Are you on a quest to find the best racquetball shoes?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of products to bring you the best racquetball shoes.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Racquetball Shoes Buyer’s Guide
- …
I will also answer some common questions.
- What are a few of the best benefits associated with playing racquetball?
- Can I use my tennis shoes on a racquetball court?
- Are there different racquetball shoes for women and men?
- Is ankle support necessary in racquetball shoes?
- Should my soles be a bit slippery to help with gliding?
- Is air-mesh important in my racquetball shoes?
- Are outdoor and indoor racquetball shoes different?
- Is it necessary to invest in one of the top brands?
- What tips should I keep in mind when playing this sport in general?
- …
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Top 6 Picks
For Men
In a hurry? Here are the winners.
For Women
In a hurry? Here are the winners.
Chief Editor
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Hours Researching
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Products Evaluated
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Reviews Considered
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Researched Sources
Introduction
Racquetball is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that requires the proper footwear to play and effectively compete in. The continuous switching between lateral, backward, and forward movement in addition to the special coating on indoor racquetball courts means you definitely need to play in some high-quality racquetball shoes.
Selecting the proper footwear is critical and will help you improve your game. Keep in mind, it is definitely worth considering the racquetball shoes you wear while you are playing.
There are many different designs and brands of racquetball shoes that are available in the marketplace right now, so there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
The very best racquetball shoes will provide you with the protection that you need and improve your movement as well as allow you to play at your maximum potential.
Best Racquetball Shoes for Men
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 7
- Volleyball shoe with lightweight mesh upper featuring...
- Molded-EVA midsole
- Court-specific Forefoot GEL Cushioning system
- Trusstic System
- NC Rubber outsole
Were you aware of the fact that volleyball shoes can provide outstanding traction? It isn’t surprising that racquetball players often choose to wear volleyball shoes. The ASICS Gel-Rocket 7 Men’s Volleyball Shoes is one of the more popular models.
Let’s discuss the shoe’s most compelling feature first. That is the outstanding combination of GEL cushioning and EVA molded midsoles. The midsoles conform to the natural structure and shape of the foot. What makes it even better is that the GEL cushioning provides excellent shock absorption.
ASICS, in fact, is a brand that is renowned for its excellent GEL cushioning technology. This component absorbs a majority of the impact. That is why jumping and moving around in the shoes seems to more effortless and less painful.
These shoes also feature another outstanding technology. It involves great traction. That helps to reduce injuries from occurring even when moving quickly on slippery surfaces.
The valuable mesh design on the uppers is the next great feature. Maximum air circulation is essential in order to prevent the buildup of sweat. As long as the shoes are breathable, you will be able to wear them for a long time without feeling discomfort. If you are a professional racquetball player, then these might be the shoes for you.
During my testing, the midsoles on this ASICS shoe have been proven to be fairly efficient. They go beyond just contouring to the shape of your foot. The EVA midsole is unique and offers the ideal fit for supinated or pronated feet. This results in joints receiving additional support.
Everything about the ASICS Gel-Rocket 7 shoes is up to par in terms of protection and comfort. However, that does not negate the fact that the shoe is lacking in arch support.
- Great durability.
- Trusstic technology offers maximum traction.
- Forefront GEL protection absorbs heavy impact.
- Arch support is non-existent
- Not at all waterproof or water-resistant
2. Adidas Performance Men’s Barricade Club Tennis Shoe
- Lightweight air mesh upper for maximum breathability
- Abrasion-resistant Adituff wraps around the toe and medial...
- 360-degree TPU support foil for durability in key abrasion...
- Lightweight EVA midsole; 3D Torsion provides adaptive...
- Full-length Adiprene+ for comfort and superior cushioning at...
Although Adidas does not make shoes specifically for racquetball, however, many users have discovered that the Barricade Club tennis shoes also work well for racquetball. The reason why this shoe works well on indoor courts is due to its rubber sole. They feature certain special technologies to ensure they are comfortable to wear while playing intense sports on the court.
The Adiprene cushioning underneath the heel is one of the shoe’s special features. Adiprene is a development that is proprietary to Adidas and is placed in the shoe’s midsole that has better cushioning for the heel and forefoot. It can be found in a lot of Adidas’s casual footwear also. However, in a tennis shoe that can be worn for playing indoor racquetball, its material helps to protect the feet from racquetball’s intense action.
The Torsion system is located in the outer sole is another technology featured in the Barricade Club shoes. The technology provides thermoplastic arch support that helps your forefoot and rearfoot move independently without any straining. The technology allows your midfoot to adjust to the ground easily and provide you with great support and stability across a wide range of different movements.
The Torsion System acts as a light bridge in between the foot and heel while you are playing racquetball. No matter how active you are in moving your feet mid-lunge, sideways, forwards, and backward, the midfoot support helps to prevent your arch from not flexing properly.
If you don’t want to have to spend a ton of money on racquetball shoes, a good option for you to consider is the Adidas Barricade. They have the renowned Adidas techs for great foot support when playing high-intensity sports involving lots of movement. The Barricade, overall, is an excellent non-marking shoe for playing on indoor racquetball courts.
- Attractive
- Affordable
- Contains Adidas Torsion system
- Good cushioning and support
- Lightweight
- These shoes run one size larger
3. ASICS Mens Gel-Rocket 8 Volleyball Shoe – Editor’s Choice & Best Seller
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System (COURT): Attenuates shock...
- Trusstic System Technology: Reduces the weight of the sole...
