Racquetball is a high-intensity game that requires the players to be light on their feet. A player should be able to accelerate quickly, stop at a moment’s notice, and turn at a breakneck pace. All of this must be done while being safe. An ordinary pair of shoes will make it difficult for you to move quickly in a court and change direction swiftly. Moreover, they may put you in a very compromising position and even cause a dreadful injury.
If you want to stay safe from injuries and perform at your best, invest in a pair of shoes specially designed for racquetball. A right pair of racquetball shoes can make the difference between a career-ending injury and a successful match. These shoes will also reduce the likelihood of painful slips and minimize fatigue and foot pain.
Currently, there is a wide range of racquetball shoes available in the market. This could make it hard for you to find a pair that is best for you. No need to panic since we have compiled a list of some of the best racquetball shoes that you can buy right now. This would make it easier for you to find a pair that meets your needs. Before we list each individual model and talk about its features, we will discuss a few things that you should consider when shopping for racquetball shoes and explain to you why you should avoid wearing other types of footwear when playing racquetball.
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Things to Consider When Buying Racquetball Shoes
· Shock Absorption
Racquetball is a high-impact sport – continuous impact and sudden movements can take a toll on your feet if your footwear lacks the right protection. The real threat in this sport comes in the shape of shock, which is why you need shoes with impressive shock absorption.
The force of each impact affects and influences on your durability. Impact with the ground makes your joints, bones, and muscles vibrate and this oscillation leads to fatigue. The shock absorption capabilities of any shoe depend on two things – the midsole and heel cushioning.
Midsole
Midsoles generally absorb most of the shock. However, no matter how good this area of your footwear is, it will never fully absorb the impact of your movements. It will only reduce the impact. Shock first hits the outsole and it works its way up from there. Midsole deals with the shock and reduces its force and depth. Rubber midsoles have good shock absorption properties. Foam and gel midsoles are also being used in modern shoes as they also boast impressive shock absorption qualities – though not better than rubber.
Heel Cushioning
The heel is likely to suffer the most impact when you are playing racquetball. Unlike running, this sport involves a lot of rushed movements. This means that you won’t have the time to control how your feet land on the floor. Due to this reason, your heel may strike the floor first. The midsole will come into play as soon as your feet land on the ground, diminishing the impact but it won’t stop it from getting to your heel. This is why you must look for shoes with heel cushioning. Racquetball shoes with adequate heel cushioning will minimize the impact on your heels, preventing heel pain.
· Outsole
Outsole is one of the essential pieces that you can’t afford to get wrong. If this area of your shoes isn’t slip-resistant, you would struggle to get a solid grip and would be more likely to slip. Thus, your performance will be comprised and you will be more likely to sustain an injury while playing racquetball. When selecting a pair of racquetball shoes, make sure that the grip provided by the outsole can engage the surface of the court in any direction or position.
It is also important that you use shoes with non-marking rubber outsoles when playing. Non-marking rubber outsole doesn’t improve the grip or your performance, but they won’t mark floor surfaces, ensuring that the racquetball court stays clean.
· Comfort
Whether you are selecting footwear for racquetball or any other sports, you must choose shoes that fit well and are comfortable enough to wear for a long time. Racquetball involves a lot of running, quick movements and sudden changes of direction and stops. Therefore, if you wear shoes that aren’t comfortable or don’t fit well, you will be at risk of a serious injury.
Comfort and fit depending on the materials of the shoe. Ideally, you should look for a soft material – like mesh or synthetic – with supportive overlays that will lock your feet in to offer a snug fit; thus preventing your foot from sliding inside the shoe no matter how much you run and change direction.
You should steer clear of shoes that cause your toes to rub inside because this can lead to blisters. Look for shoes that don’t cause any discomfort when you put them on. Also, wear a good pair of socks to avoid foot problems resulting from the moisture.
· Breathability
Racquetball involves a significant amount of feet movements in quick successions. These movements generate heat that gets trapped inside the shoe if it isn’t made from breathable materials. This heat leads to excessive stimulation of sweat. When your feet are sweaty, you would struggle to perform at high intensity. Not only that, but sweat can contribute to the development of bacteria that can cause fungal infections, bad odors, and more serious issues. Therefore, you should look for shoes that allow air to flow in and out of them. They should either have perforated uppers or mesh panels that prevent the build-up of sweat within the shoe.
