6 Best Men’s Racquetball Shoes

Men’s Racquetball Shoes: What You Need to Consider Before Buying

Your proficiency level, feet shape, budget, and fashion taste may dictate which shoes to buy. But if you are performance-oriented, we’ve lined up a range of features to consider.

Check them out:

Upper

The shoe upper consists of five different parts; quarter, vamp, tongue, eyelets, toe cap, and puff. Some brands use the same material for the entire upper, while others use different materials. Common upper materials include: 

• Knit: They give a lightweight feel and enhance breathability and comfort. Yet, they are susceptible to wear and tear and abrasion. 
• Genuine Leather: The pure leather shoes have good durability and ensure your foot remains in place. Besides, they are stretchable, thus, providing comfort. Still, they make the shoe somewhat heavier. 
• Synthetic Leather Upper: These are created from artificial materials; thus, not as durable as genuine leather. However, it’s lightweight and breathable.
• Mesh Upper: Mesh was designed from polyester or nylon and is often compared to knit. These uppers are highly breathable and machine washable. Nonetheless, the mesh is not water-resistant. 

Most men’s shoes for racquetball implement mesh only, combine mesh and leather, or leather only.

Midsole

The midsole absorbs shock and offers decent cushioning. The midsole cushioning responds excellently to hard landings and sudden shifts. Therefore, look for a thick and responsive midsole or racquetball shoes with a proprietary midsole for a customized experience.

Outsole

The outsole (sole) is the part in contact with the ground. For racquetball shoes, look for grippy soles, primarily developed from rubber. The best rubber is nonmarking gum rubber, as it offers outstanding traction. However, men’s gum sole racquetball shoes wear out quickly when used on outdoor courts. 

Also, tread patterns have a tremendous impact on traction and movement. The best men’s indoor court shoes should have herringbone tread and circular accents to manage quick and random movements.

Materials

For the best racquetball shoes, men’s comfort comes first. Shoe materials determine shoe performance, durability, and comfort. Go with soft rubber (gum) for the sole because it offers a better grip than hard rubber. However, soft rubber isn’t the best if you have poor footwork. The high traction stops suddenly, which may roll your ankle. In this case, less sticky rubber with reduced traction is ideal. 

For the uppers, find something breathable and lightweight but still supportive enough.

Design

The essential thing in racquetball shoe is comfort, stability, ankle support, and enough traction. Check the design of the outsole, especially the tread pattern; small herringbone and hexagonal treads will offer enough traction regardless of the movement. Thicker and deeper treads provide little traction. 

Remember, the right shoes should integrate functionality, design elements, and ergonomics. Today, most shoes have decent aesthetics but still stand up to daily abuses.

Shank

The shank is a thin, long material between the outsole and insole around the foot arch. This part provides structure and support. 

Racquetball players look for a mix of stability and mobility. More stable racquetball shoes have a firmer shank. This works well for players who shift laterally more often, provided they play on their toes. But a firm shank is unforgiving if you have poor footwork; it’ll make your foot sole sore. 

By contrast, a flexible shank is less likely to cause sores on the sole of the feet. However, it is much less stable. But since it does not impede movement, it works well for sprinters. 

Price

How much do you want to spend on a racquetball shoe? There is a whole range of prices. Premium quality shoes can cost as much as $200, while some cost a meager $30. But not all highly-priced racquetball shoes are the best. You need to find a shoe that meets your needs within your set budget.

Size

Your feet shape, width, and length determine the shoe’s overall size. Manufacturers offer shoes in a standard size, usually UK/Europe or US size. Some shoes run narrow, making them uncomfortable for players with wide feet. 

So, if you have wider feet, consider finding men’s wide racquetball shoes; otherwise, you risk pain, blisters, calluses, and bunions. This will happen if you buy a smaller shoe. Buying oversized shoes will make you walk unnaturally, hindering your play. Before buying racquetball men’s shoes, understand your feet.

Durability

Your racquetball shoe should last at least six months. Of course, that depends on the frequency of use. Either way, it is crucial to invest in a shoe that can take a beating for a longer time. 

Premium materials such as full-grain leather uppers and durable rubber are long-lasting. Today, most manufacturers have proprietary materials to boost durability. 

Traction

influences your mobility. High traction is essential for racquetball players, and rubber soles offer decent grip. For a much better grip, pay attention to the tread design. As earlier said, herringbone treads are good.