Following on the success enjoyed by the ASICS Gel Rocket 7, the company went back to see if it could eke out a bit more performance from one of the best indoor court shoes available in today’s market.
After examining the design of some of the most specialized brands, the changed the already winning formula slightly and developed the Gel Rocket 8.
Although the Gel Rocket 7 and 8 have many features in common, the Gel Rocket 8 has enough improvements for them to be the most popular of all of the racquetball shoes appearing on our list.
The Gel Rocket 8, similar to the Gel Rocket 7, seeks to provide the player with outstanding mobility. Although they do that through traction, in ways they are similar to what improved the Gel Rocket 7, the traction of the Gel Rocket 8 is in its own class.
They also still offer the extra mobility features that are offered by the Gel Rocket 7. It is among the lightest racquetball shoes we have seen, and are our list’s second light shoe behind only the Gel Rocket 7.
In addition, the Trusstic system enables the sole to stay durable even when giving up their additional weight.
However, the biggest improvement by far from the Rocket Gel 7 over to the Rocket Gel 8 definitely is the traction. However, it takes a very well-trained eye in order to understand why this is true. This is because the same NC Gum Rubber is used by both the Gel Rocket 7 and 8.
Although it isn’t the stickiest rubber, for most players it still provides plenty of grips. However, it is this traction style that features a combination of herringbone tread located on the lateral outer sole along with a suction cup design along with a pivot on the shoe’s medial outsole is what makes the ASICS Gel Rocket 8 have better traction compared to the Gel Rocket 7.
- Offers excellent breathability
- Less expensive racquetball shoes
- Excellent traction style
- Decent traction provided by NC gum rubber toe
- The trusstic system helps to keep these shoes stable
- Forefoot gel makes for a smoother landing
- One of the lightest racquetball shoes
- Not the most durable
- A little looser tying than some
- Doesn’t offer the best ankle support
4. HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Low Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes
- Great for any Indoor Court: Racquetball, Squash, Badminton,...
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- Air Mesh Upper
- Non-Marking Gum Rubber Outsole
- HyBrasion - High abrasion compound
The Head Men’s Grid shoes have been custom designed for squash as well as racquetball. The shoes are ideal for indoor games. The shoes are made out of rubber soles which allow the proper grip by taking on the shape of your foot.
In order to reduce suffocation and sweating and keep your feet ventilated well, the shoes feature an air mesh upper designed to keep your feet breathable and movable very easily. The outsole is made from gum rubber that guarantees that the shoes will not be slippery but don’t make scratch marks either on the ground.
The synthetic leather used to make the shoes durable and partially waterproof. The high abrasion rubber provides the stressed area of the sole with full support to provide a more comfortable experience. The shoes are very affordable and are one of the very best racquetball shoes for both professional and amateur players.
- Gum rubber allows shoes to hold a perfect grip without leaving scratches
- Air mesh provides your feet with better ventilation
- Inner sole has been designed so that it is versatile to all kinds of feet
- Durability is increased by the synthetic leather
- Synthetic leather might be initially a tight fit and hard
5. Ektelon Men’s NFS Attack White/Black/Red Synthethic Mid Racquetball Shoes – Best Racquetball Shoes for Outdoor Courts – Professional’s Choice
These racquetball shoes from Ektelon work well on outdoor courts. The proof is in the structure and whole design of the shoes. So let’s go over all of the details of these shoes.
To start with, these shoes are very durable yet incredibly lightweight. Using EVA material on the midsoles was a great idea. So when it comes to fit you won’t need to worry when it comes to this model of best racquetball shoes.
This due to the special combination of the midsole TPU shank, abrasion-resistant outsoles, and gum rubber. When shoes are loaded with so many components, you can expect maximum stability and exceptional traction.
We also want to point out that these shoes are also abrasion resistant. So both your feet and shoes are well-protected against serious cuts. This is all the more reason to choose Ektelon for all of your outdoor sessions.
As one of the best racquet shoes, they feature mesh inserts on their synthetic leather designed uppers. Those things invite comfort and lightweight breathability.
So what is the problem? This particular shoe’s shape is too narrow. So if you have wide feet it may not fit you.
- Outsoles and toe cap are abrasion resistant
- Extra stability is added by the mid-foot strap
- Not well-suited for wide feet
- Synthetic material needs to broken in
6. HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes
- Non-Marking Gum Rubber
- Combortable EVA Midsole
- HEAD Heel Energy Frame support
- Shoe Weight: 11.6 oz (Size 10.5)
The HEAD Mens Sonic 2000 Mid Racquetball and Squash Indoor Court Shoes are designed with you in mind. They have a non-marking gum rubber sole to make sure you don’t markup the courts violating the rules at most courts. The Gum rubber soles give great traction to let you make quick direction changes and stops.
The uppers are made with a combination of synthetic leather and mesh. The mesh makes sure your feet breathe and sweat can evaporate from the shoes. The mid-cut design provides you with good ankle support without restricting your motion. The pre-molded heel uses a heel energy frame design to give you more stability and comfort on the court.
HEAD added their EVA midsole to the shoe to eliminate foot pain even during long matches.
- The gum rubber soles provide superior traction.
- Heel Energy Frame and mid-cut design protect your ankles.
- Constructed to stand up to your rugged play.
- Very comfortable and works well in the court
- EVA Midsole gives you great comfort.
- Some people report the shoe runs slightly narrow.
7. Prince NFS Indoor II Mens Shoe
- Non-marking rubber sole.
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- NFS design.
- Removable EVA sockliner.
