Find out the 15 best pickleball shoes to buy so you can perform at your peak performance on the pickleball court and have the upper hand on the competition as you glide effortlessly, and comfortably across the pickleball court.
Pickleball is a fun activity that can be learned quickly and doesn’t need a lot of equipment. Pickleball can be played if you have the best pickleball shoes, a pickleball paddle, pickle balls, a pickleball net, and pickleball posts.
Pickleball may be played inside or outdoors, and wearing the appropriate footwear for the environment will improve your performance and lower your risk of injury. Regular running or rubber-soled shoes are sometimes assumed to be adequate by pickleball novices, but they aren’t designed for the fast footwork required for pickleball.
Your game will improve, and your risk of injury will decrease if you locate shoes with foot traction that offer stability while allowing you to move from side to side quickly and easily.
For your convenience, I have the ultimate pickleball buyer’s guide of the best pickleball shoes below:
List Of The 15 Best Pickleball Shoes for Men and Women
1. Butterfly Unisex Adult Athletic Pickleball Shoes For Men And Women
Butterfly Adult Athletic Table Tennis shoes come in a wide range of colors. You can choose from the color combinations of navy, yellow, red, and turquoise. Shoes created by Butterfly are designed to be incredibly gripping and are definitely one of the best shoes for a day of action on the pickleball court.
You won’t be sliding around as you sprint to score your next points on the pickleball court.
Due to the relatively thin midsole, these shoes are also incredibly light shoes. You won’t feel as though you’re sprinting around on bare feet because the soles won’t be heavy. The flexibility of the sole of these shoes is another major benefit. These are surely the Best pickleball shoes. You can swiftly push off as you sprint to the other end of the court, thanks to how thin these pickleball shoes are.
Pros:
- Men, as well as women, can wear these pickleball shoes
- They are immensely lightweight, which makes wearing them convenient.
- They Fit nicely.
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon as a good lightweight and comfortable pair of pickleball shoes.
Cons:
- These pickleball shoes may or may not be super long-lasting and durable, but customers seem to really like them.
2. K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoes
Anyone who regularly plays pickleball and wants a sharp-looking pair of shoes for when they visit the outdoor pickleball courts two to three times a week should check out The Express Light. For any novice to a moderate player who does not wish to spend more than $100 on a pair of pickleball-specific shoes, the Express Light is an excellent all-around indoor or outdoor pickleball shoe.
It’s a fantastic choice for people with bigger feet as well. Unlike other pickleball shoes, the K-Swiss DuraWrap has a durable rubber edge wrap that provides long-lasting durability while enhancing the breathability of the net liner in front of the toe box.
Toe drag is also prevented by the rubber banding that surrounds the toe’s outside edge. The toe guard is that. The Express Light pickleball shoe has good traction and grip. It functions similarly to any other typical outdoor court shoes. So, whether you play indoors or outside, it works.
It can also be used indoors, though an outdoor pickleball court with a rougher surface is probably where it works best. Even though playing indoor pickleball on a basketball court isn’t ideal, the K-Swiss Express Light will function effectively there too.
Overall, they are a great choice, and we definitely recommend them for entry-level pickleball players!
Pros:
- Excellent for broader feet
- These best pickleball shoes provide All-day comfort and lightness
- Excellent court traction makes these one of the best pickleball shoes on the market
- Very fashionable and attractive
Cons:
- Requires thicker socks because of the minor heel slip.
- Fewer color options.
3. Wilson RUSH PRO Pickleball Shoes
The biggest concern pickleball players have is how comfortable their shoes are. If that’s something you are worried about too then you should check out Wilson RUSH PRO pickleball shoes. They are not only true to every size but also come in colors like blue, white, and red to customize your look, keeping your comfortability #1 priority.
The Wilson Pro RUSH Pickleball shoes come with a rubber sole with flexibility which allows you to keep moving because of the patterned tread, proving traction. These shoes are the best pickleball shoes because they contain thin upper leather, providing support and remaining light on your feet.
These best pickleball shoes by Wilson Pro Rush have upper mesh panels that keep the air circulating throughout the game to keep you cool. Considering all the features, these are the Best pickleball shoes for men and women you will find anywhere.
Pros:
- They are for men and women both.
- These right shoes will fit true to size.
- A good combination of quality and comfort.
