Overview and Criteria
Identifying the most popular men's professional-grade squash shoes for the current season involves weighing several factors. Here, popularity reflects a mix of sales and best-seller rankings, customer reviews and ratings, and use by professional players.
We drew on global squash retailers (such as SquashGear, SquashGalaxy and PDH Sports), general sports outlets (Amazon, Decathlon, Pro:Direct) and manufacturer sites to compile a list of top models. These shoes are widely recognised and span all price ranges, from affordable entry-level options to premium high-performance pairs.
Factors considered:
- Sales and best-sellers: We looked at squash shoe best-seller lists and retail trends to see which models stay in demand. On SquashGear and SquashGalaxy, for instance, certain ASICS models such as the Gel-Rocket series regularly appear among the top sellers.
- Customer reviews: User ratings and feedback were reviewed from Amazon, Zappos and squash specialty shops. High average ratings (around 4 or more out of 5) and positive comments on comfort, durability and performance point to a popular shoe.
- Pro player use: We noted which shoes are worn by professional players on the PSA World Tour in recent tournaments. Use by top pros raises a shoe's profile. In some cases, shoes not officially sponsored by a brand are still chosen by pros for their performance, with several top players wearing ASICS models by personal preference.
Using these criteria, we compiled the season's most popular squash shoes for men, with their key attributes set out below.
Comparison of Top Squash Shoe Models
The following models emerged as the most popular professional-grade squash shoes this season, ranging from budget-friendly to premium. For each shoe we summarise key features, customer feedback, pro use and availability.
| Model | Brand | Price (USD) | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 | ASICS | 60 to 70 | Budget |
| ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 | ASICS | around 100 | Mid-range |
| ASICS Blade FF | ASICS | around 120 | Mid to high |
| ASICS Powerbreak FF | ASICS | 130 to 140 | Premium |
| Salming Viper Pro | Salming | 140 to 150 | Premium |
| Adidas Crazyflight | Adidas | around 120 | Mid to high |
| K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 | K-Swiss | 100 to 110 | Mid-range |
| Eye Rackets S-Line 2.0 | Eye | 120 to 130 | Premium |
| Unsquashable Tour-Tec Pro | Unsquashable | 120 to 150 | Premium |
ASICS Gel-Rocket 11
Brand: ASICS. Price: roughly 60 to 70 USD (budget).
Key features: A stable, low-to-the-ground indoor shoe with a TPU Trusstic application in the midsole for midfoot stability and GEL cushioning for shock absorption. A breathable, flexible mesh upper adds comfort, and a wrap-up outsole and outrigger support side-to-side movement.
Customer feedback: Highly rated by club players. Described as light, soft and flexible yet stable, which makes it a staple indoor shoe. Good value for comfort and durability.
Pro use: Worn by a range of players, including some on tour and in collegiate play, though it is not tied to one star. A common choice for competitive amateurs.
Availability: Widely available through Amazon, major sports retailers and squash pro shops worldwide.
ASICS Gel-Tactic 12
Brand: ASICS. Price: around 100 USD (mid-range).
Key features: A balanced all-rounder with a good mix of comfort and durability for the price. The softer, more flexible mesh upper has print reinforcement for lateral support, rearfoot GEL cushioning, and Trusstic technology on the lateral midsole to add midfoot stability. The non-marking sole grips well and fits a little wider in the forefoot.
Customer feedback: Well reviewed as a dependable everyday shoe and often rated among the better mid-range options for its comfort-to-price ratio. Users value its reliable stability and decent cushioning for regular play.
Pro use: No major individual endorsement; commonly seen on advanced amateurs and juniors, and often recommended for developing players.
Availability: Widely sold via squash retailers and online (SquashGear, SquashGalaxy, Amazon, ASICS outlets).
ASICS Blade FF
Brand: ASICS. Price: around 120 USD (mid to high).
Key features: A lightweight, speed-oriented shoe built for quick multi-directional movement, with a FlyteFoam midsole for responsive, lightweight cushioning (FF stands for FlyteFoam). Minimal reinforcement films keep weight down, a raised heel drop aids forward transitions, and X Guidance supports court coverage. It tends to fit snug and narrow for a locked-in feel.
