With over 8.9 million Americans embracing pickleball in 2022 according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the quest for the best pickleball shoes has never been more vital. These shoes are not just regular footwear; they are your partners in agility, your protectors against injuries, and your secret weapons on the court.
So, get ready to explore the world of pickleball shoes in this article. I’ve shared my top 11 picks for the best pickleball shoes to take your game to the next level.
7 Key Factors to Consider When Buying Pickleball Shoes
When buying pickleball shoes, here are some key factors to consider to get the most bang for your buck.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Courts: Pickleball can be played indoors and outdoors, and the type of court surface can vary. So, consider the court surface you’ll be playing on.
- Sole Construction: Indoor courts may require non-marking soles to protect the surface, while outdoor courts may benefit from more durable, all-terrain outsoles.
- Traction: Traction is essential for quick lateral movements in pickleball. So, look for shoes with outsoles that offer a good grip on the type of court you play on, preventing slips and injuries during the game.
- Comfort and Fit: A comfortable fit ensures your feet stay pain-free during long matches. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles, padded collars, and a secure lace-up system to customize the fit.
- Durability: Choose shoes made with durable materials to maximize their lifespan.
- Cushioning and Support: Adequate cushioning and support are essential for shock absorption and injury prevention.
- Budget: Set a budget and find the pickleball shoes that offer the best combination of features within your price range.
The 11 Best Pickleball Shoes
- Best Pickleball Shoes Overall— Skechers Viper Court Pro Men’s | Women’s
- Best Women’s Pickleball Shoes— K-Swiss Women’s Express Light
- Best Men’s Pickleball Shoes— Under Armour Men’s Charged Commit 3
- Best for Outdoor— Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Indoor— New Balance 1006 V1 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Tennis Shoes— Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Achilles Tendonitis— ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Ankle Support— New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2 Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Flat Feet— New Balance 806 V1 Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Wide Feet— Adidas GameCourt 2 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Budget Pickleball Shoes— Asics Gel-Renma Men’s | Women’s
Best Pickleball Shoes Overall— Skechers Viper Court Pro – Pickleball
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When it comes to finding the best shoe for pickleball, look no further than the Skechers Viper Court Pro. This shoe is favored by professional pickleball players like Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin and offers a winning combination of comfort and performance.
What sets these shoes apart is their remarkable comfort, a must for any pickleball player. They have a patented Arch Fit® insole system, boasting podiatrist-certified arch support. This innovative insole results from 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans, ensuring a perfect fit that reduces shock and evenly distributes your weight.
Additionally, each shoe weighs just under 12 ounces, making them incredibly lightweight.
So, whether you’re a pro or just starting in pickleball, the Skechers Viper Court Pro is your go-to choice for unbeatable comfort, support, and performance.
Pros
- Lightweight shoes allow you to move swiftly on the court
- Responsive ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning
- Goodyear® Gold compound outsole increases durability, traction, stability, and control
- Relaxed Fit® provides ample toe-room space
- Superior comfort
Cons
- Not suitable for people with wider feet
What People Are Saying
A satisfied customer shared, “I am pleased with the shoe’s fit. It’s a great out-of-the-box athletic shoe.”
Another wrote, “Finding a shoe that accommodates my ankle brace is challenging, but Skechers did the job. My previous shoes did not provide as much cushioning as the Skechers.”
Best Women’s Pickleball Shoes— K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
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The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoes have been purposefully designed for the fast-paced world of pickleball, and they truly shine in every aspect.
Comfort is paramount in pickleball, and K-Swiss nails it with these shoes. They strike the perfect balance between providing excellent foot support and being lightweight and nimble on the court.
Additionally, they also have moisture-wicking sock liners to keep your feet dry, and a heel grip liner to ensure your feet won’t slip inside the shoe.
As for their performance, the shoes feature high-density rubber soles that offer impeccable grip, while drag guards on the heel and toe protect against wear in high-contact areas.
Pros
- K-EVA cushioning
- ORTHOLITE sock liner keeps feet dry
- Thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis enhances mid-foot stability
- Versatile design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some users advise that the shoe is not true to size
What People Are Saying
A pickleball player called them the “best pickleball sneakers ever.” They also said, “These sneakers have been comfortable, breathable, and supportive.”
Best Men’s Pickleball Shoes— Under Armour Men’s Charged Commit 3 Training Shoe
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While these shoes may be cross-trainers, they are excellent options for the pickleball court. They feature a lightweight design and robust construction, perfect for the game.
The UA Charged Commit 3, the best pickleball shoe for men, provides premium support by hugging your feet at every point. The dual-external heel counter, leather mid-foot saddle, and cushioned sock liner work together to ensure your feet feel secure and comfortable during intense pickleball matches.
Pro Tip: Get these shoes if you frequently play in wet outdoor court conditions, as they have strategically placed flex grooves on the sole that enhance traction.
Pros
- Wide range of style options
- Flex grooves add agility
- Charged Cushioning® midsole absorbs impact
- Responsive
- Snug fit
Cons
- Relatively narrow
What People Are Saying
An enthusiastic user shared, “I bought these for pickleball and the gym. They are extremely comfortable and have extra padding in the right places. They also stay secure while I play pickleball and do HIIT workouts.”
Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes— Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Shoes
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The Rush Pro Ace Pickler is the ultimate choice for players looking for exceptional outdoor pickleball shoes. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned player, these shoes have everything.
Starting from the top, the shoe’s upper is crafted from breathable mesh, ensuring your feet stay cool and dry during intense matches. The spacious toe box allows you to make quick, agile moves without feeling cramped. In addition, the shoes also have cushioned midsoles that provide ample support without sacrificing flexibility, making them the perfect pickleball shoes.
However, the real star of the Rush Pro Ace is its sticky outsole, which grips the court like glue. This outstanding traction gives you the leverage needed for swift cuts and powerful shots, enhancing your performance, especially on concrete and asphalt courts.
Pros
- 4D Support Chassis maximizes stability
- Breathable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Medial Rubber Drag Pad for added durability
- R-DST+ midsole foam for superior cushioning
- High-density Duralast rubber compound for maximum traction on all surfaces
Cons
- Lack of color options
- Some users mentioned sizing issues
What People Are Saying
A happy customer wrote, “Great looking shoes that are also comfortable for pickleball.”
Another one said, “I wanted: supportive, comfortable, great tread-grip, and lightweight. Super happy I got them!”
Best Indoor Pickleball Shoes— New Balance 1006 V1 Tennis Shoe
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When it comes to picking out the best indoor pickleball shoes, the New Balance 1006 V1s stand out as the ultimate choice. These shoes have earned their top spot for several spectacular reasons.
First and foremost, they offer unbeatable comfort and durability, even after intense and prolonged use, making them ideal for those long indoor pickleball matches.
Moreover, their non-marking soles ensure you won’t leave any scuffs on the playing surface, an important feature for maintaining indoor courts.
Pros
- REVlite midsole provides excellent shock absorption
- Spacious toe-box
- Superior ankle padding
- Extremely comfort
- Non-marking soles
Cons
- Heavy
- Sole may wear out faster with heavy use
What People Are Saying
An enthusiastic buyer commented, “I like the extra width and the comfort.”
Another buyer called them the “most comfortable shoes on the planet.”
Best Tennis Shoes for Pickleball— Babolat Jet Mach 3 All-Court Tennis Shoes
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The Babolat Jet Mach 3 is the ideal shoe for pickleball players seeking lightweight, comfortable, and speedy footwear. These shoes are packed with the latest technology that boosts your confidence and agility on the court.
Weighing just 325 grams, these shoes stand out as the most lightweight pickleball shoes. They are built to fly across the court effortlessly. Moreover, the unique Matrix Evo material with carefully positioned PAHT and Aramid fibers makes the Jet Mach 3 ultra-light and wear-resistant without sacrificing stability or support.
The shoes also have a KPRSX system that ensures optimal shock absorption throughout your game, with pliable EVA foam protecting the heel zone.
Pros
- Redesigned tread increases sole durability
- OrthoLite® insole adds exceptional comfort
- Babolat’s Active Flexion technology ensures maximum responsiveness
- Remarkable lightness
- Prevents ankle rolling
Cons
- Expensive
- Some users find the laces to be too thin
What People Are Saying
A happy customer wrote, “These shoes look fantastic and were very lightweight, which I like.”
Another one called them their favourite “lightweight/fast shoe.”
Best Pickleball Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis— ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 Tennis Shoes
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Finding the perfect pair of pickleball shoes when dealing with Achilles tendonitis can be difficult. The constant foot movement and impact can worsen this condition, making the game less enjoyable. Thankfully, the Asics Gel-Resolution 8 steps in as a true saviour.
This spectacular shoe is tailored to offer that much-needed blend of support and cushioning, ensuring your feet are well-protected throughout your game.
One remarkable feature is the Trusstic System Technology, which cleverly reduces the shoe’s weight while maintaining foot support. Additionally, it boasts a Rearfoot Gel cushioning system, which excels at absorbing shock and minimizing the strain on the Achilles tendon.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good foot support
- Excellent shock-absorption
- Increased stability
- Excellent traction with durable rubber outsole
Cons
- Heavy
- Not true to size
What People Are Saying
A buyer raved about the shoes, saying, “I love the style and fit of these shoes for hard court playing – A+.”
Another one wrote, “The Asics R8 are solid and well-made shoes. I’ll definitely purchase this one again.”
Best Pickleball Shoes for Ankle Support— New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2
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The New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2 is my top pick for pickleball shoes with superior ankle support. This multi-colored shoe, available in two attractive color options, goes above and beyond to ensure your ankles are well cared for.
The shoes come equipped with a high collar designed to keep your ankle securely in place. This is a game-changer for anyone seeking stability during those quick movements on the pickleball court. However, it’s worth noting that a few users found the high collar a tad irritating.
As for its technical features, the shoe boasts a FRESH FOAMx midsole that’s all about precision cushioning where it matters most. The FitWeave upper and mesh collar ensure a snug and comfortable fit, while the heel counter offers excellent support.
