15 Best Racquetball Shoes (Review) In 2022

- 1. ASICS Women's Gel Rocket 7 Racquetball Shoes
- 2. Ektelon Men's NFS Attack Synthetic Mid Racquetball Shoes
- 3. Ektelon Men's NFS Classic II Leather Low Racquetball Shoes
- 4. ASICS Women's Gel Blade 5 Indoor Court Shoe
- 5. ASICS Women's GEL-Blast 5 Shoe
- 6. HEAD Men's Grid 2.0 Indoor Court Shoes
- 7. Wilson Unisex Recon Racquetball Sneakers
- 8. Ektelon T-9 Roadster Mid Indoor Court Shoe
- 9. Adidas Men's Barricade Club Shoe
- 10. Wilson Men's Rush Pro 2.5
- 11. New Balance Women's WC806
- 12. Dunlop Men’s Tour Indoor Court Shoe
- 13. Adidas Men's Ligra 5 Volleyball Shoe
- 14. Python Men's Deluxe Indoor Low Racquetball Shoe
- 15. Mishansha Mens Indoor Outdoor Sports Sneakers
Racquetball is deceptively difficult, fast paced and intense. It’s like tennis on steroids where the ball comes at you from unpredictable angles at high speed and you need to react and adjust in a fraction of a second. This constant adjusting, constant reacting, constant changing of directions puts incredible stresses on your footwear. And if you don’t have the right shoes you’re going to wind up with turned ankles, pulled muscles and lost games by the bushel. But not just any shoes will do. You need shoes designed to handle the rigors of the court. Shoes that will protect your feet as much as empower them. Below are the best racquetball shoes on the market today.
The Best Racquetball Shoe
1. ASICS Women’s Gel Rocket 7 Racquetball Shoes

Genuine rubber outsole.
Unique trussic support system.
Gel cushioning in forefoot.
Synthetic mesh upper.
Wait a second! These are volleyball shoes! That’s right. And they’re also first class racquetball shoes. Both sports require sticky soles, ankle support and lots of firm but gentle cushioning. Things the Gel Rocket 7 has in spades. If you’re a value hunter who also happens to be a fan of both sports here’s one shoe that will hit both targets simultaneously. Which makes them our Best Choice. For more amazing sports footwear, check out our guide to the best spin class shoes.
The forefoot gel does a great job absorbing impacts.
They’re incredibly light which reduces fatigue during long games.
The NC gum rubber soles hold the court in a firm grip.
They’re a bit stiffer than some other shoes. But nothing extreme.
2. Ektelon Men’s NFS Attack Synthetic Mid Racquetball Shoes

Synthetic upper.
Molded EVA midsole.
PU sockliner.
Gum rubber outsole.
The threat of turning an ankle is ever present in the high speed world of racquetball. You depend on your shoes to prevent that from happening. No shoes will do a better job of insuring the integrity of your ankles than the Men’s NFS Attack from Ektelon. Throw in outstanding grip, a TPU shank and breathable upper and you have an all-around great racquetball shoe. Our guide to the best cross country shoes features more amazing comfortable and durable footwear.
The abrasion resistant toe cap and outsoles.
The mid-foot strap that adds a lot of lateral stability.
They typically fit true to size.
The narrow toe box excludes wide foot individuals.
3. Ektelon Men’s NFS Classic II Leather Low Racquetball Shoes

ShockEraser midsole.
Gum rubber outsole.
PU sockliner.
Outstanding ankle support.
TPU forefoot.
While we’re talking about Ektelon lets give a shout out to the outstanding NFS Classic II Leather Low Racquetball Shoes. “Responsive”, “agile”, “dependable”, “comfortable” and “durable” are just some of the words that come to mind when describing these handsome and affordable shoes. “Supportive” and “affordable” are two more that fit the Classic II like a glove. If you are also a fan of winter sports, you will surely like some of the best snowboard boots.
The wYshbone shank is firm yet flexible.
Additional stability is generated by the TPU forefoot strap.
They provide better ankle support than most.
They weigh more than other racquetball sneakers.
4. ASICS Women’s Gel Blade 5 Indoor Court Shoe

For multiple sports.
Breathable synthetic upper.
Genuine rubber outsole.
Removable gel insole.
Unlike some of its competitors, Asics has sunk a lot of time, money and effort into developing high-quality racquetball shoes. Their Women’s Gel Blade 5 just happens to be the best of the Asics women’s line. It’s an extremely versatile shoe that saves your ankles while simultaneously enabling incredible responsiveness. Our guide to the best trail running shoes for women features more amazing sports footwear for ladies.
The gel insoles absorb shocks and are very comfortable.
The removable insert lets you free up space for a better fit.
Can use them for racquetball, squash and volleyball.
Sizing is not always consistent from pair to pair.
5. ASICS Women’s GEL-Blast 5 Shoe

