[Updated 3 Jan 2019] Does the age-old adage “if you look good, you play good” really apply in the game of squash? After taking a look at the squash shoes available, we’d like to confirm that you will certainly look good!

While many players first look at the squash racquet as the key piece of equipment in the game of squash, the argument can be made for your shoes as well. Squash is a game of movement, and the foundation of your movement begins at your feet.

Just as having good footwork and movement on the court is critical to playing winning squash, solid footwear leads to better squash and prevents injuries while playing.

Best Squash Shoe

Shoes	Comments
Salming Viper 3.0	Editor's Choice
Prince NFS Indoor II	Wide Feet
ASICS Gel-Rocket 8	Best Value
Salming Kobra	Best Colors
Head Sprint Pro	Ankle Support
Harrow Vortex	Durability
HEAD Sonic 2000	Heel and ankle support

Squash Shoe Comparision Infographic

SquashShoes2018

Salming Viper 3.0 (Editor’s Choice)

The Salming Viper 3.0 Shoes are lightweight shoes that provide for fantastic movement around the court. Many players note the construction of the shoe, which is made of mostly fabric and leather with manufactured featured to suit any indoor court texture and environment. It provides maximum flexibility and comfort while being worn while providing stability for the wearer.

This squash shoe has Salmings ExoSkeleton design. The ExoSkeleton design stabilizes the foot for lateral movements and reduces pressure at the Metatarsophalangeal joints (big toe and foot), which can be an area of grief for players with foot pain.

While we really like this squash shoes, a few negatives should be noted. These shoes have a low profile, which may not lend itself the best for players with shaky ankles. Players have noted that for the price, they wish the shoe lasted longer as the heel support began to wear out. Another fault that has been noted is the laces, which many players say they need to replace. Just make sure you get some flashy laces if you need to replace them!

 

Prince NFS Indoor II (Best for Wide Feet)

The Prince NFS Indoor II Shoe are a synthetic mesh shoe which provides players with comfort during play and ventilation after. For players with wide feet, this is a great choice that provides all-around comfort for wide feet. It is also made with a toe cap for drag protection and materials both inner and outer lining which provides comfort, stability, and flexibility. They are made with a lightweight Nubuck material for the upper, a padded collar area, and a unique lace design to make it easier to achieve the customized fit.

When you consider buying this squash shoe, you should know that this squash shoe carries a slightly heavier weight than other squash shoes and would not be the perfect choice for those who want to be quick on the court. While the shoe has a wide base, many players have noted they were not able to get as much toe support even with a protective lining on the tip of the shoe.

The shoes are an overall great choice for squash and can handle the constant shuffling, lunges, and stretches of the game.

 

Asics Gel-Rocket 8 (Best Value)

The ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 court shoes are a perfect choice for the players still developing and honing their on-court skills. These shoes are light and come at a great price too.

These shoes are built with a special forefoot GEL® system that appears in the mid-sole. A positive of this feature is to move lightly and smoothly during game play. Also, the Trusstic System® technology is highly effective at maintaining the structural integrity of the sole. Asic’s makes these shoes with NC Rubber® which gives fantastic grip on the squash courts.

These Asics are a great squash shoe for the price, but the manufacturer soles do not lend themselves to the best support. You will want to purchase shoe inserts separately for these shoes to prevent your feet from hurting. Also, the fabric on the outside of the shoes tend to rip, specifically on either side of the toes from the cutting and movement from playing a lot of squash.

El-Shorbagy wearing the Asics Gel shoes in 2017

 

Salming Kobra (Best Colors)

Designed in a few different colors and suited for both men and women, the Salming Kobra Shoe is another of the leading squash shoes. The Salming Kobra provides firm and stable positioning for players in the midst of fabric and mesh. This feature is great for foot ventilation. Seeing that squash is a fast-paced and rigorous moving game, the more flexible the footwear, the better the player is able to manage their game play.

