Best Shoes For Pickleball For Both Men & Women

Most beginner players might wonder why they need specific pickleball shoes? They think that running shoes might seem like a good choice. They pick up the first pair of shoes from their closet to go out for practice and soon come up with twisted ankles or other injuries by accidental slip or fall.

No, it’s not a matter of accident. The problem is in your shoes. The running shoes and the sneakers for pickleball are specifically designed for different movements. The running shoes mostly move forward, whereas the pickleball tennis shoes are more supportive, stable, and move in all directions.

Remember, such injuries could keep you away from the pickleball court for weeks, months, or maybe for life. So, immediately stop putting your dreams and hopes at risk with such a wrong choice of shoes.

Best Pickleball Shoes

Look for the best shoes for pickleball to prevent injuries and secure your dream by ensuring ultimate safety for the future. Hence, you don’t need to wander around the internet.

In this article, you’ll get an in-depth review of the best pickleball shoes of 2022, including a comprehensive buying guide; that will help you decide which one will be the best fit for you.

LIST OF THE BEST SHOES FOR PICKLEBALL

REVIEW OF THE BEST SHOES FOR PICKLEBALL

1. UNDER ARMOUR CHARGED ASSERT 9 - BEST OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL SHOES

Unfortunately, blister-ridden feet, cracked toenails, infection from unknown fungi, or smelly shoes are very common for athletes. It’s really hard to find comfortable shoes.

Here, this athlete's shoes from Under Armour come into play and break such myths. This pair of wide pickleball shoes is not an exception.

Before I start reviewing it, let me tell you that I‘ve already played a few pickleball matches with this shoe. So, I have placed this one at the top of the list of best outdoor pickleball shoes of 2022 without having any hesitation.

These shoes work exceptionally well on the outdoor courts. Being a running shoe, it allows for moving faster with better traction on outdoor and indoor surfaces. The cushioned insole absorbs the impacts of your every decisive step.

The mesh upper ventilation technology allows airflow inside the boot, so the feet stay cool, dry, and odorless, as well as prevents all sorts of fungal infections.

Hence, it is much more preferable for the summer season, though the material provides enough warmth in extremely cold weather. What else do I need to say except these things that the shoe is true to size. You’ll never have any fitting issues, feet sore, or blisters, as it takes a very short time to get a break into your size.

After trying it once, you could only feel how soft and cushion soles are and how comfortable the entire sneaker is. The price tag is not printed with a hefty amount, so I don’t think there is any reason to say NO for a trial.

Features

  • Material: Synthetic leather overlays
  • Upper: Lightweight mesh upper
  • Insole: Soft shock-absorbent footbed
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Only 2 pounds weight
  • Provided the best warmth when it’s cold and keeps your feet cool and dry during summer

PROS

  • Looks great
  • Excellent build quality
  • True to size
  • Good support and comfort
  • Reasonably priced

CONS

  • No motion control feature or safety feature for swift direction change

2. NEW BALANCE 806 V1 - BEST PICKLEBALL COURT SHOES

Next, I’ve picked a pair of new balance court shoes for pickleball; that works great on any court. Basically, it’s a men’s shoe, meant for professional tennis players. So, it provides ultimate comfortability and endurance.

However, the courts for pickleball games are smaller than tennis, so here you need a few special features; that could help you move around the court and change direction smoothly.

With extra traction, this pair of new balance pickleball shoes provides optimal performance on each court surface and prevents improper footing and potential slips and falls.

The solid rubber soles endure stress while running and jumping on the hard court with much improved abilities. The sole is featured with Herringbone-pattern; that provides the best traction as well as helps you control motion with ease.

Moreover, the well-cushioned footbed absorbs shocks and prevents your leg from getting fatigued after a prolonged match.

The synthetic and leather materials of the boots render comfortable and breathable wear during pickleball game sessions, as well as withstand years of abuse.

This NB sneaker is pricier than the previous one, but it will not give you a single reason to be offended.

