[Updated on 1 June 2020] Every day we have to choose what type of shoes to wear when we go to work, to the gym or when it is summer or winter. We know that lightweight shoes are better for walking long distances while shoes with warm linings and fastenings are better for winter. Men’s squash shoes also have specific features to make it easier for you to move in the squash court.

How to choose the right pair of men’s squash shoes

Your squash shoes should fit your feet correctly because when you are playing squash your feet naturally swell from the heat and movement. Buying shoes that are a half size larger than your normal size may be a good idea because they can accommodate the swelling when you are playing on the court. Also, pay attention to the width of the shoe before you buy.

Squash shoes that fit you correctly make it easier to stop, start, and turn quickly in the court. Just make sure they have good traction so that you are not spinning and sliding in the court like a ballerina.

Best Squash Shoes

There are a number of squash shoes out there and we have done our best to find the ones that are most like to enhance your performance. They include:

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!

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 gameplay. 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 tends to rip, specifically on either side of the toes from the cutting and movement from playing a lot of squash.

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.

HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe

The Head Sprint Pro Shoe is 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 toes 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.

Adidas Court Stabil Men’s Indoor Court Shoe

Made mostly of synthetic materials, the Adidas Court Stabil Shoes has a reliable outsole and provides adequate stability thanks to the SprintPlate technology it features. If you often drag your toe when stretching for tough shots, then the shoe’s TPU toe cap and its light durable SprintSkin will stop the shoe from wearing out too soon.

The shoes CloudFoam cushioning absorbs shock during harsh movements without sacrificing speed. While it is a comfortable shoe, some have complained about the durability.

When to replace your shoes

I am not for the idea of replacing your shoes frequently because squash shoes are not cheap. It is better to use these shoes until they start showing clear signs of wear and tear then replace them. For example, replace it when you notice there is a hole in your shoe or your sole is peeling. How quick these signs show up relies on how frequently you play.

Conclusion

Looking at all the men’s squash shoes listed above, I have to admit that I think the Salming Viper 3.0 is the best option. The shoe is at a premium price but the shoes are lightweight and have a fantastic grip. It may not provide the best support but I don’t think that is a huge negative considering how comfortable they are.

It would have been easier for me to choose the Salming Viper 3.0 shoe, but it is too pricey for a shoe that wears out too quickly. With the Asics, you may get a hole here or there but the shoe will retain its structural integrity.