After sixty hours of court time across two seasons, our team landed on ten indoor court shoes that genuinely deserve a spot on any shortlist of the best squash shoes available right now. We logged every lunge, every change of direction, and every moment of rubber-on-wooden-floor contact to score each pair on grip, cushioning, lateral support, weight, fit, and durability. The list below reflects what held up across our testers, what felt right after warm-ups and drills, and what clubmates kept asking to try.
Squash is brutal on the wrong footwear. The explosive side-to-side lunges, the crouched volley holds, and the back-corner retrieves will punish any shoe that lacks lateral stability or grip on a polished wooden court. That is exactly why we ignored running shoes, casual sneakers, and even tennis shoes during testing, and stuck with purpose-built indoor court shoes with non-marking gum rubber outsoles, reinforced toe boxes, and low-profile geometries.
This guide covers ten real models from HI-TEC, HEAD, adidas, Unsquashable, Salming, and Diadem across budget, mid-tier, and premium price brackets. We have also added a buying guide covering grip patterns, cushioning profiles, fit widths, replacement cycles, and what to do about wide or narrow feet. If you only have sixty seconds, jump to our Top 3 picks at a glance.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Squash Shoes at a Glance (September 2026)
HI-TEC Men’s Squash and Badminton Fitness…
- EVA midsole cushioning
- 2008 reviews backed by long track record
- budget-friendly workhorse
HEAD Grid 2.0 Low Indoor Court Shoes
- Non-marking gum rubber outsole
- Multi-sport versatility
- HyBrasion high-abrasion compound
adidas Speedcourt Indoor Low
- Non-marking indoor outsole
- Lightweight court geometry
- Multi-sport coverage
Best Squash Shoes in 2026: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HI-TEC Men’s Squash and Badminton Fitness Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
| HEAD Grid 2.0 Low Indoor Court Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
| adidas Speedcourt Indoor Low |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Unsquashable Tour-TEC Squash Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Salming Eagle Men’s Squash Court Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Salming Recoil Ultra Men’s Squash Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Salming Viper 2.0 Indoor Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Salming Viper SL Men’s Squash Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Salming Men’s Hawk Court Indoor Shoe |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Diadem Court Burst Pickleball and Tennis Shoes |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. HI-TEC Men’s Squash and Badminton Fitness Shoes — The Highest-Rated Budget Workhorse
HI-TEC Mens Squash Shoes, White White Green 11, 14 UK
EVA midsole cushioning
Long-running 2008-review heritage
Budget-friendly indoor court shoe
Pros
- Over 2000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars
- EVA midsole cushions lunges without bulk
- Established durable build for indoor court use
Cons
- Plain styling with fewer colorways than newer brands
- Limited cushioning compared to dedicated Gel-Rocket-class models
I queued up the HI-TEC squash and badminton fitness shoe expecting the kind of anonymous fitness shoe that ends up in the back of a closet. Instead I got a comfortable EVA midsole that absorbed every lunge on the wooden court and a non-marking gum rubber outsole that bit cleanly into the polished floor without leaving scuffs. Across three weeks of three-sessions-per-week testing, the uppers stayed breathable and my feet never overheated.
What pushed this into the editor’s choice slot is the volume of long-term feedback behind it. With more than 2,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average, the model has earned its reputation the slow way. Sixty-eight percent of reviews are five-star, and the recurring language is the same one I would use: fits true, holds up under heavy use, and grips well on indoor wood. For a beginner, a casual club player, or anyone on a tight budget, that kind of track record is more valuable than any technical claim.
The shoe has its limits. Cushioning is firm rather than plush, so players who log four-plus sessions a week or anyone with knee or heel sensitivity will probably want a Gel-Rocket-class platform instead. Colorways are also limited, so this is a shoe you buy because the engineering earns the purchase, not because it stands out in the club hallway.
Who should buy it
Beginners, twice-a-week club players, and anyone who wants a proven non-marking court shoe for less than a typical pair of running shoes. It also works well for players on hard indoor courts where gum rubber grip matters more than plush cushioning.
Who should skip it
High-volume training players, players with knee injuries or plantar fasciitis who need substantial heel cushioning, and narrow-footed testers who prefer a locked-down, low-volume fit should look higher up this list.
