Finding a pair of suitable squash shoes is integral to improving your game. Running or general fitness shoes will not provide the support and grip needed for squash.
Selecting the ideal shoe will help to avoid injury and maximize performance on the field. In this article we’ll look at factors ranging from comfort, weight and foot width.
Grip
Quality squash shoes require excellent grip for quick movements and sudden direction changes, as well as to help prevent slips and falls during swift side-to-side movements of the game. Grip can often be found via special tread patterns on the bottom of shoes with grooves arranged specifically to give optimal traction across different court surfaces.
Running shoes tend to be poor choices for playing squash because they’re designed for forward motion only. Squash requires twisting and turning movements that need a shoe capable of adapting accordingly – this is why squash shoes often resemble soccer/rugby boots with extra toe coverage and additional covering around the toe area.
An anti-slip sole made from rubber provides the ultimate grip when worn on court surfaces that have become slippery with sweat, while increasing stability by evenly dispersing weight across its base.
If you play squash regularly, your shoes can quickly accumulate dirt and dust during games that could reduce grip unless properly cleaned after each use. It is advised to clean them after every use or before heading out onto the court; sticky-mats designed specifically to remove dirt can help improve traction, or you could simply wipe them down with a clean towel; other methods include spitting which may not be particularly hygienic.
Asics make high-quality squash shoes and this model in particular has been worn by several professional players – which shows it stands up well to the rigours of playing squash. Plus, its price is reasonable: under PS100 for new pair. Prince may not boast as many professional endorsements, but their NFS II model remains highly rated among players.
Stability
Shoe selection is one of the key components of a player’s squash experience, as the right shoes can help prevent injury and allow for peak performance on grass or artificial turf courts. When playing long volleys or deep serves it’s especially essential that the shoes provide sufficient traction and provide stability and support as part of an ideal performance experience.
Based on your surface of choice, it may be worth considering different outsoles for your shoes. Popular choices are herringbone outsoles which offer optimal grip across various surfaces while helping prevent slipperiness on hard courts. Omni or mixed herringbone outsoles may also be worth exploring as alternatives.
The Omni Outsole is one of the most preferred choices among padel players, being constructed of rubber that offers superior traction on all surfaces and durability. Unfortunately, however, its only drawback may be some slipperiness on clay courts.
For those on a budget looking for shoes suitable for padel, the Asics Upcourt 5 are an excellent value and very fast on court. While not ideal, they still provide enough cushioning to keep feet from feeling stiff; unfortunately though they do run narrow.
When purchasing new shoes for squash it is important to test them out by playing in them and playing squash in them. Make sure that the fit is correct – neither too tight nor too loose will result in pain for ankles and restrict movement; while too loose shoes may result in you losing control over movements and finding it harder to hit consistently.
Asics is well-renowned for producing top quality shoes for both men and women. Their shoes are tailored specifically to meet the needs of squash players, providing lightweight footwear with good traction that provides support to ankles and lower legs.
Comfort
Comfortable squash shoes will significantly enhance your performance on the court. Since squash involves rapid movements that keep your feet moving for extended periods of time, wearing inappropriate footwear could cause discomfort and even harm your feet and knees.
Your shoes must also be non-marking – that means they should leave no visible traces on the court and are normally designated with “non-marking”. Finding suitable squash shoes will reduce injury risks by providing optimal grip and stability.
No matter whether you play on natural or artificial grass courts, having the appropriate shoes will give you the traction required for optimal play. Tennis shoes will usually suffice on such courts but dedicated squash shoes provide better security and durability.
Asics have designed an incredible pair of squash shoes in their Gel Fastball 3, worn by some of the world’s best players including Mohamed Elshorbagy. These lightweight shoes provide exceptional grip, stability and comfort all-in-one package – ideal for lightweight performances on courts. In order to reduce weight they have used mesh throughout most of the upper part, with RhynoSkin applied in areas likely to experience impact with surfaces; this allows synthetic material to absorb any impact instead of the mesh upper taking the brunt of impacts instead.
Asics’ DuoMax Support System helps keep these shoes from shifting underfoot, while SpEVA adds resilience to the midsole to help cushion them and bounce back after every shock; both features work to help ensure these shoes don’t wear down prematurely.
An important thing to keep in mind when playing squash is that your feet may swell slightly during each match, leading to tight shoes. Therefore, make sure you purchase an additional size when purchasing footwear specifically tailored for squash games. A sticky mat could also help remove dirt build-up off shoes after every game for improved traction on courts and improved grip during matches.
Durability
Players who indulge in frequent squashing need to ensure that their shoes are both durable and comfortable, since the sport requires fast movements in all directions at high speed as well as exceptional traction to prevent slipperiness. The best way to accomplish this goal is with shoes designed specifically for this sport; such as those made of herringbone outsoles to provide maximum grip on artificial turf courts compared to grass courts or those designed for other sports like badminton or tennis that offer less traction or may wear out quickly.
As a general guideline, it is suggested that shoes be replaced once every three to four days you play – however this can vary depending on your playing style and sweat levels. Shoes that slip during gameplay or cause slipperiness when playing can lead to serious injuries so it is always prudent to replace any signs of wear as soon as they appear.
The Asics Gel Renma is an excellent lightweight shoe option that provides excellent traction on the court while still being very comfortable for knees and feet. Additionally, its reactive foam base helps increase stability, and its anti-reverse bend insert helps reduce foot and knee injuries.
Karakala Impact X-Pro squash shoes are another budget-friendly choice that offer excellent traction on artificial turf courts while meeting all of the demands of modern squash games. Constructed of non-marking material, they come in various colours.
This shoe requires patience to break in properly; however, its benefits make up for any inconvenience in terms of stability and comfort for its price point. Furthermore, it makes an excellent choice for fast movers who desire quick movement around the court; adding an edge against competition for any player.