Looking for the best pickleball shoes? You’re in the right place!
A great thing about pickleball is that it’s a relatively accessible sport.
All you need is a pickleball court (or converted tennis court), a paddle, other players and a pair of athletic shoes.
While the first three of the four things mentioned above may be obvious, the last one is often overlooked,
When you’re on the pickleball court, a good pair of shoes can be the difference between average play and giving it your best.
More importantly, wearing the wrong shoes for pickleball could be putting you at risk of injury.
Simply put, it doesn’t matter how many pickleball exercises you do to aid your warm-up and recovery if you’re not wearing the right shoes.
That means that, as well as being painful, wearing the wrong pickleball shoes could see you spending more time off the court than you’d like!
A good pair of pickleball shoes will protect not just your feet, but your entire body, as well as help you to be in top form in every pickleball game.
Here’s what to look for and how to choose the best pickleball shoes for you and the important factors to consider so you can make the best choice.
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The best shoes for pickleball in 2023: At a glance
Just looking for the best pickleball shoes? We’ve laid them out in this easy-to-compare table.
For more information on any of the pickleball shoes below, keep scrolling to find out why we love them and who they’re best for.
How to choose the best shoes for pickleball
There isn’t one best pair of shoes for pickleball for everyone. The best shoes for pickleball will vary from player to player because we all have different feet, needs and playing styles.
However, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the right pickleball shoes. Proper footwear for pickleball will have several things in common:
- Lateral support: One of the key components of a pickleball shoe is its lateral stability to prevent rolling ankles and other ankle injuries.
- Shock absorption: If you usually play on an outdoor pickleball court, shock absorption will help prevent injury from the impact on hard surfaces.
- Breathable: The best pickleball shoes feature breathable mesh to let air circulate and keep your feet cool during play.
- Durable soles: No matter what materials your pickleball shoes are made of, you’ll want to ensure they have durable soles so you will get maximum play time out of them.
The best pickleball shoes for you will depend on your feet, any existing health conditions and where you like to play pickleball.
It also comes down to personal preference, too. The most comfortable shoes for one player might not be an excellent choice for the next.
Unless you’re playing indoor pickleball, it’s best to avoid volleyball shoes or any other shoes designed for indoor court sports like basketball.
These shoes, while great for playing indoors, won’t give you the protection you need on an outdoor pickleball court.
Instead, look for something closer to a tennis shoe. The best pickleball shoes are made of a firmer material and will last longer on rough court terrain.
After extensive research and testing, we’ve picked out the best pickleball shoes on the market right now.
We’ve divided the list into pickleball shoes for men and the best pickleball shoes for women.
Within each category, you’ll also find the best pickleball shoes for different circumstances, including the best pickleball shoes for high arches and the best pickleball shoes for wide feet.
Between these options, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect pickleball shoes for you.
All of the best pickleball shoes that we’ve included in this article tick all the boxes when it comes to what to look for, so you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
Our top picks all feature high-quality construction, can withstand the court surfaces they are designed for and allow for hours of play without injury.
If you’d like a second opinion, though, you can always ask other members in the Pink Pickleball Facebook group.
Where to buy pickleball shoes
Where you buy your pickleball shoes is almost as important as choosing the right shoes.
Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered for that, too!
These are the retailers we recommend for quality pickleball shoes, clothing and accessories from reputable brands.
Stores that sell multiple pickleball shoe brands:
Brands that make pickleball shoes:
And, if you haven’t already taken a look, why not check out our Pickleball store for some great pickleball t-shirts, bags and hats to wear on and off the court?
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Men’s Pickleball Tank Top$27.99 -
Premium Tote Bag$29.99 -
Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt$27.99 -
Premium Logo Visor$27.99
The best pickleball shoes for women
Whatever you’re looking for in your next pickleball shoe, we’ve picked out the best of the bunch.
From supportive soles to all-around performance on the court, these are the best women’s shoes for pickleball right now.
The all-round best shoes for pickleball for women: K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express 2
Probably also the best-looking pickleball shoe’s for women, the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 tennis shoes are also the best all-around shoes.
Just as comfortable as they are stylish, the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 sneakers offer all the support you need, no matter how often you play.
They have a generous amount of tread as well as a roomy toe box, so even wider-footed ladies will have no problem staying safe and comfortable.
This upgrade to the popular K-Swiss Hypercourt shoes is tough enough to handle any court, and they are our favorite pickleball shoes for so many reasons.
Most of all, though, they’re incredibly durable – even the most advanced pickleball players will be able to wear them for many months.
The best pickleball shoes for wide feet (women): Adidas Barricade
Available in both a wide and an extra wide fit, the Adidas Barricade tennis shoes provide all the comfort you need on the court.
The Adidas Barricade shoes for women are fun to wear, with a range of bright color options to match your favorite pickleball skirts and skorts.
Not just a spacious fit, these tennis shoes are perfectly designed to handle the pickleball court.
They have excellent grip, so you never need to worry about slipping. They also offer plenty of support as they wrap around the foot.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-break-in, stylish-looking pair of pickleball shoes that won’t feel tight, it’s hard to beat the Adidas Barricade.
They also come with a removable insole, so you can get the perfect fit no matter what your size.
The best pickleball shoes for support (women’s): ASICS Gel-Game 8 Tennis Shoes
Thanks to their unique Forefoot GEL cushioning system, the ASICS Gel-Game 8 tennis shoes are one of the most supportive shoes you can wear to play pickleball, no matter how much you move around the court.
Their one-of-a-kind technology and design attenuate any shock on impact, therefore putting less of a strain on your joints and bones.
That means they’re perfect for any pickler who’s looking for a little extra support from their pickleball shoes.