Cons:
- These shoes are a little on the expensive side but worth every penny.
4. ASICS Unisex Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes
If you are a pickleball player and want to take your game to the next level, then you should try Gel-RENMA pickleball shoes by ASICS. These shoes help increase your stability and flexibility when pickleball players play with a lot of multi-directional movements.
Pickleball players are aware of the frequency of foot injuries during a game of pickleball, so in order to reduce that, these shoes are the Best pickleball shoes you will ever come across because they are made up of midsole’s TRUSSTIC technology, which provides enough support to reduce twisting. For balanced movements, they have a wrap-up outsole.
These are the Best pickleball shoes with various prominent features, including various colors. They are true to size for men and women both, another best feature to look for. What is better than having comfortable shoes at the same time? They play a huge role in taking your game to the next level. We recommend these pickleball shoes 100%
Pros:
- These pickleball shoes have a unisex design.
- Extremely comfortable.
- The pickleball shoes are the best option for people with wide feet.
Cons:
- The laces are a little shorter.
5. K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoes
Pickleball is among the most popular sports for men and women, but before, you will need to first make sure you have the right gear, which includes two things, comfortable clothing and a good pair of shoes.
You might have a pair of tennis shoes that do not work well for pickleball players. You need a pair of shoes that provide support while offering easy side-to-side movement and light on your feet. Considering all these features, K-Swiss Men’s express offers the Best pickleball shoes.
These pickleball shoes are made of rubber soles and have dura wrap, providing extra support against toe dragging. They have a unique open cell structure of OrthoLite which manages the moisture system and provides a cooler and healthier environment.
The pickleball shoes are durable and excellent for hard and clay court playing surfaces. If you want to customize your look, you can choose between the colors these shoes come in and take your game to another level.
We definitely recommend these shoes for all their features and we must say that they are one of the best pickleball shoes to buy out there on the market.
Pros:
- The K-Swiss pickleball shoes are extremely comfortable.
- They give a very stylish look.
- Super affordable.
Cons:
- The company does not entertain any return or refund claims but Amazon always does.
6. Ryka Women’s Vida RZX
The Ryka women’s Vida RZX offers a wide range of colors and allows you to choose between vapor grey, brilliant white, black, lime blaze, and yucca mint. Athletic shoes designed by Ryka are extremely comfortable. These shoes offer a two-in-one choice that includes flexibility and cushioning.
These shoes have flex grooves on the top and bottom of the midsole, which helps reduce forefoot pressure during workouts. They are designed to absorb impact and provide a cushion to the flex zone, creating comfort. An extremely supportive and breathable upper provides support and flexibility in all the right areas.
These are the Best pickleball shoes for all the right reasons, which include that they are true to size, come in many color ranges, the quality of the material is top-notch, and these best pickleball shoes help you have a great workout on the pickleball court.
We suggest these shoes by Ryka women’s Vida RZX because of how flexible, durable, comfortable, and breathable they are, and we can surely say these are among the best choice for pickleball players.
Pros:
- These shoes are perfect for people with wide feet.
- Ryka women’s Vida RZX offers great Zumba shoes for high arches.
- Workout friendly.
Cons:
- Size can sometimes be an issue.
7. New Balance Men’s 806 V1 Tennis Shoes
Are you on a hunt for shoes that would help you improve your game but do not cost you an arm and a leg? New Balance Men’s 806 V1 tennis shoes are the best option for you. They are affordable and will help you in all your head-to-head pickleball matches.
These shoes are made with the majority being leather and some other high-quality materials. An imported rubber sole and c-cap midsole is attacked in the inner portion, which adds quality and makes it more useful. One of the ideal features of these shoes is lighting quick dry lining, which helps make your feet comfortable and dry all the time, making them one of the best pickleball shoes out there to buy.
The pickleball shoes by the new Balance come with removable insoles that help you clean your shoes more easily. Pickleball can be played on any surface; considering this, these shoes are specially manufactured in a way that focuses on traction and grip.
After researching and testing this pair of pickleball shoes properly, we have come to the conclusion that these are one of the best pickleball shoes one should consider buying.
Pros:
- They come with excellent support.
- Shoes by New Balance are extremely reliable.
Cons:
- The color variety is limited which might be a problem for people who are too picky.
