turn and pivot with ease.

The best squash shoe for ankle support is a mid-top shoe. These shoes have a higher top compared to average shoes, but they do not inhibit one’s movement like a high-top shoe does.

Best Squash Shoes For Men in 2020

1. Wilson Men’s KAOS Hawaiian Ocean/Black/Fiery Coal

This lightweight and flexible shoe is just what you need for unrivaled agility and impressive performance ion the squash curt.

This is not only a high-performance shoe, but it also has a very sleek and eye-catching design.

The Dynamic Fit DF2 footbed cushioning provides excellent forefoot responsiveness, which enhances control in the forefoot of the shoe.

At the same time, this cushioning offers a good amount of support and lateral stability.

So, you can play tirelessly match after match. The Skinguard and Endofit technologies employed in the shoe further enhance the support offered by provident lateral support.

This gives the shoe a snug, intuitive, sock-like fit ideal for flexibility and stability.

Pros
  • Eye-catching design.
  • Very comfortable and lightweight.
  • It provides enhanced traction on slick courts.
  • It offers ample support and stability.
  • Has excellent forefoot responsiveness.
Cons
  • The shoe is better suited for narrow feet.

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2. HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Low Squash Indoor Court Shoes

This shoe features Head’s Cooling System, so you never have to worry about running hot and getting sweaty feet.

This dynamic climate control system allows for ultimate breathability by absorbing excess heat built up within the shoe and releasing it to the outside.

HEAD’s HyBrasion Technology is another handy feature included in the shoe.

This technology employs a high abrasion compound rubber formula to reinforce the high-stress areas on the shoe.

The result is superior toe drag protection and enhanced durability of the sole.

Pros
  • Has impressive breathability.
  • Extremely durable sole.
  • Offers toe drag protection.
  • Has deep treads for enhanced traction.
  • Has excellent fit and comfort.
Cons
  • It offers minimal arch support.

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3. HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID Squash Indoor Court Shoes

This squash shoe comes with HEAD’s Energy Frame support. This technology is meant to provide heel support by keeping the foot in place inside the shoe.

At the same time, this shoe comes in a mid-top design for ankle support and stability.

The high-quality EVA midsole in the shoe is very comfortable and offers plenty of cushioning.

The upper is made from a combination of synthetic leather and breathable mesh elements.

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These materials allow for a great fit, all the while offering ventilation for cool and dry comfort.

The non-marking gum rubber sole makes use of HEAD HyBrasion Technology, so you can be sure that this shoe has impressive hard-wearing properties and drag resistance.

Pros
  • It comes with a comfortable EVA midsole.
  • Has enhanced heel support.
  • Hard-wearing and durable.
  • Offers toe drag protection.
  • Mid-top design for ankle support.
Cons
  • The inside mesh begins to shed after a while.

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4. Salming Men’s Kobra 2 Squash Indoor Court Shoes

Salming Kobra squash shoes come in a wide array of colors so, you can easily match the shoe to your racquet.

After all, you’ve got to look good while kicking ass, don’t you agree?

The gum rubber sole of this shoe features Salming’s HexaGrip pattern.

Just as the name suggests, this pattern enhances traction on indoor court surfaces, therefore, providing stability and optimum weight distribution.

The fully integrated Exoskeleton design aids in stabilizing the foot, therefore offering support during lateral movements.

It also helps in reducing pressure at the MTP (Metatarsophalangeal) joints. The Ergo Heel Cap helps to fixate and stabilize and heel for added support.

Pros
  • Many colorful options are available.
  • Features advanced cushioning.
  • Ideal for players with wide feet.
  • Gives great lateral reinforcement.
  • It comes with a torsion guide system.
Cons
  • Slightly heavier than other squat shoes.

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5. Jazba GECKOR 1.0 Men’s Squash Indoor Court Shoes

The Jazba GECKOR 1.0 men’s squash shoes have been designed low to the ground so that players can have a great feel of the court.

At the same time, the well-padded porofoam insole provides adequate cushioning and great shock absorption.

The insole also features quick-dry properties to enhance the absorption of sweat, thereby keeping the player comfortably dry throughout the game.

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This lightweight sole doesn’t add on to the weight of the shoe, so you wouldn’t feel weighted down while paying in these.

Another handy feature is the tongue pocket designed for holding your laces.

This unique lace holding pocket lets you play freely without having to worry about tripping over fluttering laces.

Pros
  • A good quality, reasonably priced squash shoe.
  • Has a unique lace holding tongue pocket.
  • Has a well-ventilated toe box.
  • It offers great drag protection.
  • It provides a comfortable fit.
Cons
  • It doesn’t run true to size.

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6. Salming Viper 3.0 Men’s Squash Shoe

Salming Viper 3.0 is a high-performance squash shoe designed for agility and speed on the court. This shoe allows for unrivaled flexibility, comfort, and stability of the wearer.

Rollbar technology allows for a larger radius on the inner part of the shoe.

This way, the Salming Viper 3.0 would be a perfect shoe for squash players who tend to have a wider fit and have a hard time finding the ideal fit.

The torsion Guide System TGS 62/75 allows for extra stability and softens the strains often caused by friction, which occurs during lateral movement.

Taking all gait cycle criteria into consideration, this shoe bends in the right places, thereby stimulate the foot’s natural movements.

