Best Cushioned Pickleball Shoes – Professional Recommendations
The players who suffer from Achilles Tendon need proper cushioning and protection while playing pickleball. They can’t use regular pickleball shoes as their main purpose is to have footwear with cushioning and support for lateral moments.
When choosing the best cushioned pickleball shoes, it is important to consider features to improve your comfort, performance, protection, shock absorption, and overall enjoyment on the court. The unique movements and fast lateral shifts in pickleball can strain your feet and joints.
Therefore, having shoes with good cushioning is important to absorb shocks, minimize tiredness, and prevent potential injuries. When searching for the best-cushioned pickleball shoes, keep these factors in mind and settle for the best pair of pickleball shoes.
Top 8 Best Cushioned Pickleball Shoes
1
ASICS Upcourt 5 Pickleball Shoes
ASICS is a well-known brand for sports shoes, and its Upcourt 5 model is specifically made for indoor sports like pickleball. The standout feature for why I chose the ASICS Upcourt 5 is its GEL technology in the back of the shoe. This technology helps absorb shocks and provides you with the right amount of cushioning you need. This is especially useful for the quick side-to-side movements and sudden stops and starts in pickleball.
Designed to last, the Upcourt 5 has a strong upper part made of synthetic leather and mesh. This not only makes the shoes sturdy but also helps keep your feet cool during intense pickleball matches.
This footwear has all the premium features that you need for budget-friendly rates, from stability, and comfort to durability and lightweight, you’ve got everything in this pair.
The shoe has a special outsole made of gum rubber which provides excellent grip on indoor court surfaces. The herringbone tread pattern on the sole adds to the grip, stability, and agility needed for the dynamic nature of pickleball and keeps you protected from any possible injuries.
The Upcourt 5 is a lightweight choice, which makes it easier for players to move quickly, responding to the fast pace of pickleball.
2
The Brooks Ghost 13 Pickleball Shoes
The Brooks Ghost 13, although not specifically made for pickleball, has caught the eye of every pickleball enthusiast like me because of its remarkable comfort and versatile features. They are equipped with DNA LOFT technology in their midsole. This special cushioning provides an ideal mix of softness and responsiveness. It adjusts to the unique movements of pickleball and ensures excellent shock absorption during swift side-to-side motions and sudden stops on the court.
They feature a segmented crash pad which ensures seamless transitions from heel to toe and promotes a natural stride. This is particularly useful for pickleball players who frequently change directions and make quick movements. So, if you prefer smooth transitions on the court with maximum cushioning, this is the right pair for you.
The upper part of the Ghost 13 is made from lightweight and breathable mesh material. This promotes excellent airflow and keeps your feet cool. The lightweight design contributes to an agile feel and improves your movements on the court as well.
Ghost 13 is available in various width options. This is great for players to find shoes that match their specific foot shape and also reduces the risk of discomfort during extended play.
The Ghost 13’s outsole is made of sturdy rubber with a versatile tread pattern. While it’s not specifically designed for pickleball, the traction and durability of the outsole make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.
3
The Brooks Glycerin 20 Pickleball Shoes
The Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral Pickleball Shoes combine comfort, performance, and style, making them a great choice for pickleball players. The Glycerin 20 that I have chosen for this list uses special cushioning technology in the midsole called DNA LOFT. It makes the shoes feel really soft and responsive and adapts to your feet and how you move. This kind of cushioning is perfect for the quick and side-to-side movements in pickleball.
Moreover, these shoes have an OrthoLite sock liner that adds even more cushioning and helps manage moisture. This keeps your feet dry, especially during intense pickleball matches. The Glycerin 20 has an upper part with 3D Fit Print technology.
It’s designed to give you a secure and personalized fit. The flexible yet structured design adapts to your foot and offers support where it’s needed while allowing natural movement.
Brooks included a smooth transition zone in the outsole which makes it easy to transition from your heel to your toe. This is really helpful for pickleball players who need to make quick and constant movements on the court.
Yet another footwear for players who desire quick transitions and has all the premium features in a single pair of shoes.
The Glycerin 20 is made for comfort, featuring a plush collar and tongue. This helps reduce pressure points and gives you a snug fit, which is crucial for players in long pickleball sessions.
