I was asked:
Can you recommend a minimalist shoe that would be good for squash? I want to be able to feel the floor better when I’m playing. I have a suspicion that shoes in general cause a lot of injuries that people get from running and sports like squash.
My thoughts:
I have heard of minimalist shoes as a concept from running, but never tried such shoes.
I tend to view squash shoes on a spectrum of more padding / less padding but I’ve never seen one that was framed as minimalist. I think the Asics Gel Upcourt might be one of the lightest / thinnest around but I’m not sure if you would necessarily call it minimalist.
I posed the question on the squash subreddit and got some additional suggestions.
“Typical” squash shoes:
Atypical ideas:
There’s more detail about these ideas on Reddit if you want to learn more.
Photo via vivobarefoot.com →
Reevo says
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I’ve been using the Motus and find them great. I need a new pair as the soles have worn out enough now that I’m slipping, but have had a bit more than 18 months use.
Jonny Popovich says
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searching this same question two years later, so don’t know if you’ll see this, but I’m curious to hear more about Motus for squash. I bought them for precisely that use but quickly changed my mind and returned them as it was quite expensive. I never tried playing squash in them, but I tried squash once in minimal merrels (not the absolute thinnest models) and it was too much for my heels. You really found that it wasn’t too painful with that lack of cushion? How intensely do you play? I jump during squash and play at a high velocity.
Ibrahim says
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Asics should start measuring the drop. I should add that non-marking rubber’s width plays a very important role when it comes to balance. Ive seen bigfoot players switch from asics wide and low to Salming Race R9 Mid which is high and narrow.
Bob says
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I too am looking for a low drop shoe I can use on a squash court. I use the Innov 8 F-Lite 195 for general exercise and it is great, but the soles aren’t labeled “non-marking” so I can’t use them on a squash court. So would love any suggestions for a low drop non-marking shoe. Thanks!
Pierre says
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The drop is not something I often see advertised / specified for squash shoes. Salming seem to be one of the few brands that are trying to publish this. I was just noticing this today on their website. The lowest drop is 6mm for the Salming Viper.
Pierre says
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Thanks guys
philsoc8 says
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I’m a big fan of “zero drop” running shoes such as Altra Instinct or Saucony Kinvara and similar casual shoes. Strengthening and flexing my feet via wearing these kind of shoes more or less solved my life-long plantar fasciitis issues. Haven’t looked at my orthotics in years.
For squash I’ve been happy with Asics Rocket, which have been easy to wear and provide just enough lateral support for squash movement. They are also fairly inexpensive.
The shape of the Prince NFS II looks like it might be good but haven’t had a chance to try them yet.
Ted says
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I currently wear the Salming Viper Gecko’s
They are very minimalist, and in my mind too thin, not enough cushioning.
I have had to add a thin gel insert as I was starting to get foot pain after games.
In the new year I will be looking for a new pair of shoes which have more cushioning.
But if the person asking the question, I would suggest he check out the Salming Viper