Background and Brand Heritage
Hi-Tec is a British footwear brand that helped popularise dedicated court footwear, introducing one of the first shoes built specifically for squash. Frank van Wezel founded the company in 1974 in Shoeburyness, England, after wanting a lightweight, comfortable shoe for the game he played himself.
That shoe, originally called the Hi-Tec Squash and now sold as the Squash Classic, became a long-running hit. Hi-Tec says it has sold more than 18 million pairs worldwide and calls it Britain's all-time best-selling sports shoe model. In 2024 the company marked the shoe's 50th anniversary, still built to its recognisable retro design.
Hi-Tec later expanded into running, hiking, tennis and other categories, but squash stayed close to its identity. By the late 1970s and through the 1980s, Hi-Tec squash shoes were common on UK courts, prized for being cheap, comfortable and tough.
Players from that era remember Hi-Tec as one of the biggest suppliers of indoor court shoes at the time. The brand built its name on affordable, comfortable, lightweight shoes, which won it a large recreational following.
Historical and Current Models
Hi-Tec's squash line runs from the 1974 original to the more technical designs of the 2000s and 2010s. The notable models:
| Model (year) | Key features | Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Squash Classic (1974, still produced) | Leather or suede and mesh upper, EVA midsole, non-marking gum rubber outsole for traction; heavier than most modern court shoes | The original squash shoe and the brand's best seller, valued for its retro style, durability and low price |
| Adrenalin Pro (2000s) | Lighter design with a Comfort-Tec cushioned footbed, a CMEVA midsole for better shock absorption, and a mesh, PU and nubuck upper for breathability and support | A mid-range performance shoe of the period, more cushioned than the Classic while staying reasonably priced |
| V-Lite Infinity Flare (2012) | 4:SYS multi-density midsole that Hi-Tec said reduced loading rates by up to 35 percent, a heel impact zone, an external TPU heel counter, a seamless upper, and lightweight V-Lite construction | Flagship shoe developed with three-time World Champion Nick Matthew, who called it the most supportive and cushioned squash shoe he had worn; higher price tier |
| Adrenalin Pro Elite / Ad Pro Elite (2015) | Evolution of the Infinity Flare with a variable lacing system, a TPU midfoot shank, a CMEVA midsole and a drop-in heel cushioning pad | Again developed with Nick Matthew, who first wore it at the US Open; now discontinued and hard to find |
| Viper Court (2010s) | Lighter multi-court shoe in men's and women's versions, including a White/Lilac colourway for women, with a mesh and PU upper and a removable insole | Aimed at casual and club players at a moderate price of roughly 60 to 65 US dollars |
The Squash Classic built Hi-Tec's reputation; later shoes like the Adrenalin Pro and Infinity Flare show the brand trying to keep pace with performance technology. Today the range has narrowed, and Hi-Tec has mostly stepped back from new squash-specific models.
The main squash shoe on Hi-Tec's official website now is the Squash Classic reissue, sold as a unisex trainer in the familiar white and green colourway and marketed as the world's first squash trainer. It is unchanged from the original design.
In South Africa, Hi-Tec sells a Squash Classic OG 50th-anniversary edition with a recycled foam midsole and vegan suede, though the same classic look. The other models, like the Infinity Flare and Viper Court, are discontinued; stock still turns up occasionally at online retailers or in clearance sales.
Performance and On-Court Design
Hi-Tec's squash performance splits into two eras: the heritage Classic, and the higher-tech models Hi-Tec built in the 2000s and 2010s.
Traction and grip
Every Hi-Tec squash shoe uses a non-marking gum rubber outsole, long one of the line's strengths. Gum rubber grips well on indoor courts, and the Classic's sole gets consistent praise for its hold on wood and other surfaces; the sticky rubber lets you stop and change direction sharply.
Even fifty years on, the Squash Classic keeps a stable, flat base that suits casual play and training, and Hi-Tec says it holds up outdoors on concrete too. Grip is rarely a complaint.
Stability and support
The Classic's sole is flat and broad, giving a low, stable feel that also shows its age: it carries less lateral support and midsole structure than newer squash shoes. Reviewers have called it heavy and flat-footed, a shape out of the 1980s.
Arch support is minimal, and the midsole is simple EVA foam. The foot plants firmly, but the shoe absorbs hard landings and aggressive lunges less effectively than modern designs, and faster or heavier players sometimes find the heel cushioning thin. It is a flat, no-frills court feel, in exchange for the lateral structure current shoes build in.