· Durability
Shoes for high-intensity sports like racquetball won’t last as long as your average running sneakers. However, it is still important that you choose a pair of durable racquetball shoes with high-quality materials that are less likely to degrade or overstretch. The materials should also be able to endure forceful and sudden movements.
· Flexibility
You won’t be able to perform at your best if your shoes lack flexibility. Racquetball involves a lot of stretching and dynamic movements that cannot be performed properly with stiff footwear. You will have to flex your feet to perform these movements, which is why you should invest in a pair of flexible shoes.
A shoe that isn’t flexible will limit your range of motion. This means that you won’t be able to reach as far as you would with a pair of flexible shoes. It will also impact your speed. Restraining your feet also places stress on the arch that could eventually cause arch pain and interfere with your performance. A properly designed racquetball shoe is constructed with supportive and durable materials that allow the natural movement of the foot. Some of these shoes have minimal support while other models add support for your feet without being restrictive.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear any Other Shoe When Playing Racquetball?
Some people think that they can play racquetball in their regular running shoes. Running shoes aren’t a good fit for racquetball because they don’t offer adequate protection. These shoes are designed to help you move forward but don’t account for quick movements and sudden stops. They lack the grip needed for racquetball. For this reason, they aren’t suitable to use while playing this sport.
Tennis shoes are also not a good choice for racquetball. Since tennis courts and racquetball courts have different surfaces, the grip of the shoes designed for each sport is also different. So if you wear tennis shoes on racquet ball shoes, you might not get a firm grip and thus will be more likely to fall while trying to chase a ball.
Basketball footwear is also not suitable for racquetball. This is because these shoes are more binding and usually heavier compared to racquetball. Racquetball can involve long matches with a considerable amount of movement and any additional weight will bring you down and lead to more fatigue.
Racquetball can be played in volleyball shoes since they are designed for indoor courts and typically feature non-marking outsoles with solid traction.
How to Care for Racquetball Shoes?
Racquetball shoes should never be worn outside of the court. This helps keep dust, dirt, mud and other debris off the racquetball court and also helps extend the life-span of shoes. If you walk with your racquetball shoes outdoors, you’ll pick up dirt on the outsole of the shoes. When you wear these shoes to the court, you will be at risk of sliding because they won’t be able to provide you with solid traction due to the accumulated dirt. This may also create problems for your opponent and other players who use the court next.
Another reason you shouldn’t wear racquetball shoes outdoors is to ensure that they last long. If you walk or run on hard surfaces like pavements with these shoes, their outsole will wear down quickly and lose traction. When that happens you won’t be able to get a good grip on the court surface and would have to replace your shoes.
Read Also: Best Spikeless Golf Shoes
Our Top 3 Choices
Best Overall Choice: Salming Viper Men’s Court Shoes
Premium Product: Salming Men’s Kobra 2
Best Value: Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8
Best Racquetball Shoes
1. HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID
The HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID features a non-marking HyBrasion gum rubber outsole that offers solid traction while ensuring that you don’t mark up the racquetball court, violating the rules. The outsole would allow you to change direction quickly and make sudden stops without losing your grip on the surface. The uppers of this pair are constructed with a combination of synthetic leather and mesh. Synthetic leather provides durability as well as the flexibility to ensure that the movement of your feet isn’t compromised. The mesh allows air to flow in and out of the shoe to make sure that your feet stay cool, fresh, and sweat-free.
The HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID boasts a mid-cut design which gives you ample ankle support. Moreover, it comes with a comfortable EVA midsole for shock absorption. These shoes also feature a pre-molded heel that gives you more comfort and stability on the court. Overall, the HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID is a pretty good option for the price.
Pros of the HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID
- Ample shock absorption thanks to the EVA cushioned midsole
- Pre-molded heel counter
- Good support for feet and ankles
- Solid traction
Cons of the HEAD Men’s Sonic 2000 MID
- Not the most durable offering
2. HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Low Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes
The HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 has been specifically designed for racquetball and squash. It features synthetic leather and air mesh uppers, which keep your feet breathable and prevents suffocation and build-up of sweat. These shoes also feature an impressive HEAD’s Cooling System. This is a dynamic climate control system that maintains breathability within the shoe by absorbing and releasing heat build-up.
The HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 also comes with a HyBrasion rubber outsole, designed to provide solid grip in high-stress areas of the soles without marking the surface. So you would get solid traction on the racquetball court and would be able to execute quick maneuvers without slipping. These shoes fit true to size so you don’t have to go with a size up or down and can order your original size.
Pros of the HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Low Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes
- Air mesh uppers and HEAD’s Cooling System ensure breathability
- HyBrasion rubber outsole provides solid traction without marking the court surface
- Comfortable
- Fit true to size
Cons of the HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Low Racquetball/Squash Indoor Court Shoes
- Not too durable
- Takes some time to break-in
3. Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 7
The Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 7 is a volleyball shoe but can be used for playing racquetball and a few other indoor sports. This pair features mesh and synthetic uppers, which keep your feet comfortable and breathable. Also, they come with a molded EVA midsole that conforms to the natural shape of your foot.
The Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 7 also features Forefoot GEL Cushioning System that provides great shock absorption. This would make it easier for you to move around the court and reduce fatigue. These shoes have cushioned footbeds that provide good support and keep your feet comfortable. But, these cannot be removed so you won’t be able to use custom orthotics with the Gel-Rocket 7.
The Gel-Rocket 7 also features Trusstic system technology that reduces the sole’s weight. In addition, they come with an outsole made from an NC rubber compound that provides solid traction on racquetball and volleyball courts, among other surfaces. One area where the Asics Gel-Rocket 7 is lacking is arch support. So if you need more arch support, you could opt for the next version of this pair – the Gel-Rocket 8. The Gel-Rocket 8 comes with removable insoles that you can replace with your specialized orthotics for better arch support.
Pros of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 7
- NC rubber outsole provides solid traction
- Forefoot GEL cushioning system reduces shock on each impact
- Lightweight mesh uppers with synthetic overlays ensure breathability
- Molded EVA midsole provides support and makes the shoes comfortable
Cons of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 7
- Lacks in arch support
4. Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8
The Gel-Rocket 7 from Asics was a huge success so the company decided to build on this model and came up with the Asics Gel-Rocket 8. The Gel-Rocket 7 and Gel-Rocket 8 have a few features in common, but the latter comes with several improvements that would allow you to perform even better in the court. Like its previous version, the Gel-Rocket 8 is advertised as a volleyball shoe but it is also a great option for racquetball.
This pair comes with a non-marking rubber outsole which would provide you with solid traction and improve your mobility in the court. The traction offered by these shoes is even better than that of Gel-Rocket 7; you can rest assured that you won’t lose your grip while trying to chase after the ball with these shoes.
The uppers of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 are made with mesh and synthetic leather to ensure breathability and durability. These uppers are flexible and won’t restrict the movement of your feet. This pair also boasts the Forefoot GEL Cushioning System, which attenuates shock on impact with the surface. Besides, it comes with the stabilizing Trusstic system technology that reduces the weight of the outsole while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
It is worth noting that the insoles of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 don’t provide ample arch support. Fortunately, they are removable so you can replace them for your own specialized orthotics if you need more arch support.
Pros of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8
- Good breathability
- Excellent traction on racquetball courts
- Lightweight
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System offers good shock absorption
Cons of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8
- Insoles don’t offer ample arch support
5. Asics Gel-Rocket 9 Men’s Volleyball Shoes
The Asics Gel-Rocket 9 is an upgraded version of the Gel-Rocket 8. Like the previous model, it is designed for volleyball but boasts features that make it a great option for racquetball. These shoes are available in a variety of colors so you should be able to find a pair that suits your style. The technology behind the Asics Gel-Rocket 9 is the same that you will find in the previous models. For instance, it comes with Forefoot GEL cushioning that absorbs shock upon each impact and an energy-returning EVA midsole that increases comfort levels. Moreover, the Trusstic System ensures lateral stability and torsion prevention, preventing your feet from twisting in the shoe.
The uppers of the Gel-Rocket 9 are made with a combination of synthetic and mesh material for durable yet breathable wear. Moreover, they feature non-marking rubber outsoles with a multidirectional traction pattern to provide a solid grip on indoor surfaces. The insoles of these shoes are padded for comfort and are removable so you can replace them with your own specialized orthotics.
