Ashaway AMPS 301: The latest all-weather traction device for squash

On the squash court, the last thing you want to think about is what’s going on with the shoes on your feet while you move around the court. A short checklist would be: traction, comfort, light-weight, pliability and support. The new Ashaway AMPS 301 scores well on the whole list.

Ashaway has introduced a new line of squash shoes that are anatomically molded to the natural shape of the human foot. AMPS™ (Anatomic Multi-Performance System) athletic footwear supports the whole foot, not just the ball and heel, thus increasing comfort and stability, and reducing foot fatigue.
Ashaway has introduced a new line of squash shoes that are anatomically molded to the natural shape of the human foot. AMPS™ (Anatomic Multi-Performance System) athletic footwear supports the whole foot, not just the ball and heel, thus increasing comfort and stability, and reducing foot fatigue.

Out of the box, the AMPS 301 (AMPS stands for Anatomic Multi-Performance System) is ready to roll with virtually no need to break them in. Slip them on and hit the court. When your foot flexes, the AMPS 301 flexes with it. And when you need to hit the breaks and head the other direction, the AMPS 301 tires are right there with you to grip the court and send you on your merry way. As Ashaway puts it, “the AMPS design incorporates wet-grip rubber outsoles which provide high durability and incredible grip, even on wet surfaces.” As for their weight, forget about it. We’re talking grams instead of pounds.

About the only unusual feature of the AMPS 301 is that they are very low cut around the ankle. While we found no problem with lateral support around the ankle, they take a bit of getting used to because they give the impression that you could pop right out of them. The higher back helps secure the shoe to your foot, and the excellent lacing system adds a cinch factor that will bring a smile to your face.

The heal box is a bit stiff, thanks in part to the “PVC heel counter,” so your foot may have to adjust to that, but overall the AMPS 301 is flexible enough to feel very comfortable on court.

And for those of you who are fashion conscious, the bright blue “tiger stripe” look (no, there’s no orange and black, just blue and white striping) is pretty cool—and there is a white model available as well.

For more, visit www.ashawayusa.com and click on footwear.