Indoor sports like squash and racquetball present a unique challenge when it comes to choosing footwear: Not only should the shoes provide comfort and support, but they also have to offer great traction on the floor without leaving any marks. Proper indoor shoes can help you play your best game, so don’t forget to change out your squash shoes, racquetball shoes, or other indoor footwear after 45-60 hours of play or when they become visibly worn, whichever comes first!
Indoor shoes have to meet a variety of needs. Most importantly, they need to keep you comfortable and safe. But they must also support you throughout your entire movement cycle, helping you to play your favorite indoor sport effectively and with proper form. So how do you know if you’ve found the right indoor shoes for you? Try ’em on! Wear the socks you plan to wear when you play, and be sure to try on both shoes. Your feet should feel secure in the shoes, but your toes should have plenty of breathing room. Your feet swell when you exercise, and neglecting to leave a little extra room can yield painful blisters later on. Don’t be afraid to jog around the store a bit to see if the shoes rub, slide, or generally don’t feel “right” on your feet. Do the shoes feel stable and supportive? Are your arches happy? Do the soles provide good traction?
Indoor footwear usually features an outsole that’s a blend of gum rubber and synthetic rubber; you will know a shoe is suitable for indoor use if the sole feels soft to the touch. Look for an indoor shoe that is sturdy and stable enough to support you while you dart back and forth across the court. Also: Make sure you never wear your indoor shoes outside, as then you risk tracking dirt and grime onto the court, which makes it slippery and dangerous to play on.
How well do you know your feet? Understanding their size, shape, and unique movement pattern is crucial to outfitting them with proper indoor footwear. Before buying your next pair of indoor shoes, figure out if you have a low, neutral, or high arch, which will help you determine how much arch support you need. The more you know about your feet, the more likely you are to keep them happy and healthy with the perfect pair of indoor shoes!
Don’t settle for an ill-fitting indoor shoe or try to force the next size up or down to work for your foot’s unique shape or width. We have some of the best indoor shoes for men from popular brands like HEAD, adidas, Harrow, ASICS, Babolat, Yonex, and more! We also carry wide indoor shoes and narrow indoor shoes—all in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will keep your game up to speed.