Pros of the Asics Gel-Rocket 9 Men’s Volleyball Shoes
- Non-marking rubber outsoles with multidirectional traction pattern
- Removable footbeds
- GEL cushioning
- Breathable uppers
- Trusstic System Technology
Cons of the Asics Gel-Rocket 9 Men’s Volleyball Shoes
- Insoles lack in arch support
6. Wilson Unisex Recon
The Wilson Unisex Recon is specifically designed for racquetball courts and as such it boasts features that would improve your performance in the court. These shoes come with uppers made of faux leather and mesh, which keep your feet fresh, cool, and sweat-free without restricting your movement. They also have breathable fabric lining that should keep your feet comfortable.
The Wilson Unisex Recon boasts non-removable molded foam insoles which provide underfoot comfort, preventing foot pain. They also have a plush tongue and collar. In addition to this, these shoes incorporate CHASSIS shank technology for optimal torsional stability, which should help you perform quick maneuvers and sudden stops without experiencing foot pain. The Wilson Unisex Recon features an outsole made from a combination of Duralast gum rubber and R-dst, which provide exceptional cushioning and rebound. This outsole also has a great grip on racquetball courts so you would be able to accelerate quickly and turn at a breakneck pace. These shoes weigh only about half a pound, so they won’t cause fatigue.
Pros of the Wilson Unisex Recon
- Fit true to size
- Comfortable and durable
- Excellent cushioning and rebound
- Great grip on racquetball court surfaces
- Breathable
Cons of the Wilson Unisex Recon
- Non-removable insoles
7. HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe
The HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe is another great pair that can be used for several indoor sports including racquetball. The uppers of these shoes are made with textile and synthetic materials, which conform to the shape of your feet and allow air to flow in and out of the shoe to keep your feet cool and fresh. The outsole of the Spring Pro Indoor Shoe is made of non-marking gum rubber, which provides a great grip on indoor surfaces so you should be able to play at your best without worrying about losing your grip while accelerating towards the ball or making sudden turns.
These shoes provide a snug fit to prevent your feet from sliding inside the shoe and have a perforated ethylene vinyl acetate core layer for stability. Moreover, they feature a thermoplastic polyurethane heel that makes your feet more stable and comfortable while playing for long hours. It is worth noting that the HEAD Spring Pro Indoor Shoe runs small so you might want to order a size up than your original for a good fit.
Pros of the HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe
- Textile and synthetic uppers promote breathability
- Good design
- Thermoplastic polyurethane heel for stability and comfort
- Perforated ethylene vinyl acetate core layer improves stability
Cons of the HEAD Men’s Sprint Pro Indoor Shoe
- Sizes run small
- Uppers aren’t too durable
8. Python Men’s Deluxe Indoor (Mid) Racquetball Shoe
The uppers of the Python Men’s Deluxe are made with leather and there are no mesh panels to circulate air. Soft mesh is only found inside the shoe, where it absorbs sweat to keep your feet fresh. However, the absence of mesh on the upper part compromises breathability.
Apart from breathability, this pair boasts pretty good features that make it a decent option for racquetball. It comes with a stable surface in-sock that improves stability. The Python Deluxe also has a thicker back heel to reduce shock and provide you with good stability on landing. Additionally, these shoes feature a non-marking rubber outsole with strong skid-resistance. This means that you would get a solid grip on indoor court surfaces and would be able to perform those rushed movements without slipping.
It is important to note that the Python Deluxe runs small so they aren’t the best option for people with wider feet.
Pros of the Python Men’s Deluxe Indoor (Mid) Racquetball Shoe
- Solid grip on racquetball courts
- Durable
- Thicker back heel for shock absorption and stability
Cons of the Python Men’s Deluxe Indoor (Mid) Racquetball Shoe
- Poor breathability
- Sizes run small
9. Harrow Vortex Indoor Court Shoe
The Harrow Vortex is specially designed for sports played in indoor courts including squash, racquetball, and badminton. It comes with Double Russel mesh and synthetic leather uppers which ensure breathability and durability without sacrificing support. Harrow has paid special attention to the arch area of these shoes, where racquetball players need ample stability. So the Vortex offers good support to your arch, ensuring that your feet are properly aligned while making sudden turns and you remain safe from injury during quick movements.
