Squash shoes require a unique combination of support, stability, and flexibility – this makes squash-specific shoes superior alternatives for runners or tennis players.
When purchasing squash shoes, ensure they fit appropriately. Your feet may swell during play so anything too snug in store could turn painful on court.
Hardwood Courts
Squash players put great strain on their shoes. Their movements must be fast yet controlled, requiring them to turn sharply with precision. Therefore, the shoe they select must provide ample support while remaining comfortable, flexible, and provide necessary traction on court. Selecting shoes with these qualities can reduce foot, ankle, and knee injuries that hinder performance and lead to long term complications.
Squash shoes are specifically tailored to grip the indoor court surface, while supporting foot and ankle in different ways than running shoes. Furthermore, the soles should be non-marking so as not to leave marks behind after you finish playing. Furthermore, ideal squash shoes should be breathable to prevent your feet from overheating during intense games; possess good arch support, sturdy heel counter protection as well as cushioned soles to absorb shock absorption.
Popular squash shoes feature low profile designs with lightweight versions being particularly lightweight. This allows players to play quickly without compromising comfort or court feel; in addition, Hexagrip outsoles provide additional traction on sprung floorboards of an indoor court.
One key difference between squash and tennis shoes lies in their soles; tennis shoes generally have flat soles while squash shoes feature an increased grip sole that provides better traction on floors greasy from perspiration, providing additional grip in low positions of play. Tennis players do not require such extra gripping, instead preferring side pedaling along courts rather than lunging into low positions.
For a shoe that combines tennis and running shoe style with optimal squash performance, look no further than Adidas Crazyflight or ASICS Gel Tactic. Both have been worn by professional squash players so can withstand even the rigors of the game.
Rough Courts
Squash is an intense game that requires constant movement from its players. They lunge, pivot and maneuver all over the court during matches – it is therefore essential that a squash player wears shoes designed specifically for this sport; Badminton, tennis or running shoes do not provide enough grip and stability needed by squash players; any attempts to use such footwear could result in discomfort during play and increased risks of injury.
There are a number of excellent squash shoes which provide players with sufficient traction and support. Examples include Asics Gel Tactic and Adidas Crazyflight; both designed specifically for squash players. Both feature minimal padding to keep weight down but still support quick direction changes during matches.
Salming Race R1 squash shoes are another great pair, offering lightweight comfort with plenty of grip. Professional players often opt for these, yet their non-cushioned design means they don’t feel overly cushioned either. Unfortunately, stitching at the front may become loose if your feet drag while playing squash.
One thing all squash players should bear in mind is that the wear and tear on their shoes will depend on the frequency and nature of their play, as well as how much movement occurs during matches. As a general guideline, players should replace their shoes every two matches each week; this number may change accordingly based on frequency of matches played.
Your squash shoes can last longer by using them with socks, which will prevent moisture from seeping through and hastening their degradation.
Tiled Courts
No sprinter wears hiking boots or cross country runners wear regular trainers; and squash players should do the same. Proper shoes are essential in avoiding ankle injuries and moving quickly around the court, to make sure you stay injury free. When checking fit and traction it is also worth looking at how they flex with your feet while playing; during a game your feet contort in different directions with lunging and turning being key moves so it is key that they feel secure flexing as part of the game experience.
Another consideration should be durability; how long can your shoes withstand continuous play without beginning to smell or degrade? Putting them out to dry after each match will extend their lifespan, and switching between two pairs will help avoid overuse discomfort.
Non-marking shoes are essential when playing squash as they won’t leave marks on the court. Sometimes these will state this explicitly while other times you might need to read up on what they can provide – you might need to consult product descriptions in this regard. Also important are enough grip and cushioning features as this game involves running around and jumping frequently – so your feet must feel supported and comfortable at all times!
As long as they don’t mark, and provide adequate grip, basketball or badminton shoes may work for squash; however, shoes specially designed for this game would likely provide greater comfort and support, decreasing injury risks while increasing enjoyment of playing the sport.
EZ COURT Indoor/Outdoor Game Court Sport Tiles are an interlocking, perforated flooring system that offers excellent traction on various surfaces. These modular plastic decking tiles can snap together securely, accommodating for expansion or venue changes easily and being adjustable as required for expansion or changes to take place. In addition, these water-proof tiles have anti-fatigue properties for reduced joint stress during gameplay.
Concrete Courts
While paved and concrete courts are commonly found indoors, wooden courts also exist. When playing on either surface type, excellent traction shoes with strong sole grip are essential in order to play your best squash game; standard running shoes won’t provide this. To test whether your chosen pair works on any particular surface you are playing on, take a walk across the floor while wearing your shoe to see how well they grip – if the sole or sides slip when walking across, they likely won’t stay with you long!
If you’re searching for squash shoes that provide optimal traction on indoor court surfaces, the Salming Hawk 2s may be just what you’re after. They feature an innovative herringbone sole designed specifically to give grip while remaining flexible on court as well as cushioned heel padding to provide shock absorption and offer additional cushioning underfoot.
These shoes are lightweight to reduce fatigue when playing and feature a low profile for quick movements around the court. Furthermore, their flexible upper allows for all sorts of movements needed during gameplay.
Notably, although this shoe is designated as a squash shoe, it can also be worn by other sports that take place indoors – badminton and tennis players may require different reinforcements in their shoe to prevent premature wear and tear.
If you plan to play on a paved or concrete court, make sure that it is marked out properly. Check that it is level and clear of loose stones/gravel, with an uneven surface that isn’t uneven; run several lengths of the court; most players cover this distance in 6/7 strides if necessary; press down on your heels on this surface by pushing down, as this is another good way of testing if your shoes will provide sufficient support to play at their best.