Support

Several parts of a racquetball shoe contribute to support – shank, uppers, heel cap, and other proprietary technology. Always buy a shoe that offers a dynamic support system and flexibility. The best thing is looking for shoes that provide decent ankle support – for instance, mid- or high-top shoes.

6 Best Men’s Racquetball Shoes

Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 10 Indoor Court Shoes

[amazon box=”B08XXH9T11″]

Flexibility, smoother landings, and Trusstic System technology define the ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 10. While it continues to deliver excellent cushion-like its predecessors ASICS Gel Rocket 7, 8, and 9, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 10 is focused on bettering stability alongside a more flexible fit, thanks to a flexible upper construction. 

The multi-purpose indoor court shoe features synthetic leather overlays to boost support, leaving players confident as they make sudden movements on the court.

Highlights

• Compatible Sports: Racquetball/ Volleyball/Badminton 
• Brand: Asics
• Sizes: 6 to 15 US
• Upper: mesh and synthetic leather
• Sole: Rubber
• Color: Black/Pure Gold, Glacier Grey/Sunrise Red, White/Pure Gold, Black/Electric Red, Black/Safety Yellow, Deep Sea Teal/Glow Yellow, and White/Pure Silver
• Department: Mens
• Category: Sneakers
• Country of Origin: China

Unique Features

• Mobility: Asics men’s gel-rocket 10 indoor court shoes promote mobility through standout traction, plus flexible but supportive uppers and cushioning responsive to quick movement. The Trusstic System Technology reduces the sole’s weight immensely, making it ultra-light. 
• Traction: The sole is designed from rubber with different grip patterns, and the sole offers better traction. Further, it makes the shoe more stable on the court. 
• Cushion: Asics Gel Rocket 10 utilizes Gel has cushions in the heel to offer better shock absorption for all indoor courts. Along with a supportive design, the gel technology ensures that players receive lasting comfort during their playtime. 
• Cooling Down: though the shoe has a mesh upper for breathability, there is heat build-up due to the padding. However, the amount of heat accumulation is much less than the Gel Rocket 9. 
• Durability: While the gel rocket 10 is not the most durable shoe, it will provide better service. The shoe can last more than six months with proper maintenance and use. 
• Comfort: The shoe is very comfortable to the feet, thanks to the generous cushioning on the heel. Regardless of the play intensity, there is no reason your feet will be sore when training. 
• Stability: the Gel Rocket 10 is more stable, especially in the middle of the arch. Trusstic System in the midsole confers better stability during those quick sudden transitions. 

What Need Improvement

• Soft cushioning material 
• Minor support for lateral movements 
• Low durability

Racquetball Shoes Men’s Head

[amazon box=”B084GS8SLH”]

Head men’s racquetball shoe boasts of premium performance. It is light, ground-hugging, and fast. This pair of racquetball shoes for men perfectly balances comfort and stability to ensure that you maintain your form while playing.

The HEAD Men’s Revolt indoor court shoes were designed for pickleball, but its tough engineering makes it ideal for racquetball. Any robust racquetball player will find everything they need in this shoe.

Highlights

• Compatible Sports: Tennis/Pickleball/Racquetball/Squash
• Brand: Head
• Sizes: 8.5 to 13
• Upper: mesh and synthetic leather 
• Sole: Rubber
• Color: Black/Teal
• Department: Mens 
• Category: Sneakers
• Country of Origin: US 

Unique Features

• Mobility: HEAD Men’s Revolt has improved traction, which enhances mobility. Its stickier grip, thanks to the HYBRASION+™ technology, allows players with excellent footwork to move swiftly in the court. Besides, it is exceptionally lightweight, enabling faster movement. 
• Traction: the revolt head men’s indoor shoe offers one of the best all-round traction. The sole features tacky gum rubber that is slightly altered, resulting in Hybrasion gum rubber to provide high-end traction and durability.
• Cooling Down: The shoe utilizes the head cooling system, which offers 360° degree ventilation. The breathable lining and upper meshes and a ventilated sole allow heat to escape, thus, creating optimum foot climate. 
• Durability: The durable synthetic leather alongside the unique hybrid rubber was created to last. As such, they confer unmatched durability to the shoe. 
• Comfort: HEAD Men’s Revolt has a comfortable design. Besides, the ability to generate an optimum foot climate and the drift defense system that offers protection around the toe and medial side boost comfort in this shoe. 
• Stability: here s where the Head revolt shines; it’s low to ground for stability. Additionally, its ENERGY FRAME featuring the lateral and TPU midfoot shank confers additional stability. And with the best lateral control features, i.e., stability trigger in the outsole, chances of rollovers are minimal. 