Features

  • Material: 90% Leather, 10% Synthetic
  • Upper: Full-grain leather upper
  • Outsole: Rubber Sole
  • For added traction: Herringbone-pattern outsole
  • Exclusive ROLLBAR technology for unrivaled motion control
  • LIGHTNING DRY technology

PROS

  • Good arch support
  • Reinforced stitching
  • Perfectly fits
  • Feels extremely comfortable around feet
  • The best option for someone with wide feet

CONS

  • Requires padding insert

3. NIKE COURT LITE 2 - BEST COURT SHOES FOR PICKLEBALL

After having a lengthy survey through the world of best pickleball shoes for men, I explored these Nike Court Lite 2 sneakers and found them great on all types of courts.

The synthetic and leather materials felicitate longer life compared to the other pickleball shoes; that have claimed to withstand sixty hours of play.

The rubber outsoles of the shoe are utterly thick and stiff. They provide considerable durability and traction in quick movements.

In addition to these, the rubber soles consist of five distinctive patterns that allow five basic easy movements of the pickleball players.

The foam midsoles of these imported shoes provide cushioning for the feet while taking steps. They ease pressure on the balls of the feet. The padded collar of these pickleball sneakers keeps the players’ feet in place and enhances the ankle support.

The roomy toe box of these shoes provides enough space for feet. Moreover, the shoes come with a padded tongue that protects players’ feet from rubbing against the laces and adds a high degree to the comfort of the wearer.

These are the specialties of this Nike shoe, making it the best sneakers for pickleball.

Features

  • Shaft: Almost low-top from arch
  • Material: Synthetic and leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: Foam
  • Collar and tongue: padded
  • Toe box: Spacious

PROS

  • Comfortable and fit well in high arches
  • Great grips and supportive
  • Long-lasting
  • Compact look
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Too small to fit in narrow feet

4. ASICS GEL-DEDICATE 7 - BEST PICKLEBALL TENNIS SHOES

Before exploring these ASICS Shoes, I used to carry traditional athletic shoes in the pickleball playground. They allow easy straight-line movement but offer very little support on the sides. So, the quick lateral movements during the play seemed to be a bit difficult.

After that, I conducted a survey for the perfect court shoes for pickleball and found this pair of ASICS shoes. This shoe not only met my demand satisfactorily but also met all requirements of pickleball players.

These imported shoes come with wrap-up outsoles to provide ample support for side-to-side quick movements. The high-density, sturdy rubber outsoles of the shoes can endure more wear and tear than any traditional athletic shoe.

The outsoles offer good grips on indoor and outdoor courts. Moreover, the TRUSSTIC technology embedded in the outsoles prevents excessive shoe twisting and improves the stability of the pickleball players.

Furthermore, the gel technology cushioning of these pickleball court shoes amplifies the comfort of the players’ feet with their excellent shock absorption and impact reduction properties. The synthetic leather toes of the shoes make the shoes durable and supportive.

They keep players’ feet locked in while switching directions. The detachable insoles of the shoes are designed to reduce pressure on feet while chasing the challenging shots on the pickleball court.

In summary, these shoes are a good option for beginners; who are searching for pickleball shoes at a pocket-friendly price without compromising the quality and required features for the game.

Features

  • Upper: synthetic leather
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Outsole: Wrap-up outsoles with TRUSSTIC technology
  • Removable insoles
  • Cushioning with gel technology
  • Synthetic leather toe

PROS

  • Material is highly durable
  • Shock absorption and impact reduction properties
  • Inexpensive
  • Good support in lateral movements
  • Intensive comfort

CONS

  • Forefoot areas are slightly tight.

5. K-SWISS EXPRESS - BEST PICKLEBALL SHOES

This lightweight and breathable shoe are perfect for novice as well as expert pickleball players. The AÖSTA 7.0 rubber outsoles of these pickleball shoes have high density, which ensures more durability than others against outdoor surfaces even with frequent usage.

