The Asics Gel Tactic 2 is primarily marketed as a volleyball shoe, however has gained a decent amount of popularity on the squash court thanks to its ample cushioning, light weight and sterling durability.
There’s a few Asics shoes that are popular with squash players at the moment. Namely, the Gel Rocket and the Gel Fastball. Where the Gel Rocket is a relatively ‘chunky’, well cushioned shoe, and the Gel Fastball is an ultra low profile, light-as-they-come shoe, the Gel Tactic sits almost perfectly between the two.
The shoes often sit somewhere in the £60-80 region, however if you look hard enough you can often find older colourways for far cheaper. I personally picked up the grey and green pair (pictured above) for just over £40, which is rock bottom pricing for squash shoes. Asics’ Outlet store currently has the black, silver and yellow pair on sale for just over £50.
The Gel Tactic offers fantastic cushioning thanks to the Asics Gel in both the rear and forefoot. There’s a plastic moulded component in the midfoot of the shoe that provides stability, and the outsole is well gripped to maintain traction on court.
They also feel fairly light as well, and the shape of the shoe lends well to squash type movements.
Durability
As ever, durability is something that really substantiates whether a shoe is good enough for squash. It’s one of the most demanding sports on the feet, and any issues with robustness are usually quick to show.
I’m happy to report that the Gel Tactics have really stood the test of time for me. I’ve been using these as my go-to shoe for the past 8 months, I’m only just breaking in my third pair and could still happily wear the other two pairs if needed – they’re worse for wear but there’s still life left in them.
2 pairs in 8 months might not sound great, but it’s worth noting that I train or play pretty much every day, I probably fit into the ‘runner’ category of player, and to top it all off I drag my toes pretty badly. I’m usually lucky to get 3 months out of a shoe. Not a good combination for shoes and/or my bank balance!
Where the shoes have suffered for me is on the inside of the shoe at the back of the heel – the inner fabric has worn away pretty badly, though this may just be the shape of my feet and doesn’t seem to impact how they feel on court.
Overall
I find the Asics Gel Tactic 2 very hard to fault. They genuinely are almost perfect to play squash in. Their combination of weight, comfort and robust design really sets them apart – especially when you can pick them up for just £50. They’re now my go-to squash shoe, and three pairs in I can’t see myself switching any time soon.
Love g to hear shoes too but I also ALWAYS bust through the fabric through to the inner plastic heal structure. Doesn’t generally affect the performance of the show but eventually this is where they fall apart. Still the best value all-round Squash shoe I have found 👍
Definitely agree. Even though I’ve gone through the heel on most of mine, it’s not a real issue as they’re still comfy and I don’t find I notice it when I’m wearing them. Would recommend these shoes to anyone!
Hello! The shoes seem gret but I’m wondering about the black sole? Because the picture shown here has a black sole and dont they discolour the court?
They’re non marking soles – absolutely nothing to worry about taking these on court. 😊
How is the Tactic 2 2021 edition.
I believe it’s heavier and not being preferred for squash.
Your comments. And is it better than Asics gel Blade 8 ????
Pls comment.
Regards
Are these gum based? Or is the rubber used as good as the gum base for not slipping?
I’m assuming by ‘gum’ you mean the medium brown, kind of see-through rubber found under some shoes? If so, these aren’t gum based, but the rubber underneath does a good job at keeping the shoes grippy, I’ve never had a problem slipping with these soles 😊
What’s the Gel Tactic like compared to the Sky Elite FFs? Weight and cushioning difference between the two?
Cheers
Gel Tactics are a little lower profile and lighter, I feel a bit more agile in them – sky elites are a noticeably chunkier and more cushioned and handle bumps a bit better – the shoes are fairly similar overall however
Thanks Rob for replying. Any thoughts on the Gel Blast FFs and how the compare these? Or are they pretty much similar to Sky Elite FFs?