What Need Improvement

• Narrow fit
• Poor ankle support
• Cushioning is not the best

Nike Indoor Court Shoes Men

[amazon box=”B004WPBG2U”]

Nike Air Monarch IV is super comfortable and aesthetically attractive. Its uppers are made from durable leather for support and durability. For breathability, it features a mesh tongue and perforations to provide airflow. 

However, the leather places additional weight on the Nike Air Monarch IV, making it weightier than an average racquetball shoe. 

The comfortable feel is due to the soft fabric lining that offers a faultless and relaxed fit alongside the best cushioning. Nike Air Monarch IV is designed for indoor activities, thanks to its robust but solid slip-resistant sole.

Highlights

• Compatible Sports: Tennis/Pickleball/Racquetball/Squash
• Brand: Nike 
• Sizes: 6 to 12.5
• Upper: Leather  
• Sole: Rubber
• Color: Black/Black, White/Black, Black/White, White/Metallic Silver/Midnight Navy, Black/Black-white-racer Blue, White/Metallic Silver, White/Cool Grey/Anthracite, White/Metallic, White, White/Black-varsity Red, Black Black 001
• Department: Mens 
• Category: Sneakers
• Country of Origin: US 

Unique Features

• Comfort: Nike Air Monarch IV is roomy; hence they feel wide. That makes them one of the men’s wide racquetball shoes. Additionally, they feature a foam midsole with an Air-Sole unit along the entire length of the shoes that will cushion every step, twists, or turns you make. While it does not offer the best cushioning, it is nicely responsive. So, even with serious jumps, your joints will not suffer. 
• Durability: The upper is developed from genuine durable leather. The rugged leather upper alongside the solid rubber sole confers first-class durability to the Nike Air Monarch IV. 
• Traction: the sole is solid rubber with different grip patterns along its length to offer the much-needed grip on any racquetball court. However, the rubber design of the shoe makes it super ideal for indoor coats. 
• Mobility: Nike Air Monarch IV is designed for mobility. Mostly, traction and stability are the main features that promote mobility. However, their weighty nature can slow you down. 
• Cushion: Nike ensured that the Nike Air Monarch IV is well cushioned for comfort and durable support. The midsole features a lightweight foam encapsulating an air-sole unit along its entire length. This arrangement gives you a decent bounce with every stride you make. 

Adidas Racquetball Shoes Men

[amazon box=”B095VRBFSB”]

The standout feature that Adidas Racquetball Shoes Men offers is their outstanding grip and unmatched durability. However, it is worth noting that these Adidas racquetball shoes have a narrow fitting. Therefore, they aren’t the best for you if you have wide feet. 

The Adidas Men’s Grand Court LTS Racquetball Shoe is somewhat flat, making it ideal for flat-footed individuals. The only concern with these men’s mid racquetball shoes is that flex at the front is very minimal, which might cause injuries to the toes. 

Highlights

• Compatible Sports: Racquetball/ Volleyball
• Brand: Adidas 
• Sizes: 6.5 to 14 UK
• Upper: Synthetic Leather
• Sole: Rubber
• Color: Black/Black/White, White/Black/White
• Department: Mens
• Category: Sneakers
• Country of Origin: US

Unique Features

• Mobility: The entire shoe has a lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. Again, since it has a rubber sole with different grip patterns, it offers enough traction to allow quick direction changes. 
• Cushion: The insole of the Grand Court LTS men’s Racquetball Shoe is cushioned to minimize pressure and shock on your feet. That leaves your feet with the needed comfort and support. Besides, the sock liner is padded and offers additional cushioning, ensuring that your foot fits comfortably in the shoe the entire day. 
• Comfort: Considering that the insole is well cushioned, these shoes must be comfortable to wear the entire day. However, it is worth noting that Ground Court runs small, which only a few people find true to size. If your feet are wider, you might not enjoy the comfort. Also, if you like to raise sneakers, you might be uncomfortable in the Grand Court LTS men’s Racquetball Shoe. 
• Cooling Down: Your feet may become hot in this shoe, especially in intense training. Though the shoe offers some ventilation mechanism, the padding on the interior quickly increases the interior temperature, especially in warmer areas.
• Durability: The durable PU leather uppers alongside the rubber sole give these shoes an admirable lifespan. However, its life span will majorly depend on how you use it.