These shoes feature a classic lace closure that allows for customized feet to provide you with a snug fit. The width of these shoes is kept wider, which means that it’s a good option for people with wide feet. The Harrow Vortex also features power cushion insoles, which keep your feet comfortable during long hours of play. Moreover, it comes with a non-marking endurance rubber outsole that offers exceptional grip on court surfaces. In terms of price, these shoes rank slightly above average and are a good option for both novice and professional racquetball players.
Pros of the Harrow Vortex Indoor Court Shoe
- Mesh and synthetic leather uppers
- Good arch support
- Classic lace closure for a customized fit
- Good for wider feet
- Power cushion insoles
- Ample cushioning
Cons of the Harrow Vortex Indoor Court Shoe
- Not the best option for narrow feet
10. Salming Men’s Kobra 2
If you are looking for high-end racquetball shoes, the Salming Kobra 2 should be on your shortlist. These shoes are designed for squash but can also be used for racquetball as the two sports are very similar. The uppers of the Salming Men’s Kobra 2 are made with a perforated mesh-like material with synthetic overlays. These ensure breathability while providing you with a snug fit.
The interior of the Kobra 2 incorporates the Rollbar technology that prevents too much torsion and allows better push-off. On the outer part, these shoes make use of a lateral movement stabilizer that prevents your ankles from rolling outwards, reducing the likelihood of injury. The heel of this pair boasts Softfoam – a cushioning compound – that absorbs shock on each impact, preventing foot pain.
Moreover, the entire midsole of the Salming Kobra 2 is made with an energy rebound foam that cushions your every step and provides energy return, preventing fatigue to help you perform at your best for longer.
The features that this pair boasts are very impressive and can only be found in premium models, which is why the Kobra 2 comes with a hefty price tag. Due to their steep price, this pair may be too expensive for some players.
Pros of the Salming Men’s Kobra 2 Squash Indoor Court Shoes
- Breathable mesh uppers
- HexaGrip rubber outsole offers excellent grip
- Ergo Heel Cup
- Comfortable and supportive ERF midsole
- Softfoam heel cushioning
Cons of the Salming Men’s Kobra 2 Squash Indoor Court Shoes
- Expensive
11. Salming Race R9 Mid 2.0 Men’s Indoor Court Shoes
The Race R9 Mid 2.0 is another premium model from Salming; though it is a little less expensive than the Kobra 2. The uppers of these shoes are made with a lightweight polyester fabric that is supported by an Exoskeleton that helps keep your foot in the right position during lateral movements, reducing the likelihood of injury. These uppers are breathable and would feel comfortable right out of the box as they don’t require any break-in time. The rear of the Salming Race R9 incorporates an ergonomic heel cup that stabilizes and fixates the heel to provide you with a great fit.
These shoes come with a lateral movement stabilizer that prevents your ankles from rolling inwards. They also feature a midsole made from a rebound energy foam to provide you with long-lasting cushioning comfort to prevent fatigue. This midsole also reduces shock on each impact and grants a higher rebound. The Race R9 Mid 2.0 is a great shoe for the price but not as good as the Salming Race R9. So it would be better to spend a few bucks more and go with the latter.
Pros of the Salming Race R9 Mid 2.0 Men’s Indoor Court Shoes
- Ergo heel cup stabilizes and fixates the heel
- SpeedLite midsole absorbs shock and reduces impact
- Lateral movement stabilizer
- Exo skeleton design stabilizes the foot and relieves joint pressure
- Breathable uppers
Cons of the Salming Race R9 Mid 2.0 Men’s Indoor Court Shoes
- Expensive
12. Asics Gel-Upcourt 3
The Asics Gel-Upcourt 3 is an inexpensive pair of shoes that is primarily designed for volleyball but can be used for other indoor sports including racquetball. It comes with mesh and synthetic leather uppers which make the shoe breathable, yet durable. These uppers would keep your feet cool, fresh and sweat-free even during long matches. The collar and tongue is padded to provide a comfortable internal fit while the sockliner is cushioned and incorporates mesh lining to keep your feet feeling comfy.
The Asics Gel-Upcourt 3 has a traditional lace-up closure for a customized fit. It also boasts GEL Cushioning System to absorb shock on each impact and prevent foot pain. Moreover, these shoes feature a non-marking rubber outsole for excellent grip on indoor court surfaces. The Asics Gel-Upcourt 3 is a pretty good option at this price range so include it in your shortlist if you are searching for an inexpensive pair of racquetball shoes.