- Ultra Light EVA midsole
During the last three years, Prince has emerged as a sports shoe company ready to contend. This pair of racquetball shoes may show you why. The shoes pack in all the features you want in a great shoe but keep the price low compared to leading brands.
The Prince NFS Indoor II has an impressive look featuring a variety of great colors. They used synthetic leather to keep the prices down but did it in an elegant fashion. The uppers feature mesh cutouts to make sure the shoes breathe comfortably, keeping your feet cool and dry.
The ultra-light midsole has a removable sock liner for easy cleaning. The shoes provide great support for protecting your ankles and other joints. The shoe features a non-marking sole to stay compliant with court regulations. The rubber sole provides good traction to make sure you can move fast.
The Prince NFS design is eye-catching, so you know you will look great as you knock out the competition. The materials are durable, to make sure they last. The cushioned innersole provides great comfort during intense gameplay.
- Solid performance on the court.
- Lightweight design keeps you feeling fresh throughout long matches.
- Designed for medium to large feet.
- Rubber sole provides good traction.
- The finish on the uppers tends to fade with washing and use.
8. Head Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Low Shoe
- The outsole on the Head sprint Indoor shoe is made of...
The Sprint Pro Indoor shoe is designed specifically for use on indoor courts. The gum rubber sole was used to give the great traction you need, without marking up the courts. The premium gum rubber outer sole gives it superior performance on the court, which is why we could not resist featuring a second shoe from HEAD.
The shoe is built with HEADs Micro-Fit technology to make sure your shoe fits securely and comfortably. It features a wide forefoot for added stability and toe room. The midfoot and heel are designed to fit tightly to protect your ankles. HEAD uses perforated ethylene vinyl acetate in the shoe to provide the feel of a custom made shoe. The material molds to your foot to provide added comfort and stability.
The heel is designed with tougher and more durable thermoplastic polyurethane. This stronger material gives better stability and heel protection during grueling matches. HEAD used a mesh tongue in the shoe to increase breathability. The more durable material makes the shoes feel a little rigid at first, but they quickly break-in and become flexible while keeping your feet safe.
The HEAD Sprint Pro is moderately priced. If you are looking for a high-quality shoe that will last for years, try on a pair of the HEAD Sprint Pros.
- Natural gum rubber sole for excellent traction.
- Good support due to Micro-Fit technology.
- Lightweight to keep your legs fresh.
- Good grip paired with solid stability for confidence and quick maneuvering.
- Customer report the show may run slightly small. Consider ordering a half size larger.
9. Asics Men’s Gel Blast 6 Indoor Court Shoe
ASICS seems to always make it into our discussions for great courts shoes. The Gel Blast 6 uses ASICS Dynamic Wrap technology to give you a better fit and more security on the court. What is most amazing is how lightweight the shoe remains with all of the durability and stability packed into the shoe.
The lightweight design allows for quick movements and reduces leg strain and fatigue. The A-Truss structure used in the midsoles adds to the comfort and strength of this well-designed shoe. You will be confident you can twist, turn, skid to a stop, or change directions instantly in these shoes.
The mesh upper makes sure your feet stay dry even after a full afternoon of play. ASICS quality is evident in every inch of this shoe.
The Gel Blast 6 from ASICS does tend to run a little narrow, so if you have wide feet, it may not be the perfect fit for you.
- NC Rubber outer sole provides great traction and durability.
- Synthetic uppers are very durable.
- Great foot and ankle support.
- Size runs a little narrow.
10. Dunlop Ultimate Tour Indoor Men’s Racquetball/Squash Court Shoe – Best Value
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The first thing you might notice on the Ultimate Tour Indoor Court shoe is their black outer sole. It looks like it will mark the floors instantly, but you would be wrong. Dunlop knew rubber better than almost anyone in the world and equipped these shoes with their Performance Rubber to give superior traction and still be non-marking.
The shoes are designed for a balance of comfort, durability, and performance, and score high on all accounts.
Dunlop used a hot melt design for the uppers to combine leather and mesh to make a highly breathable and durable upper. You have the support you need, plus the cool venting that keeps your feet comfortable throughout your games.
Dunlop added their D30 Impact Protection system to the shoes to absorb impacts and increase stability. This means you can play all-out while avoiding injuries. Your feet and ankles remain stable even when making those impossible shots. The shoes feature an anti-drag zone to help protect both you and the shoes. There are times when you need your shoes to slide, instead of a stick, and that’s what the anti-drag zone can help with.
Dunlop even took time to consider what happens to your shoes while they sit in your gym bag. They added their AEGIS system to provide an antimicrobial layer to kill odor-causing bacteria.
- AEGIS system keeps your shoes smelling good and reduces bacterial growth.
- Lightweight and durable design.
- Great fit paired with outstanding comfort.
- D30 Technology keeps your feet and ankles safe during play.
- Outer finishing can wear off quicker than expected.
- A few people report discomfort while wearing.
Best Racquetball Shoes for Women
1. ASICS Women’s Gel Rocket 7 Volley Ball Shoe – Editor’s Choice & Best Seller
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System (COURT) Attenuates shock...
- Trusstic System Reduces the weight of the sole unit while...
- NC Rubber Outsole Compound containing more natural rubber...
Are the Gel Rocket 7s the best shoes in our list? Probably not, there are even better shoes from ASICS, so why are we rating them so high? These shoes are old model but are still widely available. You get a fantastic shoe at highly discounted prices. Who doesn’t want to save a bunch of money while still getting a great pair of shoes?