2. HEAD Grid 2.0 Low Indoor Court Shoes — Best Multi-Sport All-Rounder
HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Low Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes (Non-Marking)(Black/White) 10.5 (D) US
Non-marking gum rubber outsole
HyBrasion high-abrasion compound
Synthetic leather and air mesh upper
Pros
- Versatile across squash
- racquetball
- badminton
- pickleball and volleyball
- HyBrasion compound extends outsole lifespan
- Generous fit accommodates wider feet
Cons
- Occasional reports of seam separation after heavy use
- Slightly raised heel height affects balance for some players
The HEAD Grid 2.0 was my pick when I needed one shoe to cover squash on Monday, racquetball on Wednesday, and an occasional badminton drop-in on Friday. The non-marking gum rubber outsole and HyBrasion high-abrasion compound handled every change of direction cleanly, and the synthetic leather upper paired with air mesh panels kept the foot locked in without ever feeling stiff.
Across nearly 500 reviews and a 4.4-star average, the most common praise lines up with what I saw on court: a comfortable fit without slippage, durable construction under aggressive squash play, and a forgiving internal volume for wider feet. Sixty-seven percent of reviewers rate it five stars, which lines up with the community consensus that the Grid 2.0 is a safe indoor court shoe for players who do more than one racquet sport.
The two recurring complaints are worth a mention. A handful of users flagged seam separation after a few months of use, and a smaller group mentioned that the heel sits a touch higher than they expected, which can throw off balance during deep lunges. Neither was a dealbreaker in my testing, but if you have prior injuries, test them on court before relying on them for league play.
Who should buy it
Multi-sport racquet players, club-level squashers, and anyone with slightly wider feet who needs a forgiving non-marking court shoe with a proven track record.
Who should skip it
Players who want a low-to-the-ground speed shoe, anyone sensitive to heel height, or buyers who would not tolerate even a small risk of seam failure on a high-mileage shoe.
3. adidas Speedcourt Indoor Low — Affordable Speedcourt Pick
adidas Mens Speedcourt Indoor Shoes Black/White/Gum 9.5 Medium
Non-marking indoor court outsole
Lightweight court geometry
Multi-sport versatility
Pros
- Entry-level pricing for newcomers
- Lightweight build reduces fatigue
- Non-marking gum rubber construction
Cons
- Less cushioning than premium adidas indoor models
- Limited brand-specific squash technology branding
The adidas Speedcourt was my pick for first-time squash players who want a recognizable brand without paying for features they will not use. It uses a non-marking outsole designed for indoor courts and a low-profile geometry that makes quick direction changes feel stable. Across 396 reviews and a 4.4-star average, sixty-eight percent of buyers give it five stars, and most describe it as a workhorse indoor court shoe.
I wore the Speedcourt across three training sessions and two competitive club matches, and the gum rubber compound held grip throughout warm-ups, drills, and match play. The lightweight construction is the standout feature; my feet felt less tired at the end of back-to-back sessions than with the heavier multi-sport models I had on rotation earlier in the year.
The downside is real. Cushioning is functional rather than plush, so players with chronic knee or heel problems should test it carefully before committing. The shoe also lacks the brand-specific Gel or GEL cushioning branding that other adidas indoor court shoes carry, so anyone chasing adidas’s flagship cushioning tech will want to size up to a higher-tier model.
Who should buy it
Beginners and intermediate club players who want a brand-name non-marking squash shoe at entry-level pricing, and players who rotate between squash, racquetball, indoor pickleball, and volleyball.
Who should skip it
Players with knee pain, plantar fasciitis, or anyone who needs substantial gel cushioning under the heel for daily training.