The shoes are not as soft as any running shoes, but their sturdy rubber outsoles secure stability, prevent injuries and allow the increased motions of the players that we all expect from a pickleball shoe. Right?

The 180 PSC PLANTER reinforces the structure of the shoes and magnifies the mid-foot stability. The guards in the toe and heel regions protect the shoe from toe dragging and you from accidental falls; when you suddenly stop. Hence the lateral corners of the shoes do not show any sign of excessive wearing.

These shoes for pickleball come with anti microbial ORTHOLITE sock liner. Unlike the other foam, this foam compresses less than five percent during the entire course of its usage.

Therefore, they offer high-level breathability and long-term cushioning. Moreover, the linings have unique open cell structures; those feel comfortable around feet and move the moisture away from the players’ feet. Hence, the feet stay dry, cool, healthy, and odorless during long hours of playing.

Features

  • Outsole: High density, AÖSTA 7.0 rubber compound
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Drag guard in toe and heel areas
  • Liner: ORTHOLITE sock liner
  • 180-degree thermal plastic Plantar
  • Mesh upper for superb breathability

PROS

  • Good looking
  • Long-lasting
  • Highly breathable
  • Better grip and traction on all types of courts
  • Provides good support to the middle of the foot for better stability

CONS

  • Have been reported to be a little tight fit

6. ASICS GEL-RENMA - BEST SNEAKERS FOR PICKLEBALL

If you are looking for a genuine shoe specially designed for playing pickleball at an affordable budget these ASICS Gel-RENMA Shoes are the right choice.

Firstly, these pickleball tennis shoes come with wrap-up outsoles that provide excellent support during lateral movements. The outsole is coupled with a wide gauge and enhances the balance and smoothness in multidirectional movements in the courts.

Moreover, the flex grooves are placed strategically on the outsoles of the shoes increasing the shoes’ flexibility. These are the reasons; why most people consider this shoe as one of the best women's court shoes for pickleball.

Secondly, the pickleball players’ feet move in various directions while chasing a challenging throw on the court. Hence, their shoes are prone to twisting excessively. That hinders their stable movements.

To prevent these twisting, TRUSSTIC technology has been attached to these imported shoes. It ensures the stable movements of the players.

Thirdly, the cushion of these imported shoes absorbs the force of an impact with proficiency.

Lastly, the gel technology for the forefoot enhances the comfort of the shoes, amplifying the shock absorption property the same.

Hence, these shoes have achieved a notable place in the list of best pickleball shoes for women.

Features

  • Outsole: Wrap-up with wide gauge and flex grooves
  • Midsole: Trusstic technology
  • Gel technology for forefoot
  • Regular cushion
  • Tested by real pickleball athletes
  • Available in white, black, and blue colors

PROS

  • Provide support in lateral movements
  • Comfy and flexible
  • Economically affordable
  • Excellent tractions
  • Appropriate for outdoor courts

CONS

  • Ventilation is a little poor

7. WILSON RUSH PRO 3.0 - BEST SHOES FOR OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL

These Wilson shoes are a powerful tool for playing pickleball on the court. These imported shoes are engineered with a sensifeel 2.0 mesh upper and a minimal layered lightweight upper.

Such upper construction allows air to move freely within the shoe and creates a cold, comfortable environment for the feet. Most athletes want something like this one for summer. Right? Hence, the shoes have ensured their place in the list of best pickleball shoes.

The 3D-FS support of these shoes ensures responsiveness and provides supreme support to the players. The dynamic fit of the shoes offers unparalleled comfort and cushion court feel irrespective of foot sizes or shapes.

The Duralast rubber outsoles of these shoes supply abrasion resistance and excellent traction irrespective of the style of playing pickleball and the court surfaces. Moreover, the outsole withstands years of abuse on outdoor surfaces, making it the best outdoor pickleball shoe.