These shoes proved great performance for all players, but excel for players who like to jump quickly around the court to smash the racquetball for a win.
You may be a little surprised when you go to buy a pair of the Gel Rocket 7s and see them listed volleyball shoes, but don’t let that slow you down. Volleyball players require the same great mobility, shoe grip, and ability to adjust motion as a racquetball player. The NC Rubber soles provide great stickiness to the floor to provide excellent grip. They are not quite as sticky as a few of the other shoes we reviewed, but they work great. The soles are designed to allow for quick direction changes and fast pivots so you can chase down the ball fast.
Comfort should be towards the top of your list when evaluating a shoe, too. This is one place the Gel Rocket 7s excel. The shoe features Forefoot gel cushioning to make sure your feet can stand up to the pounding on the court. The synthetic mesh uppers allow your feet to breathe and stay cool during play. The heel provides great support, even though it is not as highly reinforced as a few of our other shoes. The shoe provides excellent mobility and comfort.
- Great impact resistance provided by the Forefoot Gel.
- Low price for a great shoe.
- Great stability provided by ASICS Trusstic system.
- Lightweight, which reduces leg fatigue during play.
- Good traction for quick starts and stops with the NC gum rubber soles.
- Breathability from the synthetic mesh uppers.
- Great traction sole design.
- Some shoes provide better ankle support.
- You may need to order a half-size larger since fit runs small.
- The shoes are a little stiffer than others, and may not be as durable.
2. ASICS Women’s Gel-Upcourt Volleyball Shoe – Best Value
As much as I wish I had another brand to tell you about, I’ve decided that the best women’s shoe for racquetball and squash is also an Asics shoe. Its called the Asics Women’s Gel Upcourt Volleyball Shoe.
We are following up with another great shoe from ASICS, no we are not stuck on one brand. We chose this volleyball shoe because it provides great performance for racquetball players. It is the Women’s Gel Upcourt Volleyball Shoe for ASICS.
The shoe was designed by ASICS for volleyball but has become a hit with both squash and racquetball players.
We like the lace-up uppers, which allows you to cinch the shoe on as tightly, or loosely, as you desire. The shoe has great padding which adapts to your foot providing extra protection and comfort. The fit is a little different, with a narrow heel and wider toe. The shoe has a non-marking sole, to make sure you meet the requirements of most courts.
You will quickly notice the rubber soles are a little softer than most of our other choices. This softness gives you great grip on the court. The shoe provides a great balance of performance and price, an ASICS standard. You get a high-quality shoe without overpaying.
Since this is one of our top picks for a women’s racquetball shoe, you won’t be surprised to hear there is almost nothing bad to say about the shoes. The only complaint we saw in purchaser comments involved sizing issues. The complaints varied between being too big, or too small, which probably means just about right. Make sure you check your size before buying and remember the heel runs narrow and the toes a little wide.
On a positive note, the shoe provides one of the best grips you can find on a racquetball court. You will be able to make fast stops and starts without worrying about sliding out of control and injuring yourself.
The upper uses a mesh design to provide excellent breathability. Your feet will stay cool, even during a tough battle on the court. The shoes are built to last.
- Extra padding for increased comfort
- Rubber sole provides great traction
- Great grip on the court
- Breathable mesh uppers
- Bright color options
- Verify size, since a few sizing complaints have been reported.
- A limited number of styles.
3. ASICS Women’s GEL-Rocket 6 Volleyball Shoe
- Accommodates orthotics
- Gum rubber in the outsole
- GEL cushioning system
- Non-marking sole
We see you shaking your heads. Yes, it is another volleyball shoe from ASICS. We chose this shoe after having a group of women who try them out in a game of racquetball. They reported the shoe was a great cross-sport shoe which would work for racquetball, tennis, badminton, and volleyball. It allows for quick directional changes and excellent spring.
The outsole is fitted with a gum rubber sole which means you have great grip even if the floor is a little slick today. The grip also allows for quick direction changes so you can run down the ball in any corner of the court.
This is a lightweight shoe that will keep you feeling light on your toes, even if the match drags on endlessly.
The gel cushioning system gives you confidence in moving hard and fast. You know your foot is safe from the pounding abuse. The shock absorbing gel gives you greater stability, which can help prevent injuries to the ankles, knees, and hips.
The synthetic uppers are both a blessing and a curse. They are easy to keep clean and very durable, but they do tend to trap foot moisture in the shoe. You may notice after extended playing the shoes start to feel a little wet on the inside, which could cause your foot to slip inside the shoe. You may want to remove the shoes during short breaks to allow them to dry.
We give these shoes a high recommendation for racquetball, but an even higher rating as an all-around shoe for any sport. If you participate in multiple sports, and love to run around in sneakers, these shoes would be great for you. They are a great shoe to wear to the gym for a workout and later for a quick round of tennis.
- Comfortable and secure fit with the gel cushioning.
- Great traction and maneuverability with the gum rubber soles.
- Shock absorbing design prevents damage to feet.
- Not breathable. Your feet will sweat during extended play.
4. ASICS Womens Upcourt 2 Volleyball Shoe
- Gum Rubber Outsole
- Rearfoot GEL
Do you happen to play a little squash, too? If you do, this pair of shoes from ASICS should not be ignored. You get great floor holding power and grip with the gum rubber soles and security knowing the rear gel padding will keep your feet safe and comfortable.
This is an all-around court shoe which works great for volleyball, racquetball, tennis, basketball, and squash.