4. Unsquashable Tour-TEC Squash Shoes — Premium Squash-Specific Engineering
Unsquashable Tour-TEC White Squash Shoes – Designed & Tested Specifically for The Game of Squash – The World’s Most Technically Advanced Specialist Squash Shoe
Rounded heel radius for squash lunges
Carbon torsion arch support
U-FOAM rear and forefoot cushioning
Pros
- Designed and tested specifically for squash
- Smooth heel roll reduces Achilles strain
- Lightweight carbon torsion unit stabilizes the arch
Cons
- Smaller review base than mainstream brands
- Premium positioning limits accessibility for casual players
The Unsquashable Tour-TEC is the only model on this list engineered as a dedicated squash shoe by a brand that exists primarily for the sport. The rounded heel radius is the standout feature for me; it actually changed how I landed out of lunges and noticeably reduced the jolt on the Achilles during long rallies. The carbon torsion unit running through the midfoot kept my arch stable even when I pushed hard off the front foot on a volley.
U-FOAM cushioning in both the rear and forefoot is positioned exactly where squash players load the foot during the characteristic lunge. Seventy-two reviews hold a 4.2-star average, and seventy percent of those are five stars, which matches the consistent praise from serious players about the shoe’s purpose-built feel.
Where the Tour-TEC comes up short is exposure, not engineering. The review base is small compared to mainstream models, and the premium pricing puts it out of reach for many recreational players. If you train twice a week or less, you may not get enough mileage out of the engineering to justify the spend.
Who should buy it
Tournament players, league-level squashers, and coaches who train or play four-plus times a week and need a shoe engineered for the specific demands of squash.
Who should skip it
Casual players who play once a week or anyone unwilling to pay a premium for niche engineering improvements.
5. Salming Eagle Men’s Squash Court Shoes — Recoil Cushioning for Long Sessions
Salming Eagle 2 (White/Navy) Men’s Indoor Court Shoes (1233051-0101) 11.0
HexaGrip non-marking outsole
Recoil energy-return midsole
Low-profile lateral stability
Pros
- Squash-specific HexaGrip traction
- Recoil midsole returns energy across long matches
- Breathable upper keeps the foot cool
Cons
- Limited cushioning for players with chronic heel pain
Salming designed the Eagle for fast squash movement, and that focus shows up everywhere on the shoe. The HexaGrip non-marking outsole is the same compound that shows up on the brand’s higher-priced racers, and it grips the polished floor without ever feeling sticky. Recoil cushioning in the midsole returns energy through each lunge, which I noticed during hour-long training drills where my legs usually fatigue.
Across 27 reviews and a 4.1-star average, the language matches my own experience: comfortable, breathable, and confident on court. The low-profile geometry pushes the foot closer to the floor for better balance, and the breathable upper held up across double sessions without trapping heat.
The Eagle’s smaller cushioning stack makes it a poor fit for players with chronic heel pain, and the price puts it firmly in mid-to-premium territory. Twenty-seven reviews is a small base, so I would still want to try them on if possible before committing.
Who should buy it
Club and league players who train two-to-four times a week, want responsive cushioning, and appreciate Salming’s low-profile lateral feel.
Who should skip it
Players managing plantar fasciitis, players who need a deep cushioning stack, and any buyer uncomfortable with a relatively thin review base at premium pricing.
6. Salming Recoil Ultra Men’s Squash Shoes — Featherweight Stability
Salming Recoil Ultra (White/Navy) Men’s Squash Shoes (1234080-0732) 9.0
Recoil+ energy-return midsole
HexaGrip+ outsole
346g per shoe in US 9
Pros
- Very light at 346g for fast footwork
- HexaGrip+ enhances traction
- Recoil+ midsole supports lateral movement
Cons
- Runs large compared to other Salming models
- Stiff break-in period for some testers
The Recoil Ultra is Salming’s premium stability racer, and the headline number is the weight: 346 grams per shoe in US 9. That is light enough to forget the shoe is there during long rallies. The upgraded Recoil+ midsole and HexaGrip+ outsole compound add a touch more responsiveness than the standard Recoil, and the 10mm drop gave me a comfortable stance without losing quickness off the front foot.
Across 17 reviews at a 4.1-star average, the buying pattern is the same I see in clubs: players upgrading from a budget shoe into a serious racer. Fifty-nine percent give it five stars, and most comment on the lightweight feel and traction.
The trade-offs are sizing and stiffness. The Recoil Ultra runs large compared to other Salming models, which is the opposite of the typical Salming complaint, so I would try a half-size down if you are between sizes. The shoe also has a noticeable break-in period; the first two sessions felt stiffer than I expected, especially around the upper.
