If you've spent any time on a court recently, you've probably noticed that prince squash shoes have a way of sticking around, even when newer, flashier brands try to steal the spotlight. There's a reason for that, and it isn't just nostalgia. While other companies are constantly trying to reinvent the wheel with neon colors and "space-age" fabrics that sometimes fall apart after three heavy matches, Prince has largely stuck to what works: stability, comfort, and a fit that actually respects the shape of a human foot.
I've seen a lot of players cycle through different brands, only to end up right back where they started with a pair of Prince shoes. It's almost like a rite of passage in the squash world. You try the "lightweight" shoes that feel like socks, realize your ankles have zero support during a deep lunging boast, and then you go back to the reliability of a brand that's been doing this since the wood-racket era.
The Famous Natural Foot Shape (NFS)
We can't really talk about prince squash shoes without mentioning the NFS technology. For those who aren't familiar, NFS stands for Natural Foot Shape. It sounds like marketing fluff, but if you've ever suffered from "squash toe" or felt like your pinky toe was being crushed into a smoothie, you know how important this is.
Most athletic shoes are built on a symmetrical last, which looks nice and sleek but doesn't actually match how a foot is shaped. Your foot is wider at the toes than it is at the heel (hopefully). Prince figured out a long time ago that by widening the toe box, they could let your toes splay out naturally. This doesn't just feel better; it actually helps with balance. When you're planted at the T, having that extra bit of surface area for your forefoot to grip the floor makes a massive difference in your explosive movement.
It's honestly a bit of a lifesaver for players with wider feet. If you've struggled to find a shoe that doesn't pinch, the NFS II is basically the gold standard. It's been around forever, and even though it looks a bit "old school" compared to some of the sleek models out there, its fan base is incredibly loyal.
Support That Actually Holds Up
Squash is brutal on your joints. Let's be real—the constant stop-and-start, the heavy lunges, and the lateral shuffling put a ridiculous amount of stress on your ankles and knees. This is where prince squash shoes really shine. They tend to be a bit "beefier" than some of the ultra-light options on the market.
Now, some people complain that Prince shoes can feel a little heavy. I get that. If you're used to running shoes, they might feel like boots at first. But that weight is actually structural integrity. When you're moving sideways at full speed to retrieve a drop shot, you want a shoe that's going to hold its shape. You don't want the upper material to stretch or give way, because that's how you end up rolling an ankle.
The mid-foot support in models like the Venom or the NFS is top-notch. They usually feature a TPU shank that keeps the shoe from twisting unnecessarily. This "torsional stability" is the secret sauce that keeps you feeling secure when the rallies get long and your legs start to feel like jelly.
Grip and Gum Rubber
There is nothing worse than stepping onto a dusty court and feeling like you're ice skating. Traction is everything in squash. Most prince squash shoes use high-quality gum rubber outsoles that are specifically designed for indoor hardwood.
What I've noticed about Prince is that their rubber compounds don't seem to dry out as fast as some others. You know how some shoes get that "plastic" feel after six months in your gym bag? Prince outsoles tend to stay tacky for a long time. They bite into the floor, giving you the confidence to push off hard without worrying about your back foot sliding out from under you.
Also, they don't mark the floor. That's a given for any squash shoe, but the durability of the non-marking sole on these is pretty impressive. You aren't going to leave half your shoe on the floor after a particularly aggressive session.
Why Durability Matters for the Budget
Let's talk money for a second. Squash isn't exactly the cheapest hobby once you factor in court fees, rackets, and regular restringing. The last thing you want to do is drop $150 on shoes every three months.
Because prince squash shoes are built with slightly thicker materials and reinforced drag pads (that bit on the inner toe that gets dragged during lunges), they tend to last a lot longer than the "minimalist" alternatives. I've known players who get a full year out of a pair of Prince NFS IIs, playing three times a week. That's almost unheard of with some of the more "modern" brands that favor mesh over synthetic leather.
Yes, they might take a week or two to "break in" because the materials are a bit stiffer, but once they mold to your foot, they stay that way for the long haul. It's an investment in your feet and your wallet.
The Style Factor: Old School vs. New School
I'll be the first to admit that Prince isn't always the "coolest" looking brand on the shelf. If you want something that looks like it was designed by a futuristic streetwear label, you might be disappointed. They have a very classic, "I'm here to play squash" aesthetic.
However, there's something to be said for that classic look. The white-and-black or navy-and-yellow colorways are timeless. They look professional. And honestly, when you're winning matches because your feet aren't hurting, you won't care what color they are.
That said, some of their newer models, like the Venom, have started to incorporate more modern designs and breathable mesh panels. They're trying to bridge the gap between that legendary Prince stability and the demand for a more "breathable" shoe. It's a good balance. You get the airflow so your feet don't overheat, but you still get that rock-solid Prince base.
A Quick Note on Sizing
If you're looking to grab a pair of prince squash shoes, just a heads-up: the sizing can be a little different depending on the model. Because of that wider toe box I mentioned earlier, some people find they need to go down half a size, while others find the extra room is exactly what they needed in their "normal" size.
If you have narrow feet, you might feel like you're swimming in the NFS models. In that case, you'd want to look at their more "athletic fit" shoes which are built on a narrower last. But for the average person, or anyone who has ever felt cramped in their shoes, the standard Prince fit is usually a dream.
Final Thoughts on the Court
At the end of the day, your shoes are the most important piece of equipment you own. You can play with a cheap racket if you have to, but you can't play with bad shoes—at least not for long without getting injured.
Prince squash shoes represent a kind of reliability that's getting harder to find. They aren't trying to be the lightest shoe in the world, and they aren't trying to win any fashion awards. They're just solid, dependable tools for people who take their time on the court seriously.
If you want a shoe that protects your ankles, gives your toes room to breathe, and won't fall apart after a few tough lunges, you really can't go wrong here. Whether you're a seasoned vet who remembers the original NFS launch or a beginner looking for your first "real" pair of court shoes, Prince is a name you can actually trust. Plus, there's just something satisfying about the "thud" of a solid Prince shoe hitting the floor when you're hunting down a drop shot. It feels like you're wearing armor, and in a game as fast as squash, that's a pretty great feeling.