WINDHAM, NH – November 20, 2025 – Pickleheads, one of the most trusted and data-driven authorities in the sport, has named the SQAIRZ XRZ™ the Best Pickleball Shoe of 2025, recognizing its unmatched stability, durability, and clinical validation in improving on-court balance and control.
The independent review, conducted by Pickleheads contributor and veteran equipment tester Stephen Mijangos, ranked the XRZ™ first overall after months of testing against leading brands including Diadem, Babolat, HEAD, and ASICS. The evaluation cited SQAIRZ’s exceptional traction, ankle support, and long-term structural integrity, noting that the model “sets a new benchmark for performance and injury prevention.”
A Major Milestone in Pickleball Footwear
The SQAIRZ XRZ™ represents a milestone for both the sport and the footwear industry. Designed in collaboration with professional player Zane Navratil, the XRZ™ is the first pickleball shoe engineered from the ground up for the specific movement patterns and torque demands of pickleball. The model underwent a three-year development cycle with professional athletes and biomechanics specialists to ensure measurable performance outcomes.
Clinical Validation and Design Innovation
Independent motion-capture testing from April 2025 confirmed the XRZ™ delivers a 15.15% average improvement in player balance compared to conventional footwear and up to 26.5% greater stability than leading competitors. These results reflect SQAIRZ’s focus on functional design, combining a roomier toe box, SmartTraction™ Outsole, four lateral outriggers, and a reinforced heel stabilizer to promote natural toe splay, maximize ground contact, and reduce joint strain during aggressive lateral play.
“Getting this recognition from Pickleheads, the largest pickleball community in the United States, means a lot to our team,” said Bob Winskowicz, Founder and CEO of SQAIRZ. “When we designed the XRZ™, we put performance and injury prevention at the top of our list, and that’s exactly what this shoe delivers.”
“If you value ankle support, long-lasting durability, and grip, the SQAIRZ XRZ™ shoes are my recommendation to you. You get a ton of protection for your feet so you can move laterally on the court without risk of injury. They’re made for serious players and won’t need to be replaced any time soon.” said Brandon Mackie, Co-Founder of Pickleheads.
About SQAIRZ
SQAIRZ is a performance-driven footwear company dedicated to helping athletes unlock their full potential through biomechanically engineered design. With a patented roomier toe-box geometry and focus on balance, stability, and ground connection, SQAIRZ has become the trusted choice of professionals across golf, baseball, softball, and pickleball.
About Pickleheads
Pickleheads is the fastest-growing digital platform for the global pickleball community, offering comprehensive court listings, player connections, and independent gear reviews. Known for its rigorous product testing and transparent rating system, Pickleheads has become a leading authority for players seeking data-backed recommendations on paddles, shoes, and accessories.
Media Contact:
Savannah Smith
Senior Marketing Director
Savannah@sqairz.com