The ASICS Gel-Game 8 sneakers – an upgrade to the popular ASICS Gel-Game 7 shoes – are also some of the best pickleball shoes for anyone who suffers from Athlete’s Foot.
They come with in-built moisture management to help your feet stay as dry as possible, no matter how much of a sweat you work up.
The best women’s pickleball shoes for high arches: 996 New Balance Court Shoes
If you struggle to find pickleball shoes that offer good support for high arches, you’ll love the FuelCell 996 V5 hard court shoes by New Balance.
Although they’re not designed for pickleball specifically, these shoes may as well have been.
As well as providing great support for high arches, the FuelCell 996 V5 New Balance Court Shoes have all the padding you need.
With extra midsole cushioning and a cushioned heel, these sneakers will keep you comfy no matter how intense the game gets.
The extra lateral support is perfect for female pickleball players with high arches, allowing you to shine on the court while reducing your chance of ankle injury.
The best women’s shoes for indoor pickleball courts: Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 Indoor Court Shoe
Built originally for serious volleyball players, the Mizuno Wave Momentum sneakers were designed for fast-paced court games on indoor courts.
That means that, if you’re playing a lot of indoor pickleball, you can rest assured they can handle even the most intense pickleball volley.
Built with a no-sew upper, these indoor court shoes are as light as they come. That doesn’t mean they compromise on support, though.
The Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 cleverly disperses energy from any impact to a broader area, providing maximum stability no matter what happens on the court.
The Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 indoor court shoes are on the narrower side, so might not be the best option for picklers with wide feet.
Otherwise, though, they’re hard to beat for indoor pickleball games.
The best pickleball shoes for men
Whatever your concerns are on the court, you’re sure to find a pair of pickleball shoes below.
We’ve pulled out the best pickleball shoes for every common concern, from wide soles and high arches to indoor pickleball players.
The all-round best shoes for pickleball for men: Adidas GameCourt 2
Designed to handle even the most unkempt courts, the Adidas GameCourt 2 are hard court tennis shoes that could have been designed solely for pickleball players.
With a wide toe box and supportive soles, the GameCourt 2 will ensure you have all the protection you need.
It responds easily to both movement and shock, meaning you never need to worry about injury.
No matter what your pickleball level, the Adidas GameCourt 2 shoes are a brilliant pair of pickleball shoes.
Their lightweight material allows you to move around freely without compromising on safety and support.
What’s more, you won’t need to replace them after just a few wears.
The Adidas GameCourt 2 is a durable pair of pickleball shoes that will see you through game after game.
Able to handle even the roughest outdoor courts, the Adidas GameCourt 2 will see you through even the most intense tournaments.
They also happen to be a stylish pair of shoes that you won’t mind rocking up to the court in and will be easy to pair with your pickleball clothing.
And, I don’t know about you, but I certainly feel more confident in my game when I know I’m looking my best!
The hardest part will be taking these shoes off at the end of the game.
The best pickleball shoes for wide feet (men): New Balance 796 V3 Hard Court Shoes
Finding a wide fit that fits comfortably without needing to break in is rare.
But the New Balance 796 V3 hard court shoe will be a complete game-changer for avid pickleball players with wider feet.
These flexible sneakers come in a range of sizes, including standard, wide and extra wide. That means you can choose the amount of width you need.
Whether you have a wide sole or suffer from occasional swelling, the New Balance 796 V3 will give you all the support you need without making your feet feel squished in.
An enhanced REVlite midsole additional comfort. With premium cushioning, a mesh upper and flexible soles, you can be sure your feet will be looked after through every game.
The best pickleball shoes for support: K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
If you’re looking for a pair of pickleball shoes that will let your feet breathe while providing maximum support, look no further than these.
The K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 hard court shoes may look sleeker and lower cut than others on this list, but you’ll never feel unsupported.
If you’re looking for a pair of pickleball shoes that will let your feet breathe while providing maximum support, look no further than these. The K-Swiss Hypercourt Express shoes ay feel slightly clunkier than others on this list, but you’ll never feel unsupported.
The in-built 180-degree plantar support chassis enhances mid-foot stability, ensuring you always feel fully supported.
They also have an ortholite sock liner. That means you can enjoy comfortable feet even in the most aggressive rallies thanks to this unique moisture management system.
The K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 aren’t the most durable of pickleball shoes but, for the price, they’re hard to beat when it comes to supporting your joints.
The best men’s pickleball shoes for high arches: ASICS Gel-Resolution 9
If you need a little extra arch support, the ASICS Gel-Resolution 9 will be a breath of fresh air for your feet and are our favorite men’s pickleball shoes for high arches.
These court-ready sneakers now come with in-built stabilization technology, which is great news for high arches that need a little extra support and sensitive joints.
This responsive technology helps you focus on performance without worrying about injury during lateral movements.
High arches will also benefit from the ASICS Gel-Resolution 9′s GEL technology.
By providing additional support in the midfoot and heel, the impact of shocks and stop-start movement is minimised, no matter how hard the court is.
The best men’s shoes for indoor pickleball courts:
Indoor pickleball courts pose completely different challenges to outdoor ones, so you’ll want to make sure your shoes are suitable.
The HEAD Sonic 2000 MID sneakers have been designed to handle hard indoor courts.
They offer fantastic grip on wooden pickleball courts, meaning you never need to worry about slipping and sliding.
They can handle even the most enthusiastic pickleball player, providing optimum support when you need it most.
As well as being a great, supportive pickleball shoe, the HEAD Sonic 2000 MID is also a stylish piece of footwear.
Add a cool pickleball t-shirt and you’re sure to stand out on the court!