XRZ™
BRINESQUAD RATING
Brand
SQAIRZ
Release Year
2024
Price in USD
160
Summary:
The SQAIRZ XRZ™ is a purpose-built pickleball shoe offering exceptional traction, lateral stability, and outsole durability, with a wide, stable platform and no break-in period. While the cushioning and insole comfort are good but not class-leading, and the high price may deter some, the shoe excels in support and longevity for serious players.
PLAYER PROFILE:
XRZ™ is built for stability, support and durability, making it a natural pick for players who attack the court with aggression and rely on frequent lateral moves or who have a history of ankle injuries. Its wide fit supports broader feet, delivering a secure feel without crowding, and it shines on both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts thanks to a tough outsole and reliable traction that grip diverse surfaces. The strengths are clear in its outstanding durability, excellent grip and stability, immediate comfort with no break in period, and a wide supportive fit that guards against wear from intense play and toe drags. There are trade offs though. The wide fit may not suit players with narrow feet, the stock insole could be improved, and the price sits higher than typical options. The all white colorway can show dirt quickly, so upkeep matters for keeping its look.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & BREAK-IN EXPERIENCE:
Kicking off the XRZ review, the SQAIRZ XRZ delivers a soft, cushioned feel the moment you lace them up, with a notably roomy toe box that allows natural toe splay and a stable base. The sides are well padded, providing immediate comfort for lateral movements, and testers have highlighted that the shoe feels supportive and secure right out of the box with little to no break in required.
A standout feature is the fit. These shoes run large and are quite wide, so many players recommend sizing down a half size to a full size for a snuger feel. The laces are long and may require double knotting to prevent stepping on them. The wide fit may not be ideal for those with narrow feet, and some players have noted that the insoles can feel unstable or fold underfoot during abrupt stops.
Comfort stays solid from day one, offering good cushioning and a breathable upper, though the stock insole can be a weak point. For optimal comfort, swapping in a higher quality athletic insole is recommended.
There is virtually no break in period, and players report being able to play full sessions comfortably right after unboxing. When held up against other pickleball and tennis shoes, the XRZ stands out for its width and stability, prioritizing durability and support over being ultra lightweight. While it may not be as light as some Wilson models, it does not feel sluggish and delivers superior ankle and lateral support.
SPECS
Surface
mixed
Available Widths
wide
Arch Support
medium
Weight (Grams)
400
Heel Stack (MM)
30
Forefoot Stack (MM)
24
Drop (MM)
6
OutSole Pattern
herringbone
Rubber Hardness
65
TORSION SHANK
rigid
Lateral Outrigger
yes
Toe Drag Guard
yes
UPPER MATERIAL
closed-cell Lycra mesh
Breathability Design
mesh upper
Heel Rigidity Note
TPU heel counter
Fit Shape
square toe box
T Test Time (Secs)
90
Stop distance (M)
2.5
Subjective Stability
9
Breathability Temp Delta (C)
3
Comfort After 45 Minutes
8
Heel Slip Present?
No
ON-COURT PERFORMANCE:
The XRZ on court performance centers on grip and stability, starting with a Smart Traction rubber outsole that features a thick flat herringbone pattern for solid traction on both indoor and outdoor courts. Testers consistently report no slipping or loss of traction during aggressive lateral movements and quick pivots, with pivot points and lateral outriggers added for enhanced security during slides and push offs.
Stability is a standout thanks to the wide base, a TPU heel counter, and four lateral side outriggers. The shoe cradles the foot through side to side and forward to backward movements, helping prevent rollover and supporting rapid direction changes. A reinforced silicone toe cap protects against wear from toe drags, giving added confidence during intense play.
The NRG Foam midsole delivers a responsive feel that cushions quick decelerations while supporting explosive movements. While not as springy as some high end tennis shoes, the XRZ provides a balanced ride that supports both power and control.
Transitions feel smooth, aided by pivot points and flex grooves in the sole. Players report feeling balanced and able to move quickly into position without hesitation. The secure lacing system and stable platform further boost confidence during fast footwork.
Overall the XRZ suits players who value support, durability, and stability, making it ideal for those who play aggressively, perform frequent lateral cuts, or have experienced ankle issues. Its wide fit and robust construction make it especially suitable for players with wider feet or those seeking maximum protection during intense play.
COMFORT & BREATHABILITY IN EXTENDED PLAY:
Cushioning is generous, wrapping around the sides and under the forefoot to deliver a supportive, planted feel without tipping into mushiness. The stock insole can be a weak point for some players, but swapping in an aftermarket insole can quickly improve barefoot comfort. The NRG Foam midsole offers reliable shock absorption that cushions landings and transitions without leveling into a soft, sluggish ride.
The closed-cell Lycra mesh upper stays breathable and helps manage heat, keeping the shoe from feeling overly sweaty during long sessions. It isn’t the most ventilated option on the market, but it remains comfortable in warm conditions. The XRZ™ strikes a solid balance between weight and support; most players don’t feel weighed down and the structure won’t hold them back during quick moves.
Overall comfort remains steady through extended play, with no major hotspots or fatigue mentioned aside from the insole issue. The shoe maintains its supportive feel even after hours on court. There are no significant pressure points, though players with narrow feet may find the fit less secure due to the shoe’s width. And while the insole can cause mild discomfort during abrupt stops, replacing it with an aftermarket option easily remedies this.
