Between juggling work schedules and weekend volleyball tournaments, we need shoes that can actually keep up with our busy lives. Last month, when my daughter’s volleyball season started and my own pickleball league was ramping up, the ASICS Women’s Upcourt 5 promised exactly that versatility. Sarah here, and with two active schedules demanding reliable court shoes, I was excited to find something that could handle both our needs. 8 weeks of real-world testing later, here’s what happened.
The ASICS Women’s Upcourt 5 has been making waves in the court shoe community, and after spending extensive time testing these both for my own pickleball sessions and watching them perform during my daughter’s volleyball practices, I can see why. These shoes promise the perfect blend of comfort, support, and versatility for indoor court sports – but do they actually deliver on that promise?
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $40-65 depending on size and color
- ⚖️ Weight: Lightweight design (approx. 8.5 oz women’s size 8)
- 🧪 Upper material: 100% Synthetic with mesh panels
- 👟 Sole material: Rubber with indoor court traction pattern
- 🏐 Category: Women’s Indoor Court Shoes (Volleyball/Pickleball)
- 🎯 Best for: Indoor volleyball, pickleball, recreational court sports
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 35+ court sessions, multiple players
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, the Upcourt 5 strikes a nice balance between sporty functionality and clean aesthetic appeal. The white and silver colorway we tested is versatile enough for both serious court time and casual wear, which I really appreciate as a busy mom who sometimes needs to go straight from the gym to grocery shopping.
The synthetic upper feels substantial without being heavy. ASICS has clearly put thought into the construction here – the supportive overlays are strategically placed where you need them most during lateral movements, and the mesh panels provide genuine breathability. During those intense summer practices in poorly ventilated gyms, my feet stayed noticeably more comfortable than they do in my old tennis shoes.
One thing that immediately impressed me was the toe and heel counter design. ASICS markets these as “designed for durability,” and after 8 weeks of testing that included everything from aggressive pickleball rallies to my daughter’s jump-heavy volleyball training, they’ve held up remarkably well. The reinforcement in these high-wear areas is noticeable and practical.
Court Feel & Impact Protection
The moment I stepped onto the pickleball court for my first test session, I could feel the difference compared to my running shoes. The low-profile design gives you that essential court connection that’s so important for quick direction changes and precise footwork. At my 150 lbs, the cushioning felt just right – supportive enough for comfort during extended play, but not so plush that you lose that important ground feel.
What really stood out during testing was how these shoes handled the transition from defensive slides to quick forward sprints. The support felt reliable and confidence-inspiring, even during those scrambling moments when you’re stretching for a difficult shot. My daughter, who plays at a much more intense level, reported the same feeling of security during her volleyball matches.
On-the-Court Performance
Here’s where the Upcourt 5 really shines. The rubber sole provides excellent grip on indoor surfaces – I tested these on various gym floors, from the pristine courts at our local recreation center to the slightly worn surfaces at older school gymnasiums. In every case, the traction was reliable and confidence-building.
During pickleball doubles matches, where quick lateral movements and sudden stops are constant, these shoes never left me feeling unstable or unsure. The combination of the supportive overlays and the well-designed sole pattern creates a platform that lets you focus on your game rather than worrying about your footing.
One of the most impressive aspects was the immediate comfort. Unlike many court shoes that require a break-in period, I was able to wear these for a full 2-hour playing session on day one without any hot spots or discomfort. This is huge for busy parents who don’t have time to gradually break in new athletic shoes.
Performance in Various Court Conditions
Over the 8-week testing period, these shoes saw action across different environments and playing intensities. From air-conditioned recreation centers to stuffy school gymnasiums, from casual recreational play to competitive league matches, the Upcourt 5 consistently delivered reliable performance.
The mesh panels proved their worth during those hot, humid summer sessions. While no court shoe is going to keep your feet completely cool during intense play, the breathability here is noticeably better than solid synthetic alternatives. After 90-minute volleyball practices, my daughter’s feet were definitely more comfortable than they had been in her previous shoes.
Durability Through Real Use
After 35+ court sessions across two different players, the Upcourt 5 has held up admirably. The toe area, which typically shows wear first in court shoes, still looks great. The sole pattern remains intact with no significant wear patterns, and the upper materials show minimal signs of use.
This durability is particularly impressive considering the price point. At under $65, these shoes are competing with options that cost significantly more, yet they’re delivering similar longevity in our testing.
Does ASICS Deliver on Their Promises?
ASICS markets the Upcourt 5 as offering “a combination of slight flexibility, support and resistance” for indoor sports. Based on our extensive testing, this is accurate but understated. The flexibility is more than “slight” – it’s genuinely comfortable for extended wear. The support is substantial enough for competitive play, and the resistance (durability) has exceeded expectations.
The claim about “breathable network inserts” facilitating air circulation is legitimate. While these aren’t going to transform your feet into air-conditioned comfort zones, the ventilation is noticeably better than many court shoes in this price range.
The Traction Promise
ASICS specifically mentions that the shoe is “designed to improve the traction on the pitch, with a rubber sole to increase adherence to indoor fields.” This might be the most accurate marketing claim I’ve encountered in athletic footwear. The grip on various indoor surfaces has been consistently excellent throughout testing.
