How to Choose Squash Shoes: A Buying Guide for India
A clear guide to choosing squash shoes: non-marking soles, grip, lateral support and fit, plus why running shoes are a bad idea on court.
How to choose squash shoes: a buying guide for India
Learning how to choose squash shoes is one of the most underrated decisions in the sport. Squash is played in short, explosive bursts — lunging into the front corners, pushing off the back wall, stopping and changing direction in a fraction of a second. The right court shoe gives you the grip and support to do that safely; the wrong one, or worse, a running shoe, is an injury waiting to happen. Here is what actually matters.
The non-marking sole comes first
The single most important feature of a squash shoe is a non-marking sole. These use soft gum rubber that grips hardwood and sprung indoor courts without leaving scuff marks. It is both a performance feature — that sticky grip is what lets you dart into a corner and recover — and a matter of etiquette, since most clubs require non-marking soles to protect the floor. If a shoe leaves marks, it is not a squash shoe.
Grip, support and cushioning
Lateral support
Squash is a side-to-side game. Look for shoes with real lateral support and a secure midfoot so your foot does not slide inside the shoe when you push off hard. This is the feature that protects your ankles during quick direction changes.
Cushioning — but low to the ground
You want shock absorption for the constant stopping and lunging, but from a low, stable platform. Squash shoes sit much closer to the floor than running shoes, which keeps you balanced and reduces the risk of rolling an ankle.
Why not running shoes
Running shoes are built for straight-line motion with a raised, cushioned heel. On a squash court, that raised heel combined with twisting and turning is a recipe for a turned ankle — and the outsole can mark the floor. Always choose a dedicated indoor court shoe.
Getting the fit right
Fit is where comfort and safety meet. Aim for snug but not tight, with a thumb's width of room at the toe so your toes are not driven into the front during deep lunges. Try shoes on in the evening when your feet have swollen slightly, and always wear the socks you will play in. Keep your court shoes clean and reserved for indoor play — the pair you wear to the club should not be the pair you play in.
When to replace your squash shoes
Court shoes wear out from the inside as much as the outside. Even if the upper looks fine, the midsole cushioning compresses over months of lunging and stopping, and once that support fades the shoe stops protecting your ankles and knees. Watch for a sole that has gone smooth and lost its grip, cushioning that feels flat, or any twisting through the midfoot when you flex the shoe. If you play a few times a week, budget for a fresh pair roughly once a season rather than running an old pair into the ground.
Round out your squash kit
Once your footwear is sorted, the rest of your on-court essentials are inexpensive. Match-standard balls like the Dunlop Double Dot Squash Ball at ₹350 suit experienced players, while fresh string keeps your racket lively — options such as the Head Perfect Power 16L Squash String at ₹640 or the Tecnifibre Bob Synthetic Gut 1.25 at ₹425 restore control and power to a tired frame.
Shop the gear
- Dunlop Double Dot Squash Ball — ₹350
- Head Perfect Power 16L Squash String — ₹640
- Tecnifibre Bob Synthetic Gut 1.25 Squash String — ₹425
Related reading
- How to Choose a Squash Racket: A Beginner's Guide for India
- Squash Balls Explained: Dot Colours and Speed (India Buying Guide)
- Squash Gear Starter Guide for Beginners in India
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear running shoes to play squash?
No. Running shoes have raised, cushioned heels built for forward motion, but squash is full of twisting, lunging and sudden stops. That raised heel makes rolling an ankle far more likely, and running outsoles can leave marks on the court. Use dedicated indoor court shoes with a flat, non-marking sole.
What does a non-marking sole mean?
A non-marking sole uses soft gum rubber that grips indoor courts without leaving black scuff marks on the floor. It is both an etiquette requirement at most squash venues and a performance feature, giving the sticky traction you need to change direction at speed.
How should squash shoes fit?
Snug but not tight, with a little room at the toe so your toes are not jammed forward during lunges. Try shoes on in the evening when feet are slightly swollen, wear your playing socks, and keep a dedicated clean pair for the court rather than wearing them outdoors.