Forefoot gel cushioning.
Flexion form-fitting upper.
Asymmetric lacing.
Genuine rubber sole.
The Gel Blast 5 is another great all-around hard court shoe from Asics. The minute you slip them on you’ll notice the attention to detail in the fit. And as soon as you need to execute some pinpoint maneuvers you’ll appreciate the lateral integrity, the “wet” gum rubber sole and the ankle support. You might like some of the best shoes for jazzercise, so be sure to check them out.
Gel lining does a great job absorbing shocks.
They have some of the best lateral stability of any women’s shoe.
The Wet Grip gum rubber sole won’t slip no matter what.
The toebox is a bit narrow.
6. HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Indoor Court Shoes

Gum rubber outsole.
Synthetic leather upper.
HyBrasion compound.
Air mesh breathability.
Durable and comfortable.
What separates the HEAD Grid 2.0 from most other racquetball shoes is the unflinching hold you get from the thick faux leather upper. In lesser shoes that might create an overheating problem but the Grid 2.0 has plenty of Air Mesh vents to allow heat to escape and keep your feet dry and comfortable. If you are also a fan of water sports, don’t forget to check out our reviews of the best kayaking shoes.
The synthetic leather upper enhances overall stability.
The inner sole provides outstanding shock absorption and is removable.
Air Mesh ventilation keeps your feet dry and cool(er).
That synthetic leather upper requires some break in time.
7. Wilson Unisex Recon Racquetball Sneakers

Synthetic mesh upper.
Faux leather detailing.
Stable Chassis shank.
Gum rubber outsole.
endoFit forefoot.
We love the way the Wilson Unisex Recon looks. Fortunately, it works as good as it looks with a responsive gum rubber sole, a heat wicking upper and the company’s “endoFit” forefoot structure. The shank is moderately firm to support active players while at the same time creating a custom-style fit. For biking enthusiasts, we have prepared the selection of the best road cycling shoes, so be sure to check them out.
They provide a nice snug tailor-made type of fit.
The molded foam insole provides laudable support and cushioning.
They have an unusual look that really grows on you.
The laces, while color-coordinated, seem like an afterthought.
8. Ektelon T-9 Roadster Mid Indoor Court Shoe

wYshbone shank.
100% synthetic upper.
Highly breathable.
Unisex design.
Shock eraser midsole.
There aren’t a lot of outstanding mid-rise racquetball shoes out there but the Ektelon T-9 fits the bill. Lateral support is first-rate and won’t let you down even during the most extreme change of directions. The wYshbone shank ensures your arch is properly supported and the Shock Eraser system absorbs impacts like a sponge. If you are a golf fan too, be sure to pick your favorite golf shoes from our list.
A surprising amount of ankle support and protection.
Uses the Shock Eraser system to absorb impacts.
They exhibit a high degree of breathability.
There’s only one style so you could say your choices are limited.
9. Adidas Men’s Barricade Club Shoe

Gum rubber sole.
Removable insole.
Synthetic mesh upper.
Light EVA midsole.
Adituff toe wraps.
Fans of minimalist design are going to love the adidas Men’s Barricade shoe. Sometimes mislabeled a tennis shoe this is nothing of the sort. It features a gum rubber sole, a light but no-nonsense midsole, a breathable upper and lots of lateral support. There’s also a removable midsole if you need to carve out just a bit more room inside to enjoy a perfect fit. And for additional support, you may pick some of the best insoles from our list.
The Torsion System provides an effective bridge between forefoot and heel.
The removable midsole provides that extra bit of space if you feel you’ll need it.
The non-marking gum rubber sole provides first-class grip.
It’s sometimes a challenge to find exactly the right size.
10. Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.5

Duralast rubber outsole.
ProTorque Chassis midfoot.
EndoFit inner lining.
3D-FS reinforced upper.
Handsome and affordable.
Wilson aims high with the Men’s Rush Pro 2.5 and they clear the bar with room to spare. This is a very comfortable, very light shoe that’s also responsive, handsome and built to last. It also happens to be one of the more affordable racquetball shoes we tested. Put it all together and you get our Best Value. If dancing is also your thing, check out our selection of the best shoes for Zumba.
The shank exhibits moderate stiffness so it’s good for more active players.
The ProTorque Chassis midfoot coddles your feet against shocks.
If you don’t like the color, pick another. There are 15 of them.
Ankle support is not what we wanted to see.
11. New Balance Women’s WC806