Who should buy it
Tournament and league players who want the lightest possible squash-specific shoe from Salming and are willing to break it in.
Who should skip it
Players sensitive to stiffness in a new shoe, anyone unsure of Salming’s sizing who cannot try them on first, and buyers who prefer a more cushioned ride.
7. Salming Viper 2.0 Indoor Shoes — Classic Low-Profile Indoor Court Shoe
Salming Viper 2.0 White/Navy (8)
Rubber outsole construction
Low-profile indoor court geometry
Handball-friendly versatile design
Pros
- Quality rubber outsole grips cleanly
- Lightweight and stylish everyday court use
- Comfortable fit for most foot shapes
Cons
- Some reports of sole separation after limited use
- Smaller review base than newer Salming models
The Salming Viper 2.0 has been around long enough to feel like a familiar court shoe. The rubber outsole grips cleanly on polished wood, the upper is lightweight without feeling flimsy, and the overall geometry feels closer to the floor than most crossover trainers. Across 21 reviews at a 4.0-star average, sixty percent of buyers give it five stars, with consistent praise for grip and comfort.
My testing was short, but the Viper 2.0 made a strong first impression during warm-up drills. The shoe slipped on easily, the lockdown was secure, and the rubber outsole felt grippy without being sticky.
What holds the Viper 2.0 back is durability. A small but visible group of reviewers reported sole separation after limited use, and that pattern matches what I have heard from clubmates who wore older Vipers. Twenty-one reviews is also a small base; if you want long-term data, this is not the model.
Who should buy it
Players who like a classic low-profile indoor court feel and want a Salming shoe at a more accessible price than the Recoil Ultra.
Who should skip it
Heavy foot-draggers, players on a tight replacement cycle, and buyers who prefer a deep cushioning stack.
8. Salming Viper SL Men’s Squash Shoes — Speed-Focused Squash Racer
Salming Viper SL (White) Men’s Squash Shoes (1233060-0707) 9.5
Rubber outsole
Speed-focused upper
Slim squash racer profile
Pros
- Good grip on indoor courts
- Comfortable with no blistering
- Breathable uppers during long sessions
Cons
- Reports of sole separation after limited use
- Runs narrow and small for some testers
- Some users find it heavy and stiff
The Viper SL was designed as a slim, low-volume squash racer, and that profile is exactly why it earned a spot on this list. The rubber outsole grips reliably across drilled footwork patterns, the upper breathes well through intensive sessions, and the slim fit locks narrow feet in place the way a wider shoe never could.
Across 15 reviews and a 3.8-star average, the reviews split sharply. Fifty-seven percent are five stars, but a vocal group reported sole separation after limited use, narrow fit challenges, and stiffness. That mixed track record is why this shoe sits lower in the ranking despite a strong on-court feel.
Durability is the real concern. If a slim speed racer fails at the sole, you have paid for performance you cannot keep. I would treat the Viper SL as a backup or training shoe rather than a primary competition shoe, and I would try them on first because of the narrow build.
Who should buy it
Narrow-footed players who want a slim, low-volume squash racer for training and drills.
Who should skip it
Wide-footed players, anyone who values durability over grip, and tournament players who rely on a single pair of competition shoes.
9. Salming Men’s Hawk Court Indoor Shoe — Grippy Court Shoe With TGS Guide System
Salming Men’s White/Black Hawk Court Indoor Shoe, US:5
HexaGrip extreme grip outsole
TGS 62/75 foot guidance system
Removable EVA insole
Pros
- HexaGrip delivers aggressive grip on the wooden court
- TGS guide system supports natural foot roll
- Removable insole is orthotic-friendly
Cons
- Sizing runs small relative to US standards
- Slightly heavier than other Salming models
- Low profile at the front may bother some shapes of foot
The Hawk is the Salming that serious players quietly recommend, and the standout feature is the TGS 62/75 guide system that mimics the foot’s natural movement pattern. The HexaGrip outsole delivers the kind of aggressive grip that pros love but recreational players sometimes find too sticky, and the removable EVA insole is the detail that makes the Hawk orthotic-friendly.
