Finding the right table tennis shoes is crucial – they’re the foundation of your game. Many players end up compromising with badminton or volleyball shoes, simply because dedicated table tennis footwear can be hard to find.
Sanwei’s new FireFlash shoes stand out with their distinctive dial lacing system and bold design, and they’re designed specifically for table tennis players.
I’ve spent several weeks testing these shoes in both practice and competition to see if they live up to the hype. While they bring some interesting features to the table, what matters is how they perform when it counts.
These shoes were provided by Sanwei for review, but all opinions are my own and there was no editorial oversight.
Built with a wider toe box than typical brands and featuring highly breathable mesh construction, these shoes offer premium features at a competitive price point.
While the structured feel may take some adjustment and sizing returns can be costly, the FireFlash’s table tennis-specific durability and performance make it a solid choice for anyone who wants dedicated table tennis footwear.
Ace
About the Reviewer
David brings 20 years experience as a player, with 10 of those coaching players of all ages and standards. His style is The All-Rounder
About the Review
Hours Tested: 30+
Test Levels: Match play vs. inter–advanced opponents and multi-ball training.
FireFlash Design & Features
The FireFlash showcases a distinctly modern design with a crisp white base color accented by neon red-orange highlights. Personally, I’d describe it more like “hot pink” so they definitely stand out.
The upper construction features a multi-layer design combining lightweight mesh panels with TPU overlays for structure. These mesh sections are strategically placed across the shoe for ventilation, while metallic finish details add subtle visual flair under lighting.
At the heart of the shoe’s design is the innovative dial lacing system. Unlike traditional laces, a quick-rotate disc mechanism on the tongue controls thin nylon cables that run through integrated guides across the upper. This system includes a quick-release function – simply pop the dial out to fully loosen the shoe. I was skeptical at first; it won me over fast.
The midsole incorporates a full-length carbon fiber plate, visible through sections of the outsole. This is complemented by a 6-layer nylon upper plate, creating a double-layer structure. A metal support bar is integrated into the sidewalls, most noticeable on the lateral (outer) side of each shoe.
The outsole features three distinct traction zones with different tread patterns. Most notable is the circular anti-slip pivot pad positioned under the forefoot area. The non-marking rubber features a pronounced tread pattern, with deeper channels in high-wear areas.
Additional technical features include:
- Ventilated, removable insole with perforation holes
- Independent airbag foam unit in the midsole
- TPU reinforcement in high-stress areas
- Breathable mesh tongue construction
- Weight: 283g per shoe (based on EU size 42)
On my first inspection getting the shoes out of their box, the overall build quality suggests a premium quality with clean stitching lines and no visible glue marks or manufacturing defects.
My Experience Playing In Sanwei’s FireFlash Shoes
I spent several weeks putting these shoes through their paces in both practice and match play.
Out of the box I would describe them as “structured” and maybe a bit limiting, but after two sessions the upper relaxed and the platform started to move with me. I also had to play with the dial to find my sweet spot, which took a bit of getting used to.
Grip & Stability
These shoes grip the floor like few other shoes I’ve tested. I felt planted on both clean and slightly dusty floors, and by the end of week one the shoes were basically “invisible” in the best way: stable, breathable, and not something I had to think about.
The tread pattern really shines during sharp changes of direction, whether you’re lunging forward for a short ball or shuffling side-to-side in a rally. That ‘pivot point’ under the ball of your foot makes a real difference when you need to spin quickly for wide balls.
I found the reinforced sides and carbon plate did exactly what they’re supposed to do, keeping my feet stable during aggressive footwork. They also prevented me from being concerned about potential ankle rolls when I had to commit hard to one side.
The trade-off is they’re a bit stiffer than your average table tennis shoe. It’s worth giving them some time to break in and loosen up a bit.
Speed & Agility
The FireFlash has a clever design feature that really impacts movement – there’s an intentional gap between the arch and sole that allows for more natural flexing.