Abzorb cushioning.
Genuine rubber outsole.
C-Cap midsole.
For racquetball or tennis.
Full leather upper.
Fans of firm lateral support are going to love the New Balance Women’s WC806. The genuine rubber sole is grippy and responsive. The C-Cap midsole provides plenty of ankle support and shock absorption. The Lightning Dry Liner ensures you stay dry and cool. And the full leather upper holds your feet in place through the sharpest changes in direction. For more fun recreational activity footwear, check out our reviews of the best parkour shoes.
All the different proprietary options provide stability, predictability and comfort.
You get a combination of great traction and great fun.
The full grain upper leather provides a lot of support.
They’re pretty expensive racquetball sneakers.
12. Dunlop Men’s Tour Indoor Court Shoe

Dunlop rubber outsole.
For squash or racquetball.
D3O impact protection.
Hot Melt upper design.
Aegis antibacterial treatment.
Dunlop tosses their hat into the ring with their Tour Indoor multisport court shoe. The styling seems consciously automotive but the shoe addresses all the concerns of the racquetball and squash shoe. There’s impact protection via the company’s D3O system, antibacterial treatment to keep the shoes fresh and, not unexpectedly, a Dunlop rubber outsole that grips the floor like a magnet. If you are looking for proper exercise footwear, you will surely like some of the best cross training shoes from our list.
Aegis technology prevents the growth and spread of bacteria.
The D3O Impact Protection system relieves pressure on your joints.
The Air Mesh touches do a great job wicking away heat and moisture.
They feel a bit bulkier than other racquetball shoes.
13. Adidas Men’s Ligra 5 Volleyball Shoe

Adiwear outsole.
Breathable synthetic upper.
Genuine rubber outsole.
For volleyball or racquetball.
We weren’t sold on the design of the Ligra 5 but there’s no arguing with the results. Adidas throws all their “adi-whatever” features at the wall with this shoe and they all stick. You get outstanding lateral support, a sticky, responsive sole, plenty of Air Mesh breathability and lightweight comfort. What’s not to like? For more challenging sports footwear, we have made a selection of the best triathlon shoes, so check them out.
They have a compelling look that’s hard to pin down.
Synthetic overlays in the upper ensure a custom fit.
The breathable mesh lining prevents moisture buildup.
If the floor gets wet the shoe may lose some of its traction.
14. Python Men’s Deluxe Indoor Low Racquetball Shoe

Generous heel cushioning.
Outstanding ankle support.
Lightweight and comfortable.
Attractive price point.
Leather upper.
Python has little experience in creating footwear but you’d never know it. Their Deluxe Indoor Low Racquetball Shoe is a fine example of how to create both stability and responsiveness in a low, hard court shoe. We love the lightweight the midsole cushioning and the quality of the faux leather upper. If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level racquetball shoe here it is. Also looking for some high-quality running footwear? Check out our guide to the best drop zero running shoes.
For a discount racquetball shoe it does a good job.
You can use them for outdoor tennis too. Just clean them afterward.
They feel broken in the minute you take them out of the box.
The look of the shoes is very 90s.
15. Mishansha Mens Indoor Outdoor Sports Sneakers

