Choosing the right squash shoe affects your court performance, prevents injury, and improves comfort across long sessions. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, lab measurements (traction, weight, stack height) and expert and consumer feedback to identify shoes that balance grip, stability, cushioning and durability.
Considerations
How we evaluated shoes
- Real-world on‑court testing: Multiple play sessions (lateral cuts, lunges, fast starts/stops) to assess traction, stability, fit and break-in.
- Technical analysis: Examined midsoles, torsion units, stack heights, outsole compounds and claimed technologies (e.g., carbon torsion, Recoil midsole).
- Expert input: Feedback from coaches and club-level players on feel and injury prevention.
- Consumer feedback & durability: Aggregated buyer reports for common wear points (outsole wear, upper durability, comfort over time).
Key factors that determined rankings: traction/grip, torsional stability, cushioning vs. court feel, weight, fit (true-to-size and width) and value for money. We prioritized models engineered specifically for squash and gave extra weight to shoes that balance court performance with injury prevention.
Salming Viper Pro
A top-tier performance shoe built around Salming’s TGS guide system, RunLite2 midsole and LMS torsion features. Delivers exceptional responsiveness, natural foot movement and lateral stability—ideal for advanced players who demand quick, precise court work and premium construction.
The Salming Viper Pro is aimed at competitive players who want cutting‑edge court performance. Key technologies include the TGS 62/75 guide system for a natural rolling motion, RunLite2 midsole for snappy take-offs and an LMS torsion unit combined with LMS 11° for robust anti-twist stability. At about 310 g (US 9) and a 10 mm drop, the shoe balances responsiveness with protective cushioning. On court it feels fast and secure through lunges and pivots, with excellent forefoot-to-heel transition. Downsides: a premium price and a slightly narrow last for some players, so try on for width if you have broader feet.
Tour-TEC Squash Shoe
A specialist squash shoe developed with pro input, featuring a carbon torsion unit, U‑FOAM cushioning and a rounded heel radius. Blends stability, shock absorption and purposeful design for players aiming to maximise court agility and reduce injury risk.
Engineered specifically for squash, this Tour‑TEC model stands out for its player-driven design. The Carbon Torsion Unit lets the forefoot and rearfoot adapt independently, improving surface contact and stability during rapid direction changes. U‑FOAM cushioning in fore and rear absorbs impact while maintaining a stable base, and the increased rounded heel radius encourages cleaner landings and smoother lunges. In testing it felt reliably stable and protective during repeated lunges, with a confident grip and predictable break-in. It’s an excellent all-rounder for club players and competitive weekenders. Expect a marginally firmer feel initially as the torsion/carbon systems settle in.
Recoil Strike Court Shoe
Balanced performance focused on cushioning and multi-direction grip. Recoil+ midsole and Multidirection Hexagrip outsole provide comfortable landings and secure traction, making this a strong value option for players who want comfort without sacrificing court control.
The Recoil Strike prioritises a comfortable ride through its Recoil+ midsole while the Multidirection Hexagrip outsole provides dependable traction for quick lateral moves. Stack heights (roughly 18 mm heel, 10 mm forefoot) deliver forgiving cushioning without excessive separation from the court. In practice it’s a forgiving shoe for long sessions—less twitchy than ultra‑light racers but still responsive enough for attacking court work. Durability on the outsole proved solid in our wear tests. If you want mid-level cushioning, consistent grip and a shoe that feels comfortable from day one, this is a sensible pick.
Eagle 2 Court Shoe
An affordable, well-rounded entry-level squash shoe with Recoil & C85 midsoles, HexaGrip outsole and KPU Cage Mesh upper. Offers comfort, grip and durability for beginners and club players on a tighter budget.
The Eagle 2 delivers the essentials: Recoil & C85 midsole combination for dependable cushioning, HexaGrip outsole for multi-direction traction and a KPU Cage Mesh upper that balances breathability and durability. Stack: 19 mm heel, 11 mm forefoot gives a slightly higher profile but comfortable cushioning. On court it’s stable and forgiving, especially suitable for newer players or those who want a reliable shoe without specialist features like carbon torsion units. It’s the most wallet-friendly squash‑specific option here and offers great longevity for club-level play. Trade-offs include less advanced torsional control compared with pricier models.
Comparison Overview
Quick comparison of the top models:
- Tour‑TEC Squash Shoe (Editors Choice) — Best overall for most players: specialist design, carbon torsion stability, U‑FOAM cushioning. Great balance of protection and agility.
- Salming Viper Pro (Premium Choice) — Top performance and responsiveness: TGS guide system, RunLite2 midsole, LMS torsion. Best for competitive/advanced players who prioritise speed and court feel.
- Recoil Strike Court Shoe (Best Value for Money) — Comfortable cushioning (Recoil+), Hexagrip traction, durable outsole. Best mid‑range pick for players wanting comfort and durability.
- Eagle 2 Court Shoe (Best Budget Pick) — Affordable, reliable cushioning and grip (Recoil & C85, HexaGrip). Best for beginners and club players on a budget.
Which is best overall? For most players we recommend the Tour‑TEC Squash Shoe as the best overall: it’s engineered specifically for squash, blending stability, cushioning and on‑court agility in a way that reduces common injury risks. If you’re an advanced player chasing maximum responsiveness, the Salming Viper Pro is the premium alternative. If you prioritise comfort and long sessions on a budget, the Recoil Strike or Eagle 2 are strong choices.
Final recommendation
All four shoes passed our performance and durability checks and represent reliable squash-specific options. Choose based on your priorities:
- Beginners / budget-conscious players: Eagle 2 — dependable grip and cushioning at the lowest cost.
- Club players and long sessions: Recoil Strike — comfort-forward cushioning and durable outsole.
- Competitive players seeking balanced performance: Tour‑TEC — best overall for stability, cushioning and purpose-built squash tech.
- Advanced players chasing responsiveness: Salming Viper Pro — premium materials and advanced guidance/torsion systems for explosive movement.
Our recommendations are backed by on-court testing, technical examination of midsole/outsole systems, and aggregated player feedback. Try shoes on in your usual playing socks and, where possible, test with a short on-court session to ensure fit and feel before committing—fit and width can vary between models. If you have any specific needs (wide feet, prior ankle injuries, or heavy indoor play), tell us your priorities and we’ll suggest the best match from this list.