DURABILITY & VALUE OVER TIME:
Durability is exceptional, and after months of heavy use (15+ hours per week), testers report minimal wear on the outsole and no significant breakdown. The herringbone tread and Smart Traction rubber maintain grip and integrity over time. The upper is reinforced in key areas, particularly around the toe, to resist abrasion from slides and toe drags, with a silicone toe cap and sturdy mesh contributing to the shoe’s long lasting performance. There are no widespread reports of midsole compression or loss of cushioning, even after extended play, as the NRG Foam maintains its support and responsiveness well. The XRZ™ is designed for all court types and performs equally well indoors and outdoors, with the outsole’s grip and durability translating across surfaces for players who switch environments. At $160, the XRZ™ sits on the higher end of the pickleball shoe market, but its exceptional durability, support, and performance justify the investment for frequent players. The need to replace the insole is a minor drawback, but overall value remains strong due to the shoe’s longevity.
Marketing Claims
Designed specifically for pickleball, Co-created with pickleball pros, Sta-Put lacing system for secure fit, Smart Traction outsole with 4 lateral outriggers, NRG Foam midsole for cushioning, Reinforced toe cap for durability
PROS:
Excellent traction and lateral stability, Very durable outsole and upper, Wide, stable base with no break-in needed, Secure fit with Sta-Put laces
CONS:
Expensive at $160, Stock insole may need replacement for optimal comfort, Runs large—consider sizing down, Only available in white, shows dirt easily
Who Is It For?
Players prioritizing stability, durability, and support for aggressive lateral movement; suitable for all skill levels but especially appealing to intermediate and advanced players who play frequently.
Who Should Skip?
Budget-conscious buyers, those who prefer a lightweight or minimalist shoe, or players who need a narrow fit.
Test Notes
Sources agree on outstanding traction, stability, and durability. Cushioning is good but some testers recommend replacing the insole. Fit is notably wide—size down for most users. Value score reflects high durability and support but a premium price. Surface type not explicitly stated; assume mixed until confirmed.
Recommendations
FAQs
Do these shoes require a break-in period?
No, they are comfortable out of the box with no break-in needed.
How is the sizing?
They run large and wide; consider ordering a half or full size down.
Are they good for wide feet?
Yes, the square toe box and wide fit accommodate wide feet well.
Can the insole be replaced?
Yes, and some users recommend doing so for improved comfort.
Are they suitable for indoor courts?
Yes, the non-marking outsole works well indoors, but the shoe is durable enough for outdoor use as well.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Coming soon
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The SQAIRZ XRZ is a top tier pickleball shoe for players seeking maximum support, stability, and durability. Its performance justifies the premium price, especially for those who play frequently or have experienced premature wear in other shoes. Swapping out the insole can address minor comfort concerns.
Compared to other leading pickleball and tennis shoes, the XRZ stands out for its wide fit, robust construction, and exceptional outsole durability. While not the lightest option, it offers superior stability and longevity, making it a smart choice for serious players who value protection and grip over minimal weight.
To wrap it up, if you want a shoe that prioritizes protection and lasting support the XRZ delivers. In the end the SQAIRZ XRZ earns its premium with durability stability and a roomy fit that helps serious players stay fast on court.
Brinesquad Rating
Traction
10
Cushioning
8
Upper durability
9
Breathability
8
Stability
10
Fit
square toe box
Outsole Durability
10
Value
6
Final Score
90.5
YOU MAY ALSO LOVE...
CATEGORIES
Master Pickleball Rules in Minutes:
Free Cheatsheet!
Confused about the kitchen? Can’t remember the scoring rules?
This guide answers your biggest “Wait, what now?” moments so you can start playing with confidence.
What you'll get inside:
✅ Court Basics: Lines, dimensions, and the kitchen explained
✅ The Rules: Serving fundamentals, double-bounce rule, and common faults
✅ Quick Fixes: Pro tips and memory hacks that make each rule stick
✅ FAQs Answered: From “Around-the-Post” shots to kitchen violations
✅ Visual Layout Guide: Court diagram for instant positioning clarity
FIND THE PERFECT PICKLEBALL SHOE.
IN 60 SECONDS!
We’ve handpicked 140+ of the best pickleball shoes on the market and organized them into one easy-to-use Shoe Finder so you don’t have to guess, Google endlessly, or buy the wrong pair.
What you'll get inside:
✅ An Interactive Airtable Shoe Database
This is a live, searchable Airtable that houses all of our pickleball shoe data in one place.
Think of it like a spreadsheet, but way smarter and easier to use.
✅ All Our Shoe Review Metrics, Combined:
Every shoe we review gets broken down into key performance metrics like cushioning, stability, weight, durability, court type, and more. Instead of reading dozens of reviews, you can see everything side-by-side in one table.
✅ Powerful Filters & Search:
Use filters to narrow down shoes by exactly what you care about: indoor vs. outdoor, foot width, support level, price range, brand, or specific performance traits. You can also search by shoe name if you already have one in mind.
✅ Fast Comparison, No Guesswork:
Instantly compare multiple shoes at once without hopping between tabs, articles, or videos.
This makes it easy to spot differences and narrow your shortlist quickly.
✅ Always Up to Date:
As we publish new gear reviews and update scores, the Airtable updates too.
You’re always seeing the most current data we have.