MD and rubber sole.
Synthetic leather upper.
For multiple indoor sports.
Genuine rubber sole.
No one will lose sight of you if you take the court wearing the Mishansha Men’s Indoor sneaker. It features some of the more compelling color combinations you’ll find in any piece of athletic footwear. That’s the good news. The better news is that it also provides outstanding ankle support, lightweight responsiveness and first class shock absorption. Our guide to the best mountain bike shoes features some extra durable footwear, so be sure to check it out.
They’re a little higher than the competition and provide great ankle support.
They look good enough to wear out socializing.
The sole is a wear-resistant hybrid that will work on tennis or even basketball courts.
There isn’t a lot of room in the toe box.
Racquetball Shoes Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of The Best Racquetball Shoes
Brand - Racquetball shoes are niche footwear so they’re not the kind of item that attracts smaller manufacturers. The fact is that most of the companies that make racquetball shoes are big brand name companies. So that’s what’s on our list.
Price - This type of footwear requires a lot of R&D. But somehow they still manage to remain relatively affordable. How manufacturers pull off that trick is anyone’s guess, but we’ll take it.
Review - We always take the measure of online reviews whenever we look at a new product. At the end of the day however, we come to our own conclusions based on our experience testing the product. Whether it’s coffee makers or racquetball shoes.
Features To Look For In Racquetball Shoes
Design - Of course you’re going to want a shoe that speaks at least in part to your own particular tastes. That said, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind with regards to the design of your shoes. For instance, there’s no good reason for a racquetball shoe to have a deep treads. You want to make as much contact with the floor as possible to optimize mobility. If the soles of your shoes have deep lugs all that space between them isn’t contacting the floor. You’ll also want plenty of structure in the upper to hold your foot firm and provide lateral support.
Midsole - The midsole is where your foot interacts with the shoe. So it’s crucial that it be supportive, comfortable and fashioned from high quality, durable materials. If you’re an aggressive player who spends a lot of time leaping and diving you’ll want to make sure the midsole provides plenty of cushioning in the heel. You’ll also want plenty of arch support and some decent cushioning in the forefoot. That will absorb some of the forces you’ll generate when you switch directions or stop quickly.
Inserts - If you’re more of a sit back and wait for the action to come to you sort of player you may not want or need any type of liners or inserts in your racquetball shoes. However, if you’re one of those aggressive players we discussed a minute ago you may want to consider some form of comfort liner or shock absorbing insert. Because you’re going to need your shoes to absorb as much energy as possible and keep the physical onus off the bones and muscles of your feet and ankles.
Ankle Protection - Speaking of ankles… ankle protection is crucial for this sport where you're constantly switching directions at high speed. Without adequate support you stand a better than even chance of spraining an ankle at some point. And that could put you on the sidelines for a long time. If the ankle turn is serious enough it could affect the state of your game for years to come.
Air Mesh - You’re going to get hot and sweaty in your racquetball sneakers. You prevent that from becoming a problem by using shoes with Air Mesh uppers. Air Mesh is a series of small holes on the top of the upper that allow heat to escape. Without these your shoes are going to turn into stinky wet swamps in short order.
Shank - The shank is essentially that which supplies support to the arch of your foot. The firmness of the shank in your shoes should be determined by your style of play. If you’re that active aggressive, always-on-the-move player you’ll want the shank to be pretty flexible. If you’re more of a stand your ground type of player then you’ll want the shank to be pretty firm in order to underpin your arch at all times. Make sure you get the right firmness. Because if the shank is too firm for your style of play it could actually generate cramps and soreness.
Gum Rubber - The best racquetball shoes have gum rubber soles. Gum rubber provides the most grip you’re going to get from any standard outsole material. And racquetball shoes need to be all about support and grip. Shoes for other indoor sports often feature gum rubber soles, including volleyball shoes. But not basketball shoes. That’s why they’re not recommended for racquetball. Another reason gum rubber shoes are preferred for racquetball is that it’s non-marking and won’t leave big black streaks on the court.
Racquetball Shoes FAQ
Q: What are racquetball shoes?
A: They’re shoes specially designed to handle the rigors of the racquetball court. Racquetball isn’t like most other sports. It’s essentially played in a box. The ball moves incredibly fast, ricocheting of the walls and returning to you in unexpected ways. You need to have lightning quick reflexes and shoes that will protect your feet through the most extreme stresses while holding the court and wicking away heat and moisture.
Q: How do you maintain racquetball shoes?
A: Caring for racquetball shoes begins with one simple rule: don’t wear them for anything other than racquetball. Beyond that make sure the soles are always free of dirt and debris. Hitting the court with gunked up outsoles will lead to slipping, sliding and maybe a turned ankle. Not just for you, but for the people that follow you onto the court.
Q: Why should I wear racquetball-specific shoes?
A: Because running shoes don’t possess the type of lateral support you need when playing racquetball. Nor is the sole of a tennis shoe grippy enough. Tennis shoes have plenty of lateral support in the upper, but the soles won’t cut in on the racquetball court. Same for basketball shoes.
Q: Should soles be a little slippery for gliding?
A: No. In fact just the opposite. The best racquetball shoes grab hold of the slippery wood floor and let you turn on a dime if you have to. If your feet are slipping out from under you every time you make a sharp change in direction you’re going to give away points left and right, pull muscles and twist your ankle.
Q: Is air mesh important in the shoes?
A: Only if you want to prevent your feet from swimming in a sticky pool of bacteria-laden sweat. Air mesh holes in the upper of the shoe allow the heat generated by your feet when playing to vent out the top. And take our word for it: your feet will sweat. A lot.