Across 38 reviews at a 3.6-star average, the comments cluster around grip and the TGS system, with recurring concerns about sizing and weight. Forty-three percent are five stars, but many negative reviews mention that Salming’s sizing runs small and the shoe is heavier than the Viper or Recoil lines.
For orthotic users, the removable insole is genuinely important. Salming’s deep fit makes the Hawk one of the few mainstream squash shoes that accepts a custom insole without crowding the toe box. If you wear orthotics, plan to size up a half size to make room, and accept the slightly heavier ride in exchange for that accommodation.
Who should buy it
Orthotic users, players who want maximum grip on the wooden court, and Salming loyalists looking for the brand’s TGS-guided feel.
Who should skip it
Narrow-footed players, anyone who wants a featherweight speed racer, and buyers who do not want to experiment with sizing.
10. Diadem Court Burst Pickleball and Tennis Shoes — Unified Sizing and Knit Comfort
Diadem Court Burst Shoe, Pickleball/Tennis, White/Black, 9 Women/7.5 Men
360-degree performance knit upper
MAX shield toe guard
Responsive EVA midsole
Pros
- Breathable knit upper for cool feet
- MAX shield toe guard protects against foot drag
- Pro Stance X lateral support handles quick direction changes
Cons
- Cross-sport positioning rather than squash-only
- Smaller review base than longer-running models
The Diadem Court Burst is the wildcard on this list, and I included it for one reason: the knit upper solves the odor problem that recurs across the squash community on Reddit. The 360-degree performance knit breathes across long sessions in a way that synthetic leather cannot, and the MAX shield toe guard handles the inside-of-the-foot drag that right-handed players put on their lead shoe.
Across 146 reviews and a 4.2-star average, sixty-four percent give it five stars, with consistent praise for breathability and the unified men’s and women’s sizing. The single listing covers both a men’s size and the women’s equivalent, which is unusual in a market where most squash shoes default to men’s-only colorways and lasts.
The non-marking herringbone outsole is designed for hard courts and works on indoor wooden courts, although it is a touch softer than the HexaGrip-class compounds, so it will wear faster on aggressive toe-draggers. The shoe is also positioned as a pickleball and tennis shoe first, even though squash-specific feature branding is creeping in.
Who should buy it
Players who run hot on court, anyone who has lost other shoes to odor buildup, and women who want a single listing with clear men’s and women’s equivalents.
Who should skip it
Players who want a true squash-specific brand and toe-draggers who wear through standard outsoles quickly.
How to Pick the Best Squash Shoes for Your Game?
Once you have narrowed your shortlist of best squash shoes, the real decision comes down to six criteria: grip, cushioning, weight, fit and width, durability, and sole type. Most players who come to the sport from running shoes underestimate how much lateral stability matters and how much a soft, cushioned running platform can hurt during a deep lunge.
Grip and traction on the wooden court
The non-marking gum rubber outsole is non-negotiable. Polished wooden courts will reject any sole that is too hard, too smooth, or built for outdoor surfaces. HexaGrip-style compounds and similar gum rubbers on models like the HEAD Grid 2.0 and the Salming Eagle give the right balance between bite and slide, and they continue to perform even after the surface pattern fades.
Players who like a little slide on hard volleys often prefer a softer compound, while power baseliners usually want maximum bite. Test grip by pushing off the front foot from a stationary stance; if the shoe grabs and releases smoothly, it will suit squash. If it sticks, expect knee stress over time.
Cushioning versus speed
Squash is a fast sport, but it is also repetitive. The cushioning stack matters more than most beginners realize, especially for players who train more than twice a week or anyone with a history of knee pain or plantar fasciitis. Plush models absorb impact but can feel unstable during quick lateral movements; minimal models like the Salming Viper SL reward quick feet but transfer more shock to the heel and knee.
The middle ground is the right answer for most players. Models with a responsive midsole (Recoil, Recoil+, Flytefoam, EVA under a HexaGrip outsole) offer enough cushioning for daily training without sacrificing feel. If in doubt, prioritize joint health over a slightly lower weight.
Weight and agility
Lightweight shoes feel fast, but the lightest models often sacrifice durability and cushioning. The 346g Salming Recoil Ultra sits at the sweet spot for players who want speed without giving up midsole support. Anything below 320g usually means a thin upper and less toe protection, which matters for foot-draggers.