Pros
  • Vibrant, eye-catching design.
  • Great stability and comfort.
  • It offers ample support and protection from injuries.
  • It is designed low to the ground for optimum performance.
  • It provides a wide fit.
Cons
  • It has less cushioning than other Salming squash shoes.

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7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8

The ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 is a perfect court shoe for the player who’s still developing their playing skills.

This shoe is slightly higher than an entry-level shoe. It is also lightweight and offers excellent performance.

This squash shoe employs Trusstic System Technology, which allows for reduced weight of the sole, but without compromising the structural integrity of the squash shoe.

This way, the shoe can be lightweight, while still offering sufficient support.

The forefoot GEL Cushioning System placed in the midsole offers impressive shock absorption properties.

At the same time, this cushioning allows the shoe to be low to the ground, so players have a great feel of the court for unrivaled performance.

Pros
  • Great value for money.
  • Excellent grip.
  • Lightweight and supportive.
  • It offers impressive shock absorption.
  • Fits true to size.
Cons
  • It offers minimal arch and ankle support.

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Best Squash Shoes For Women in 2020

1. Salming Women’s Kobra 2 Squash Indoor Court Shoes

The Salming Kobra is a fast-paced shoe offering a unique combination of lightweight agility, ample cushioning, and a ton of lateral support for stability.

The midsole rear of this shoe has higher side walls that wrap around the player’s heel area.

This Wrap Around System Design is meant to facilitate stability while still allowing for agility and enhancing the lightweight nature of the shoe.

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Additionally, this squash shoe comes with LMS + 8°.

This innovative feature prevents the foot from rolling over outwards, thereby stabilizing the foot’s lateral movements for extra support and protection.

Just as well, the integrated ExoSkeleton construction further enhanced stability, all the while improving the fit of the shoe.

Pros
  • A top-of-the-line high-performance shoe.
  • It provides excellent lateral support and stability.
  • Extremely lightweight.
  • Impressive breathability.
  • It provides excellent shock absorption.
Cons
  • This shoe is quite pricy.

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2. ASICS Women’s Gel Upcourt Shoe

The upper of this shoe comprises a combination of synthetic leather and mesh material. This combination results in a great fit as well as enhanced comfort.

The player remains comfortably cool and dry while wearing these squash shoes.

The padded tongue and collar further enhance the fit of the shoe.

The inside of this shoe features Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System®.

This attenuates shock during impacts and provides adequate arch support to eliminate foot fatigue during an intense game.

The blonde-colored rubber sole on this shoe gives an exceptional grip. The deep-set treads help ensure the durability of the non-marking outsole.

Pros
  • Very comfortable.
  • Good arch and ankle support.
  • It provides a perfect fit.
  • They have impressive durability.
  • Have a good airflow.
Cons
  • It doesn’t run true to size.

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3. HEAD Women’s Sprint Pro Court Shoe

HEAD Sprint Pro is an excellent squash shoe for the players who need stability and ample arch support when they are on the court.

The first impressive feature is the three-part Trinergy Technology utilized in the midsole.

This technology allows for shock absorption during impact combined with torsional stiffness for enhanced support.

Better yet, the midsole offers responsive cushioning.

So, the player is not only well protected, but they also get to have a better feel of the court surface.

This ensures stability and enhances the player’s performance as well.

This high-performance shoe comes with an all-court outsole with HyBrasion compound rubber technology.

This ensures optimum traction for the rubber sole and makes it hard-wearing as well.

In case you doubt the performance of this shoe, then you’d be impressed to know that the sole comes with a 6-month durability guarantee.

Pros
  • Lightweight feel.
  • Has decent stability.
  • Excellent arch support.
  • Great heel cushioning.
  • The outsole comes with a 6-month durability guarantee.
Cons
  • Has poor ventilation.

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4. VIKINGBRANDS Viking T22 Women’s Platform Shoe

The VIKINGBRANDS Viking T22 women’s squash shoe comes with ShockEraser heel inserts.

The insert impressively absorb heavy impact around the heel area.

At the same time, the shoe comes with SoftSpring PU in the forefoot.

This cushioning helps with shock absorption around the ball of the foot.

The cushioning offered by this shoe is further enhanced by the PU sock liner, which also helps give the shoe a perfect snug fit and added comfort.

The lightweight EVA midsoles provide superior cushioning while keeping the weight of the shoe low for a better feel of the court.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • It has great ventilation.
  • Impressive shock absorption.
  • Excellent heel and arch support.
  • It provides torsional stability.
Cons
  • The sole isn’t non-marking.

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5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 7

The upper of this squash shoe is made using Flexion Fit Polyurethane. This material is soft to the touch, thereby enhancing the comfort of the shoe.

The material also allows for flexibility and adequate support.

The Personal Heel Fit (PHF) technology that’s been used helps lock the wearer’s foot in for stability and support.

Players who have toe drag are also covered, seeing as the shoe comes with PGuard Toe Protector.

There is GEL cushioning placed at the forefoot and rearfoot of the shoe.

This lightweight Solyte cushioning is exceptionally plush, and it provides a responsive feel on the court surface.

Pros
  • It has durable and plush cushioning.
  • Great support and stability.
  • Has toe drag protection.
  • It comes with a removable ORTHOLITE™ sock liner.
  • It comes with a 6-month outsole warranty.
Cons
  • The low-top design offers minimal ankle support.

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Arthur Delucia
Experienced sports writer and a semi-professional ultimate frisbee player. When I am not training, you will find me writing new articles for SportyGen.

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