The Women’s Upcourt 2 is only available in 3 styles, but we don’t think you will complain. The black and white option, or the white and blue option, both look great on the court. Make sure you check your size closely. Some people report the shoe runs slightly small, so consider a ? size larger. These shoes are budget priced.
- Breathable uppers prevent sweat buildup.
- Gum rubber soles provide fast stop and go ability.
- Gel padding in the rearfoot area for comfort and stability.
- Multi-sport design.
- Lightweight to help reduce leg fatigue.
- A limited number of styles.
- May need to order a half size larger.
5. Adidas Performance Women’s Barricade Club Training Shoe
- Lace-up cross trainer featuring engineered lightweight mesh...
- Textile lining
- ADIPRENE heel cushioning
- Durable ADIWEAR 6 outsole
Yes, we just jumped away from ASICS. This pair of Adidas shoes come in five different color styles allowing you to pair it up with your favorite sporting gear. But style is just the start with these shoes.
The uppers are built with a reinforced synthetic cage which provides durability and provides excellent air movement. Adidas added a reinforced toe to protect your feet when you have those little crashes chasing down those tough shots.
The shoes feature ADIPRENE cushions in the heel, to make sure your feet and heels are protected and cushioned during play. Adidas used their ADIWEAR 6 rubber outsole to providing great traction for speed and changes of direction. The lace-up design gives you a secure fit.
- Great heal and foot comfort with ADIPRENE heel cushions.
- Toe protection from reinforced toes.
- Great breathability with mesh upper.
- The soles are not made from gum rubber
- Too much mesh and not enough strengthening material
- The low cut top does not support the ankle
- Rubber soles provide good traction, but not to gum rubber standard.
- Shoes may wear out faster due to the high usage of mesh.
- Not the best ankle support, due to low cut design.
6. ASICS Womens Gel-Rocket 8 Volleyball Shoe
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System (COURT): Attenuates shock...
- Truss tic System Technology: Reduces the weight of the sole...
ASICS went all-out on this mid-range racquetball shoe. They started by offering it in 5 intriguing color combinations, with a startling hot-pink design for those who love a bright shoe. ASICS is known for using high-quality materials and these shoes do not fall short.
The uppers are made with synthetic mesh which provides you with cool feet while maintaining high durability. The padded color and tongue cushion the top of your feet, while the bottom of your feet is cradled with ASICS Gel. The gel provides superior shock absorption protecting your feet from the intense impacts of play.
ASICS used the mesh uppers and their Truss Tic Sole technology to reduce the weight of the shoes while maintaining durability. The lightweight design keeps your light on your feet and reduces fatigue. The NC rubber outer soles make sure you can stop and go quickly. The toes are reinforced to protect you from the inevitable stepped-on event during play.
- Reinforced toes for added safety.
- Gel inner soles reduce foot impact.
- Rubber outer soles for fast stops, starts, and turns.
- Low cut top style reducing ankle protection.
- Arch support could be better.
7. HEAD Women’s Sprint pro-w
Take your game to the next level with this pair of racquetball shoes. The lightweight construction is what is needed if you want to be a pro on the court. You can increase your speed without sacrificing any stability or durability.
HEAD put together an impressive shoe with their Sprint Pro Court Shoe. It starts with 100% leather upper. What makes the design most impressive is how light the shoe remains using a leather upper. The leather uppers have a few mesh inserts to give them higher breathability.
The seamless leather upper is paired with an EVA midsole to provide comfort and support.
The sidewalls are designed to provide excellent ankle and foot support. HEAD Hybrasion technology was used in the rubber outer soles to increase durability without reducing gripping power on the court. The shoes only come in two color options, a black with pink highlight, or an all-white shoe. The shoes tend to run a little small, so consider ordering a half size larger than normal.
- EVA midsole for added stability and comfort.
- Lightweight for reduced fatigue.
- Durable leather uppers and rubber outer soles.
- A wide range of sizes.
- Sizes tend to run small.
- Limited color options.
8. ASICS Women’s GEL-Blast 5 Shoe
- Flexion Fit form-fitting upper
- Rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning systems
- Wet Grip rubber outsole optimizes indoor grip
- Personal Heel Fit and Asymmetrical Lacing Design create a...
- Offering stability and ground control, this indoor court...
Top brands can make our decisions tough. HEAD gave us an all leather upper, and now ASICS turns around to give us an all Polyester upper. Why? The answer is simple, they both know their business. ASICS knows their upper will provide equal performance, but opens up the door for additional styles and colors. The GEL-Blast 5 Shoe comes in pink, purple, or white, and has a great polyester and mesh design. They ooze style and comfort.
The ankle support on the ASICS is not to the standard of the HEAD shoe but provides adequate support for most players. The gel cushioning system provides superior shock absorbing power for both your heels and the balls of your feet.
The personalized heel fit gives you more control and support on the court, which helps to offset the lower ankle support. Proper heel fit can help prevent many court injuries
True to most ASICS designs, these shoes fit best on people with narrow to medium width feet. People with wide feet may feel a bit pinched in the shoes.
- Form-fitting upper provides superior support.
- GEL shock is absorbing from both the heel and ball of the foot.
- Wet Grip rubber outsole
- Wet-grip outer sole makes sure you don’t fall on a puddle of sweat.
- Great stability and control on the court.
- Lace-up design allows for a custom fit.
- Too narrow for people with wider feet.
- Ankle support could be better.
9. ASICS Women’s Gel Blade 5 Indoor Court Shoe
If you love a lightweight shoe with a lot of pizzazz, then the GEL-Blade 5 Indoor Court Shoe might become your favorite racquetball shoe. The shoe starts off with a bold violet, blue, and white design which will catch your eyes.