A negative feature of the Salming Kobra is the manufacturer soles. For better heel support, it would be recommended to get new soles or to place heel gel pads into the shoes. Though the “out-of-the-box” shoes provide comfort, there could have to be a more inward cushioned feeling for better support of the foot due to the various shocks being experienced.

The Salming Kobra also has a rather stiff feeling which can make it a little uncomfortable in the case of flexibility though it excels in the area of sturdy support and court grip. Plus, the heel will not be worn down as quickly.

Overall, the Kobra is a great choice for professional indoor sports players such as for squash games with its high-intensity factors. It has a high-performance rate and is among the most durable squash shoes to wear.

John Russell spotted wearing the white version of the Kobra

 

HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe

The Head Sprint Pro Shoe are among the most durable and another great option for those requiring strong support from their shoe. This is another great option if you have wider feet too. The Head Sprint Pro shoe is built with a Micro-Fit that has the ability to deliver a snug mid-foot and heel. The thermoplastic polyurethane heel gives a very reliable stabilizer with the medial and toe rubber protection.

In being durable and intact, one negative feature is that this isn’t the lightest shoe. If you want to be faster on the court, skip out on these. Also, the only breathability of the shoe is the mesh tongue. Because of the stability, the shoes are not that airy leading to hot feet.

 

Harrow Vortex

The Harrow Vortex Shoe is a great pick for play as it provides durability, quality made materials do come at a reasonable pricing for what they offer. The Vortex provides stability, a soft breathable mesh to provide maximum ventilation (and smelly feet) plus it is really lightweight. It is mostly fabric and can be cleaned and stored easily when not in use. Because of this, the Harrow Vortex is a flexible lightweight shoe.

However, among the ills of this shoe was the lack of excellent toe support for players. Though the right sizing was selected, it still was an issue for the most part for some of the wearers. Among the setbacks of this shoe is the lacing factor which some users find to be the issues. They noted either the lacing area was wrong or there were problems getting it as needed for maximum comfort and safety while playing.

Manek Marthur spotted wearing the Harrows

 

HEAD Sonic 2000 Mid Court Shoes

The HEAD Sonic 2000 is a very stylish and comfortable pair of indoor court shoes intended for fast-paced activities like squash. They are well designed with an EVA mid-sole and a non-marking outsole that is low to the ground and made from rubber.

This pair of HEAD shoes features many technologies to improve on a player’s performance and comfort, such as the hidden Heelstab system, highly responsive heel foam and an injected TPU frame. Also, the upper section of the shoe is made of a breathable Air Mesh material to further help with the comfort levels.

The foot is well protected in the Speed Pro Lite II in view of the lateral stability while the CXG technology is useful for its ability to deliver reliable shock absorption. Plus, there is the Energy Bridge that quickly transfers energy from the heel area to the front of the foot when pushing off.

 

Squash Shoe Fit

Squash is a very intense game and when you play, your feet will naturally swell from the heat and movement. When you are trying on shoes, make sure they aren’t tight. Consider purchasing a half size larger than you normally would and don’t forget to consider the width of the squash shoe, not just the length. Playing with sore feet is uncomfortable and a lot less fun.

During a game of squash you need to stop, start and turn quickly. However, you don’t want your shoes to turn too easily. You need good traction so you’re not sliding all over the place. The right soles will really help with this.

Things to Consider with Squash Shoes

Squash Shoes – Things To Consider

Squash Shoe Replacement

As a general rule of thumb, many players go by how many times they play in a week. I play 2-3 times a week, and typically replace my shoes once a year. But I take my shoes to the limit and I won’t replace them until there is a hole in my shoe or the outer sole is peeling. If you’re feet start hurting, you should for sure consider a new pair.

Squash shoe Conclusion

When considering a new pair of squash shoes, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. We believe that you will play best in shoes that feel the most comfortable to you. For us, we prefer the Salming Viper 3.0 Shoes. However, if you are on a budget, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 is a great squash shoe to consider.