When you first start to play squash, you will probably want to invest as little money as possible until you find out whether or not you want to take the game more seriously. This means that for your first few games, it’s perfectly reasonable to wear your regular indoor-sports trainers and borrow a squash racquet. Once you decide to take squash further, however, we’d recommend getting yourself a pair of squash shoes first and then a squash racquet.
The reason we prioritize squash shoes over a squash racquet is simple. Squash trainers help to protect you from injury. They can also help improve your game. Even though you hit your shots with a racquet you hold in your hand, those shots actually come from the feet up. In other words, squash is a whole-body game, not just a game for your arms. Also, squash is very much a game of movement, in fact, it’s a game of very fast movement, so footwear matters a lot.
What to look for in a good pair of squash shoes
Here are the six, key features of a good pair of squash shoes. Apart from fit, which is the very highest priority, they’re in random order. In other words, all of these features are important.
They fit perfectly
This is probably the single, most important feature of a pair of squash shoes. They have to fit your foot perfectly. You really need to try on squash shoes in the real world to see how any given pair fits you. If you go to a good sports shop, you may be able to try on different styles there. Once you’ve settled on a brand you like, you can buy replacement pairs online if you want to. If you do all your shopping online, be prepared to try out different options and return some.
They have lots of cushioning
Cushioning isn’t just about comfort, although that’s certainly a factor. It’s also about protecting your joints. You need lots of it, the more the better. If you are going for entry-level squash shoes, you could use insoles to add extra padding. In this case, however, you’d have to factor in the cost of these and compare the total price to the price of a better pair of squash shoes.
They are lightweight
Most players prefer low-top squash shoes because they are lighter and hence quicker. Some players prefer mid-top squash shoes because these offer more support for they ankle. They are heavier than low-top squash shoes but are designed to be as light as possible.
They provide good support for the ankles
In squash, you’ll be moving every which way, speeding off from standing starts and stopping abruptly. A good pair of squash shoes will help keep your ankles in one piece.
They have good grip
You’re probably going to take the odd tumble playing squash. That’s just how it is, but you want to keep falls to a minimum. Investing in squash shoes with good grip will go a long way to making this happen.
They last a decent length of time
Obviously, this is relative to how often (and how hard) you play, but on a like-for-like basis, good squash shoes will last better than cheaper ones.
The best squash shoes reviewed
We’ve reviewed these squash shoes on a combination of performance and price. In other words, we’ve rated them on overall value. We’ve also tried to include a range of options for all budgets.
The only difference between men’s squash shoes and women’s squash shoes is the range of sizes. Men’s squash shoes tend to start at a 6 or 6.5 and go up from there. Women’s squash shoes tend to start at a 4. Some can go even smaller, but if you’re a 3 or smaller you might find more choice in the junior section.
ASICS Gel-Fastball 3 Men Women
The upper is open mesh with an asymmetric lacing system. This looks a bit odd, but really helps to keep these squash shoes firmly in place. The sole is NC rubber, which grips any court surface but doesn’t leave marks. The Guidance Trusstic System provides lots of support and the RearFoot GEL system provides excellent cushioning, while the SpEVA midsole provides bounce-back, which minimizes the amount of energy lost in the toe-off phase.
ASICS Gel-Fastball 3 Indoor Court Shoes - AW19-8.5 Blue
- Breathable Mesh Upper - Keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable.
- Overlays - Helps to reduce the weight of the shoe and keep your feet protected.
- Personal Heel Fit - Gives a more secure feel.
- Solyte Midsole - Provides cushioning and comfort.
- Breathable Mesh Upper - Keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable.
- Overlays - Helps to reduce the weight of the shoe and keep your feet protected.
- Personal Heel Fit - Gives a more secure feel.
- Solyte Midsole - Provides cushioning and comfort.
- GEL - In the rear and forefoot for smoother foot transitions and shock absorption.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8
The Gel-Rocket 9s are now out and they are indeed a slight improvement on these squash shoes. They’re just not enough of an improvement to justify the price differential, in our opinion. The Gel-Rocket 8s also benefit from the Guidance Trusstic System, the RearFoot GEL system and the NC rubber soles so you get both support and cushioning. Basically, if these squash shoes feel good to you, you can use them until the Gel-Rocket 10s come out and then move up and so on.