What Need Improvement

• Runs smaller 
• Not the best ankle support

Ektelon Men’s Racquetball Shoes

[amazon box=”B0029F2F70″]

Ektelon Men’s Racquetball Shoes feature cutting-edge functionality and are technically advanced. The shoes offer top-notch performance for any agile player needing speed. The shoe has a molded EVA midsole and natural rubber sole for traction and stability.

The full-grain leather upper makes the shoe more durable and stylish. However, it makes the shoes more weighty than a regular racquetball shoe. That notwithstanding, the anatomical sock liner soothes the feet, minimizing fatigue and discomfort. 

The Ektelon men’s NFS classic MID racquetball shoes run narrow. Therefore, when you buy these men’s mid racquetball shoes, order ½ size larger. 

Highlights

• Compatible Sports: Racquetball/ Volleyball
• Brand: Ektelon
• Sizes: 5 to 8 UK
• Upper: Synthetic Leather 
• Sole: Rubber
• Color: White/Dive blue
• Department: Mens
• Category: Sneakers
• Country of Origin: US

Unique Features

• Comfort: Ektelon uses natural foot shape (NFS) technology that mimics the foot’s profile, ensuring maximum comfort.
• Since it offers solid ankle and arch support and appears to be steady and sturdy, your feet remain comfortable. 
• Mobility: at 2 pounds, the Ektelon Racquetball Shoes isn’t much weight to carry around. So, you can quickly move around in the court. Again, the grip design on the rubber sole offers enough traction to avoid unnecessary movements/slides. You can make sudden turns without sustaining toe injuries with the roomy toe box. 
• Stability: this men’s racquetball shoe features an outsole design that allows odd movements associated with racquetball. You move forward, backward, sideways, and jump, and it all feels effortless and very secure. The shoe offers firm footing and unmatched stability when moving around the racquetball court. 
• Durability: the Ektelon racquetball shoes for men will last you longer if you use them on indoor courts. The steady gum soles and rugged leather uppers can withstand all abuses associated with racquetball. 
• Cooling Down: The shoe has a synthetic leather upper and is padded on the interior, so it accumulates heat, especially during warm days. However, the mesh tongue and section of mesh on the upper try to inject breathability into the shoe design.

What Need Improvement

• The shoe runs narrow 
• Durability is not so good

Mizuno Men’s Racquetball Shoes

[amazon box=”B07HDCML5K”]

The Mizuno Men’s Wave Momentum men’s racquetball shoes offer almost anything you will need in a racquetball shoe. This low-top shoe delivers maximum support in response to the most extreme changes in position, thanks to the Mizuno Wave technology. 

With the 3-layer no-sew upper, the Mizuno men’s racquetball shoes create a sleek, lightweight body offering a snug fit and elite-class comfort.

Highlights

• Compatible Sports: Racquetball/ Volleyball
• Brand: Asics
• Sizes: 7 D to 17D US
• Upper: Synthetic-and-mesh
• Sole: Xg Rubber
• Color: True Blue-white, High-Risk Red-grey (1g91), Royal-orange (5220)
• Department: Mens
• Category: Sneakers
• Country of Origin: US

Unique Features

• Traction: Mizuno uses extra grade (Xg) rubber that always grips the court floor. With different tread patterns based on wide curves and circles, the outer sole offers high traction on different courts, primarily wooden and plastic courts. 
• Stability: Mizuno WAVE Technology gives these sneakers excellent lateral stability. The wider outrigger within the outsole ensures the foot doesn’t roll over but sits within the sole’s fame. 
• Mobility: with high-level traction, bootie construction (offering a secure, snug fit), and stability, the Mizuno racquetball shoes make every movement a breeze. You can easily change direction without the fear of sliding. 
• Comfort: your primary need in any racquetball shoe should be comfort. Every aspect of Mizuno shoes is geared towards comfort. For instance, the bootie construction offers a soft, snug fit, elite comfort, and support. The wave technology offers decent cushioning. On top of the cushioning, there is a highly responsive padded insole. These two features make the underfoot bouncy. So, your jumps can be explosive and lateral movements will feel quick. 
• Cool Down: the mesh upper allows unhindered airflow into and out of the shoe. While this should make the shoe cool, it is not always the case as the padding on the heel and insole accumulate heat, especially during hot days. 

What Need Improvement

• A little bit heavy
• It loses the bounce rather quickly

Why is Correct Fit and Sizing Essential for Racquetball Shoes

Convenience and style may push you to wear the wrong size of racquetball shoes. But this comes with severe consequences such as mobility and falls. Besides, you may develop feet numbness, resulting in pain. Other effects of wrong shoe size are deformities such as hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, calluses, bunions, corns, stress fractures, etc. 