Customer feedback: Praised by advanced players for agility and a fast, low-to-the-court feel, with good support during hard lunges. Some note the toe box is narrow, so it may not suit wide feet.
Pro use: Ali Farag, a multiple-time World Champion, has worn ASICS Blade shoes. The Blade line is favoured by pros who value speed and low weight over maximum cushioning.
Availability: Sold through ASICS and specialty retailers, often in squash and badminton stores, and via online outlets. Less commonly stocked in general sports stores.
ASICS Powerbreak FF
Brand: ASICS. Price: roughly 130 to 140 USD (premium).
Key features: ASICS' current flagship court shoe, replacing the Blast FF, engineered for aggressive movement. STABITRUSS technology in the sidewall adds rearfoot and forefoot stability and extends onto the midfoot, while a wider sole gives a stable platform for landings. The updated upper uses more flexible, supportive materials.
Customer feedback: As a newer release, formal reviews are still building, but early feedback highlights strong support, shock absorption and grip. It is heavier than speed-oriented shoes but very secure for players who want extra support.
Pro use: Joel Makin, a top-ten player, has competed in the preceding Blast FF, which suggests the Powerbreak line will appeal to pros who prioritise stability and injury prevention.
Availability: Broadly available through ASICS retailers and squash specialists, and carried in many indoor sports outlets.
Salming Viper Pro
Brand: Salming (Sweden). Price: roughly 140 to 150 USD (premium).
Key features: A lightweight speed shoe with a layered ViperSKIN upper (mesh, exoskeleton and ripstop for support and durability). A sticky XR110 gum-rubber outsole gives strong grip, and a RollBar on the medial side aids push-offs to the ball. An LMS torsion unit supports the ankle during hard cuts.
Customer feedback: Well regarded by advanced players for its light, fast feel and excellent traction. Some users report better durability in this model than in earlier Salming shoes.
Pro use: Tarek Momen competes in Salming Viper shoes, fitting given his nickname, "The Viper."
Availability: Sold mainly through squash specialty stores and online retailers such as PDH Sports and SquashGear. Available in Europe, North America and Asia via niche sports e-shops, and less common in general sports stores.
Adidas Crazyflight
Brand: Adidas (Germany). Price: around 120 USD (mid to high). Note: this is a unisex indoor court shoe originally built for volleyball.
Key features: A Boost midsole framed by EVA gives springy cushioning and energy return with stability during sideways movement. A breathable mesh upper with TPU reinforcement supports jumps and quick moves, and a grippy rubber outsole provides indoor traction.
Customer feedback: Popular across indoor sports and well rated. Users describe it as lightweight and comfortable and praise the responsive cushioning. Some squash players moving from squash-specific shoes notice a slightly different grip feel but tend to adjust quickly.
Pro use: Paul Coll, a former World No. 1 and British Open champion, switched to the Crazyflight in 2023 and has reviewed it publicly, which raised its profile in squash.
Availability: Very widely available through Adidas stores, large sporting-goods retailers and online marketplaces, including Amazon and PDH Sports, often in several colourways thanks to the volleyball market.
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
Brand: K-Swiss (United States). Price: roughly 100 to 110 USD (mid-range). Note: a tennis shoe that adapts well to squash.
Key features: A comfort-focused court shoe with plush cushioning and a roomier fit, good for wider feet. A Surgelite midsole keeps it light for its class, and a durable Aosta 7.0 rubber outsole with a modified herringbone tread gives strong traction and wear on indoor courts. A flexible, largely seamless upper provides running-shoe comfort with support for lateral movement.
Customer feedback: Praised for comfort, especially by players with wider feet, who often call it one of the most comfortable court shoes they have worn. The generous fit reduces blisters and pressure points. It is a little heavier than ultra-light squash shoes but feels quick for its size.
Pro use: No prominent squash endorsements, as K-Swiss is not a tour sponsor. It has grown by word of mouth and is a common sight at amateur tournaments among players who value comfort. A wide-width version is also available.
