Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced a new model to its growing line of squash shoes. Available for the fall season, the new Ashaway AST™ 5500i shoe is higher cut at the ankle with high-top lace eyelets, and incorporates a greater composition of leather throughout the upper portion for increased support. Like the other models in the Ashaway squash shoe line, the 5500i is built on Ashaway's unique Anatomic System Technology (AST) which increases comfort and stability and reduces foot fatigue.
 

"The new AST 5500i is specifically designed for those players who like a shoe with higher ankle support and a bit more robust construction," said Steven Crandall, VP of Marketing for Ashaway Racket Strings. "Our new navy blue AST 5500i model supports the whole foot, not just the ball and forefoot. This distributes body weight and pressure points more evenly, increasing comfort and performance while reducing foot fatigue." 

Designed to mold to the natural shape of the human foot, Ashaway's AST engineered squash sneakers are built around a multi-layered comfort and shock support system.
These layers include a removable, anatomically shaped insole made from a natural latex vulcanized rubber; and a highly shock-absorbent insert and an additional comfort-layer insert, both located at the heel.

 In addition, a direct injected phylon midsole is molded to the shape of the human foot, adding comfort and providing yet another layer of support.
 
Beneath the midsole is a TPU stabilizer for increased torsion control and stability. The sole of the shoe is made from a durable rubber compound designed specifically for court play. Tested to over NBS 400, this DuraXtreme™ sole adds to the stability of the shoe, allowing it to stand up to even the most aggressive, full-court style of play. The sole provides maximum traction on all indoor court surfaces, including finished court surfaces, as well as sanded squash courts. 

"Conventional sports shoes only offer support to two parts of the foot—the heel and the ball," explained Crandall. "Our innovative new footwear supports the whole foot and offers even distribution of pressure points. Players tell us their feet feel nearly as good at the end of a match as they did at the beginning." 

Ashaway also offers two additional styles of squash shoes. Both the AST 1000i and AST 3500i models feature low-cut sides for optimum ankle mobility, while the rest of the shoe is designed to fit snugly on the foot. The AST 1000i is designed for optimum comfort and a solid feel, while AST 3500i is a lighter, more flexible version with a slightly rounded front sole to allow the wearer to move onto the ball of the foot more easily. Both models are predominately white, with blue, red and gray accents. 

Ashaway squash shoes are available in the US through Black Knight and Salaun Sports, and internationally through other Ashaway distributors. Ashaway introduced a line of squash rackets to the marketplace in late 2004, which are also available through their distributors. 

Ashaway Racket Strings are made by Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co., the only U.S. manufacturer of string for squash, tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Operated by the Crandall family since 1824, Ashaway has been making racket strings since 1949, and is responsible for several important technical innovations. Ashaway is the Official String of USA Racquetball, the International Racquetball Tour, the Professional Squash Association and the Women's International Squash Players Association. Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. also makes braided products for medical and industrial applications.