Finding the best pickleball shoes for your game can take time and research. Our main goal at ThePickleSports is to save you time and help you feel confident you made the right choice.
If you’re still using a running shoe (please don’t) and looking for proper footwear, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into 5 great options for pickleball shoes.
Disclaimer: Shoe fit and size and quality differ from person to person. We did our best with these reviews but opinions may vary.
Other Recommendations: Best Pickleball Shoes for Flat Feet
Are Pickleball Shoes Worth It?
If you play pickleball regularly, then having a pair of pickeball shoes is a must. Not only do they offer better performance and maneuverability, but they also offer protection to your ankles and knees.
Running shoes are comfortable, but they are specifically designed to move in a straight path. In pickleball, you’re moving in every direction from side to side (laterally), front, and you may even find yourself backpedaling. To accommodate for all this change in direction you need a quality court shoe.
Top 5 Men’s Pickleball Shoes
ASICS Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoe
- Weight: 13.1 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic Leather Overlay
- Price: $85
I’ve always loved Asics court shoes and these exceeded my expectations. The Gel-Renma was designed by pickleball players, for pickleball players. The playability you get from these shoes is incredible. They are light, durable, and comfortable, and their traction is perfect.
The ASICS gel technology creates a bond between your foot and the shoe and you feel extra confidence going for tricky shots that require lateral movement.
The Gel also acts as a shock absorber to protect your joints if you play a lot of pickleball. Overall these shoes perform great and fit great. I recommend ordering your normal size.
Check Out: Best Asics Court Shoes
Pros
- Slight break-in period
- Great fit for most types of foot
- Good traction
- Light but stable
Cons
- Higher profile than other shoes
- Synthetic leather is not as breathable
- Not as durable for those who play a lot.
- Reasonable price
Best Overall
ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 8 Court Shoe
- Weight: 14.6 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic upper
- Price: $139.99
Overall, this is one of the best Pickleball shoes I have ever tried. This was not my first pair of Asics court shoes and It won’t be my last.
Initially, this shoe does come off as a tiny bit stiff. But after you play for about an hour or two, the gel resolution technology will begin to mold to your feet and heel.
They have the perfect amount of room in the toe box for both width and height, and the mesh lining on the top makes for a super breathable sneaker.
The whole entire shoe is durable from the toe guard to the laces. I played on an outdoor court for eight months (4-5 times a week for multiple hours), and the tread is still outstanding.
The tread, in the beginning, was like nothing I have ever felt; it was a perfect harmony of control and slide whenever you needed it, both on outdoor and indoor courts.
Pros
- Wide fit accommodates most foot sizes.
- Very supportive insole
- Very durable
- No break-in time
- Great flexibility
- Offers great arch support
Cons
- Slightly heavier shoe.
- Not very adjustable for wider feet.
Budget Friendly
K-Swiss Court Express Pickleball Shoe
- Weight: 13.2 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Leather upper
- Price: $64.99
The K-Swiss Court Express has a lot to offer for the price. They have plenty of padding and comfort in the sock lining while maintaining playability. They are pretty lightweight at 12 OZ, but that does not take away from the responsiveness and stability.
The rubber sole herringbone tread is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, and it breathes like a dream. I even played on a wet court and had no issues with sliding.
This is a great pickleball shoe for beginners because it’s affordable, it performs well, and if you don’t play a ton it will hold up.
Pros
- Offers great arch support
- Lightweight
- Roomy toe box
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not very durable for those who play a lot.
- Need to be broken in.
- Can be narrow for wider feet.
Most Durable
Babolat Jet Mach 3
- Weight: 12.4 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic Upper
- Price: $139.99-$149.99
The Babolat Mach 3 is one of the shoes that Ben Johns commonly wears so it has to be durable and dependable.
Babolat partnered with Michelin Tires to design a tread that will stand the test of time and not break down, and you will notice it. Not only is the tread durable, but it’s also very smooth and offers exceptional playability.
The shoe has a wider fit, though it’s not necessarily a wide (EE) shoe. That being said, the heel is snug and has comfortable padding while the toe box is spacious and breathable.