Pros of the Asics Gel-Upcourt 3
- Fit true to size
- Breathable and durable
- Inexpensive
- GEL Cushioning System for shock absorption
- Non-marking rubber outsole
Cons of the Asics Gel-Upcourt 3
- Moderate arch support
13. Salming Viper Men’s Court Shoes
The Viper is another top model from Salming which offers excellent stability and traction on indoor courts. It incorporates some of the best Salming technologies to help you perform at your very best. The Viper comes with less cushioning in the forefoot area that gives you more close-to-the-court feel. Moreover, it features breathable nylon uppers to ensure that your feet stay cool, dry and sweat-free. The uppers are supported by the unique Exoskeleton that keeps your feet in the right position during high-speed movements in different directions. These shoes also feature the Torsion Guide System which designates the distance from heel to the ball of the foot to optimize performance, comfort, and stability.
The design of the Salming Viper offers great flexibility and stimulates the natural movements of your foot. The midsole of this pair incorporates a high abrasion injection EVA, designed to create a nice feel for the court. It responds well to the surface and is also lightweight. The Viper also incorporates the Rollbar technology that prevents excessive torsion. The outsole of these shoes is developed from an extra sticky compound to offer exceptional traction on indoor courts.
Pros of the Salming Viper Men’s Court Shoes
- Breathable uppers
- Comfortable and durable
- Rollbar technology
- High abrasion injection EVA midsole
- Offers exceptional stability and grip on indoor court on surfaces
Cons of the Salming Viper Men’s Court Shoes
- Minimal cushioning in the forefoot area
14. Asics Men’s Gel-Domain 4 Multi-Court Shoe
The Asics Men’s Gel-Domain 4 is a good option for indoor sports like racquetball and squash. The uppers of this pair are made with mesh and synthetic material to ensure breathability without compromising on durability. These shoes feature Asics proprietary Trusstic system technology that enhances natural propulsion of your feet, enabling sudden movements and quicker cuts around the court. The non-marking rubber outsole of these shoes supports these movements, ensuring that you don’t lose your grip while running or turning on the hard surface. This outsole is quite durable so you won’t have to worry about replacing your pair anytime soon.
The Asics Gel-Domain 4 also incorporates the GEL cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot area to reduce shock during impact, preventing foot pain. Overall, these shoes boast decent features for the price so they are an option worth considering if you are looking for mid-range racquetball footwear.
Pros of the Asics Men’s Gel-Domain 4 Multi-Court Shoe
- Durable non-marking rubber outsoles
- GEL cushioning system for shock absorption
- Trusstic system technology enhances natural propulsion of the foot
- Breathable uppers
Cons of the Asics Men’s Gel-Domain 4 Multi-Court Shoe
- Minimal arch support
15. Ektelon T-9 Roadster Mid Indoor Court Shoe
Racquetball requires plays to dart around the hard court surface for oddly angled shots. This is why a good pair of racquetball shoes should provide stability to perform these quick maneuvers without sustaining an ankle injury. Recognizing this, Ektelon came up with a mid-top cut shoe that offers ample ankle support and stability. The uppers of the Ektelon T-9 are made with synthetic and mesh to promote breathability, ensuring that your feet stay dry and fresh even during long hours of play. This pair boasts very impressive shock absorption qualities to minimize impact and prevent foot pain as well as fatigue.
The Ektelon 9 incorporates an air mesh tongue for soft support and breathability. Moreover, Dri-Lex linings deliver quick-drying, moisture management, and comfort. The collar of the shoes is thickly padded and hugs the ankle for lateral support and comfort. These shoes also feature the “wYshbone” TPU shank, which improves lateral and medial stability. The Ektelon T-9 comes with a rubber outsole that’s designed to provide a solid grip on indoor court surfaces.
