Best Court Shoes for Pickleball – Tested by Our Experts

Having the right shoes is the first step to owning the game when you’re on the pickleball court. Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, so it’s smart to wear court shoes. The best court shoes for pickleball have the big three: lateral support, grip, and cushioning. 

We’ve put together a guide to help you understand what to look for in pickleball court shoes, so be sure to give it a read. Brands like Babolat, Nike, and ASICS are well-known for their top-quality pickleball shoes. 

We’ve tested them out and selected the shoes that provide excellent grip for quick and agile movements. Our top pick is the Nikecourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro for its ultimate food support, stability, and durability. However, don’t forget to explore other options if you have specific needs like plantar fasciitis or wide feet. Let’s get into it!

Comparison Of Top 10 Best Court Shoes for Pickleball

Due to the cutting-edge Zoom Air Unit, the top pick for men’s court shoes is the Nikecourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro. It means your heels get extra cushioning, so it’s like walking on a plush yet responsive surface. Plus, wearing these shoes makes you feel snug and comfy like socks. Aside from perfect fit, they last long due to their synthetic sole three-layer design. These best court shoes for pickleball come with a herringbone outsole pattern, which we look for in shoes for pickleball.

The pattern results in a non-slip performance that’s hard to match. On the shoe’s upper part, you can see details of engineered mesh material.  It’s not just for looks-this is the functional highlight of this shoe. You get a stylish shoe with breathable performance.

The way you tie the laces might be a little different, but it makes the shoe extra stable. We also felt rigidness and stiffness in the midsole initially. After looking into it, we found the TPU midfoot cage technology caused this stiffness. 

This sturdy feature in the center of the shoe provides excellent stability during intense pickleball matches. However, it might feel somewhat stiff initially, as these components need some time to break in. 

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If you’re after fashion in a shoe, look no further than the New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2. They’re not just about looks, though; they perform well, too, but give them four to five days to break in comfortably. With a Full-length Ndurance outsole and reinforced toe tip, these shoes offer outstanding grip and durability. Their durability is on par with high-performance tennis shoes. Also, they helped us say goodbye to unwanted slips and improved the footwork. 

Moreover, the FRESH FOAMx technology takes your comfort and cushioning to the next level. These shoes are among the best for providing a responsive cushioning effect with every step. Another unique technology is PROBANK. It’s designed for players seeking steady balance without straining joints. 

Initially, we noticed the inner ankle area felt rigid and even saw blisters. But, after just four days of use, this discomfort fades away, and the comfort afterward is worth it. We found the same heel issue in the Women’s version, but after the break-in period, we smashed the court in style. 

For promoting airflow, it features synthetic and mesh FitWeave upper. Your feet stay cool and dry even during the most grueling of pickleball rallies. If you have a regular size, then finding the right size will be easy. For wide and narrow feet, the sizing may be inconsistent. To make sure the shoes fit you perfectly, it’s a good idea to try them on before getting them. 

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We look for perfect shoes for fast footwork for men, and the Babolat Jet Mach 3 is made for it. By combining lightweight design with Babolat’s technologies, these shoes make nimble moves effortless. You’ll find a wide range of sizes and designs to choose from, in Women’s versions as well. We like how they are true-to-size and have perfect sizes for wide and narrow feet. Let’s dive into Babolat’s technologies; we have Matryx Evo at the upper surface. It is made from strong Aramide and Polyamide fibers to ensure stability.

Secondly, the KPRS-X midsole gives you the perfect support and shock absorption mix. It helped us keep our feet balanced when making quick moves on the court. Thirdly, these shoes are built to last long, thanks to Michelin Premium technology. But we found these shoes underperform on rough outdoor ground. 

Also, the shoe’s heel rocker helps you stay steady when you’re going from standing still to moving fast. It’s perfect for your tournaments but not for practicing beginners due to their expensive price tag. Overall, they’re ideal for players who already know their way around the game. 

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If you’re a female pickleball player looking for a court shoe with a soft feeling yet a superior grip, this is for you. The New Balance FuelCell 996 V5 has FuelCell foam technology at its core. We tested these out for their fancy name, and each step had remarkable cushioning. While wearing these, we played pickleball for up to 7 hours without feeling fatigued. Furthermore, the shoe did not slip or slide even on outdoor courts.

It’s safe to say that these rubber soles have perfect grips for pickleball players. Moving onto their durability, the same technology as  Fresh Foam X Lav V2 is used, and it’s not disappointing. They stay in good shape for a long time, even after regular use. One interesting thing is these shoes do not cause annoying blisters. These shoes’ blend of synthetic materials and mesh isn’t just for show.  They adjust to your feet and how you move for extra comfort.