The highly compressed EVA material of the shoes provides dynamic cushioning and stability to the players’ accelerated feet. The ortholite insoles of the shoes offer long-term cushioning for the feet.

The 4-D asymmetrical chassis enhances the stability of the feet. Moreover, it reduces torsions and improves the balance of the players in multidirectional movements. The chassis controls the movements of the pivot during powerful strokes and allows players to deliver a mind-blowing pickleball gaming performance.

Features

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Upper: Sensifeel 2.0, mesh
  • 4D support chassis
  • 3D-FS support
  • Endofit inner sock
  • Midsole: EVA, R-DTS+
  • Dynamic fit rating: DF2
  • Insole: Ortholite

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Prevent slippage and accidental falls
  • Shock absorbing properties
  • Great moisture management system

CONS

  • A little pricey

8. ADIDAS BARRICADE - BEST TENNIS SHOES FOR PICKLEBALL

This pair of Adidas shoes are very responsive to linear and lateral movements. Hence the wearer can fly at the top speed in pickleball game sessions.

The outsoles of these shoes are featured by ADIWEAR technology that offers abrasion resistance and optimal balance on the court.

The sturdy rubber outsoles provide the best grips. They provide support to the ankles from impacts on the court and secure the players’ knees and feet from stress.

The rubber soles are flexible enough; plus, it makes the shoes easy to wear during long break-free playing hours on muddy courts.

The solid construction of the outsole increases the overall durability of the shoes without limiting slide movements in the gaming session.

Additionally, the rubber outsoles are non-marking, so they do not leave a mark or any sign of damage on the court.

With a textile upper, the soft, bouncy, lightweight, well-cushioned insole of these court shoes for pickleball makes it very comfortable without compromising the balance of the feet.

The imported shoes come with attractive contrasting red, black and white color that offers the players a decent look without affecting their performance.

Features

  • Material: Rubber
  • Upper: Textile
  • Sole: Synthetic
  • Cushioning: Bounce, lightweight
  • Outsole: ADIWEAR, non-marking
  • Attractive contrast colors (core black, solar red, white)

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Good traction
  • Support lateral movements
  • Non-marking outsoles
  • Durable

CONS

  • A bit expensive

9. ACACIA - BEST UNISEX PICKLEBALL SHOES

I generally used the rubber outsole shoes while playing pickleball on the wooden-floored courts. But they did not give me the ultimate traction that I needed.

After a lot of searching, I explored these shoes. It helps me put my best on the pickleball court.

The shoe exclusively has natural gum rubber outsoles; those provide enough support, grips, and speeds on the wooden courts. These outsoles are non-marking, so they do not damage or leave any scratches on the court.

Additionally, the outsoles are designed with lower drag guards; that ensure safe lateral movements with sufficient speed.

The ankle supports of these pickleball shoes protect the heels from all possible injuries.

The cushioned memory foams in the insoles of these shoes distribute the wearers’ weights across the whole of their feet and remove pressure while playing.

The gel-injected elevated heel provides maximum comfort during long pickleball playing hours.

The ACACIA pickleball shoes are available in separate models for men and women both, making them an excellent choice for the pickleball players irrespective of their gender.

Features

  • Material: Synthetic
  • Outsole: Natural gum rubber, non-marking
  • Lower drag guard
  • Ankle support
  • Gel injected elevated heel
  • Insole: Cushioned memory foam

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Provide support in lateral movements
  • God traction on wooden or rubber floored courts

CONS

  • The durability has been reported to be poor

10. SKECHERS VIPER - BEST PICKLEBALL SNEAKERS

The eye-catching look, multipurpose usage, comfortability, lightweight, and quality construction of this pair of Skechers pickleball shoes make it the best among many other choices.

The patented Skechers’ arch fit insoles of the shoes help distribute the pressure by providing adequate ankle support. The podiatrist-designed shape of these shoes gives the ultimate comfort to the buyers’ feet. The insole design and responsive cushioning reduce the shock while running or jumping.