8. ASICS Men’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes
Are you looking for a high-quality pickleball shoe within a decent price range? Then you should check out Asics Gel Challenger 12 as they are considered the Best pickleball shoes. These shoes provide excellent comfort, are lightweight, and give good traction on almost all pickleball court surfaces.
These shoes are very attractive and stunning to look at. These shoes come in a variety of options. If we talk about comfort, these shoes tick up all the boxes of how comfortable they are because they are made up of mesh material. If you are someone who plays pickleball matches regularly, these are the best match for you.
After looking at all the possible requirements of good pickleball shoes, these Asics Gel Challenger 12 are really nice; however, there is still room for improvement because the upper expands as you play for people with narrow feet. With this being said, they are a great option, considering their price range and durability.
Pros:
- Great fit.
- Extremely comfortable.
- They are durable enough to own for the long run.
Cons:
- Can get uncomfortable for people with narrow feet.
9. New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
These shoes by New Balance are recommended for all-day use as they have a non-marking outsole that can be used on various types of floor surfaces. This makes them a good choice for many people. While pickleball players have high expectations from these shoes, considering the brand name, do they actually live up to the hype? Let’s find out!
While they are mainly used in playing pickleball, they can also be used for athletic activities. The casual comfort cross trainer by New Balance comprises a non-marking rubber outsole, which allows for excellent performance on almost all surfaces. These shoes come with dry comfort, so your feet stay comfortable and dry during intense matches.
These pickleball shoes are an extremely good and comfortable option for every individual. New Balance Men’s shoes are customized in a way that they provide excellent traction for slippery surfaces, one of the best features of these shoes.
Apart from minor issues, these are stunning pairs of shoes to own as they are the Best pickleball shoes one can have in their shoe collection.
Pros:
- They have a leather upper.
- Variety of color options.
- These shoes have improved fit and ventilation.
- Highly comfortable.
Cons:
- These shoes face sewing drawbacks.
10. Skechers Sport Men’s Stamina Nuovo Cutback Lace-Up Sneaker
Do you want a sporty yet stylish and comfortable pair of shoes? Skechers Sport Men’s Stamina Nuovo Cutback Lace-Up Sneaker is the one you should consider buying. They are made up of 100% nubuck leather which makes them extremely flexible and provides comfort during intensive matches. The midsole is cushioned with amp-ups to support and comfort the foot.
They look beautiful and are true to size and come in different colors. In order to level up your game and look physically good, these are a great option for you to own as they are the best pickleball shoes ever.
Considering all the right features they have, including durability, flexibility, and breathability, we recommend these shoes to you in order to have an exciting game.
Pros:
- The upper is made from nubuck leather.
- They come with a standard lacing system.
- These shoes have a padded tongue and padded collar.
- The pickleball shoes have an EVA mid-sole.
Cons:
- No vegan options are available.
11. ASICS Men’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
pickleball players during intense matches always want a pair of lightweight, comfortable and durable shoes. ASICS can cover all these options as they have the Best pickleball shoes. These shoes allow you to improve your game and play with confidence.
The style of Gel dedicate 6 is the most promising feature. They are extremely attractive and good-looking shoes. They are made up of synthetic leather and mesh; both of these materials are extremely good for your ultimate comfort. A toe, ankle, and heel support is provided in case of any injury. The midsole is made of a gel cautioning system to provide support under the feet.
We must say that these are really extraordinary shoes if you are considering something unique looking, durable and not very pricy. We recommend these.
Pros:
- A perfect blend of comfort and style.
- Highly durable.
- Provides excellent support in case of injury.
- Highly breathable.
- Lightweight shoe
Cons:
- Not a good option for people with a wide foot.
12. Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 Tennis Shoes
Are you a tennis player looking for a good pair of pickleball shoes? Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 is the best pickleball shoe you will ever come across. They are designed to provide stability, good support, breathability, and excellent comfort.
The upper body of these shoes is made of synthetic leather material, which makes them extra durable for people who play aggressive matches regularly. They are going to make your feet stay fresher during the match. These shoes come with a removable insole and are good for both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The midsole is made of lightweight phylon, which cushions your foot during toe-off.
Despite the few things regarding the design of these shoes, we really liked them by Nike for all of their promising features; we recommend these, especially the price range they come with.
Pros:
- Durable pair of shoes.
- They provide great comfort.
- These shoes come with a well-structured lacing system.