Pros
- Extremely durable tread
- Wide midsole provides stability
- Very breathable
- Flexible
- Little break-in period
- Noticeable shock absorption
Cons
- Slightly heavier.
- Expensive
Lightest Shoe
Adidas Court Flash
- Weight: 10.9 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Mesh upper
- Price: $79.95
The Adidas Courtflash is a perfect pickleball shoe if you’re looking for something lightweight and comfortable. The upper is lightweight and breathable mesh while the midsole and bottom are soft foam.
The tongue and ankle are padded with breathable foam that offers amazing support for such a light shoe.
Another incredible aspect of the Courtflash is the deep partial herringbone tread. Though they are light, they grip the court very efficiently and offer amazing playability.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Breathable mesh
- Very supportive
- Durable tow guard
Cons
- Mesh outer can tear
- Affordable
- Narrower fit
Top 5 Pickleball Shoes For Women
Editor’s Choice
ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 13
- Weight: 10.8 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic upper
- Price: $99.99
The ASICS Gel-Challenger 12 checked all the boxes as one of the best court shoes for pickleball. They’re durable and supportive, they look great and the performance is amazing.
ASICS is a leader in tennis shoes and for a good reason. The gel technology they offer absorbs shock without sacrificing comfort or feel.
The gel comes out of the box a little stiff, but after 1 or 2 games, they feel amazing. These shoes fit true to size, but if you have narrow feet, they may be a little wide in the tow box.
Pros
- Noticeable shock absorption
- No break-in
- Lots of color combinations
- Roomy toe box
- Great mobility
- Low profile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slightly stiffer shoe
Best Overall
K-Swiss Women’s Express Light
- Weight: 10 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic durawrap upper
- Price: $99.95
Many shoes in this review are tennis shoe that works for pickleball. However, The K-swiss Express Light is branded as a pickleball shoe.
This shoe has 180-degree padding on the inside and outside, making it one of the best I’ve worn for stability. Wherever the weight of your foot goes, the shoes adjust and form.
At 9 OZ, it’s one of the lightest on the review, and the herringbone design has perfect traction on both indoor and outdoor courts. I love the Express Light because the rubber compound material makes this shoe light, sticky, flexible, durable and breathable.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Very flexible
- No break-in period
- Good arch support
- Roomy toe box
Cons
- Won’t last long if you play more than 4 times/week
Best Support
ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 8
- Weight: 11 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic upper
- Price: $135
Say goodbye to sore feet after a long day of pickleball. The Asics Gel-Resolution 8 offers some of the best support and cushioning out of all the shoes we tested.
ASICS is one of the top shoes for pickleball because they use gel and rubber strategically in the shoe to absorb shock and protect your foot’s pressure points.
These shoes fit true to size, but we would recommend going for a wide size if you have a regular or narrow foot.
Pros
- Adjustable for all foot types
- Very supportive
- Great tread
- Narrow toe box
- Provides arch support
- lots of cushion
Cons
- Laces might tear easily
- Slightly heavier than other options.
Lightest Shoe
Babolat SFX 3
- Weight: 11.8 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic and mesh upper
- Price: $99.00
The Babolat SFX 3 takes the price for the most durable pickleball shoe we tested. Whether you play every day or once a month, these shoes will stand the test of time.
The mesh upper is double layered so you get both durability, and breathability, while the midsole has thick rubber to absorb any shock or wear.
One huge stand-out is the tread on the outsole. Babolat partnered with Michelin tires to create the perfect tread that offers performance, and durability.
These shoes fit perfectly. They’re not too narrow but not too tight. The size runs true so order your normal size.
Pros
- Very durable tread
- Toe guard and midsole are also durable
- Good ankle and arch support
- Wide bottom provides amazing support
Cons
- Slightly heavier shoe
Lightest Shoe
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler
- Weight: 9.9 OZ
- Fit: True To Size
- Material: Synthetic Duralast upper
- Price: $99.99
A light pickleball shoe is important for changing the pace of a rally. The Wilson Rush Pro Ace is the best lightweight shoe we tested.
For such a light shoe, you’re also getting exceptional support due to the wide bottom. Wilson designed the bottom to prevent rolling ankles and improve lateral movements so you have a greater sense of confidence going after hard shots.
