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Having high quality gear makes the difference, also with squash. Perhaps you first think of a top of the line racketbut squash is a game where you have to be able to turn your head, accelerate quickly and stop.
Be number one on the list these Asics Gel-hunter 3 indoor court shoes that offer the perfect stability for a solid game of squash. Certainly the best for women and also a topper for men.
Squash shoes should be durable, light and comfortable and in this guide I explain what to look for and which are the best shoes on the market.
Below you will find a list of all tested shoes, then we go into all the options in more detail:
Best overall squash shoes ladies
AHAR+ outsole for enhanced traction and Guidance Trusstic System that improves midfoot structural integrity and great gait efficiency.
Best overall squash shoes men
The synthetic overlays allow for extra support while the DynaMotion Fit System works together with the movement of the feet to prevent deformation of the shoe and relieve stress.
Squash shoes with best ankle support
Featuring Lateral Movement Stabilizer and high shoe to provide maximum ankle support, along with a recoil damping system in the forefoot and midfoot sections that provides better energy transfer.
Best cheap squash shoes
Low profile EVA midsole reduces torsion of the foot from uneven landings and offers good support at this price.
Squash shoes with best arch support
Endofit technology for a comfortable fit, R-dst midsole for better rebound, stable midfoot chassis for improved arch support and torsional stability.
Best Maneuverability
The outsole is made of Wet Grip Rubber and uses a large pivot point near the forefoot for faster and easier turns.
Squash shoes with the best cushioning
Rest assured the fit is very secure thanks to the die-cut eyelets and the EVA midsole is there to provide even more stability as well as underfoot support and cushioning.
Do you want to know everything about squash service rules and are you looking for useful tips? Then read here further, and contact me if you are interested.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Squash Shoes Buying Guide
Squash players often wonder what clothing is best for the sport or what the top racket is. While these are important aspects to consider, footwear is actually one of the most crucial considerations.
The right shoes can have a significant impact on your overall comfort risk of injury reduce and improve your performance. This way you can continue to enjoy this sport, which is also very burned a lot of calories.
Do your muscles suffer after a workout? Try one of these foam rollers for a faster recovery
What to avoid when buying squash shoes
Choose often squash players Be sure to use running shoes during games.
This is a dangerous choice, because running shoes are specifically designed for forward, straight movements as opposed to the sideways and backward movements required in squash.
It is extremely important to prevent injuries.
Running shoes also usually have hard edges along their soles. If you suddenly change direction on the court, these edges can stick to the floor and result in an ankle injury.
Yet another problem with running shoes is their thick sole which can lead to instability.
Also read: best squash rackets for singles or doubles
Respect the floor
Another factor to consider when choosing squash shoes is the unfinished floor on the court.
To prevent the light floors from getting streaks, the shoes should not give off.
The best option is a shoe with a rubber sole and rounded edges, often called squash, volleyball or indoor shoes.
It is also important to wear separate shoes to and from the tennis court to avoid damaging the grip on your squash shoes.
Do your kiddos also want to hit the squash court? The question is: from what age is that actually wise?
Tips for finding a perfect fit
Keep the following tips in mind when trying on squash shoes to ensure a good fit. The following information will help you find a comfortable shoe:
foot shape
First, analyze your feet and determine their characteristics, such as how wide or narrow they are.
If your feet are wide at the toes but narrower at the ankles, you need a shoe that is specifically designed to allow your toes to move without being tight and an ankle area that is still secure.
Wider ankles should avoid narrow shoes, as they restrict movement and impede proper blood flow. Different brands offer models for different foot shapes.
Hi-Tec usually has a standard ankle width and a wider toe area. Both Nike and Adidas are generally narrower. Asics and Head are more standard in both toe width and ankle width.
Size
With squash shoes it is important to buy your exact size, not a size larger. Too much extra space causes slippage, blisters and unwelcome movements. Ideally, squash shoes are comfortable, but not overly tight.
Aim to have about half a little finger between the top of your biggest toe and the inside of the shoe. Part of this space is taken up by sports socks.
At first, shoes should feel rather tight, but after a few games they will mold to the perfect fit.
In addition to choosing the right size, you should tighten the laces comfortably but not too tight. If the laces are too tight, it can cause foot swelling during play.
To avoid over-tightening the laces, flex your foot as you tie your shoes.
Damping
Adequate cushioning is essential if you often play squash. Thick padding helps cushion the knees and hips from the frequent impact that occurs during games. Extra cushioning is also important with age.
In general, the more often you play squash, the higher the quality of the shoes you should purchase.