My Overall Assessment
After 8 weeks of real-world testing across multiple players and playing styles, the ASICS Women’s Upcourt 5 has earned a solid place in my recommendation list. These shoes successfully balance performance, comfort, and value in a way that’s particularly appealing for recreational to intermediate players.
Detailed Scoring (Court Sports Categories)
- Court Traction: 9.0/10 – Excellent grip on various indoor surfaces
- Comfort: 8.5/10 – Immediate comfort, great for extended play
- Support & Stability: 8.0/10 – Solid lateral support for recreational to intermediate play
- Durability: 8.5/10 – Impressive durability for the price point
- Breathability: 7.5/10 – Good ventilation, better than many alternatives
- Style & Aesthetics: 7.5/10 – Clean, versatile design
- Value for Money: 9.5/10 – Outstanding performance per dollar spent
What Other Court Players Are Saying
The feedback from other users aligns well with my testing experience. Consistently, people mention the immediate comfort, excellent court grip, and impressive value. Several Spanish-speaking customers noted “muy buen producto a buen precio” (very good product at a good price) and “los mejores para jugar voley” (the best for playing volleyball).
However, there are some important sizing considerations that came up repeatedly in reviews. Many users recommend going up a half size, particularly if you have wider feet or prefer a less snug fit. The shoes do run somewhat narrow, which works well for people with slender feet but can be problematic for others.
Value Assessment
At the $40-65 price point, the Upcourt 5 offers exceptional value. You’re getting ASICS quality and design philosophy at a fraction of the cost of their premium court shoes. For recreational players, parents buying for growing kids, or anyone who plays multiple court sports, this represents one of the best performance-per-dollar investments available.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
What Works Well:
- Excellent court traction across various indoor surfaces
- Immediate comfort with no break-in period required
- Outstanding value for the price point
- Solid durability through extended use
- Versatile enough for multiple court sports
- Good breathability for synthetic construction
- Reliable support for recreational to intermediate play
Areas for Improvement:
- Runs narrow – sizing up recommended for wider feet
- Shoelaces are notably short (common complaint)
- Limited arch support for flat-footed players
- May not provide enough support for elite-level play
- Initial stiffness requires brief adjustment period
Who Should Buy the ASICS Women’s Upcourt 5?
These shoes are ideal for recreational to intermediate court sport players who value comfort, reliability, and exceptional value. They’re perfect for busy women who play pickleball, volleyball, or similar court sports and need shoes that perform well without breaking the budget.
Parents looking for quality court shoes for their kids will find these particularly appealing – the combination of durability and reasonable pricing makes them smart for growing feet that will outgrow shoes before wearing them out.
Better Options for Specific Needs
If you have particularly wide feet or foot issues requiring specialized support, you might want to consider the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10, which offers a wider fit. For elite competitive players, investing in ASICS’ premium court shoe lines might be worthwhile for the additional performance features.
Final Recommendation
The ASICS Women’s Upcourt 5 earns my strong recommendation for recreational court sport enthusiasts. The combination of reliable performance, immediate comfort, and outstanding value makes these shoes a smart choice for busy women who need versatile, dependable athletic footwear.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
These shoes successfully deliver on their promises while exceeding expectations for durability and value. For most recreational players, they represent an ideal balance of performance and practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these shoes run true to size?
Based on extensive user feedback, the Upcourt 5 tends to run narrow and slightly small. I’d recommend ordering a half size up from your normal size, especially if you have wider feet or prefer a less snug fit.
Are they suitable for outdoor courts?
These are specifically designed for indoor use. The rubber sole compound is optimized for gym floors and indoor surfaces. Using them extensively outdoors will likely lead to faster wear.
How do they compare to the Upcourt 4?
Users who’ve worn both models report that the Upcourt 5 runs about 1/4 inch longer than the Upcourt 4 in the same size, but otherwise maintains similar comfort and performance characteristics.
Are they good for people with flat feet?
The arch support is minimal. Several users with flat feet reported needing to replace the insoles with custom or over-the-counter arch support insoles for optimal comfort.
What about the short shoelaces everyone mentions?
This is a legitimate issue – the laces are notably short. While they stay tied during play, many users opt to replace them with longer laces for easier tying and adjustment.
How long do they typically last?
For recreational players, most users report 8-12 months of regular use. For competitive players or very frequent use, expect 6-8 months. This lifespan is excellent considering the price point.
Are they suitable for volleyball tournaments?
For recreational and school-level tournaments, absolutely. For elite competitive play, you might want to consider ASICS’ higher-end volleyball-specific models for maximum performance.
Do they work for pickleball?
Yes, these are excellent for pickleball. The low profile, court grip, and lateral support make them well-suited for the sport’s movement patterns.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Traction | 9.0/10 | Excellent grip on all indoor surfaces tested |
| Comfort | 8.5/10 | Immediate comfort, great for extended play |
| Support & Stability | 8.0/10 | Solid for recreational to intermediate play |
| Durability | 8.5/10 | Impressive longevity for price point |
| Breathability | 7.5/10 | Good ventilation for synthetic construction |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 | Outstanding performance per dollar |
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | Highly Recommended for Recreational Players |