Hi-Tec's later performance models addressed this directly. The V-Lite Infinity Flare (2012) and the Ad Pro Elite (2015) added midfoot TPU shanks, external heel counters and a 4:SYS cushioned midsole, which Hi-Tec said cut loading rates by up to 35 percent. The Infinity Flare also added forefoot ESS inserts and a reinforced toe guard for quick lateral movement. Nick Matthew called it the most supportive, cushioned squash shoe he had worn.
Both models were far lighter than the leather Classic, part of Hi-Tec's V-Lite push to cut weight without giving up durability, and matched rival shoes of their era on shock absorption and support. The catch: they cost more, and production ended years ago, so finding a pair now takes some searching.
Speed and agility
The Classic's weight and shape were never built for explosive movement; reviewers describe it as heavy and slow to respond. That rarely matters for a beginner or casual club player, many of whom wear the shoes for years without issue, but competitive players today generally want something lighter.
The Infinity Flare felt fast by comparison: players who tried it reported quicker footwork and less fatigue over long matches, helped by the asymmetrical lacing Hi-Tec used across its V-Lite range for a closer fit. With those models gone, Hi-Tec no longer makes a shoe aimed at speed-focused advanced players beyond whatever stock remains.
Today's Hi-Tec squash shoe, the Classic, delivers solid grip and stability but not the heavily cushioned, structured ride of modern shoes like the Asics Gel line or Salming.
Comfort and Fit
Initial comfort
The original 1974 Hi-Tec Squash felt comfortable straight out of the box, and that has stayed true across five decades. The Squash Classic uses a soft nubuck leather and mesh upper that flexes and breathes, with padding at the ankle collar and tongue.
Wider-footed players in particular find the roomy toe box comfortable for casual wear and light sport, and some wear the same pair for years across both squash and badminton.
Cushioning
The midsole is EVA foam, with Ortholite insoles in some models. It gives a solid court feel for normal play, but on the basic Classic the cushioning runs thin, and players used to gel or air midsoles may notice it during high-impact movement, especially through the heel on longer sessions. Some players who have moved away from Hi-Tecs cite exactly this: not enough heel cushioning for hard, repeated impact, even where the shoe holds up fine for general use.
Others disagree. Plenty of long-time players find the Classic comfortable, in some cases more so than pricier alternatives. The leather and mesh mould to the foot after a few wears, and the design does not pinch.
Hi-Tec's later models improved on this. The Infinity Flare's more advanced midsole gave a noticeably softer ride than the original Classic.
Fit and sizing
Hi-Tec squash shoes run true to size with a fairly standard, slightly wide fit. They are unisex, sold across a broad men's and women's size range, with traditional lacing for a firm lockdown.
There is nothing high-tech about the fit: no inner booties, no cinching systems, just a simple design that works for most feet. The leather upper needs a short break-in period, and some players get blisters in the first few wears until it softens; good socks and adjusted lacing tension help, and once broken in, the leather settles in for the long term.
Modern lightweight shoes from other brands often use knit uppers or advanced fit systems for a snugger, more glove-like feel. The Hi-Tec Classic feels closer to a traditional sneaker, bulkier and more cushioned around the foot, which some players who dislike the stiff, tight fit of high-end shoes actually prefer.
Ventilation
Mesh panels give the Classic some breathability, though not as much as a fully mesh modern shoe like the Salming Kobra, so feet run warmer over long sessions. For most indoor play the ventilation is adequate, and newer heritage editions like the Squash Classic OG add moisture-wicking linings to help.
Comfort is one of the Classic's real strengths for casual players: put it on and forget about it. Competitive players chasing high-rebound cushioning, or anyone with a history of foot injuries, will likely find that insufficient for hard, repeated play and should look elsewhere.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability built much of the Squash Classic's reputation. The construction uses leather overlays at the toe and heel, double stitching through high-wear sections, and a thick, abrasion-resistant gum outsole, and it shows: a pair lasting a full season or more of regular play is common among club players. Key durability features:
- A nubuck or suede upper that resists toe drag.
- Punched eyelets less prone to tearing under lacing stress.
- A simple cupsole construction that resists delamination.
That said, durability complaints do surface, mostly around recent reissues. Some veteran players think the current Squash Classic, likely made in different factories than the original, wears faster than the shoes they remember from decades ago. A small number report much worse: pairs failing within a week or two, which looks like a manufacturing defect or unusually harsh use rather than the norm, since most reviews describe the opposite, a cheap shoe that outlasts expectations.
Against lighter competitors the Classic's simpler, heavier build is an advantage. Ultralight shoes from Salming or Eye Rackets trade durability for weight, and Eye's S-Line in particular has a reputation for wearing out fast despite a price tag above 100 pounds. A Hi-Tec's full leather panels can outlast that kind of thin-mesh construction, which is why many players keep a pair as a backup or training shoe.
