Last Tuesday, watching my buddy struggle through another pair of worn-out court shoes during our weekly volleyball session, I realized I’d been putting off my own shoe replacement for way too long. Mike here, and after my trusty 11-year-old cross-trainers finally gave up the ghost, I found myself desperately searching for affordable court shoes that wouldn’t break the bank. That’s when the ASICS Men’s Upcourt 5 caught my attention at $65, promising lightweight performance and durability. 8 weeks later, here’s the unfiltered truth about whether these budget-friendly court shoes can actually deliver.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $65 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 10.2 oz (men’s size 9)
- 🧪 Midsole material: EVA foam
- 👟 Upper material: Breathable mesh with synthetic overlays
- 🏐 Category: Indoor court shoes (volleyball primary)
- 🎯 Best for: Recreational indoor volleyball, pickleball, multi-court sports
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 35 total court sessions
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, the ASICS Upcourt 5 impressed me with its surprisingly solid construction for a budget court shoe. The breathable mesh upper immediately caught my attention – it’s significantly more open than many court shoes in this price range, which had me both excited about ventilation and slightly concerned about durability during aggressive play.
The white and safety yellow colorway looks sharp without being too flashy. I’ve gotten compliments from several guys at the gym, and the design feels modern enough to wear casually without looking like I’m stuck in 2015. The synthetic overlays provide structure where needed, particularly around the midfoot, without making the shoe feel rigid or heavy.
However, I need to address the elephant in the room immediately: the shoelaces. This isn’t just my complaint – after reading through hundreds of reviews and experiencing it myself, the included laces are frustratingly short. At 6’1″ with size 11.5 feet, I could barely tie a proper bow without the laces pulling tight. I ended up using laces from my old shoes, which made a world of difference. This is a legitimate design flaw that ASICS needs to address.
Court Performance & Multi-Directional Movement
Once I got past the lace situation and hit the court, these shoes really started to shine. The gum rubber outsole provides excellent grip on indoor surfaces – I felt planted and secure during quick direction changes, defensive slides, and explosive jumps to the net. During intense volleyball rallies, I never experienced any slippage, even when diving for saves or making sharp cuts.
The lightweight design (10.2 oz) became apparent immediately. After years in heavier cross-trainers, the Upcourt 5 felt almost weightless during quick movements. This really helped reduce fatigue during longer practice sessions, and I noticed less strain on my calves during multi-hour tournaments.
The mesh upper delivers on its breathability promise. Even during 2-hour sessions in stuffy gyms, my feet stayed relatively comfortable and dry. This is a significant improvement over synthetic leather alternatives that turn into sweat boxes after an hour of intense play.
Cushioning and Comfort Analysis
The EVA midsole provides adequate cushioning for recreational play, though it’s not going to compete with premium volleyball shoes. For my 185-pound frame, the impact protection felt appropriate for indoor court surfaces, but I wouldn’t recommend these for players over 220 pounds who need maximum shock absorption.
What impressed me most was the immediate comfort. Unlike many court shoes that require a break-in period, I could play comfortably from day one. The mesh construction and thoughtful padding around the ankle collar eliminated hot spots and pressure points that often plague new shoes.
The supportive midfoot overlays really shine during lateral movements. I felt stable and supported during quick side-to-side motions, which is crucial for both volleyball and the pickleball games I’ve been playing more frequently.
Real-World Durability Testing
This is where things get interesting, and I need to be completely honest about what to expect. After 8 weeks of primarily indoor use (volleyball 2x/week, pickleball 1x/week), my shoes show minimal wear on the gum rubber outsole. The mesh upper remains intact with no visible damage or excessive stretching.
However, I’ve seen concerning durability reports from players using these outdoors or in high-frequency scenarios. Multiple reviewers noted significant sole wear after 3-5 months of regular outdoor pickleball use. One reviewer documented complete sole penetration after just 100 hours of outdoor play.
The mesh construction that provides excellent breathability does come with a durability trade-off. While my indoor-only use hasn’t caused issues, I can see how outdoor courts or aggressive indoor players might stress the material more quickly than traditional synthetic uppers.
Sizing and Fit Considerations
Size accuracy is generally good – my usual 11.5 fit as expected lengthwise. However, multiple reviewers and my own experience confirm these run narrow. If you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit, definitely consider going up a half size.
The toe box provides adequate room for my average-width feet, but I can see how wider-footed players might feel cramped. The narrow fit does provide excellent lockdown during play, so there’s a performance benefit for those who can comfortably wear them.
Value Analysis & Market Comparison
At $65, the ASICS Upcourt 5 hits a sweet spot in the budget court shoe market. Comparing to alternatives:
Against premium options ($120+): You’re sacrificing advanced cushioning technologies, premium materials, and potentially longer durability, but getting 80% of the performance at 50% of the cost.
Against other budget options ($40-70): The Upcourt 5 offers superior breathability, better brand reputation, and more refined construction than most competitors.
For recreational players who need reliable court shoes but don’t want to spend over $100, these deliver solid value. The cost-per-play math works out well for most users, even considering the durability limitations.
Marketing Claims Verification
ASICS claims the Upcourt 5 offers “better flexibility and a more comfortable fit” compared to previous models. Based on my testing:
✅ Flexibility: Confirmed. The mesh construction and thoughtful sole design allow natural foot movement without feeling flimsy.