ASICS then added functionality. The shoes are made with a synthetic upper with a mesh design for air flow. The shoes feature ASICS GEL insoles to provide comfort and shock absorption. The ASICS IGS systems allow you to move quickly in any direction, which is backed up by the court gripping rubber outer soles.
The shoes feature removable insert insole to make it easy to clean, or even replace. This can increase how long you will be able to use the shoes.
The shoe is designed for use in any type of court games, including racquetball, tennis, squash, or volleyball. Their premium look is backed up with premium performance on the court.
- Insoles can be easily cleaned or replaced.
- Versatile design can be used for most sports.
- Durable rubber sole is providing great traction.
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue.
- Priced a little higher.
- Can run slightly large on sizes.
10. Ektelon T-9 Roadster Mid Indoor Court Shoe – Professional’s Choice
- Shock Eraser
- wYshbone shank
The Ektelon T-9 Roadster is the only unisex shoes we have featured. It is designed to be used by either men or women. The shoes boast a Shock Eraser system to reduce impact to the foot during play.
The simple design of the unisex shoe is not surprising, it features a simple black and white design to satisfy most men and women. The shoe has a synthetic and meshes upper to provide good support and to allow adequate air flow. The cushioned ankle collar and mid-cut design provide reasonable ankle support.
Ektelon used a wishbone shank design to provide added support and ease of movement in the shoe. It gives the shoe added flexibility. The shoes curve upward slightly, which may be a detriment to a few people. The shoes provide a great option at a reasonable price.
- 100% Synthetic and mesh design provide air flow and strength.
- Shock Eraser to protect feet.
- Wishbone shank design provides more flexibility.
- Good ankle protection with the mid cut.
- Limited styles, one.
- Upward curve may be troublesome for some people.
- Sizes vary slightly.
Buying Guide
Why Racquetball Shoes?
We will begin by discussing the importance of wearing racquetball shoes when you play racquetball. This is a sport that we have already spoken about that will require versatility when it comes to moving side-to-side as well as moving from back to front. You will also be required to make these movements randomly, and in many cases, they will be done from static positions. This will mean that you will require some sort of protection.
Running shoes will not give you adequate protection that you require when playing racquetball. A running shoe is designed to help you move forward and often feature a design where the toes point upwards. For this reason, they are not suitable or recommended to use while playing racquetball, especially since you will be moving from side-to-side. A running shoe is designed to help you move in one direction and they do not feature the grip you need for racquetball.
Basketball shoes are also not suitable footwear for racquetball. To begin with, a basketball shoe is usually heavier and more binding when compared to other shoe types. For this reason, they are not recommended for racquetball. When it comes to racquetball you will probably participate in long matches which combine both aerobic and anaerobic exercises, and any additional weight can result in more harm than good. A basketball shoe might be a better choice over running shoes, yet they are still not suitable.
Tennis shoes are again definitely not a great choice for racquetball. Raquetball courts and tennis courts have very different surfaces. The grip level is also entirely different. For example, a racquetball court surface is polyurethane sealed, while tennis courts are usually made from asphalt. The surfaces are very different, which means tennis shoes might cause you to slip or slide around if you decide to use them on an indoor racquetball court.
The one shoe type that is somewhat similar to racquetball shoes that you might be able to wear is volleyball shoes. The volleyball shoe is constructed out of the same material types that the racquetball shoe is made out of, yet they also provide shock absorbing characteristics. This is because volleyball is a sport that is associated with lots of jumping. Due to this, you will pay more for volleyball shoes, yet they are not a bad choice to use for racquetball.
However, it is important to know that certain volleyball shoes are made more restrictive when compared to standard racquetball shoes. Some of them come with high tops which means they may weigh you down a bit. It comes to a personal choice about the level of weight and protection that you prefer while playing racquetball.
Gum Rubber
The one thing which separates the racquetball shoes from other footwear is the gum-rubber soles. Nearly all the sports that are played on indoor courts use the gum-rubber soles due to their grip. Gum rubber is the very best material to use on a wooden surface court. Basketball is one of the sports which does not usually feature shoes with a gum-rubber sole, and this is the main reason why they are not suitable for a racquetball court.
Gum rubber is easy to identify and you will be able to tell immediately just by looking at the shoes. The gum rubber on racquetball shoes is on the bottom of the shoe and the material is usually brown or yellow which features tiny grooves and different design markers.
One of the other reasons why gum-rubber is the preferred choice on a racquetball court is because they are non-marking. This is very important when it comes to sports played on courts as the flooring is extremely expensive. Once laid, it is important to protect the floors as far as possible. One way to achieve this is to ensure marks made from shoes do not ruin the surfaces. This is why gum-rubber is the most preferred choice for racquetball courts.
Sizing
Shoes generally serve the purpose of protecting the feet. For this reason, they need to provide enough support and to assist with a natural gait. Gait is described as the way that you stride when you run or walk. Every person will have their own gait and gait changes according to various things. For example, is the size of the shoe is incorrect this can happen.
For example, if you are wearing shoes that are too big for you, the shoes may slide back-and-forth. This can contribute to sliding or slipping more while you are on the court and it will change how you run or walk. This is because you make unnatural movements to stop your shoes from slipping. This makes you more prone to injuries, due to the adjustments that you are making. Shoes that are too small will also cause a number of issues.
Small shoes usually result in blisters or binding your feet. Blisters are no fun, and might even stop you from playing for a while. This could end up costing you money in association with over-the-counter medications or any other costly corrections.