Sole wear: on wood courts the gum sole holds up well, though the tread wears down eventually like any shoe. Outdoors on concrete it abrades faster, and the outsole can separate if the glue ages, typically after a year or two rather than a few weeks.
Overall, durability is a genuine strength relative to the competition. Some long-time users think today's pairs are not quite as tough as older ones, but even those still tend to meet or beat the durability of similarly priced shoes. Basic care, wiping dust off the outsole and airing the shoes out after use, extends that further.
Price Range and Value
Affordability has always been part of Hi-Tec's pitch. The Squash Classic typically runs 35 to 50 pounds (about 50 to 65 US dollars) at full retail, often less on sale, sometimes 20 to 40 pounds at discount retailers, which puts it firmly in the budget to lower-mid tier of court shoes.
For comparison, squash shoes from Asics, Salming or Adidas start around 70 pounds and run past 120 for top models, so Hi-Tec undercuts most of the market. It was cheaper still in past decades: players recall finding pairs for well under 20 pounds at discount stores, and large UK chains still occasionally clear stock under 30 pounds.
For the price, a Hi-Tec gets you a fully functional court shoe: a non-marking sole, real cushioning, decent comfort and durability, well ahead of playing in running shoes or generic sneakers. That is a strong cost-to-benefit ratio for anyone learning the game or playing casually.
Hi-Tec's high-end push told a different story. The Infinity Flare and Ad Pro Elite launched around 80 to 100 pounds, in line with top Asics Gel models of the time. Even then Hi-Tec slightly undercut the biggest brands, but its budget image worked against it: buyers expecting premium performance chose more established names instead, which likely explains why that push did not last.
Longevity factors into value too. A budget Hi-Tec that lasts six to twelve months of regular play can beat a 100-pound shoe that lasts the same time, which happens with some lightweight models. Players who are rough on their shoes, or who play often, can buy two pairs of Hi-Tecs across two years for less than one premium pair a year.
Schools and clubs buy Hi-Tecs in bulk as loaner pairs for exactly this reason. You give up the latest performance technology, but at four-star average ratings across retailers, most buyers who know what they are getting come away satisfied.
Customer Reviews and User Feedback
Feedback on Hi-Tec squash shoes splits sharply: nostalgic loyalty on one side, pointed criticism on the other.
What long-time users like
Players who have used Hi-Tecs for squash or badminton for years consistently cite comfort, grip and durability as reasons they stick with the brand. This group tends not to chase new gear, values the unchanged design, and appreciates that the shoes never got expensive. Some wear them as everyday casual sneakers for the retro look alone.
What beginners get out of them
New and occasional players who buy Hi-Tecs as their first squash shoe are usually satisfied, at least at first: the shoes feel stable and grippy compared with running shoes, and the low price removes a barrier to getting proper footwear at all. Many describe an immediate improvement, simply no longer slipping on court.
Where advanced players push back
Experienced and competitive players are more critical. The recurring complaint is a 50-year-old design that has not moved while the sport has, especially set against Asics Gel models. Players who switch describe the difference as dramatic, and the specific criticisms centre on weight, hard or flat cushioning, and support that cannot keep up with aggressive movement; some report blisters and soreness.
Durability opinions
Most reviews describe the shoes holding up well, sometimes surprisingly so for the price. A minority report quality problems, occasionally severe, like a pair wearing out in weeks rather than months, which looks like a bad batch more than a pattern. The more common complaint, when it comes up, is that recent pairs feel less sturdy than older ones while remaining acceptable overall.
Ratings
Retail ratings for the Squash Classic average 3.5 to 4 out of 5. Five-star reviews tend to mention nostalgia or simply that the shoe did its job; two- and three-star reviews cite comfort and performance limits against pricier options. Even after review-authenticity checks strip out questionable ratings, the adjusted score on major listings still lands near 4.3 out of 5.
A following beyond squash
The Squash Classic has its own following in sneaker culture, entirely separate from squash performance, built around its white leather with green or gum accents; Hi-Tec has run fashion collaborations to capitalise on that. Some buyers wear the shoes purely as street footwear and never set foot on a court in them, which only adds to the shoe's overall reputation.
The pattern across all this feedback: casual and nostalgic users are largely happy, competitive players think a better shoe is worth the money, and both groups have a point.
Comparison with Other Major Squash Shoe Brands
Here is how Hi-Tec stacks up against the other names in squash footwear: Asics, Salming, Adidas, Eye Rackets, and others including Mizuno and Prince.
