Selecting The Best Squash Shoe in 2022

THE squash shoe has come a long way since the manufacture of the first custom designed model in 1974.

Much like the development of squash rackets the technological advances and utilisation of new materials that have underpinned this evolvement mean that today’s squash shoes barely resemble the traditional canvas model.

These hardy perennials predated the Second World War and were still proving a staple in the 1970s and even the 1980s when they were used on the tennis court in the summer and the squash court in the winter.

Now in an easy guide to the squash shoe, HEADSQUASH provides a breakdown of the essentials when it comes to buying the squash shoe that will provide the best fit for you.

What are the best shoes for playing squash?

The importance of choosing a good squash shoe that meets your individual needs can’t be underestimated, for without it a key part of the foundation of your performance will have been neglected and your ability to play to the max will be severely impeded.  

Many aspects go into making good squash shoes ranging from comfort, support, weight, foot width to ankle support and in this article we will cover all of these and beyond while dealing with several common issues that can have a negative impact on the choice of a squash shoe.

Are Tennis Shoes Good For Squash?

The fundamental difference between tennis and squash shoes revolves around the different nature of the surfaces they are designed and developed for.

Tennis is played on mainly outdoor surfaces which range from hard court, clay and even the green grass of Wimbledon! As a result, tennis shoes are designed to be non-slip on these surfaces but crucially this doesn’t mean they will be non-slip on the sprung floorboards of a squash court that are slick with perspiration.

By contrast the soles of squash shoes are designed with a type of grip which provides maximum traction when the going gets tough and the court is greasy with sweat.

This type of grip also increases stability by evenly distributing weight.

All of which means it is not advisable to use a shoe designed for a specific sport for anything other than the sport they are designed for.

Are Squash Shoes The Same As Badminton Shoes?

The main difference between a squash shoe and a badminton shoe is that the latter tends to be lighter.

Badminton is a sport in which participants spend a far greater amount of time airborne in order to fulfill key parts of the game.

Yet there are areas of both sports which are similar in terms of the requirements from the shoe needed to play them and these revolve around the need to provide high flexibility levels and a powerful grip.

Yet the greater support and technological enhancements that are specific to a squash shoe will always mean that when it comes to getting the best from your game the shoe that is designed specifically for your sport is the one you should always choose.

Helpful Tips On Choosing The Best Squash Shoe For You:

Squash is a very intense game so making sure your shoe is fitted perfectly to your requiremets is essential.

In a game of squash you will need to complete a variety of high impact movements in all directions while also being able to come to a halt in a balanced and stable fashion.

In this respect excellent grip is imperative or your game will be ruined as you slip slide away. It is also vital that your shoes do not rotate.

In this respect checking that your soles will provide all of this when battle rages is crucial.

An important and often over-looked factor which needs to be taken into account when purchasing your squash shoe is that during play your feet will swell.

By its very nature a game of squash can be demanding and intense over a period of significant time and playing with sore feet will be painful and potentially physically damaging.

So when you try on your shoe for the first time remember that even a slight bit of tightness or discomfort will be magnified, perhaps painfully, during play.

Always make sure there is enough space in the toe area and check your toes aren't rubbing against the apex of the shoe.

Another consideration worthy of taking into account are your ankles. A tight pair of squash shoes can impair circulation while on the other hand, if your ankles are slight, larger shoes will be loose and impact negatively on your balance.

Thus when you try on a squash shoe always take time to check the fit is comfortable while also secure providing you with sufficient movement between both ends of the foot without being loose.

Are Squash Shoes Necessary?

Squash is a sport which demands high levels of agility due to the unique demands on a player’s movement. In this respect it is vital that you select a shoe that can meet the need to support explosive movements while also providing stability when the player is stationary.

While some sports shoes will be able to satisfy some of these unique demands, very few of them will have the same support as a shoe that is designed specifically to meet the needs of squash.

As a rough guide badminton and racquetball shoes may provide short-term substitutes however running shoes, tennis shoes and basketball shoes will all leave you unsupported.

Because they are designed for other surfaces that may lead to injury and so they should not be used as an alternative.

How should my squash shoes fit?

When trying on squash shoes for size it is important to make sure they aren’t constraining. In this respect consideration should be given to purchasing a slightly larger shoe than your normal selection.

It is also important to consider the width of the squash shoe.

Ignore these considerations and your feet will soon make you aware this has been a mistake and one that will make your squash considerably less enjoyable.

Ideally your squash shoe should provide a comfortable fit while also providing support and structure for the foot while allowing the player to move and turn without slipping.

When picking you squash shoe it is always important to take into account injuries or infirmities you have to either your ankles or feet.

How Often Should My Shoes Be Replaced?

The best guideline as to how often you should replace your squash shoes is the same number of times you take to the court on a weekly basis.

For example, someone who plays twice weekly should replace their shoes on two occasions per annum by contrast if a player trains five times per week, then they should replace them on a similar number of occasions annually.

However, it is vital that if pain is experienced your squash shoes should be replaced as soon as possible.

It is a mistake to wait until the sole is starting to detach or there is a tear in the upper section before you buy a new pair. This will only compromise your performance and perhaps contribute to injury.

Conclusion:

It may seem amazing to suggest it but selecting the best squash shoe possible can be more important than any other choice you make when it comes to your squash career.

This is for one vital reason and that is that it can help avoid injury.

Get your choice of squash shoe correct and you can be rewarded by improvements in your game and that is for the simple reason that squash is a sport with dynamic movement at the very heart of it.

Always remember you will only ever move and perform to your optimum if your footwear is the best it can be for you.