Therefore, professionally measure your feet and try a shoe before buying. After every six to twelve months of regular use, replace it. 

Here is how you can get a correct fit: 

• Buying shoes with a similar shape to your foot 
• Avoiding tight-fitting shoes – chances of stretching are minimal 
• Try the shoes first – walk in them to ensure they fit and feel right 
• Leave about 3/8″ to ½” space for your longest toe in each shoe when you stand up 

Properly fitting racquetball shoes last longer, improve mobility, feel better and minimize injuries.

Why You Should Not Choose Tennis or Running Shoes for Racquetball Game

Racquetball and tennis shoes can be used interchangeably but only with caution. 

Here is why: 

The two sports have different courts. In tennis, the best shoe must offer stability and toe protection. However, racquetball players need shoes that provide extra control and allow easy movement. 

Gum-soled shoes are ideal for racquetball since they do not destroy the court. Similarly, a requirement for tennis shoes is they should not scuff the court. Remember, racquetball shoes are designed for traction on the smoother slicker racquetball court rather than speed. On the other hand, tennis shoes have decisive edges to allow lateral movement. Also, their toe is blunter to enable charging to the net and stopping suddenly.  

Tennis and racquetball have different injuries. Tennis players are susceptible to knee and ankle injuries due to sudden side-to-side movement. So they need more lateral support. By contrast, racquetball players are exposed to joint damage. Thus, they need cushioning at the heel and forefoot.

Which are the Similar Court Sports Shoes for Racquetball

Racquetball shoes are the best for racquetball as they are prepared to offer a decent grip on the court floor and support your body during play. 

However, you can use shoes with a similar design. Tennis shoes are often used to play racquetball as they offer a near-identical experience. But only use them if you haven’t found a fitting racquetball shoe.

Why Popular Brands will be a Safe Choice for Racquetball Shoes

Brand matters when it comes to consumer choices. Consumers prefer consistency, trust, and quality. 

Leading brands like Asics, Nike, Adidas, and Mizuno create unforgettable experiences through their products. Established brands manufacture comfortable sport-specific shoes. This results in a satisfactory and positive experience. 

Besides, advanced brands invest in technology that results in tailor-made racquetball shoes. Such shoes result in a unique experience enabling players to perform better. 

For instance, Nike is the largest manufacturer of athletic shoes, hence a highly recognized brand for durable, attractive, stylish, and expensive sports shoes having a flexible and cushioned lift.

How to Properly Take Care of Your Racquetball Shoes

Your racquetball shoes can withstand immense wear and tear. But, becoming dirty is inevitable. Proper maintenance, however, can prolong their life. Check out the manufacturer’s website for specific details if you are unsure. 

Otherwise, try out the tips below: 

• Use Selectively: Wear your racquetball shoes only while playing racquetball. Do not wear them for anything else. Using them for other purposes will lead to faster wearing out of the cushioning, making them lose the bounce. 
• Clean Regularly: Clean the shoes regularly and thoroughly. Water, mud, grass, sweat, and leaves can leave stubborn stains on your shoes. Ideally, they weaken the stitching, damage the rubber, and promote mold growth. 
• Clean With Vinegar: Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar, a cup of warm water, and one tablespoon of baking soda, and use the mixture to clean your shoes—Scrub shoes with a scrub brush.
• Dry Properly: If your shoes are wet, remove the insole and stuff them with newspaper. The newspaper helps to maintain the shape of the toe box while absorbing moisture. If you airdry the shoes, they might stink. 
• Untie & Take It Off: Always unfasten to take off your shoe. Unlacing makes it easy to remove your shoes, thus, preventing crushing the heel cup, which supports your shoe. 
• Give Rest Period: Don’t use your pairs every day, take a break. At least a 48-hour break is enough. This timeframe allows the foam to decompress, and it will extend the life of your shoe. 
• Proper Storage: Store your racquetball shoe at room temperature and in a dry room, away from direct sun. Direct sunlight causes oxidation causing yellowing of the sole.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Each racquetball player has unique needs. Therefore, there is no one-fit-all situation when finding the best racquetball shoe for men. Beginners might pick any shoes; however, professional players might consider a shoe that balances all the features. 

This review points out several features you can consider before purchasing a racquetball shoe. Read them to get a picture of what you should get. In the end, tennis shoes and racquetball shoes are pretty similar.