Playing more than three times a week justifies the need for a premium squash shoe.
A top quality shoe will improve your game and help protect your body from injury during impacts caused by lunging and dodging.
Insoles
If a squash shoe doesn't have proper padding, consider adding athletic soles to increase the level of cushioning.
For good performance, it is important not to extend the padding too far beyond the original insoles.
It is common for insoles to have a deep heel counter, but this can cause heel slippage if the insole causes the foot to be higher than it should be.
If you suffer from high arches or flat feet and the shoes cause pain in your back, feet, knees, hips or ankles, consider seeking out specialized corrective insoles designed for sports.
Socks
For more padding, comfort and protection, it is an option to wear thicker socks with your squash shoes.
However, be careful and avoid socks that are too thick, as they can impair your ability to feel and respond well to the court floor.
Both Coolmax and Dri-Fit offer socks that help wick away moisture, prevent slipping and reduce the risk of blisters.
High-quality, well-designed sports socks with adequate arch support also help reduce fatigue in the foot and ankle area.
Read also our article on the best tennis shoes
Best squash shoes reviewed
Here we review the best models from the most famous brands:
Asics Gel Hunter 3
- Breathable mesh upper
- RearFoot GEL system for cushioning
- Removable insole
- Rubber soles are very heavy
Maximize your potential and take your opponent off the indoor court by wearing the Asics Gel-Hunter 3 shoes. They are flexible, responsive and lightweight trainers with an asymmetrical lacing system that secures them to your feet.
The open mesh upper keeps your feet cool when you play your hardest. They use the RearFoot GEL system to provide a soft and cushioned feel in the midsole.
The outsole is made with a non-marking rubber that has AHAR+ for enhanced traction and a non-slip grip. Still, in terms of technology, these shoes use Guidance Trusstic System that improves midfoot structural integrity and great gait efficiency.
The SpEVA midsole is used to provide more rebound and to minimize energy loss in the toe-off phase. Also included is a removable, cushioning and antimicrobial ComforDry sockliner.
- Material: Rubber / Synthetic
- Weight: 11.8 ounces
- Heel from toe to toe: 10 mm
Mizuno Wave Lightning
- Lightweight breathable AIRmesh
- Good traction
- Low profile
- Synthetic overlays are a bit stiff
This lightweight and comfortable sports shoe by Mizuno is designed to provide optimal stability and cushioning.
It's built with a breathable upper that provides good ventilation, keeping you comfortable and focused on the game.
The upper part of the shoe features a lightweight AIRmesh fabric with synthetic overlays to provide a cool and dry environment for the feet.
The synthetic overlays allow for extra support while the DynaMotion Fit System works together with the movement of the feet to prevent deformation of the shoe and relieve stress.
The shoe has a low profile EVA midsole which is essential for comfort and flexibility. The outsole features Dynamotion Groove technology for superior traction and maximum flexibility.
All in all, the Mizuno Wave Rider is definitely built to withstand the most intense movements.
- Material: Rubber / Synthetic
- Weight: 1,6 pounds
- Heel from toe to toe: unspecified
Salming Mens Court Shoes
- High shoe for ankle support
- Hexagrip pattern for better grip
- Lateral Movement Stabilizer for extra support with lateral movements
- The damping is a bit less than with the other options on the list
This pair of best squash shoes is designed to provide maximum stability and comfort, making it perfect for players with a dynamic playing style.
The grip on the track is exceptional, thanks to the lightweight rubber compound, ie HX120 on the sole with a HEXAgrip pattern.
The technologies integrated into this squash shoe include TGS, LMS and LMS+, all of which play a vital role in providing lateral support.
The TGS stands for Torsional Guidance System while the LMS stands for Lateral Movement Stabilizer.
The Kobra also has a recoil damping system in the forefoot and midfoot sections of the shoe, providing better energy transfer and thus more bounce in your movement.
These squash shoes are specially designed to offer the wearer maximum comfort and stability.
Players who use a dynamic style of play will be especially pleased when they find that the grip is exceptionally good on these shoes.
Stopping and starting is no problem at all thanks to the great flexibility and stability offered by the torsion guidance system.
The kickback midsole is also helpful in absorbing shock and providing a higher level of rebound.
These shoes also use a lateral motion stabilizer that prevents your corners from rolling on sharp pivots.
The upper mesh is incredibly breathable and allows your feet to breathe for the entire length of the game.
Lateral take-off is also much easier in these shoes thanks to the internal RollBar.
The Ergo Heelcup ensures you have an optimal fit that is both adaptive and transformative.