Pros
- NDurance upper technology increases durability
- Superior ankle support
- Ample cushioning
- Adjustable lace closure provides a custom fit
- Excellent support
- Stylish
Cons
- Some users may find the high collar a little annoying
What People Are Saying
A happy buyer commented, “These are my new go-to shoes, and I got almost 8 weeks of wear from them playing ~15 hrs/week.”
Best Pickleball Shoes for Flat Feet— New Balance 806 V1
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Flat feet can really damper your pickleball game, causing discomfort and aches. That’s where the New Balance 806 comes in to save the day!
These shoes are all about stability and support on the court. They feature C-CAP®, ABZORB®, and the exclusive ROLLBAR technology, providing unrivaled motion control. What’s even better is that New Balance has made these shoes lighter while maintaining their stylish look.
These shoes offer fantastic arch support, and the wider fit makes a world of difference. They strike the perfect balance between stability and agility, allowing you to perform at your best. I’ve worn them for entire rallies without any discomfort!
Pros
- Excellent stability
- Excellent arch support
- Superb traction with Herringbone-pattern outsole
- Superb breathability
- Stylish
Cons
- May wear down quickly with consistent play
What People Are Saying
A satisfied user reported that they no longer have heel issues after getting this shoe. “I’m playing pickleball, and with prior shoes, I always had sore heels after playing. But, these shoes provide good support and resolve my heel issues.”
Best Pickleball Shoes for Wide Feet— Adidas GameCourt 2
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For those looking for the best pickleball shoes for wide feet, the Adidas Men’s GameCourt 2 is the best choice. These shoes from Adidas are tailored to provide excellent support and have a sleek, minimal style that’s hard to beat.
What I love about these shoes is their breathability. You can play pickleball for hours in them and never have to worry about discomfort or unpleasant odors thanks to the lightweight mesh upper.
Moreover, these sneakers feature a rubber outsole for superior traction, an EVA midsole, and padded heels for added comfort with every step.
Pros
- Exceptional support
- Breathable
- Superior cushioning
- Superior traction
- Stylish design
Cons
- Heavy
What People Are Saying
A delighted user described them as “Great pickleball shoes that provide excellent support and stability.”
Another buyer who bought the shoes for their son said, “They are comfortable, sturdy, and give him the support he needs for dashing back and forth on the court. They also fit perfectly!”
Best Budget Pickleball Shoes— Asics Gel-Renma
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Looking for top-notch pickleball shoes without breaking the bank? Check out the Asics Men’s Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes. These budget-friendly kicks offer a winning combination of comfort and performance, all for under $100.
The outstanding feature here is the TRUSSTIC® technology in the midsole, which provides excellent support and stability during your pickleball games. It reduces excessive twisting, making those multi-directional movements a breeze.
Plus, the outsole boasts flex grooves strategically placed for enhanced flexibility, letting you move freely on the court.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Enhanced stability
- Flex grooves provide improved multi-directional movement
- Gel padding for shock absorption
- Great traction
Cons
Not as breathable as other shoes on the list
What People Are Saying
An enthusiastic customer shared that these shoes helped them “make sharper cuts on the court with no pain afterward.”
Another buyer wrote, “Very comfortable and great anti-roll support. It’s a good-looking shoe.”
What To Know About Choosing Pickleball Shoes
Can You Wear Cross-Trainers For Pickleball?
You can wear cross trainers when playing pickleball, as they provide excellent stability and responsiveness, allowing you to make quick movements on the court! They also have a flexible construction to ensure a comfortable fit. However, they do not have non-marking soles to protect the court surface or additional lateral support for quick movements.
Can You Wear Running Shoes For Pickleball?
Although it’s possible to wear running shoes during a game of pickleball, I wouldn’t advise it. Running shoes lack the comfort and support needed for the specific movements of pickleball, particularly the lateral movements. So, using them frequently on indoor or outdoor pickleball courts can increase the risk of knee and foot injuries.
Are Walking Shoes O.K. for Pickleball?
Walking shoes can be used for pickleball, but they may not be the best choice. While they provide superior comfort for walking, they lack the lateral support and stability needed for the rapid side-to-side movements in pickleball.
Are Paddle And Tennis Shoes The Same?
Paddle and tennis shoes are not exactly the same, although they may appear similar. Tennis shoes are designed for tennis, which involves rapid starts and stops, quick lateral movements, and running on both hard court surfaces and clay.
On the other hand, paddle tennis is played on a smaller court with solid walls as boundaries. So, the shoes may have features like reinforced toes to withstand ball impacts against the walls, softer rubber outsoles for better grip on paddle tennis courts, and a focus on lateral movement support.
What Makes A Sneaker A Court Shoe?
A sneaker becomes a court shoe when it is specifically designed for sports or activities played on a court surface, such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, or pickleball. These shoes have specialized features, including court-specific outsole traction for quick movements, lateral support to prevent ankle injuries, cushioning for impact absorption, and enhanced durability.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best shoes for pickleball, this list has something for everyone.
With these top-notch options, you’ll be ready to confidently step onto the pickleball court, knowing that your footwear is designed to enhance your game. So, get ready to defeat your opponents, move swiftly across the court, and enjoy the game to the fullest!
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