There are a couple of downsides to these shoes. First of all, you’re probably going to want (or need) to add insoles for greater comfort and support. Secondly, these aren’t the most durable of squash shoes although interestingly the issue seems to lie with them coming away at the toes rather than the sole wearing down. Having said all that, we’re recommending them because we think you’ll get your money’s worth out of them.
Asics Mens Gel-Rocket® 8 Shoes, 14 UK, White/Black/Silver
- FOREFOOT GEL CUSHIONING SYSTEM (COURT): Attenuates shock during impact phase.
- TRUSSTIC SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
- FOREFOOT GEL CUSHIONING SYSTEM (COURT): Attenuates shock during impact phase.
- TRUSSTIC SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Multisport Indoor Shoes
As you might have gathered from the heading above, you’ll be hard-pushed to find the Gel-Rocket 8s for women. These Gel-Rocket 9s are classed as multisports shoes, but they are regularly used by squash players. The benefits and drawbacks are essentially the same as for the Gel-Rocket 8s. The only real difference is that these squash shoes are available in much smaller sizes.
Asics Women's Gel-Rocket 9 Multisport Indoor Shoes, Blue Blue/White 400, 6 UK
- Mesh material with synthetic overlays
- EVA cushioning
- Trusstic technology
- Gel cushioning
- Removable EVA insole
- Mesh material with synthetic overlays
- EVA cushioning
- Trusstic technology
- Gel cushioning
- Removable EVA insole
HEAD Grid Squash Shoes (Men)
The Head Grid and the Head Grid 2.0 are both mid-level court shoes. The exact features will depend on which version you get. Basically you can expect decent breathability and a good level of support and grip. They do take a bit of breaking in, so definitely wear them around the house before you take them to the squash court. Also, they’re not the most durable squash shoes out there, but then they’re not the most expensive either.
Head Unisex Adults' Grid Squash Shoes, Black (Black/White), 9 UK 43 EU
- Great for any Indoor Court: Racquetball, Squash, Badminton, Pickleball, Volleyball
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- Air Mesh Upper
- Non-Marking Gum Rubber Outsole
- HyBrasion - High abrasion compound
- Great for any Indoor Court: Racquetball, Squash, Badminton, Pickleball, Volleyball
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- Air Mesh Upper
- Non-Marking Gum Rubber Outsole
- HyBrasion - High abrasion compound
HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes
Frankly the name of these squash shoes always makes us think of a certain computer game, but these are very sensible squash shoes with a lot going for them. The outer sole has plenty of grip, but doesn’t mark and the midsole has lots of cushioning with plenty of protection for the heel. There’s a whole lot of support for lateral movement and the Energy Bridge helps transfer energy along the foot to get you a powerful push off. The uppers are comfortable and have excellent breathability.
All in all, these are outstanding squash shoes, but they do have one slight, but annoying flaw. Sometimes, the sole begins to peel off shortly after purchase. This is very frustrating, especially for the price and hopefully HEAD will address it.
HEAD Men's Sonic 2000 MID Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes (Non-Marking) (White/Blue) 11.0...
- Non-Marking Gum Rubber
- Combortable EVA Midsole
- HEAD Heel Energy Frame support
- Shoe Weight: 11.6 oz (Size 10.5)
- Non-Marking Gum Rubber
- Combortable EVA Midsole
- HEAD Heel Energy Frame support
- Shoe Weight: 11.6 oz (Size 10.5)
HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe
These are one of the two options for people with wide feet. They are really durable and offer great support and grip. There are, however, two downsides to them. First of all, they are relatively heavy. Again, that’s the price of lots of support. Secondly, these really aren’t the most breathable of squash shoes, so you’re really going to want breathable socks with moisture-wicking capabilities and even then these squash shoes are not ideal for players who value speed.
HEAD Men's Sprint Pro Indoor Low Shoe, Blue/Lime, 9.5 M US
- T-Core and TRI-NRG technology for vibration dampening, stability, abrasion resistance and torsional support
- Drift Defense abrasion resistant rubber design for great durability
- Sole perforations ensure improved ventilation
- T-Core and TRI-NRG technology for vibration dampening, stability, abrasion resistance and torsional support
- Drift Defense abrasion resistant rubber design for great durability
- Sole perforations ensure improved ventilation
- Reinforced sidewall for optimum lateral stability and court traction during roll over moves
- Lockdown straps keep the foot in place
Hi-Tec Squash Classic Court Trainers (Actually, genuinely unisex)
These were the original squash shoes and while they’re no longer remotely the best, they are great value. The upper looks like real leather and suede, but is actually synthetic. The tongue is mesh and there are small holes throughout the upper to ensure decent breathability. Support and flexibility are both good and the grip is frankly amazing. In short, technology may have overtaken these squash shoes for performance, but we’ve yet to see anyone offering better all-round value.