Fit
To begin with, the shoes should be fitting you comfortably when you put them on. If you feel any discomfort, then you may want to try a different brand or style.
It is really important to ensure they feel comfortable. Your toes should be just behind the edge of your shoe. You want to avoid shoes where your toes press against the front part of the shoe. You also want to avoid too much space between your toes and the front part of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle or move your toes around.
If your feet are wide, it becomes even more important to try at least 3 to 4 different types before you decide to buy a pair. In many cases, shoe manufacturers don’t offer wider versions, which means you might need to choose a pair that is either ? size or a full size bigger. Reading up on reviews is a great way to find out more information on where to find the perfect racquetball shoes for wider feet.
To make sure you are investing in footwear that is correctly sized, your feet need to be at their biggest. This may sound strange, but your ankle and feet should be swollen before you try on this type of footwear or when you measure for the right shoe size.
When it comes to racquetball your feet are going to swell. Similar to any physical activities and sports, the muscles become pumped during these activities. After a few hours of use, the shoes will start to feel different as your body undergoes changes during matches.
The easiest method to simulate how swollen your feet will become is to do exercises before you measure or try the shoes on. This could include going for an aerobics class before you go shopping for your racquetball shoes or going for a run or brisk walk. Anything that will get your heart pumping which will get the blood flowing to your feet and ankles will assist in simulating this.
Many players make the mistake of buying this type of footwear when their feet are normal. They will often find that the shoes become tight and uncomfortable due to the swelling of the ankles and the feet. This is definitely something you will not want to experience while you are playing an important racquetball match. It is important to note that this does not mean that the shoes should be too large when you first start playing. But it will mean that certain types of shoes may not fit the shape of your feet or ankles very well when they start to swell up.
A general rule to keep in mind is that your choice in the size of your racquetball shoes is usually the same when compared to a normal pair of shoes. Depending on the brand there may be a few exceptions, yet if you feel comfortable in a normal pair of shoes, then this is the size that will probably suffice. You just want to make sure that when your feet do swell up, you still feel comfortable in your racquetball shoes.
Mens Vs Women’s Raquetball Shoes
There are a couple of differences when it comes to racquetball shoes for men and for women. The first and largest difference that most people notice is the styling. Both colors and designs are usually completely opposite when it comes to men or women versions of these shoes. This can in some cases be annoying when you might like a specific style yet you are unable to find it. Yet there are various styles to choose from, so continue your search if you are after a specific design or style.
The second aspect has to do with different sizes. The men sizes will typically run higher when compared to women’s sizes. The other consideration has to do with how these shoes are made differently. A men’s racquetball shoe is designed to fit men’s feet, while the women’s shoes are designed in such a way to accommodate the shape of a women’s foot. On average men’s feet are wider when compared to women, which means the men’s version of these shoes is usually wider.
What this means for women with wider feet is that they might be able to find a men’s pair of racquetball shoes to correct this issue. Yet it is important to realize that they might fit differently, which is why you will probably need to try on a few pairs before you decide on the right ones.
Ankle Protection
Ankle protection is a large concern for a number of players, which is why many of the manufacturers provide different ankle support levels. This is usually featured in the back parts of a shoe. For the best ankle protection, look for the high-tops, which are usually found in the basketball shoes. These shoes are usually a bit more restrictive, yet they offer the best protection when it comes to your ankles.
Mid-level is usually what most footwear falls into. These offer a bit less support to the ankles but will give you more freedom to move. The last type is the low tops which do not offer very much ankle protection. For people that are prone to twisting or spraining their ankles, these are the shoes to avoid. However, they do provide more movement for people that prefer this.
Inserts
With the latest technologies and innovations, shoes have really progressed in many ways from what we were used to in previous years. Many racquetball shoes now fall into these categories, in the way of allowing you to take out the original insoles and to replace them with your own inserts. However, there are just as many brands available that are sold with inserts inside them already.
Inserts are used for different purposes. They are often used to assist with shock absorption, to help the shoes feel more comfortable, or to suit a specific foot shape. There are a number of different options available.
Caring For Your Shoes
The first step to caring for and protecting racquetball shoes will be to ensure you never wear them off the court. For most people, this has to do with good etiquette and a common custom as it shows respect for the next set of players that plan to use the court. This has to do with keeping dust, mud, and dirt or any other debris off the courts. This also extends past just respect and etiquette, as it will also help you to prolong the life-span of your shoes.
If you walk with racquetball shoes outdoors, you pick up all types of dirt on the bottom of your shoes. The next time you wear your shoes on a racquetball court you may be at risk of sliding around or falling because your shoes will now have a lot less traction. This may result in issues for not only you but also your partner. It can also cause issues for the next players to use the court. If every player did this, the surface of the floors would quickly become damaged and scratched, and the floors would also need to be cleaned more frequently.
Another important reason that you should not be wearing racquetball shoes other than on the court, is to make sure they stay protected. These shoes feature a gum-like rubbery substance, and this limits the life-span of this type of footwear. By deciding to walk, run or wear them outside of the court, you are placing strain and pressure on this material and it will reduce their lifespan. This will definitely occur when you walk on hard surfaces such as tarmac or pavements. You want to ensure that your racquetball shoes last for as long as possible, so make sure you are following these tips to ensure that they last for as long as possible.
Blistering and Socks
Blistering is one of the common problems for many racquetball players, similar to many other types of sports. Blisters are painful sores that are usually associated with inflammation and the area turning red. When left untreated they can become infected or the pain just becomes worse over time. This is something you want to avoid and in many instances, you can prevent getting blisters altogether when you do a couple of things.