Asics
Asics is the sport's leading brand today. Models like the Gel Blade, Gel Tactic and Gel Fastball combine Gel cushioning with strong support and a balanced feel, and beat the Hi-Tec Classic on both cushioning and arch support; players who switch from Hi-Tec to Asics often call it transformative.
Asics shoes also run lighter on average, and PSA Tour professionals wear them widely, the Gel Fastball among the models seen on tour. They cost more, usually 70 to 100 pounds. A tight-budget beginner can start on a Hi-Tec and expect it to hold up while deciding whether to invest, though an Asics will feel more modern and plush from the first wear. On durability the two run close, though a Hi-Tec's simpler build can outlast some Asics models; Asics does offer wider fit options that Hi-Tec's single shape does not.
Salming
The Swedish brand built its name in the 2010s as a squash-specific performance line. The Kobra, Viper and Hawk are ultra-light, low to the ground and flexible, close to the opposite of the Hi-Tec Classic in both design and feel, though their cushioning stays minimal.
Salming shoes are expensive, often above 100 pounds, and some users report the lightweight build wearing out faster at the sole or upper. A Hi-Tec will not match a Salming for speed or responsiveness, but it costs a fraction of the price and often lasts longer; an intermediate player could buy several pairs of Hi-Tecs for one Kobra. Tournament players still make the trade, because performance at that level outweighs the cost.
Adidas
Adidas has made indoor court shoes for years, the Stabil series and Court Control among them, worn by squash professionals alongside other racket sports. The shoes favour stability and durability, with robust uppers, Adiprene cushioning and a build philosophy closer to Hi-Tec's than most competitors, just built with newer technology.
The Stabil Next Gen adds TPU sidewalls for lateral support and a lockdown fit the Hi-Tec does not offer. High-end Adidas models run 80 to 110 pounds with a snugger, more ergonomic fit and better heel cushioning, though mid-range Adidas around 50 pounds competes more directly with Hi-Tec on price while still feeling more current.
Eye Rackets
Eye, known first for its rackets, entered squash shoes recently with heavy marketing and pro endorsements. The S-Line and X-Line use knit uppers and minimal soles for an ultra-light, style-forward shoe aimed at advanced players, priced around 100 pounds.
Durability is the recurring criticism: reports of the S-Line wearing through within a couple of months, faster than most other shoes on the market, a direct consequence of how light the materials are. A Hi-Tec will never feel as light or glove-like, but it holds up far better, and runs true to size and roomier where Eye shoes tend to fit small and narrow. The two brands are not really competing for the same buyer.
Mizuno and others
Mizuno makes no squash-specific shoe, but its indoor volleyball line, the Wave Momentum and Thunder Blade, draws squash players who want durability and support, usually priced 70 to 100 pounds. Both beat the Hi-Tec Classic on cushioning and support, though some find the fit stiffer.
Prince's NFS series offers a wide, comfortable fit but has a much smaller market presence now than in Prince's traditional, mid-priced heyday, which once resembled Hi-Tec's positioning closely. Karakal and Tecnifibre sit around 50 pounds as alternatives, though none carry Hi-Tec's history.
Hi-Tec's position is the budget, entry-level end of the market, while Asics and Salming own the performance tier. On price it is the cheapest real squash shoe available; on durability it matches or beats most rivals, likely outlasting the lightest Eye and Salming models while holding its own against sturdier shoes like Mizuno and Adidas; on comfort it is solid but lacks the advanced cushioning Asics and similar brands offer; on performance it trails virtually every current model from the major brands.
A beginner gets a genuinely inexpensive way in before deciding whether to spend more. A serious player gets real performance gains from Asics, Adidas or Salming that justify the higher cost, and given how much money already goes into rackets and strings, footwear is one of the cheaper places to invest against a foot injury that could end a season.
Suitability for Different Skill Levels
Beginners and casual players
This is where the Squash Classic fits best. A new or occasional player gets a non-marking sole, solid grip and enough support for the slower pace beginners typically play at, without the weight or cushioning gaps that matter more at higher intensity. Spending less on shoes also leaves more budget for a racket or coaching, and a stable, grippy shoe helps prevent the slips and rolled ankles common while still learning to move on court. Coming from running or cross-training shoes, switching to a Hi-Tec is a real upgrade in both safety and performance.
Intermediate players
Here the fit gets more conditional. As players move faster and hit harder, they start asking more of a shoe's cushioning, lateral stability and responsiveness, and this is exactly where the Classic's limits begin to show: sore feet or heels after aggressive sessions, a clunky feel chasing hard shots. Plenty of intermediates play through it without issue, especially with a gentler style or a preference for the familiar comfort and lower cost, but athletic, frequent players tend to outgrow the shoe and move to something more supportive sooner rather than later.