Pros of the Ektelon T-9 Roadster Mid Indoor Court Shoe
- Breathable uppers
- Solid traction on indoor court surfaces
- wYshbone TPU shank improves lateral and medial stability
- impressive shock absorption
- Ample ankle support and stability
Cons of the Ektelon T-9 Roadster Mid Indoor Court Shoe
- Wears out fast
16. Asics Men’s Upcourt 2
The Asics Upcourt 2 is another shoe designed for volleyball but still works well for racquetball. This pair is only available in two colors so you don’t get many options when it comes to style. The uppers of the Upcourt 2 are made with mesh and synthetic material to keep your feet fresh and cool. These materials make the shoe lightweight. The tongue is made from mesh to promote breathability. These shoes come with a gum rubber outsole that provides good grip on indoor court surfaces, allowing you to make sudden turns and accelerate quickly towards the ball without slipping.
The Asics Men’s Upcourt 2 also incorporates the rearfoot GEL Cushioning System to keep your feet comfortable. These shoes are inexpensive and boast features that justify their price. So if you are looking for an economical pair of racquetball shoes, the Asics Men’s Upcourt 2 is worth considering.
Pros of the Asics Men’s Upcourt 2 Volleyball Shoe
- Non-marking rubber outsole provides a solid grip
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Mesh tongue
Cons of the Asics Men’s Upcourt 2 Volleyball Shoe
- Wears out fast
- Not pretty
Final Thoughts
If you want to improve your performance in the court and play racquetball without being at the risk of dreadful ankle injuries, pick a pair of shoes that you find most suitable. With the right racquetball footwear, you would see an improvement in your performance. Moreover, you would be able to accelerate quickly, turn swiftly and make sudden stops more effectively.
We hope you find the information provided above helpful. Armed with this knowledge about racquetball footwear, you should be able to find a pair that suits your needs and your wallet. If you are still struggling to find a suitable pair, we’ll make things even easier for you. If you recall, we mentioned our top picks earlier. Now we’ll elaborate on our top three choices and let you know why the Salming Viper Men’s Court Shoes is the best overall choice, what makes the Salming Men’s Kobra 2 the best premium footwear, and why we believe that the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 is the best value offering out of all the products mentioned in the list. If you have already chosen a pair that you want to buy, feel free to skip this section; otherwise, continue reading to select the right racquetball shoes.
Best Overall Choice
The Salming Viper Men’s Court Shoes is an excellent choice for racquetball as it offers excellent stability and traction on indoor courts while boasting impressive comfort features. These shoes come with less cushioning in the forefoot area that gives you more close-to-the-court feel. Moreover, they feature breathable nylon uppers to ensure that your feet stay cool, dry and sweat-free. These uppers are supported by the unique Exoskeleton that keeps you feet in the right position during high-speed movements in different directions. The Viper also features the Torsion Guide System which designates the distance from heel to the ball of the foot to optimize performance, comfort, and stability. The design of these shoes offers great flexibility and stimulates the natural movements of your foot. The midsole of this pair incorporates a high abrasion injection EVA, designed to create a nice feel for the court.
Premium Product
If you want to buy high-end racquetball shoes to take your game to the next level, the Salming Men’s Kobra 2 is the best option for you. The uppers of these shoes are made with a perforated mesh-like material with synthetic overlays. These ensure breathability while providing you with a snug fit. The interior of the Kobra 2 incorporates the Rollbar technology that prevents too much torsion and allows better push-off. On the outer part, these shoes make use of a lateral movement stabilizer that prevents your ankles from rolling outwards, reducing the likelihood of injury. The heel of this pair boasts Softfoam – a cushioning compound – that absorbs shock on each impact, preventing foot pain.
Best Value
If you wish to get your hands on a pair of racquetball shoes that give you the best value for money, go with the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8. This pair comes with a non-marking rubber outsole which provides you with solid traction and improves your mobility in the court. The uppers of the Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 are made with mesh and synthetic leather to ensure breathability and durability. These uppers are flexible and won’t restrict the movement of your feet. This pair also boasts the Forefoot GEL Cushioning System which attenuates shock on impact with the surface. It comes with the stabilizing Trusstic system technology that reduces the weight of the outsole while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
Now pick a pair from our list and enjoy playing racquetball at your very best. When deciding to buy racquetball shoes, consider the things we discussed earlier including shock absorption, comfort, breathability, durability, flexibility and the outsole of the shoes.
We have provided detailed information on racquetball shoes but if you are still finding it hard to select a pair or have any questions to ask from us, feel free to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to assist you in finding a pair of shoes that would help improve your performance in the court.