- In order to make them extra durable, they come with a padded tongue and collar.
Cons:
- The design of these shoes needs to be improved.
- More color options should be available.
13. ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 8 Tennis Shoes
These best women’s pickleball shoes by ASICS are the best pickleball shoes because of various reasons. The gel resolution eight tennis shoes by ASICS come in different color options, including clear blue, dive blue, pure silver, smoke blue, rose gold, white, and many others too. Not only are they appealing to the eye, but they can also help you level up your pickleball game.
They are made of rubber soles and have a PGuard toe protector for toe durability. For lateral movements, dynawwal technology is provided to midfoot to maintain stability.
However, some of its drawbacks cannot be ignored. The shoe sizing can sometimes give buyers a tough time. Other than this, considering all the good features, these Gel resolution eight tennis shoes are really worth adding to your shoe collection, so we recommend these as one of the best pickleball shoes on the market.
Pros:
- These shoes are extremely durable.
- Very comfortable.
- They are very fashionable and attractive.
- Good for traction.
Cons:
- They are quite expensive as compared to other options.
14. Adidas Women’s Asmc Barricade Boost 2017 Tennis Shoes
When looking for the Best pickleball shoes, consider shoes by Adidas. These pickleball shoes by Adidas have a breathable two-layer mesh to give lockdown security to the foot. For midfoot stability, 3D torsion is provided, which gives a sturdy base for solid footwork.
These shoes are extremely lightweight and give pickleball players extreme comfort. They are not only true to size but also offer a wide range of colors. If you want your game to level up but at the same time you want to physically look good, they are the best option for you. They can be worn on almost all types of surfaces.
If we give our two cents on these, we must say they are an awesome pair of shoes to own, even for people with wide feet, unlike others. Except for some minor things, we recommend these as one of the best pickleball shoes on our list.
Pros:
- Comfortable.
- This pair of shoes is a great durable option.
- Pickleball shoes by Adidas come in a variety of colors.
- They offer great support in case of any injury.
- Can be used as indoor court shoes or outdoor pickleball shoes.
Cons:
15. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z6 Pickleball – Volleyball Shoes
Volleyball is a very popular sport, but in order to ace the games, you need a good pair of volleyball shoes. The Mizuno Women’s wave lightning Z6 Volleyball shoe comes in different colors: black, silver, grey, white, white-navy, white-red, and white. These pair of shoes level up your game and simultaneously customize your look.
For unbeatable acceleration and explosive power, these shoes are re-engineered to be the best. They are made up of mesh upper, which provides support and effortless movements. The midsole is composed of EVA material. Even though they are volleyball shoes, they are also the best pickleball shoes. For maximum speed and intense matches, these shoes have a D-flex groove.
We recommend these as they have many ideal features you would be looking for in a pickleball shoe. You should consider buying these athletic shoes if you are a regular volleyball player and need excellent shoes for your games.
Pros:
- Variety of colors.
- These shoes offer great comfort.
- Durable pair of shoes.
Cons:
- They are expensive.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Pickleball Shoes To Buy For Men And Women To Perform Your Best On The Pickleball Court
No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or this is your first time playing pickleball, selecting the best pickleball shoes is crucial to your success. Pickleball has a wide variety of playing styles, outdoor and indoor courts, and pickleball shoes to match.
The finest pickleball shoe for your particular needs is out there, but you’ll need to do your research. Options range from well-known Nike pickleball shoes and Adidas pickleball shoes to dependable, high-performance Asics pickleball shoes.
This article contains a useful guide for choosing pickleball shoes that will offer you the best comfort and assistance on whichever court you play whether it be outdoor courts or indoor courts:
- Outdoor Courts Vs. Indoor Courts
Your nearby pickleball court is a major consideration while picking the best pickleball shoes. Similar to pickleball, there are shoes made expressly for indoor and outdoor use:
Hard Courts: Hard courts can be difficult on your shoes, but they can also be punishing on the court! Pickleball shoes for hard courts are normally non-marking to prevent scuffing the surface. Shock absorption and cushioning are given top priority throughout manufacturing to give you comfort and support on the rougher surface. The outsoles of many pickleball shoes come with six-month durability wear guarantees.
