Best Squash Shoes 2020 – Best Shoes for Playing Squash

[Updated May 2020] 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.

We don’t want this to happen!

Best Squash Shoe

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Squash Shoes - Things To Consider

 

El-Shorbagy wearing the Asics Gel shoes in 2017

Manek Marthur spotted wearing the Harrows

Things to Consider with Squash Shoes

Having a good pair of squash shoes is really “skill-agnostic.” When you are buying squash shoes, this is not an area where you want to be flexible. In squash, your shoes are the foundation of your performance. If they are not comfortable and supportive, you will not be able to play to the best of your ability.

When looking at your squash shoes, it is much more important to consider things like weight, ankle support, and foot width. Below we cover the various topics around fitting your squash shoes correctly.

How should my squash shoes fit?

Squash shoes should have a snug but comfortable fit. They should allow you to move and turn without causing you to slip. Look for a shoe that is comfortable and breathable. If you have previous joint pain or injuries, look for something that will give you the support you need.

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.

Squash shoes should have a snug but comfortable fit. They should allow you to move and turn without causing you to slip. Look for a shoe that is comfortable and breathable. If you have previous joint pain or injuries, look for something that will give you the support you need.

I’m a beginner, do I really need squash shoes?

While some athletic shoes will be able to support some of those goals, very few of them will have the same support as a shoe that is designed to meet the needs of the game. Squash is a game where you will spend a lot of time running, stopping, and turning. You will need to be very agile and you need a shoe that supports that kind of movement.

For a short time, you may be able to use whatever athletic shoes you happen to have. There are some athletic shoes that can be used for squash, though they are not ideal. Badminton and racquetball shoes are both acceptable substitutes. On the other hand, running shoes, tennis shoes and basketball shoes will all leave you unsupported and disappointed.

How often should my shoes be replaced?

A general rule of thumb is that you should replace your shoes the same number of times per year as number of days per week that you train. For example, someone who plays three times a week should replace their shoes three times per year, whereas a person who trains only once a week would only need to replace them annually.

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.

What are the most common signs of wear and tear for squash shoes?

Often, you will see the first signs of wear on the sole. Your shoe will develop smooth spots, and much like tires on a car, you will have a difficult time having the traction you need to support your game.

When the soles are getting completely worn, the sole may start to separate. These are shoes that are not safe and desperately need to be replaced. Shoes in this condition should not be used for squash.

If you drag your toe or the side of your foot when you play, the upper part of the shoe might start showing signs of wear. Watch for holes in the toe or near the ball of your foot.

What squash shoes do the pros wear?

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How much can I expect to spend on squash shoes?

In general, you get what you pay for. The most basic squash shoes are in the $60 range, the average squash shoes is $100, and high-end squash shoes are $180.

While there is a wide range so that you can find something within your budget, also remember that you want a good supportive shoe that will enable you to play as well as you can.

How do I prevent squash shoe odor?

There are a few products on the market to help you keep your squash shoes from getting smelly. Depending on your needs, there are sprays and other methods for deodorizing your squash shoes. One of the easiest ways to keep your shoes smelling fresh is to put a dryer sheet in each shoe after you are done playing.

Do squash shoes have good support for ankles and other joints?

Squash can be a sport that is hard on the joints. Squash shoes are designed with this in mind. Since you are constantly moving and turning, shoes that support your joints are important.

If you need extra support for your ankles, look for a squash shoe that is a “mid-top” style. These shoes will have a higher top than an “average” shoe, without inhibiting your ability to turn and pivot like a high-top shoe.

Keep in mind that there is more to supporting your joints than the outer part of the shoe. Look for good supportive cushioning so that all of your joints are protected from the impact of running and moving on the court.

What should I look for in a shoe that has a good grip on the floor?

You will want shoes that have a flexible sole that can bend with your foot and a blend of synthetic and gum rubber. While most squash shoes on the market have non-marking soles, make sure that yours are among them. Most clubs have rules about shoes with non-marking soles and violating the rule could mean you are no longer allowed at that club or you have to pay a fine.

People who play the game often tend to have certain things that they look for in a squash shoe, including:

Weight of the shoe.