Hi-Tec Squash Classic Men Court Trainers, White (White/Green 11), 9 UK (43...
- EVA midsole
- EVA midsole
Prince NFS Indoor (Men)
These squash shoes are the other option for people with wide feet. If these are the right style for your feet, then you can really tweak the exact fit thanks to the special lacing pattern. The weight of these squash shoes is noticeably higher than average, but that’s the price you pay for all the support, which is excellent, apart from in the toe area, where it is rather lacking. Thes squash shoes are still decently flexible and very breathable.
Prince NFS Indoor II, Shoe Size- 7.5 UK, Color- Black/Red
- The Prince NFS IV football shoe in Prince style comes with anatomical material outside to protect feet and for comfort during the extreme demands of the game, where its joints are exposed.
- Package Content: 1 Pair of Gloves with size and colour of your choice.
- The Prince NFS IV football shoe in Prince style comes with anatomical material outside to protect feet and for comfort during the extreme demands of the game, where its joints are exposed.
- Package Content: 1 Pair of Gloves with size and colour of your choice.
- Lightweight performance shoe.
- Specially developed for quick motion changes (directly from the squash area).
Salming Kobra 2 Men Women
The Salming Kobra 2 is one of the most durable squash shoes out there, so be prepared to take some time to break them in properly before heading to the squash court. What you need to know about these shoes is that the outer soles and uppers are both great. The former has loads of grip (but no marking) and the latter has plenty of support, flexibility and breathability. The inner soles, however, could do with some improvement, to put it mildly, so be prepared to invest in a pair of insoles.
Salming Kobra 2 1239081-0701, EU Shoe Size:42 EU
- HEXAGRIP: A very durable lightweight rubber compound that features Salmings HexaGrip pattern designed for the best possible grip on all indoor surfaces.
- EXOSKELETON FULLY INTEGRATED: The fully integrated ExoSkeleton connects the lacing system for support and stabilises the midfoot. A thin durable breathable mesh.
- HEXAGRIP: A very durable lightweight rubber compound that features Salmings HexaGrip pattern designed for the best possible grip on all indoor surfaces.
- EXOSKELETON FULLY INTEGRATED: The fully integrated ExoSkeleton connects the lacing system for support and stabilises the midfoot. A thin durable breathable mesh.
- SOFTFOAM: A cushioning compound featured in the heel impact zone designed to reduce impact forces.The RECOIL and SoftFOAM combined - creates a sandwich construction made to maximize your performance.
- ERGO HEELCUP: To stabilize and fixate the heel, which is key to providing a great fit and comfort, a new anatomical Ergo Heel Cup is developed that is slightly longer than the average heel cup.
- ROLLBAR TECHNOLOGY: An increased radius on the inner side of the outer sole, facilitates rolling the foot inwards and toe push off.
Salming Viper 3 Men
Unless you have money to burn, avoid the special-edition version of these shoes. You are basically paying for the flashy colours. The regular version of this squash shoe has the same benefits, just a plainer colour scheme.
The standout feature of these squash shoes is the ExoSkeleton design, which basically means these squash shoes have excellent support for lateral movements. They’re also lightweight, comfortable and breathable.
There are a couple of downsides to these squash shoes. First of all, they don’t tend to last as long as you’d like for this sort of price. Secondly, for some reason the laces seem to be pretty dire, but this is an easy and affordable fix.
The best squash trainers conclusion
For the most part, the right pair of squash trainers for you is the one which fits your foot best. Your preferred style of play doesn’t really matter (whereas for squash racquets it very much does). In addition to getting the right squash trainers for your foot, you’ll need a good pair of socks to go with them. You want your socks to be breathable, fit snugly (but not tightly) and stay up easily. This last point is most important for your comfort!
Katie is our resident Editor and extremely is a well-respected voice in the world of fitness. Katie has a first-class Hons degree in Journalism and is proud to say that she has written leading entries featured in the biggest media outlets including Vogue, Women Health Magazine and CoachMag. Great outdoors and animal lover and always on the go
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