These cushioned pickleball shoes are best for players with neutral arches and provide balanced support. However, if you have specific arch needs, you might need additional inserts for a more personalized fit.
4
New Balance Fresh Foam Pickleball Shoes
The New Balance Fresh Foam Pickleball Shoes are designed to meet the specific demands of pickleball players, combining comfort, support, and style. The standout feature of these best-cushioned pickleball shoes is the Fresh Foam midsole technology which is designed to provide superior cushioning and responsiveness. The Fresh Foam made it to the list for their adaptiveness to the shape of your foot which offers a plush feel while ensuring optimal support during the dynamic movements in pickleball.
The material used is highly durable and breathable which ensures a longer lifespan for the shoes and also promotes excellent airflow. If you want your shoes to be breathable and comfortable at the same time, this pair of shoes will not disappoint you.
These shoes provide exceptional traction on indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The strategic pattern enhances grip and stability which is crucial for quick lateral movements and sudden stops on the court. New Balance emphasizes a secure and supportive fit with these pickleball shoes.
The design includes features like a padded collar and tongue which provides a snug fit and minimizes discomfort during extended play.
The Fresh Foam Pickleball Shoes are designed for agility and quick movements. The lightweight construction reduces fatigue during long matches which allows players to maintain peak performance on the court.
5
ASICS GEL-Renma Pickleball Shoes
ASICS, a well-known brand for quality sports shoes, has a special GEL cushioning technology in the middle part. This feature is my personal favorite, it’s like a soft padding that absorbs shocks and makes it really comfortable during fast and sideways movements in pickleball. The middle part adds stability, which is great for pickleball players who need a secure base for quick movements. The Gel-RENMA shoes are made from tough and breathable materials. This not only makes the shoes last longer but also keeps your feet cool and comfy during intense pickleball matches.
The outsole is made with ASICS High Abrasion Rubber Plus (AHARPLUS). This makes it durable and gives excellent grip on different court surfaces, providing stability during pickleball.
For players who want a durable design that offers good traction and grip without compromising on cushioning, this would be the right choice for you.
Furthermore, inside the shoes, there’s a special OrthoLite sock liner. It not only makes the cushioning better but also helps manage moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfortable, especially during long games.
ASICS added a Heel Clutching System which guarantees that the shoes fit snugly around your heel. This not only adds stability but also reduces the chances of slipping, which is important for control during pickleball matches.
6
K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme Shoes
K-Swiss, a brand known for its tennis expertise, has introduced the Pickleball Supreme Shoes, designed to bring comfort, durability, and performance to the pickleball court. The reason why I chose these shoes is because they are tough and offer extra support during side-to-side movements. So, if you are someone who wants a tough and durable pair of shoes with ample cushioning, K-Swiss Supreme will provide you with that.
This guarantees that the shoes can handle the demands of pickleball, and provide long-lasting performance.
The outsole has DragGuard technology, which gives an excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The special tread pattern adds stability and agility, which are crucial for quick movements in pickleball.
The middle part of the shoe has GuideGlide technology for responsive cushioning. It adapts to how your foot naturally moves, giving you comfort during long play and supporting quick direction changes on the court.
K-Swiss has solved the problem of shoelaces coming undone during intense play with Stay-Tied laces. This ensures players can concentrate on the game without needing to re-tie their shoelaces.
The Pickleball Supreme Shoes have a special lining around the heel for a secure fit. This particular lining reduces the chances of slipping during dynamic movements.
Inside the shoes, there’s a K-EVA insole that adds extra cushioning. This helps absorb shocks and reduce the impact on your feet during fast-paced pickleball matches.
7
ASICS GEL-Lyte III Pickleball Shoes
The ASICS GEL-Lyte III Pickleball Shoes deserve a spot on my list for their outstanding performance, exceptional cushioning, and suitability. One standout feature of the ASICS GEL-Lyte III Pickleball Shoes is the use of ASICS’ GEL technology. The midsole has gel cushioning units strategically placed to absorb shock, which offers comfort and reduces fatigue during long games. These are features that most people require from their shoes but are unable to find in a single pair but ASUCS Gel-Lyte III has it for you now.
The unique split tongue design of this footwear ensures that you have a snug fit which minimizes discomfort. The tongue stays in place, provides stability, and prevents unnecessary movement during play.