Advanced and competitive players
For tournament and high-level play, the Classic is not a realistic primary shoe. The technology is decades old, and the thin cushioning carries real injury risk under the loads competitive squash puts on a foot. Virtually no professional or top amateur wears it in competition now; the last time Hi-Tec appeared at the top level was Nick Matthew in the Ad Pro Elite at the 2015 US Open, a shoe built with genuine modern technology that bears little resemblance to today's Classic.
Advanced players choose Asics, Adidas, Salming or specialised brands like Harrow or Mizuno instead, all of which support the intense lateral movement the Classic's flat, unstructured build cannot match. The one scenario where a Hi-Tec still shows up at this level is as a training shoe: heavier and tougher, worn to save an expensive match shoe from wear, though this is more anecdote than common practice. More often, an advanced player's pair of Hi-Tecs stays a nostalgic keepsake rather than serious kit.
Hi-Tec's real audience is beginners and casual intermediates: an economical, adequate shoe while a player develops or plays socially. Past that level, most players benefit from moving up, though nothing stops a longtime fan of the classic feel from sticking with it as long as they stay injury-free.
Where to Buy Hi-Tec Squash Shoes
Sporting goods retailers
Large sports chains and online stores stock Hi-Tec squash shoes in their court or indoor section. In the UK, Sports Direct regularly carries the Classic, sometimes labelled a squash trainer or court shoe, often discounted by as much as half off list price. Sweatband, PDH Sports and TennisNuts have also sold Hi-Tec squash shoes in the UK; in North America, racquet-sport retailers stock it less often, usually filed under indoor court or racquetball.
Online marketplaces
Amazon carries the Squash Classic reliably, commonly 50 to 65 US dollars through third-party sellers or the Hi-Tec store, sometimes with free shipping; reviews there are mixed, worth reading before buying. eBay is a good source too, since the design has not changed in decades, so older stock still serves well, sometimes new for under 40 US dollars. Check that any eBay seller is reputable and the listing is the genuine squash model rather than a similar-looking Hi-Tec indoor shoe.
Hi-Tec official website
Hi-Tec's regional sites sell the Squash Classic directly at standard retail price, with the full size range and occasional promotions like sign-up discounts or seasonal sales. The trade-off is shipping cost outside your region and stock that can run out in popular sizes. South Africa's site carries the OG anniversary edition, which on sale runs to roughly 50 US dollars.
Specialist squash retailers
Coverage here is patchy. Some squash pro shops stock Hi-Tec because coaches recommend it to beginners, and clubs sometimes keep a few pairs on hand as spares. Badminton equipment stores carry it occasionally too, since the requirements, a non-marking sole and solid grip, overlap.
Pricing notes
Expect to pay around 50 US dollars, or 35 to 50 pounds at full retail, less on sale. Anything above 80 dollars from a boutique or third-party listing is overpriced; shop around instead. Clearance sales around holidays or year-end can drop the price to roughly 25 pounds. Be wary of unusually low prices on unfamiliar sites, and stick to reputable sellers. Older discontinued models like the Infinity Flare or Ad Pro Elite turn up occasionally on eBay or as leftover retailer stock, sometimes a genuine bargain, though sizing is hit or miss.
Hi-Tec sizes run in UK sizing on most sites, so check the conversion chart if ordering from the US or elsewhere; fit runs true to size, so your normal size should work.
Conclusion
Hi-Tec squash shoes occupy a specific place in the sport: a piece of its history, and still a practical budget option today. From the first squash-specific shoe in 1974 to the years its flagship models appeared on a world champion's feet, Hi-Tec has left a real mark on squash footwear.
The shoes deliver solid grip, basic stability, and good comfort and durability for the price. Value for money is where Hi-Tec stands out, and it makes the sport accessible without a large outlay on gear.
Where the current lineup falls short is technology: the Squash Classic has not changed while squash has grown faster and more athletic, and players chasing serious cushioning, support or lightweight agility will find better options elsewhere. Experienced players broadly agree the Classic is adequate, not exceptional.
Beginners, recreational players and anyone who wants a classic, no-fuss shoe are well served here, and the sentimental pull keeps longtime fans buying. Britain's all-time best-selling sports shoe model earned that title by meeting the basic needs of millions of players, and that legacy holds regardless of where the technology has moved on.
Hi-Tec squash shoes are not the choice for a national champion, but for most players across most levels, they remain dependable, affordable, and exactly what they claim to be. Whether you are buying your first pair or your fifth, you are stepping into a small piece of squash history either way.