No need to compromise on your fashion sense, as these feature a variety of colors and sizes. These shoes have a higher midsole, which makes them more stable without causing any discomfort. They also have extra support at the front, which is great for people with wider feet. 

We tried the men’s version, too, and we think they’re excellent for both men and women who want better performance. The only deal breaker can be its high cost. But, when you think about how well they perform, the decision becomes easy. 

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When it comes to having super comfy shoes without compromising durability, the ADIDAS Solematch Control Tennis Shoe takes the crown. To ensure superior durability, ADIDAS uses strong rubber soles with ADIWEAR tech. They give you a good grip on the court for a long time. But if you play pickleball on well-polished wooden courts, be careful, as these are slippery in the beginning. 

With these durable pairs, your toes will stay well-protected even if you drag them on outdoor rough terrains. You can see tough armor for your toes, and this feature is called ADITUFF. It stops your toes from getting hurt when you move quickly on the court. Aside from being tough, these are soft and plush. The bounce cushioning feels nice on your feet and gives you a better rebound after each step. One thing to watch out for is the size. When you buy these, we recommend getting 0.5 or 1 size bigger because these are smaller than regular ones. 

Lastly, the laces in the front can be adjusted to fit comfortably, and they have a special design. We received a lot of compliments, so they’re a great way to boost your confidence while playing pickleball.

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Men and women looking for court shoes with wide-toe boxes will love Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes. What makes these shoes special is the availability of wide-fit options, including extra wide choices. We understand how people with wide feet need adjustable lace-up front, and the Viper court features adjustable ones. The wide fit is true-to-size, and you get comfortable and responsive performance.

When you wear these shoes, your toe feels roomy due to the wide toe box. Whilst keeping your toe pain-free, this shoe also relieves your arches. The insoles are Podiatrist-certified and provide reliable support for reducing strain on your feet. 

Additionally, the midsole is well-cushioned, and its shock absorption is really impressive. You get a perfect bounce with each step without feeling any strain. Whether you’re playing inside or outside, the Goodyear rubber soles give a good grip on both types of surfaces. 

Our feet got a bit more sweaty when we played outside, but indoors, these shoes stayed cool. So, the mesh upper isn’t best for breathability outdoors. Lastly, the minimalist design makes it good for casual or everyday wear. If you need shoes to relieve your arch pain, wear them for pickleball and other activities. 

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As a practicing pickleball player, you need pickleball shoes to keep you stable and light on your feet. The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe is a great choice as they are the lightest on the list. If you want something lighter, the women’s version is a good bet.

Along with lightness, these shoes are built tough with a rubber sole and a super sturdy AOSTA 7.0 rubber bottom. They also have “Dragguard” to stop them from wearing out fast. We felt secure and protected while playing with these, which is great during practice sessions. 

If you like looking good when you play, these shoes have got style and a variety of colors. While trying these on, the soles feel intact as compared to other shoes. They’ve got 180 PSC Plantar tech that makes your midfoot steady and your walking feel natural. It may take some time to get used to, but the comfy sock liner helps.

Another standout feature is traction and its grip on courts. They fit snugly around your heel to keep you steady when you move quickly. Although the Ortholite foam works great for shock absorption, it can be hard to fit if you have wide feet. Especially if your feet are wider than regular, squeezing them into these shoes might be tough. 

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The Wilson Rush Pro Ace is the best shoe for pickleball when you need help with your ankles. With Sensifeel tech, your feet stay cool when you play on hard courts. Also, the herringbone pattern on the rubber sole gives you grippy feet. You feel confident while making lateral movements with Pro Ace on.

It doesn’t cost too much and is lightweight as well. Another technology used in this shoe is the 4D support chassis. According to our experience, these shoes keep your feet steady and don’t let them twist. The design with a 9mm heel-to-toe drop also aids in twist-free feet.

For beginners who are learning footwork and lunges, this shoe gives ideal support. These shoes fit for players with wide feet and don’t cause any internal tilts. The soft R-DST+ foam keeps your feet from hurting, even on bumpy outdoor courts. We liked these feature removable insoles for the customization aspect.

Lastly, the special EVA stuff makes them comfy for all foot shapes, but it lacks durability. Upon regular use, they might not last as long. We saw signs of wear out after only three months of use.

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Regarding stability, TRUSSTIC technology will win for movements needed for pickleball. Not to scare you with the technical stuff, but the Asics Gel-Renma court shoe uses this to promote natural foot movements. When you put them on, they feel like a second skin, so they easily fit high arches. These keep plantar fasciitis at bay, and there’s a version for women with the same good features.

But we did not find them fitting for wider feet in both sections. For budget-conscious players seeking premium performance, the Gel-Renma shoes are a rock-solid bet. They may not look high-quality, but they repay with a breathable fit. You get adequate indoor court durability thanks to the faux leather and synthetic leather combo. 