✅ Comfortable fit: Confirmed for appropriate foot widths. Immediate comfort with minimal break-in required.
✅ Lightweight design: Confirmed. Noticeably lighter than previous court shoes I’ve worn.
⚠️ Durability claims: Mixed results. Fine for intended indoor recreational use, but questionable for heavy outdoor use.
My Overall Assessment
The ASICS Upcourt 5 succeeds as a solid budget court shoe for recreational players. It’s not trying to compete with $150 premium options, and that’s perfectly fine. For weekend warriors, casual league players, and anyone needing affordable court shoes for multiple sports, these deliver where it matters most.
Detailed Performance Scoring
| Performance Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Traction | 8.5/10 | Excellent grip on indoor courts, gum rubber performs well |
| Comfort | 8.0/10 | Great out-of-box comfort, narrow fit limits some users |
| Breathability | 9.0/10 | Outstanding mesh ventilation, feet stay dry |
| Durability | 6.5/10 | Good for indoor recreational use, concerns for heavy/outdoor use |
| Value for Money | 8.5/10 | Excellent price-to-performance ratio for budget category |
| Style/Appearance | 7.5/10 | Clean, modern look that works on and off court |
| OVERALL SCORE | 7.8/10 | Solid budget court shoe for recreational players |
What Other Court Players Are Saying
The community feedback aligns closely with my experience. Recreational volleyball and pickleball players consistently praise the immediate comfort, court grip, and value proposition. Several players mentioned these becoming their go-to shoes for multiple court sports.
Concerns center around durability for heavy users and the narrow fit for wide-footed players. Multiple Spanish-speaking reviewers noted “muy cómodas” (very comfortable) and praised the grip, while several users documented premature wear with intensive use.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
| ✅ STRENGTHS | ❌ WEAKNESSES |
|---|---|
|
|
Who Should Buy the ASICS Upcourt 5?
✅ Perfect for:
- Recreational volleyball players (2-3x per week maximum)
- Casual pickleball enthusiasts playing primarily indoors
- Multi-sport court athletes needing versatile shoes
- Budget-conscious players wanting brand reliability
- Players with normal to narrow feet
- Anyone needing lightweight, breathable court shoes
❌ Skip if you:
- Play outdoors frequently or exclusively
- Need maximum durability for intensive training
- Have wide feet or prefer roomy toe boxes
- Require premium cushioning technology
- Play competitive volleyball 5+ times per week
- Need shoes lasting 12+ months with heavy use
Better Options for Specific Needs
For heavy/competitive players: Consider the ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 ($85-95) for better durability and advanced cushioning.
For wide feet: Look at New Balance court shoes or consider going up a half size in the Upcourt 5.
For outdoor play: Invest in dedicated outdoor court shoes with more durable rubber compounds.
Final Recommendation
The ASICS Upcourt 5 earns my recommendation for recreational court sport players seeking quality on a budget. At $65, you’re getting legitimate performance that will enhance your game without breaking the bank. Yes, you’ll need to replace the shoelaces, and yes, heavy users might need replacements sooner than premium alternatives. But for most weekend warriors and casual league players, these deliver where it counts.
Bottom line: Solid court performance, excellent breathability, and great value make the Upcourt 5 a smart choice for recreational players who want reliable ASICS quality without the premium price tag.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these good for pickleball?
Yes, the ASICS Upcourt 5 works excellently for recreational pickleball, especially indoors. The gum rubber sole provides great traction for quick direction changes, and the lightweight design reduces fatigue during longer sessions. However, expect faster wear if playing primarily on outdoor courts.
How do these compare to the Gel-Rocket series?
The Upcourt 5 is lighter and more breathable but less durable than the Gel-Rocket. If you’re a casual player prioritizing comfort and ventilation, go with the Upcourt. For intensive training or competitive play, invest in the Gel-Rocket series.
Do I need to size up for wide feet?
Yes, most wide-footed players should go up a half size. The Upcourt 5 runs narrow, and several reviewers noted improved comfort with slightly larger sizing. The mesh construction does provide some give over time.
How long do these typically last?
For recreational indoor use (2-3 sessions per week), expect 6-12 months. Heavy players or those using them outdoors report 3-5 months. At $65, the cost-per-use remains reasonable even with shorter lifespans.
Are the short shoelaces really that bad?
Unfortunately, yes. Multiple reviewers and my own experience confirm the included laces are frustratingly short. Plan to replace them immediately with 54-55 inch laces for proper tying. This is a legitimate design oversight by ASICS.
Can I use these for other gym activities?
Absolutely! The lateral support and court-specific traction work well for various gym activities, weight training, and cross-training. The lightweight design and breathability are actually advantages for multi-purpose use.
What’s the difference between colorways?
Construction and performance are identical across colors. Choose based on personal preference and court regulations. The gum rubber sole is consistent regardless of upper colorway, providing the same excellent traction.
Are these suitable for teenagers/young players?
Yes, the Upcourt 5 is excellent for youth players. The affordable price point makes sense for growing feet, and the performance is more than adequate for school teams and recreational leagues. Just ensure proper fit given the narrow construction.
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