Availability: Broadly available through tennis equipment channels, online shoe stores and Amazon.
Eye Rackets S-Line 2.0
Brand: Eye (Netherlands). Price: roughly 120 to 130 USD (premium).
Key features: A squash-specific design pairing a cushioned sole with a stable, durable upper. A gum-rubber non-marking outsole gives strong traction, and a lightweight chassis allows quick direction changes. Bold colourways are a hallmark, and the shoe runs a little small, so many users size up.
Customer feedback: Generally positive among squash players, with praise for traction and lateral support that help prevent slipping. The low-profile design aids agility. Some long-term users note heavy use can wear the toe or sole edge over months, and careful sizing is advised due to the snug fit.
Pro use: Mostafa Asal, the 2025 Men's World Champion and a recent World No. 1, has a sponsorship deal to wear Eye S-Line shoes in competition. Several other players sponsored by Eye for racquets also use the S-Line.
Availability: Somewhat limited. Eye is a niche squash brand, with shoes sold through squash specialty retailers and Eye's official channels. Widely available in Europe; in North America, found at squash pro shops and online (such as SquashGear). Not typically sold by general sports chains.
Unsquashable Tour-Tec Pro
Brand: Unsquashable (United Kingdom). Price: roughly 120 to 150 USD (premium).
Key features: A squash specialist shoe that combines lightweight construction with stability and comfort. U-FOAM cushioning in the rear and forefoot absorbs impact, a carbon torsion unit supports the arch and lets the forefoot and rearfoot move independently, and an AbraZone gum-rubber outsole provides durable grip on all court floors. A moulded heel cup and supportive upper lock the foot in place.
Customer feedback: Strong among serious players, who often rate it a top contender for blending stability, cushioning and agility. Users highlight the heel support and the long-lasting grip of the outsole, and customer reviews on the Unsquashable site praise cushioning, support and durability.
Pro use: James Willstrop, a former World No. 1 and World Champion, is the lead endorser and wears the Tour-Tec Pro in competition. Unsquashable lists a number of other touring pros among its users.
Availability: Sold mainly through squash-specific channels, including Unsquashable's own site and partners in the UK and EU, and select retailers such as PDH Sports. In North America and Asia, players often order online from specialty shops, as it is not carried by mainstream athletic stores.
Additional Notes and Conclusion
All of these shoes have earned their place through performance and trust within the squash community. Personal fit and preference matter a great deal: a very lightweight shoe that suits one player may not suit another who needs more cushioning or a wider fit. Some players favour the speed of the Salming Viper Pro, while others prefer the plush comfort of the K-Swiss Hypercourt.
On price, there are good options at every budget. Entry-level models such as the ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 and the ASICS Upcourt series show that you can get reliable performance without spending heavily, as their sales and reviews suggest. At the other end, premium shoes such as the Unsquashable Tour-Tec Pro and the ASICS Powerbreak FF justify their cost with advanced technology aimed at players seeking top-tier support and longevity.
Professional use has put a spotlight on a few models this season, notably Paul Coll's switch to the Adidas Crazyflight and Ali Farag's long association with ASICS Blade shoes, which have driven interest in those lines. Brands such as Unsquashable and Eye, meanwhile, have built on their links with players like Willstrop and Asal to grow in the shoe market with squash-specific designs.
On availability, mainstream brands (ASICS, Adidas, K-Swiss) are easier to find through general sports retailers, while squash-focused brands (Salming, Eye, Unsquashable) usually require buying through specialised outlets. Online retailers and international shipping continue to make these models easier to obtain in most regions.
In short, the season's popular squash shoes cover a range of needs:
- For lightweight speed: the Salming Viper Pro and ASICS Blade FF stand out.
- For maximum stability and support: the ASICS Powerbreak FF and Unsquashable Tour-Tec Pro are strong picks.
- For all-around comfort: the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 and ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 are good choices.
- For value: the ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 remains a reliable best-seller.
Each model above has proven itself in competition and everyday use. As always, players should weigh their own foot shape, play style and any injury concerns when choosing a shoe, then pick a pair that fits both their game and their budget.