The unique Gel technology in the front part of the shoe gives your feet strong protection. Also, the pattern on the bottom of the shoe helps you turn better and keeps you steady. As we said above, it’s not for wide feet. They fit, but the narrow toe box makes it hard to feel complete comfort.

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The FitVille’s Wide Pickleball Shoes are the best for Women and men with a limited budget. The tough EVA outsoles and anti-torsion TPU rubber work together on the court to absorb shocks. They also have a non-slip design, so you can move confidently.

We even think they’re the best choice for wider shoes to help with plantar fasciitis. FitVille has designed these shoes without sacrificing comfort. They’re roomy from the front to the back. These have features like a Honeycomb insole and an Ortholite cushioning system, even as budget picks.

We never felt tired or uncomfortable in these shoes on indoor pickleball courts. It would be great outdoors if the material was a little tough. By the design, it’s hard to tell they’re inexpensive with their mesh and soft microfiber upper. The construction material is suede and fabric, which makes the theme easy to clean. 

This feature also keeps your feet cool and odor-free. Just know that you need to give the TPU rubber some time to break into. Once you wear these regularly for three days, they conform to your feet. For the price, two days of Toe-pain isn’t a bad deal regarding its performance. 

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Pickleball is a fun sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The court is a bit like a badminton court, which is kind of like a tennis court, too. So, having good court shoes is important.

This guide will take you through the ins and outs of selecting the perfect court shoes for your pickleball game. From understanding the different types of court shoes to the difference between indoor and outdoor options, we’ve got you covered.

Different Types of Court Shoes

We tested various court shoes to see how they perform in pickleball. Drawing from our experience, here’s what each type of court shoe was like: 

Tennis court shoes

Tennis court shoes are a top pick for pickleball players because they give great side-to-side support. If you hang out mostly at the back of the court, these shoes will keep you steady. They’re great for quick moves and stops, too. 

Racquetball and Squash court shoes

Racquetball and squash court shoes are also good for pickleball, but only if light. Consider racquetball and squash court shoes if your game plan involves speedy sideways and forward-backward moves. But make sure you go for light ones because heavier ones limit your movement. 

Badmitten court shoes

Badminton shoes are a good fit for pickleball, too. They’re light, support your ankles for pivots, and don’t leave marks on the court. These shoes give you the right grip and special tread patterns needed for a top-notch performance on a court.

Volleyball court shoes

We love the shock absorption of Volleyball court shoes, but it’s hard to find light ones. They have the grip, cushioning, and support you need as pickleball players. They come with extra cushioning for jumps, which is needed for plantar fasciitis.  

Basketball court shoes

It’s best to skip using basketball shoes for pickleball. Basketball shoes are great for moving forward and backward. However, their wide sole design doesn’t work well for the sideways moves you need in pickleball.

Indoor vs Outdoor Court Shoes

Let’s dive into the details and compare indoor and outdoor court shoes. We’ll look at the sole, tread, cushioning, and comfort.

Sole

Indoor court shoes have soft soles made up of synthetic rubber. It works on hardwood floors and is similar to sneakers but with a better grip. On the other end, there are hard-soled (outdoor) shoes. Their grip and material are perfect for synthetic courts and tennis.

Tread and Traction

Outdoor court shoes often have bigger tread patterns for stability and grip on all kinds of surfaces. In contrast, indoor shoes have flat spots on their soles. They feel more smooth and are great for indoor courts. 

 Cushioning and Comfort

Outdoor shoes need to protect your feet on rough surfaces. So, they come with extra features for comfort and are heavier. They have thicker sides for better support and even some insulation. At the same time, indoor court shoes have thinner surfaces to keep your feet cool and reduce sweating. They are more breathable and also lightweight. 

Which to pick? 

Court Shoes vs. Running Shoes for Pickleball

Pickleball is a sport with quick side-to-side movements and sudden changes in direction. And if you have regular feet, chances are running shoes will not work out for you. Why are court shoes better for pickleball as compared to running shoes? Here’s why:

Lateral Support

Court shoes are made to provide extra support when you move from side to side. That’s the reason why these are so popular in sports like tennis and pickleball. It gives lateral support to players who have to constantly change direction.

Specialized Grip

The bottoms or outsole of court shoes have special patterns that are designed for different court surfaces. They provide better traction for quick starts and stops.

Durability

Outdoor court shoes typically last longer than running shoes. Furthermore, they are built to last through the demands of court sports.

Footwork Precision

Court shoes are designed to help you move your feet precisely. This means you can position yourself correctly for powerful shots and responsive gameplay. 

Court Shoe Technology and Materials

Court shoes are different from regular shoes because they use special materials and technology. Brands like Babolat and ASICS are known for making court shoes with innovative features that pickleball players love.

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