The shoes are lightweight and come with a forefoot athlete mesh upper and a lace-up front. The upper mesh of the shoes is coupled with a soft padded tongue and collar. They all together provide unparalleled comfort and breathability to the pickleball players’ feet.

The Goodyear rubber outsoles provide good grips in movements of all directions while playing pickleball on the court.

Features

  • Outsole: Goodyear rubber
  • Insole: Removable Skecher’s arch fit cushioned insole
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Upper: Breathable mesh
  • Collar: Soft
  • ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • God grip in indoor and outdoor courts
  • Relaxed fit

CONS

  • A little expensive

BUYER’S GUIDE - BEST PICKLEBALL SHOES

Finding out the best pickleball shoes won’t take much if you consider these things -

Thick and Stiff Sole


The footwork and gaming style change according to the build of the court. When it comes to any footwear for a specific game, the outsole should be designed based on the type of surface you play.


Be it on indoor or outdoor courts, you’ll be running in multiple directions and jumping up and down a lot while playing pickleball. So, having a thick and stiff rubber-made sole is a must to prevent stress on your feet and knees due to such quick movements.


Solid Ankle Support


The ankle is the most vulnerable part. The wrong choice of shoes or less ankle support often makes it twisted, which causes serious injuries. Sturdy ankle support on your pickleball shoes only can keep you safe when you make quick changes during the match.

Weight


The heavier shoes technically provide more support when you move faster. If you feel uncomfortable with such heavy shoes, go for a pair of good shoes for pickleball; that offers plenty of support.

Make Sure They Are Non-marking


One last thing to remember, specifically if you play indoor pickleball is a scratch-free sole. Many tennis academies won’t even allow the players on their courts without the non-marking sole featuring pickleball shoes.

PICKLEBALL SHOES VS. TENNIS SHOES

I’ve already mentioned that game and court-specific shoes only could provide optimal performance in particular games. Now, have a look at how a pair of pickleball shoes differ from the other shoes meant for tennis, volleyball, and other similar games.

To be honest, there aren’t many differences to point out. Well, several renowned shoemaker companies haven’t manufactured any shoes specifically for pickleball yet.

All shoes are designed for lateral movements with a stiff cage around the foot, good traction, and ankle support to prevent midfoot or ankle sprains.

The main difference is that tennis, volleyball, badminton, etc are mainly indoor games, whereas pickleball is played indoors and outdoors.

So, the construction and grip requirement of the shoe changes according to the type of surface; you’ll play on. For instance, heavier shoes are needed for outdoor courts season for better grip, stability, safety, and durability. Likewise, indoor court shoes are likely to be lighter than outdoor pickleball shoes, which helps you move faster on the court.

FAQ

1. What kinds of shoes are best for pickleball?

If you’re an indoor player, you could try the shoes for badminton or squash. The tennis shoes would work better for the outdoor players. 

However, if you work at indoor and outdoor courts but can’t afford 2 separate pairs of shoes, I would recommend getting a decent pair of tennis shoes for pickleball; that works well at indoor and outdoor courts.

2. What clothing and shoes are recommended for pickleball?

Apparel choice depends mostly on the weather. For instance, pickleball pants are great for cooler weather, whereas capris or skirts are nice to wear during summer. Similarly, shoes should be chosen according to the type of court.

3. What are the best shoes for outdoor pickleball?

Apparel choice depends mostly on the weather. For instance, pickleball pants are great for cooler weather, whereas capris or skirts are nice to wear during summer. Similarly, shoes should be chosen according to the type of court.

CONCLUSION


Before wrapping up, I would like to warn you again that the wrong choice of shoes could lead you to various unwanted situations, even serious injuries. So, don’t play with your health, fitness, and dreams just for the sake of money.

Whether you’re experienced or just started playing pickleball, make sure that you’re running with the best court shoes for the pickleball corresponding court surface.

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