SQAIRZ, a brand with primary focus in the golf footwear space, has collaborated with pickleball brand ProXR (stay tuned for future ProXR paddle reviews) to create its first pickleball specific shoe, the SQAIRZ XRZ.
I tested the SQAIRZ XRZ on and off through the summer and you’ll find my thoughts below. Let’s get things going with another WearTesters pickleball shoe performance review.
What is the SQAIRZ XRZ?
As previously stated, SQAIRZ created the XRZ in collaboration with ProXR pickleball, where some of the latter’s signed athletes helped to develop the shoe with their input as professional pickleball players. You are likely to find ProXR athlete and professional pickleball player Zane Navratil rocking the SQAIRZ XRZ while pulling out some wicked shots throughout his matches on tour.
Some notable features and details of the SQAIRZ XRZ include:
- A uniquely-shaped, roomy toebox and silicone-molded toe cap
- SQAIRZ Smart Traction rubber outsole with forefoot pivot points
- SQAIRZ patented Sta-Put laces
- Stabilizing TPU heel counter
- Retail price: $160
How did the SQAIRZ XRZ perform?
The XRZ sits on a good foundation mainly due to outsole performance and potential durability. A thick, but flat herringbone pattern covers most of the area with the exception of forefoot pivot points and the subtle flex grooves. This style of herringbone works well as it has enough traction for recreational players to easily come to a stop but enough give for higher level players to slide with control when pushed out wide.
SQAIRZ also makes good use of the rubber outsole in the form of a lateral forefoot outrigger that’s shaped into for aggressive points (almost like a mountain range). This outrigger application is effective by providing lateral stability while shaving a bit of weight in the area. Since the shoe is virtually all court feel with a thin midsole, the flex grooves also help make the shoe feel more anatomic than they appear.
Support and lockdown was for the most part sufficient despite lacking some torsional support as well as the minimal structure and layering around the upper midfoot. The Sta-Put lacing system applies tiny silicone blocks to the flat laces and adds silicone reinforcement to the eyelets. This keeps the laces in place and reduces the need to adjust lacing throughout matches. This lacing also pulls the heel back where there is support coverage in the form of an internal counter and external heel clip.
My least favorite aspect of the SQAIRZ XRZ is the upper construction. While there is a comfortable neoprene-like material covering the foot, combining it with the silicone toe cap makes the shoe bubbly and leaves room over the top of the forefoot where the shoe is already quite roomy. The mid foot also lacks some structure, using only a paper thin TPU application. Fortunately, the heel support, toe cap, and lacing system save the XRZ in terms of containment.
In summary, the disappointing upper of the XRZ happens to be sandwiched between the best parts of it, but I personally don’t feel at ease enough in the shoe to really advocate for it. Despite having no real scares in terms of security while playing in the XRZ, there’s just this incomplete feeling I get from the shoe that prevents me from going back to it on a consistent basis. At $160, it feels far from what I would consider a peak performance shoe.
Who is the SQAIRZ XRZ best suited for?
Players who prioritize court feel and flexibility, want minimal to no break in, and need a respectable outsole design that may fare well over time will enjoy the SQAIRZ XRZ. This shoe fits true to size in length and is suitable for a wide range of foot widths because of its roomy forefoot alongside the support and lockdown features. However, it lacks torsional rigidity, so be mindful if that matters to you.
Though the XRZ was designed with the input of professionals that actually play in the shoe, I do think it is better suited for lower intensity pickleball like recreational doubles versus advanced or pro singles play that would push the shoe’s boundaries a bit more over time.
The great part about this for SQAIRZ is that there are an overwhelming number of players looking for a shoe that will hold up through casual, but competitive play. For the most part, I think the SQAIRZ XRZ meets that criterion. Whether that same group, or you, are willing to pay $160 for the XRZ is likely the biggest unanswered question. Other footwear categories would indicate they won’t pay that much but pickleball is a different beast.
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Interested in seeing some of the current best pickleball shoes? We regularly update our list here.
Disclosure
While SQAIRZ and ProXR did send the XRZ, the companies had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
