What Other Brands Are Doing
As pickleball continues to explode in popularity, we’ve seen a flood of new shoe brands enter the space—many rushing to meet demand without fully understanding what pickleball players actually need.
A lot of these shoes fall into two camps: repurposed tennis or running shoes, or overbuilt “performance” models with inflated price tags—sometimes $200 or more. These designs often include gimmicky features like dial-in closure systems, bulky midsoles, and extra overlays that look technical but don’t meaningfully help you move, plant, or recover during a match. In fact, they usually add weight, cost, and bulk—exactly what most players are trying to avoid.
When we studied the landscape, we saw a pattern: features that favored marketing over movement. Shoes that claimed innovation but didn’t solve the real problems—instability, foot fatigue, poor traction, and injury risk.
So at SQAIRZ, we did the opposite.
We stripped away the fluff and focused on what actually makes a difference: stability, comfort, injury prevention, and long-lasting support for the movements that define pickleball—side-to-side transitions, split-second pivots, and explosive lateral bursts.
We didn’t just build around marketing trends. We built around biomechanics.
Our patented Sta-Put Lacing System is a perfect example. Instead of relying on unnecessary dials or redundant tightening systems, we engineered a secure, locked-in fit that holds your foot in place from the first serve to the last point. You tie them once—and that’s it. No mid-match retying. No loosening. No distractions. Just a consistent, stable foundation you don’t have to think about.
Because on the court, gimmicks don’t win matches. Confidence, comfort, and connection to the ground do.
Not the Most Expensive—On Purpose
Let’s be real: These big brands are launching sub-par pickleball shoes left and right, chasing trends and gimmicks and not focusing on tech. Yeah, we are looking at you Head that just launched a $200 shoe with BOA. Which is great for not tying laces, but adds some real weight to the shoe, hurting your performance.
We’re not here to set the highest price. We’re here to deliver real performance, proven injury prevention, and medical-grade design at a price that makes sense.
Most premium court shoes range between $140 and $200. The XRZ™ sits right in the middle—with more value per dollar than anything else on the market.
Injury Prevention: The Real Cost Saver
Pickleball injuries are no joke. In fact, the sport is now generating over $500 million in medical costs annually—a stat we broke down in detail in this article. And most of those injuries? They come from wearing the wrong shoes. Tennis shoes and running shoes were never designed for the lateral movements, quick stops, and court-specific demands of pickleball.
The XRZ™ was built to change that. With its biomechanically-informed design, reinforced sidewalls, and a SmartTraction™ outsole that grips without locking you up, it’s made to prevent rolled ankles, plantar fasciitis, knee misalignment, and Achilles strain. Think of it as gear that pays for itself in injury prevention alone.
Specs That Speak for Themselves
The all-new XRZ™ pickleball shoe isn’t a relabeled tennis shoe or a generic court model with flashy branding. It was built from the ground up for one thing: performance at every angle.
Co-created with elite pickleball pros, every detail of the XRZ is engineered for how the game is actually played—fast, lateral, and relentless.
Here’s what sets it apart:
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SmartTraction™ Outsole
Designed specifically for pickleball’s quick cuts and stop-start transitions, the multi-directional herringbone tread grips every court surface. With four lateral side outriggers and forefoot pivot points, it prevents rollover and supports powerful push-offs and pivots. -
Signature Roomier Toe Box
Allows your toes to spread naturally for better balance, a stronger base under the ball of your foot, and reduced injury risk—so you can move confidently and explosively. -
Reinforced Silicone Toe Cap
Built to handle toe drags and lateral stress, with medial-side protection that helps your shoes last longer—even under intense play. -
Stability-First Platform
A TPU heel counter and internal anti-torsion system provide seamless support from heel to toe, reducing fatigue and improving energy transfer on every stride. -
Sta-Put™ Lacing System
Our patented laces stay tied, stay tight, and stay centered—so you can focus on the rally, not your shoes. -
NRG™ Foam Midsole
Lightweight EVA with responsive rebound and shock absorption to protect your joints while keeping you energized deep into the match. -
Dual-Density Insole
Cushioned pods in the heel and forefoot enhance comfort and reduce fatigue, especially on hard courts or long tournament days. -
Breathable, Durable Upper
A closed-cell Lycra mesh keeps feet cool and dry while offering structured support. Foam-backed collar and tongue add comfort without sacrificing stability.
Every material, every design choice, and every ounce of the XRZ was crafted with one goal: helping you move better, feel better, and stay on the court longer.
The 6-Month Sole Warranty: 2-for-1 Value
Most shoes break down long before they wear out. With SQAIRZ, we back the XRZ with a 6-month outsole warranty. That’s not just peace of mind—it’s like getting two shoes for the price of one.
If you’re playing consistently, especially on gritty courts, durability matters. And we stand behind every step.
First Time? Take $10 Off
If this is your first pair of SQAIRZ, join our newsletter and get $10 off your first order. We want you to feel the difference—because once you do, you’ll never go back to tennis shoes again.
Ready to upgrade? Your feet will thank you.