The overall fit of this shoe is perfect for almost any foot shape. The toe box is just wide enough and the ankle is nice and snug.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Very comfortable cushioning
- Wide bottom provides support
- Synthetic material is durable
- Lots of feel and playability
Cons
- The fit can vary depending on foot shape and size.
A Helpful Guide to Help You Find The Best Pickleball Shoes
Tread
No tread on court shoes is the equivalent of no tires on a car. All the performance and control stem from the tread on your shoes. Once the tread is worn out you should get a new pair of shoes because you’re risking injury.
There are a few patterns you’ll see on the soles of most pickleball shoes. What you’re really looking for is a partial or modified herringbone tread pattern. The partial or modified herringbone pattern is important because it’s the best for lateral movements.
This was something that Nike did an amazing job at figuring out. They concluded that partial or modified herringbone tread was the best for all directions of movements.
The tread was originally designed for basketball, but many shoe manufacturers found it just as useful for tennis and pickleball.
It works very well for both indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes.
Don’t get partial or modified confused with full herringbone tread. Full herringbone is used specifically for clay courts. You can actually hurt yourself if you play on cement courts or indoors with full herringbone because the tread might be too much.
Ankle Support
The first difference in structure is ankle support. Some shoes offer more ankle support than others which is crucial for advanced players and players that move more on the court.
Shoes with a higher and more prominent heal counter offer the most support.
Outsole
The outsole is the material on the outer bottom of the shoe. A wider outsole will provide more balance and support. However, a thinner outsole will allow faster lateral movement.
Midsole
The midsole sits right under your heel. A cushioned midsole can protect your knees and ankles from impact. However, if you have a thick midsole you may find it harder to feel the ground which may take away from hands battles and dinks.
Material
Most pickleball shoes will either have a mesh or synthetic material. Mesh tends to breathe better if you play in warm climates, while synthetic is more weatherproof and easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear running shoes for pickleball?
You should not wear running shoes or gym shoes for pickleball. Without proper ankle or heel support, you are at a greater risk for injury.
Tennis and pickleball shoes are specially constructed to protect your ankle and knees from lateral movements and the hard impact that running shoes are not designed for.
Furthermore, tennis and pickleball shoes are made to withstand hard asphalt. A proper Pickleball shoe has a toe guard to protect the shoe against toe dragging.
Cross-trainers are worse because the outsoles have little grips on them that stick to the floor. They can make you trip when you’re backpedaling to retrieve a lob. Stay away from cross-trainers at all costs.
What kind of shoes should I wear to play pickleball?
The best choice for pickleball shoes would be court shoes or tennis shoes. These are specifically designed for the types of lateral movements that you’ll perform during an actual rally. For indoors, it’s best to go with a volleyball shoe or a non-marking court shoe.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
If you have a shoe with a light-colored, non-marking bottom, you can use those indoors and outdoors. Make sure you pay attention to the traction since outdoor is usually clay and indoor is wood. The shoe will perform differently on those two surfaces.
Do I need a special shoe for pickleball?
There are not many choices for an actual “pickleball shoe,” but a tennis shoe or court shoe will provide the support, comfort, and durability you need to play your best.
How long do pickleball shoes Last?
This depends on the shoe, your game, and the type of court you play on, but you should replace your shoes after about 60 hours of play.
Are pickleball shoes and tennis shoes the same?
In short, Yes, most of the shoes reviewed are tennis shoes. Though there are some shoes branded as pickleball shoes, there is no significant difference between them. To learn more about the differences you can check out the article: Are Pickleball Shoes And Tennis Shoes The Same?
Are basketball shoes good for pickleball?
Basketball shoes make great indoor pickleball shoes since you usually play it on hardwood courts and they support lateral movement. For outdoor courts, basketball shoes may not be the most durable especially if you drag your toe on shots.
What is the difference between court shoes and running shoes?
Running shoes are meant to run in a straight line with constant motion. Court shoes are made for lateral movements, as well as sudden stops. The difference is stability and lateral movements which is what a court shoe offers that a running shoe do not.