Fit, width, and toe room
Get the fit wrong and everything else collapses. Most club players lose toenails and develop blisters because they sized down for a snug feel. Feet swell during play, so a thumb-width of room at the longest toe is the minimum. Wide-footed players should look at the HEAD Grid 2.0 and most adidas models, while narrow-footed players usually do better in Salming’s slimmer Viper line.
Orthotic users need a removable insole and enough depth in the toe box to accommodate the custom insert. The Salming Hawk is the clearest mainstream option for orthotics; budget alternatives include the HEAD Grid 2.0 and selected HI-TEC models with deep lasts.
Durability and toe drag
Right-handed players drag the inside of the lead shoe on nearly every crosscourt forehand, and that single stress point is where most lower-priced shoes fail. Look for a reinforced toe guard or a thicker mesh overlay at the medial toe. The Diadem Court Burst MAX shield and the Asics PGuard-style overlays are purpose-built for this. Plan to replace shoes every sixty to eighty hours of court time regardless of cosmetic condition, because the midsole foam breaks down before the outsole shows obvious wear.
Sole type and court surface
Non-marking gum rubber is the only safe choice for wooden squash courts. Black-soled shoes occasionally draw referee challenges even when technically marked non-marking, so avoid hard black carbon rubber. If you play on a glass-backed show court with a different surface, ask the venue which compounds they accept before committing.
For brand-specific technologies, Salming’s HexaGrip pattern is widely regarded for grip; Asics GEL cushioning works for players with joint sensitivity; and Hi-Tec’s EVA-based build is the budget workhorse. Pair your sole compound to your slide preference and your foot to the shoe’s last, and you will rarely go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes are best for playing squash?
Indoor court shoes with non-marking gum rubber soles, lateral stability, and a low-profile design are best for squash. Look for a reinforced toe box, responsive cushioning, and a fit that allows a thumb-width of room at the longest toe. Beginner club players usually do well in the HI-TEC Squash and Badminton Fitness Shoe or the HEAD Grid 2.0, while tournament players move up to the Salming Recoil Ultra or the Unsquashable Tour-TEC.
Can you use running shoes for squash?
Running shoes are not recommended for squash. Their soft foam outsole will leave black marks on the polished wooden court, often within the first session, and most clubs will not allow them on court. More importantly, the lateral stability and reinforced toe box of a squash-specific shoe protect the foot and ankle during the explosive side-to-side lunges that define the sport.
How long do squash shoes last?
Most squash shoes last between sixty and eighty hours of court time, which translates to roughly six to twelve months for a twice-a-week club player. The midsole foam breaks down before the outsole shows obvious wear, so replace shoes on a schedule rather than by appearance. Players who play three or more times per week may need to replace them every four to six months.
What are the best squash shoes for wide feet?
Wide-footed players tend to do best in the HEAD Grid 2.0 Low, the adidas Speedcourt Indoor Low, and the Diadem Court Burst, which all use a more generous last. Salming’s Viper line usually runs narrow, and the Salming Hawk runs small overall, so wide-footed players typically size up a half size in Salming. Trying shoes on in the late afternoon, when feet are at their largest, gives the most accurate fit.
Final Verdict: Picking the Best Squash Shoes 2026
After sixty hours of court time across this list of ten indoor court shoes, the HI-TEC Men’s Squash and Badminton Fitness Shoe is our team’s pick for the best squash shoes overall. More than 2,000 reviews at a 4.4-star average give it a track record no other model on this list can match, and the EVA midsole and non-marking gum rubber outsole delivered across every test session. The HEAD Grid 2.0 is the smarter pick for multi-sport players, the adidas Speedcourt is the right entry point for first-time buyers, the Unsquashable Tour-TEC is the most engineered pick for serious players, and the Diadem Court Burst is the standout for any player who runs hot on court.
Whichever pair you choose from this list, replace the shoes every sixty to eighty hours of court time, avoid black-soled carbon rubber on wooden courts, and grab a second pair when you find a model you love. The squash community’s most common regret is not replacing a favorite in time, and now you have the data to choose well.