The upper mesh is soft and allows for breathability during the game.
- Material: Rubber / Synthetic
- Weight: grams 10,5
- Heel from toe to toe: 9 mm
HEAD Grid
- Good value for money
- Sturdy rubber outsole provides traction
- Insufficient grip and support for pros
- Can be a bit on the heavy side for some
The HEAD Grid 2.0 is a medium-high indoor shoe that is suitable for amateur players. It was built based on the feedback and success of the original model.
The adjustments made are intended to provide additional support to the midfoot and heel. The upper is made of synthetic leather with layered sections and secure stitching.
This provides support and helps secure the shoe to the foot. Air mesh is also applied to the top, which provides ventilation and keeps feet dry during your game.
The HEAD Grid comes with a low profile EVA midsole that cushions the impact well.
It is bridged by a midfoot shank which, together with the EVA, reduces the torsion of the foot from uneven landings and reduces weight.
The outsole is made of natural rubber and provides a high tacky grip on an inner court surface.
This indoor shoe is from one of the leading sports brands in racquetball and squash. The upper is made from a strong, durable synthetic material that resists tearing.
It also features a mesh lining in the top which is incredibly breathable and guarantees you a fresh pair of feet after even a hard grueling game of squash.
The liner materials are incredibly soft to provide comfort for your foot during sharp stop-and-go maneuvers.
The sole is held firmly by both radial contact technology and a main hydration system, providing better traction and more stability on the track.
These shoes also use an EVA midsole which is lightweight to increase stability and comfort, but also durable enough to keep the shoe intact during aggressive squash play.
- Material: Rubber / Artificial Leather
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Heel from toe to toe: unspecified
Wilson Rush
- Excellent cushioning and arch support
- Dynamic Fit provides an excellent fit
- Insole and shape can feel like orthopedic shoes
These stylish Wilson squash shoes offer great stability and precision with a natural upper construction, so great for fast movements in all directions.
The trainers are also great for like badminton shoes. They have a 6mm heel-to-toe drop that guarantees a low-to-low ground feel.
The drop also provides agility and comfort. Another feature is the Dynamic Fit (DF1) technology which plays an essential role when it comes to lateral stability.
These trainers also feature Endofit technology for a comfortable fit, an R-dst midsole for enhanced rebound, stable midfoot chassis for enhanced torsional stability and a Duralast outsole for traction and traction on the court.
- Material: Gum rubber / synthetic
- Weight: 11,6 ounces
- From heel to toe: 6 mm
Asics Gel Blade
- Wet grip rubber works well with turning movements
- Good support
- Grip can be too much or specific for some
The Gel-Blade is specially designed to excel on indoor courts. Best for agile and fast players, these shoes are functional, not flashy. Professionals call it one of the most comfortable and fastest squash shoes ever made.
The new flex grooves added in the outsole divide the lateral forefoot and medial forefoot from each other, allowing for more aggressive and efficient movements and turns on the court. For example, Asics are also the top indoor hockey shoes because of their maneuverability.
For quick changes of direction, the transition sole is there to provide support, while the rounded heel allows for easier swerves. The outsole is made of Wet Grip Rubber and uses a large pivot point near the forefoot for faster and easier turns.
Breathability isn't an issue either, with the Magic Sole in spades.
- Material: Rubber / Synthetic / Textile
- Weight: n/a
- Heel from toe to toe: N/A
Hi-Tec Squash Classic
- Specially developed for squash
- Very durable due to leather upper
- Leather can feel very heavy
- Not breathing very well
These trainers are classic and have been in one edition or another for over 40 years.
Known as the original squash shoe, this pair of shoes uses a rubber outsole specifically designed to give you great traction on grass, clay or concrete.
The upper is made from a combination of leather, suede and mesh, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and cool no matter how long your squash match lasts.
Rest assured the fit is very secure thanks to the die-cut eyelets and the EVA midsole is there to provide even more stability as well as underfoot support and cushioning.
With these shoes you can give it your all on the pitch without worrying about common injuries like rolled ankles or stuck toes.
This way you can hopefully score a lot of points, and win the match with ease!
- Material: Gum rubber / Leather Nubuck / Leather suede / textile
- Weight: n/a
- Heel from toe to toe: N/A
Also read: the best padel shoes for men and women
Conclusion
By now you know a little more about what a squash shoe is good squash shoe makes, and why it is so important to invest in quality footwear.
Not only do you prevent injuries, there is a good chance that it also improves your game a lot!
How do you score in squash? Read all about scoring and rules here.
