SQAIRZ XRZ™ - pickleball shoes review

If your court shoes are getting old, or they don't offer the comfort and support you need, why not consider some pickleball-specific shoes?

SQAIRZ, a brand known for its golf and baseball shoes, has teamed up with top pickleball brand ProXR Pickleball for their first pickleball shoe. I've been putting them through rigorous testing on the courts, so read on for my SQAIRZ XRZ™ review to see if these shoes are worth $160.

The SQAIRZ XRZ™ pickleball shoes are the ones you want if you value grip, support, and durability above all else. They're priced high at $160 but they're designed specifically for pickleball play, in partnership with top brand ProXR Pickleball.

My favorite aspect of these shoes is their durability. In the past, my shoes have tended to break down at the sides because I often slide my foot when I play. Impressively, the SQAIRZ XRZ™ are showing almost no signs of wear and tear after playing with them 15+ hours a week for nearly three months.

They're really supportive at the ankles too, and the grip is fantastic. I still haven't felt like my foot slipped or lost traction.

Check out my first thoughts on the SQAIRZ XRZ™ shoes:

Be aware that these are pretty wide shoes. They run big, so I'd recommend ordering a half-size or full-size down. I end up having to tie my laces tighter than usual to get a snug fit, which makes the laces super long. I've stepped on them even when they're double-knotted.

The insoles also aren't the most comfortable. There are times when I've stopped suddenly and it felt like the insole was folding under my foot. I'd recommend changing them out for athletic insoles.

If those things don't bother you, you've got yourself a pickleball shoe that will last a really long time. They have amazing grip and great ankle support and they're definitely comfortable enough for heavy play.

Players from beginner to advanced levels will like the support they give, preventing injuries to your ankle. They're worth $160 as you won't need to replace them anytime soon.

SQAIRZ claims that they spent three years developing these shoes on the courts with pickleball pros and ProXR Pickleball, who makes Zane Navratil's pickleball paddles.

They definitely look sturdy and high quality, though I wouldn't say the design is particularly unique. Let's take a look at some of the features of the SQAIRZ XRZ™.

These shoes run pretty long and wide. I'm a size 9.5 (sometimes a 10) but my foot has a lot more room in these 9.5s than in other shoes. Part of that is down to the "signature roomier toe box" but it feels generally wide from the arch to the toe.

It seems like this is intentionally done to make the shoes more stable, so it can be a positive—especially if you like wider shoes anyway. It just feels really wide for me, and not something I'm used to. I tie my laces tighter when I'm wearing these, but you might want a size down from your usual.

The strong silicone toe cap helps to prevent the shoe from tearing. I tend to slide my foot on the court when I'm dinking at the kitchen, so my shoes always get torn up. That isn't the case with these.

These laces are cool and something I haven't seen before. They have little ridges on them to stop them from coming undone. It works really well—my laces always stay in place.

These are soft shoes with good cushioning out of the box. The sides have a nice layer of cushion that feels comfortable as you move laterally. I just don't find them as comfortable as other shoes because of the wide fit I mentioned, but this isn't a deal-breaker at all.

The insole also isn't the most comfortable. It sometimes feels like it's folding under my foot, and it's starting to wear down. I recommend putting in a sports-specific insole instead.

These shoes don't have any standout features when it comes to breathability. That said, I haven't felt like they were super sweaty or suffocating my feet.

The XRZ™ offers multiple features to provide high-quality stability, and I feel that when I'm playing. Pickleball requires a lot of starting and stopping and side-to-side movement. So with some shoes, you feel like you're rolling over the shoe since the support isn't there. I never feel that way with these.

They cradle your feet as you move from side to side and forward and back. The heel supports your foot when you jump and land and doesn't add extra pressure to your joints.

These shoes aren't as light as some Wilson tennis shoes I've had in the past, but they don't slow me down while I'm playing. They're still quick for shoes that are built to focus on support and durability.

These are very durable shoes. I'm shocked at the lack of wear and tear they have after nearly three months of use.

Since I tend to lean toward the outside of my foot, the sides of my shoes often wear down and get uneven, and I start seeing burn marks after a few months. That isn't the case with the XRZ™ shoes. They still aren't showing any signs of breaking down and are as sturdy as ever.

At $160, these are $10 more expensive than the Diadem Court Burst—one of the best pickleball shoes on the market. That said, they are 100% worth it if you're serious about pickleball and ready to invest.

Despite some small nagging issues with comfort, size, and the laces, the SQAIRZ XRZ™ shoes are worth the price because of their durability. I can see myself using these shoes for 1.5-2 years without an issue. So, I'm saving the money I would normally spend on a new pair of shoes every year.

These shoes are great for players of any pickleball skill level. Whether you're a beginner or advanced player, you'll appreciate the comfort and support these provide, and the added protection against injury with the increased support. Advanced players will like the stability these provide in long dink rallies and when having to move forward and backward quickly.

If the SQAIRZ XRZ™ isn't the right pickleball shoe for you, check out some others I recommend:

This article contains affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As a brand associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!