This creates a nice bounce off the floor without feeling overly springy. I found this particularly noticeable during quick direction changes and short shuffle steps.
At 283g, these aren’t the lightest shoes around, but the responsive cushioning gives good energy return when pushing off. For context, many table tennis shoes fall in the ~250–320g range.
The flexible arch combined with the stable platform means you can move confidently in any direction. Those explosive first steps feel natural, whether you’re covering wide balls or recovering back to position.
Comfort & Fit
Let’s talk fit first – these run true to EU sizing (I’m a size 46 and these were a perfect fit) but they’re built with a wider toe box than most table tennis shoes. Great news if you’ve found other brands too narrow, but players with slim feet might find them roomy.
The highly breathable, semi-transparent mesh sides provide exceptional ventilation. So breathable that you can actually see through them. This did a good job of keeping my feet surprisingly fresh even during long sessions.
The tongue design is intentionally thin and only lightly attached at the sides, which adds to the overall breathability though it might feel different if you’re used to more padded tongues.
The cushioning really impressed me, it felt like enough padding to protect your joints during intense footwork without feeling disconnected from the court. While the stock insole does a decent job with arch support, you can easily swap it out if you need something more specialized.
One thing worth mentioning about the dial system – it spreads pressure evenly across your foot, which eliminates those painful pressure points you sometimes get with traditional laces. It’s also quick to tweak between points
Most players should find these comfortable right out of the box, though if you prefer that super flexible, minimalist feel, these might feel a bit too structured at first. The only real limitation is you can’t create varying zones of tightness like you can with traditional laces.
Durability & Value
After several weeks of intensive use, the FireFlash shows promising durability. The stitching remains tight with no loose threads or separation between materials. Even the innovative dial system, which I was initially concerned about, has maintained its smooth operation and secure lockdown.
The outsole is holding up particularly well, and the grip pattern shows minimal wear despite frequent use on various court surfaces. One thoughtful feature is the removable insole, which can be replaced when it wears out before the rest of the shoe.
Where value is concerned, these shoes sit in an interesting spot. At around USD $85-95 they’re not cheap, but they’re notably less expensive than premium offerings from brands like Butterfly, which can exceed $130. The build quality and innovative features make this pricing feel justified, especially considering the durability I’ve observed so far.
They’re definitely better than equivalent badminton or volleyball shoes that most players end up buying.
There is one practical consideration regarding value. If you need to return these for sizing issues, shipping back to China can be costly. It’s worth being absolutely certain about your size before ordering, particularly if buying directly from Sanwei rather than a local retailer.
Verdict
The FireFlash represents a pretty unique proposition that I haven’t seen before in table tennis shoes. While the dial lacing system might seem like a gimmick at first, it genuinely improves the playing experience.
Combined with excellent grip, stability, and ventilation, these shoes deliver professional-level performance at a competitive price point.
They’re best suited to players who:
- Value stability and consistent grip in their footwork
- Want a wider toe box than typical Asian brands offer
- Prefer a structured feel over ultra-flexible designs
- Don’t mind adjusting to a new lacing system
Size-wise, stick to your EU size but consider going down half a size if you’re between sizes. The wider fit means narrow-footed players might want to try before buying if possible.
Despite some minor quirks – like the stiff initial feel and uniform lacing pressure – the FireFlash has become my go-to shoe for both training and matches. It’s refreshing to see genuine innovation in table tennis footwear, especially from a challenger brand like Sanwei.
David's been playing Table Tennis since he was 12, earning his first coaching license in 2012. He's played in national team & individual competitions, although he prefers the more relaxed nature of a local league match! After earning his umpiring qualification in England, David moved to Australia and started Racket Insight to share information about the sport he loves.
Blade: Stiga WRB Offensive Classic | Forehand: Calibra LT | Backhand: Xiom Musa
Playstyle: The All-Rounder
