If you're new to the squishy world, walking into it can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many different types and they all look and feel completely different from each other. Here's a breakdown of the main ones so you know exactly what you're getting.
OG Foam Slow Rising Squishies
This is the original. Foam slow risers are made from polyurethane (PU) foam and are known for that satisfying, slow squeeze where the squishy gradually puffs back up after you press it. They're often scented, painted in different colors, and shaped like food, animals, or kawaii characters. This is the classic collector's squishy — people display them, hunt for rare designs, and watch ASMR videos of them being squeezed. They're soft, lightweight, and delicate, so you want to handle them gently.
These are the squishies we (sharkeatmart) specialize in, including iBloom and other kawaii collectible brands.
Taba Squishies
Taba squishies feel completely different from foam slow risers. They're made from a soft, stretchy silicone-like material that's almost sticky and gooey to the touch, which is why they usually stay in sealed packaging. When you squeeze a Taba, it deforms and molds to your fingers in a super satisfying way. They're thicker, more durable, and more fidget-focused than foam squishies — great for people who want something they can actually play with aggressively without worrying about tearing it. They've blown up on TikTok because of how satisfying they look on camera.
NeeDoh
NeeDoh is its own category. Instead of foam or silicone, NeeDoh toys are a firm, dough-like ball filled with a special compound that makes them extremely satisfying to squeeze and knead. They feel solid but still give, almost like a very thick stress ball. They're simple, round, and not really about collecting or aesthetics — they're purely about the sensory feel. NeeDoh has gone massively viral in 2026, with people lining up at Target and Five Below just to find them in different textures like the Nice Cube and Gumdrop styles.
Crunchy/Sticky Squishies
These are the newer generation of squishies gaining popularity for the sounds they make. Crunchy squishies have a texture that makes a light crackling or crunching noise when squeezed (peak ASMR content). Sticky squishies have a tacky surface that almost feels like slime. Both are satisfying in a different way from regular foam squishies — it's more about the texture and the sound than the visual.
Which One Should You Get?
It depends on what you're looking for:
Foam slow risers — best for collecting, displaying, and gentle squeezing
Taba — best for fidgeting, heavy squeezing, and satisfying texture
NeeDoh — best for pure stress relief and that solid, dough-like feel
Crunchy/Sticky — best for ASMR content and unique textures
The squishy world has grown into something for everyone, not just kids. Whether you're a collector chasing rare designs or someone who just needs something to squeeze at their desk, there's a type that fits. Browse our collection at sharkeatmart.com to find yours.