Weight depends a lot on the player. While a heavier shoe means you may have increased ankle and joint support, a lighter show will help you be more agile on the court. Before shopping for shoes, be sure to assess where on that spectrum you would like to be so that you have the support you need and still be able to maneuver on the court.

Breathability.

Nothing is more uncomfortable than wet sweaty shoes. Look for shoes that will give your feet the opportunity to breathe while you play.

Ankle support.

Whether you have had an ankle injury in the past or not, you will need a shoe that can give your ankles the support they need while allowing the movement you need to play.

Cushion.

While cushion is important for keeping your feet comfortable, it is also important for your joints. Squash can be a high impact sport and your joints will need the extra shock absorption that they get from the cushion in your shoes.

Grip.

If you are not able to have traction on the court, you will not be able to play at your best. Look for a shoe that has a blend of synthetic and gum rubber so that the sole will give you the traction you need.

Wear and tear.

People who play a lot notice what shoes are able to last longer before needing to be replaced. Getting a higher quality shoe means both that your money was better spent and that you can spend more time playing squash and less time shopping for shoes.

What adjustments can I make to a shoe that is a little uncomfortable?

For some players, you may not be able to find a shoe that is perfectly comfortable. If you find a shoe that meets your other needs and is within your budget, you can make minor adjustments to the shoe by looking for after-market insoles or adjusting how you lace the shoe.

How do I care for my squash shoes?

If you take care of your squash shoes, they will last a lot longer and you can save money on replacing them as frequently. Take care of your squash shoes by wiping them off with a damp towel after wearing them.

Also, take care to let them dry out completely if they get sweaty before wearing them again. If you wear wet or damp shoes, you risk both the shoe and the health of your feet.

Do I need to break in my squash shoes?

You should take a little time to break in your squash shoes so you can get used to the feel of them and help them form to the shape of your foot. Be careful, however, to break in your shoes inside so you do not get them dirty. Many squash courts have rules about not wearing shoes that have been outside. Consider going for a walk around an indoor track or going for a walk around the mall to break in your new squash shoes before that first time on the court.

What are the best techniques for breaking in my squash shoes?

Wear your new squash shoes around the house, at the gym or put them on when you get to the office. While you want to break them in before the first time you play in them, you do not want them to get dirty. Think about places where you do some walking and turning inside to keep your new squash shoes clean while you break them in.

How much do my socks impact the performance of my squash shoes?

Every piece of equipment you take onto the squash court can either help or hinder your game. Including your socks. Choose socks that will work with your shoe and that are comfortable on your foot. If you prefer socks that are ankle-height, make sure they will not slide into your shoe while you are playing.

There are several socks on the market that will help support your foot, ankle and other joints through cushioning and compression. Try a few different kinds to find ones that will work with your shoes and what you need to support your game.

What are the common rules that squash clubs have about shoes?

Squash clubs often have a few rules when it comes to the shoes you are allowed to wear on the court, including:

Non-marking soles.

This is a very common rule and clubs take it very seriously. Shoes with black soles are the most common trouble-makers on this one, but make sure whatever shoe you buy has non-marking soles. Most shoes that are designed for squash will have non-marking soles; but it is worth checking before you make the purchase.

Clean shoes.

Most clubs will require that the shoes you wear on the court have not been outside. The idea behind this rule is that your shoes are clean. This means that no matter how worn out you are from your squash game; you should always change your shoes when you are coming or going to make sure your shoes are clean.

Clubs spend a lot of money making sure the floors and other areas of the club are in good shape for all members, so they tend to be strict about the rules for shoes. If you leave marks on the floors or bring dirty shoes on the court; you could face a fine or expulsion from the club.

Squash Shoe Conclusion

When considering a new pair of squash shoes, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. There are plenty of options available, but you need to know what shoes comfortably fit your feet. Everyone will have an opinion on this, and sometimes players don’t even wear squash shoes on the court; instead, prefer basketball or volleyball shoes (like the Asics Volleyball series).

We believe that you will play best in shoes that feel the most comfortable for you. For us, we prefer the Salming Viper 3.0 Shoes. The Salming Viper shoes look cool, have a premium build and are specifically designed with squash players in mind. However, if you are on a budget and prefer more of a cross-training court shoe to be used for other court sports, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 is a great squash shoe to consider.