Equipped with a robust rubber outsole, these cushioned shoes offer excellent traction on indoor pickleball courts. The outsole pattern is designed to enhance grip and give players confidence for quick directional changes without slipping.
The shoe’s upper is made of breathable mesh material and promotes ventilation to keep your feet cool during intense matches. The cushioned collar and padded footbed add to the overall comfort and allow players to focus on their game.
ASICS GEL-Lyte III Pickleball Shoes not only excel in performance but also feature a stylish and modern design. With vibrant color options and the iconic ASICS logo, these shoes are visually appealing for players who appreciate both style and function.
8
Adidas Solematch Control Pickleball Shoes
Adidas has introduced the SoleMatch Control Pickleball Shoes, aiming to provide players with stability, support, and style. However, this is not why I’m listing it as one of my favorite shoes to play pickleball. Adidas SoleMatch Control Pickleball Shoes use a Barricade chassis for stability, borrowed from their successful tennis shoes. This design is great for the side-to-side movements that are common in pickleball.
Additionally, they include boost cushioning tech in the midsole, which offers responsive energy return and top-notch comfort. The technology absorbs shock well, reduces tiredness during long matches, and helps players stay at their best if you want all these in a single pair of shoes feel free to choose this one.
The outsole is built to last and provides excellent traction on various court surfaces. It gives players a solid grip and makes it easier to move quickly and precisely during the game.
The shoes are designed to feel like a sock, offering a snug fit. Combined with the TPU heel counter, they provide stability, and prevent any unwanted movement inside the shoe during intense play.
Crafted with breathable materials, the upper part of the SoleMatch Control ensures good airflow. This feature keeps players’ feet cool, especially during longer matches.
| Best cushioned pickleball shoes | Features | Court surface type | Who can wear it |
| ASICS upcourt 5 | Special shock-absorbing technology with incredible cushioning and excellent grip | For indoor courts | Available for both men and women |
| The Brooks Ghost 13 | Comfortable shoes with incredible cushioning, support, stability, and durable outsole | For both indoor and outdoor courts | Available for both men and women |
| The brooks glycerin 20 | Highly durable and fast-paced footwear with exceptional soft cushioning, traction, and grip | For outdoor courts | Available for men |
| New Balance Fresh Foam | Excellent cushioning and support, breathable and lightweight design with durable outsole | For indoor and outdoor courts | Available for both men and women |
| ASICS Gel Renma | Extreme cushioning for comfort and durable design provide stability and support | For various court surfaces | Available for both men and women |
| K-Swiss Supreme | Tough and supportive footwear with a great amount of cushioning provides traction, grip, and stability | For both indoor and outdoor courts | Available for women |
| ASICS gel Lyte III | Exceptional cushioning with shock absorption technology, light wear, and durable design | For indoor court surface | Available for both men and women |
| Adidas Solematch control | Lightwear and comfortable design provide stability with a good amount of cushioning | For various court surfaces | Available for both men and women |
FAQs
What’s special about cushioned pickleball shoes compared to regular ones?
Cushioned pickleball shoes use special technologies like GEL or Boost cushioning. These features help absorb shocks better, especially during the quick and jumpy movements in pickleball. This helps prevent tiredness and discomfort on the court.
How do I know which level of cushioning is right for my pickleball shoes?
It depends on what you like and how you play. If you move a lot from side to side, you might like shoes with bouncy cushioning. If you want extra comfort for longer games, you might choose shoes with really good shock absorption.
Do I need to consider the kind of court I play on when picking cushioned pickleball shoes?
Yes, it matters! If you play on indoor courts, you should look for shoes with special soles that won’t leave marks and have a good grip. If you play on outdoor courts, you might want shoes that are tough enough to handle different outdoor surfaces. Think about where you play when you pick your cushioned shoes.
Conclusion
Getting good cushioned shoes not only makes playing more enjoyable but also keeps your feet save from injuries. As pickleball gets more popular, we can expect even more cool shoe tech.
Before you choose, think about how much cushioning you need, the type of court you play on, and what style you like. Whether you go for GEL or Boost, making comfort a priority in your pickleball shoe choice is a smart move for anyone who wants to do well on the court.