The most important thing will be to ensure you are not buying shoes that are either too wide, too small, too narrow, or too big. If your feet are squashed or there is too much room in the shoes that cause your feet to slide around, it can result in blisters. One of the other important ways to avoid blisters is to wear the right athletic socks. This is a controversial subject for many people, but we have found that wearing athletic socks is the best way to avoid painful blisters as they offer a better grip when compared to conventional socks.
This does not mean you need to go overboard by wearing soccer socks, but try and find a pair that you like and feel comfortable in. It is also important to avoid wearing 2 pairs at the same time, or not wearing any socks at all. However, if you have found in the past that wearing 2 pairs is more comfortable, ensure you try on the racquetball shoes with the 2 pairs before buying them. Socks are not meant to slip or slide around, as this is what can contribute to blisters. You need to find socks that lock your feet in tightly.
FAQs
1. What are a few of the best benefits associated with playing racquetball?
Health Fitness Revolution states that racquetball is linked to many advantages. For example, it improves your mental agility and improves eye and hand coordination. Flexibility, balance, and strength are also trained very well when you play racquetball on a regular basis. This sport is also linked to burning many calories and to assist with keeping your heart strong.
You will also lose weight while enhancing your overall endurance while you play this sport for many hours. Many people also find this sport to be a lot of fun while lowering the risks associated with a number of physical ailments. This is also a fantastic sport if you are interested in spending more bonding time with friends or family members.
2. Are there different racquetball shoes for women and men?
Yes, there are racquetball shoes made for men, and there are racquetball shoes made for women. This has to do with the different structures and shapes between women’s and men’s feet. Features are usually the same, but the sizes, styles, and colors are usually very different.
The men’s shoes are usually also harder when compared to the women’s versions of these shoes. This is because they are designed to accommodate the difference in muscles and skin in both genders.
3. Can I use my tennis shoes on a racquetball court?
Every sport has its own gear and equipment to ensure playing goes smoothly. Raquetball and tennis may share a few similarities, yet the sport is very different and tennis shoes are not suitable for playing racquetball.
To begin with, the surfaces for each sport is entirely different and requires different types of outer soles when it comes to the footwear. Tennis weight shifting and movements are also different, which necessitates different shoe structures. The tennis shoe is softer than a racquetball shoe due to features that are required in these games, while the racquetball shoe is more rigid.
4. Should my soles be a bit slippery to help with gliding?
A professional racquetball player will always tell you that gliding can cause you to lose your games. The advanced and professional racquetball shoes will always feature an outer sole that offers the best grip. You can control your leg movements a lot better when you have a tighter grip, whether you are outdoors or indoors.
Some beginners do, however, find gliding a bit easier when practicing this game. Yet when it comes to professional racquetball shoes you will only find brands that are constructed out of superior rubber quality which will not allow any slipping at all.
5. Is ankle support necessary in racquetball shoes?
Most racquetball shoes come with some level of ankle support, yet if this is not important to you, you can miss out on this feature. One of the main reasons why ankle support is usually recommended is to ensure improved weight shifting that takes place while providing better balance and control.
This is also a feature that helps to prevent injuries while you are playing. Some people might feel uncomfortable with ankle support which is why it is okay if you skip out on this particular feature. They may make gameplay a bit smoother, but it is not a vital requirement.
6. Are outdoor and indoor racquetball shoes different?
Racquetball is a sport that is played both outdoors and indoors. This footwear is designed to be used in both outdoor and indoor play. Choosing a great pair of racquetball shoes will mean you are offered with the versatility of wearing them on both indoor and outdoor courts. If you plan to use your shoes for both situations, look for a shape-shifting and hard rubber outer sole.
7. Is air-mesh important in my racquetball shoes?
Air-mesh is regarded as an important feature as it helps to stop your feet from overheating and will keep your shoes well ventilated. Shoes that are breathable will allow your feet to move around more freely, without causing a suction or any other hindrance.
In some cases, players start to feel dizzy or light-headed due to heat that is generating in their shoes due to little or no ventilation. For this reason, we feel that air-mesh is one of the more important features in racquetball shoes.
8. What tips should I keep in mind when playing this sport in general?
According to IRT Tour, you need to care or your shoes and your racquet and keep them out of direct sunlight. Practice drills are also important when you want to start playing more strategically and you will need to put in the hours if you want to become a better player.
9. Is it necessary to invest in one of the top brands?
This comes down to personal preferences as it may not be in your budget to invest in one of the top brands. It is, however, important to look for quality and features that you are interested in. Also, take your level of skill into consideration before deciding on the ideal fit.
However, the most well-known brands will usually offer you a pair of shoes that will last for a very long time. Yet there are many options to choose from that match up to all types of budgets.
Conclusion
Any sport where you are playing without the correct gear is really not worth your time or your effort. Looking over the discussion we went into detail on how to choose racquetball shoes, you by now have a better understanding of this product. The different brands along with the detailed overview of each were meant to show users the way different manufacturers bring out very similar products that come in at different prices and better features.
This buyers guide also includes what you should be looking for before you buy racquetball shoes along with FAQs, to help you answer any additional questions you may have had. In addition to all the information that we have provided, we still suggest that you read up on your own reviews.
Best Racquetball Shoes for Men ( Top 3 Picks )
Best Racquetball Shoes for Women ( Top 3 Picks )
Last update on 2022-05-30 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API