All Courts: The majority of brands now, including Nike, Adidas, Asics, and Babolat, provide pickleball shoes that are made to handle the nuances of all three types of courts. These multipurpose sneakers can be your best option if you’re not looking for one particular kind of surface.
- Playing Method
Do you stay at the baseline? Or do you enjoy playing volleyball near the kitchen? Your playing style will largely determine your preferred pickleball shoes. A sturdy sole, exceptional cushioning, and powerful lateral support are essential for players who move quickly across the court. Instead, you’ll want a strong toecap and more flexibility in your foot’s balls if you frequently charge the kitchen following a pickleball serve.
- Type of Foot
The more you are aware of your unique foot type, the better equipped you will be to discover the best pickleball shoes with the qualities you require to play at your peak level and stay injury-free. There are three varieties of feet, and there are a few techniques to figure out which one is yours:
Pronated: Players who have their feet pronated will find that their shoes are wearing out too quickly on the inside, close to the balls of their feet. If you walk barefoot in water and make a mark on the ground, you’ll see that your entire foot appears with little to no visible gap.
Supinated: You most likely have supinated feet if the outside of your shoes’ heels and forefoot are worn down. If you tested your wet feet, the central arch region of the footprint would have a significant empty gap. Players will want to spend money on shoes that offer more flexibility, shock absorption, and heel room.
Ideal: The best foot type for most pickleball shoes is one with even shoe wear and a balanced/neutral heel mark in the wet test.
- Foot Sizing
Any two-dimensional measuring device, like a ruler, can only estimate your true shoe size because the foot is three-dimensional. Please be aware that different lasts are used by the manufacturers when creating their shoes, which may affect how the shoes are sized. As you stand, put on the socks or stockings you’ll be wearing with your new shoes.
- Firm Sole
The best pickleball shoes come with a strong sole, so you can jump and run in them. Insufficient support from your shoes can cause your knees and feet to become overworked from those frequent, fast movements.
Search for footwear with a thick, rigid sole. Rubber would be the ideal material for the sole. However, several synthetic materials can be used. Always try leaping up and down and jogging, if you can, when trying on sneakers.
- Adaptive Sole
In order to move fast, you should also search for a sensitive sole. You need shoes that can help you react quickly because pickleball can be played at a quick tempo. You can move about more readily if the sole of your foot on the ball is light and responsive.
A light sole will also make it easier for you to change directions frequently in games. When trying on a new pair of shoes before you buy them, quickly turn them in to check for that.
- Non-Marking Sole
A non-marking sole is yet another crucial component of the best pickleball shoes. This is crucial if you want to play pickleball indoors. Some courts might not allow you to play if your shoes don’t have a non-marking sole.
Without one, you might leave lines on the court, which would be undesirable. Always ensure that the soles of your pickleball shoes are non-marking. You can then play whenever and wherever you choose.
- Shoe Size
Consider the weight of a pair of shoes as well. You can assess shoes of the same size, even though you can’t get a smaller shoe to lose weight. If you want something lightweight to enable you to move more quickly, a volleyball shoe is a fantastic choice.
Conversely, a big shoe might give your feet extra support. Think about what you want to emphasize, such as motion or support. If you want to take advantage of the benefits of each pair, you can even keep several pairs on hand.
- Ankle Construction
Look for sturdy ankle structure whether you are susceptible to injury or not. Pickleball ankle injuries can result in twisted and sprained ankles. Thus it’s crucial to safeguard that region. High-top shoes are not required, but you should pick a pair to prevent your ankles from rolling or twisting. You can lessen your risk of getting hurt on the court in this way.
- Value and Budget
You must also take price into account while purchasing the best pickleball shoes for yourself. Some shoes might cost up to two times as much as other shoes. The priciest pair isn’t necessarily the greatest choice, though.
Take into account your budget and the frequency of use while purchasing shoes. Many pickleball shoes may be used on a daily basis, but if you intend to do so, you will need a pair that is more durable than one that you would wear just for pickleball.
List Of The Best Pickleball Shoes My Final Thoughts
The best pickleball shoes should be comfy and well-fitting. However, you also need to think about how they will support your ankles and whether they will leave stains on the court. Pickleball requires fast movements and frequent direction changes. Therefore your shoes should be supportive of that.
Try a couple of different pairs, even of the exact same shoe, without hesitation. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for yourself, and you can then feel at ease and ready to play in every pickleball match.
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