Best Pickleball Shoes in 2024 – Experts Recommendations

If you’re wondering whether the pickleball shoes will make a difference in your pickleball game or not, then yes they definitely will. We’ve been playing pickleball with various types of shoes and we’ve noticed a difference. Understand that pickleball is a fast-paced sport that demands agility, stability, and traction. Choosing the right pickleball shoes is crucial for maximizing your performance. With this guide, we will help you and unlike us, you can prevent injuries on the pickleball court.

We have tested pickleball shoes, volleyball shoes, tennis shoes, and running shoes. Based on our research and experience, we have compiled a list of top pickleball shoes for every player. These reviews can help you select the shoes of your choice and needs. We have also researched shoe construction and the factors that set them apart. Prepare to enhance your footwork in the next pickleball game session. Choose from the following best pickleball shoes and let the game begin!

Comparison Of Top 9 Best Pickleball Shoes

Top 9 Best Pickleball Shoes Reviews In 2024

Professional pickleball players who want shoes matching quick footwork should choose Babolat Jet Mach 3. The 325-gram(Size 9) lightweight combined with Matryyx Evo upper and KPRS-X midsole make it unmatchable. Let us tell you the function of its thoughtful construction which makes it an all-rounder. Firstly, the Matryxx Evo upper means that you get more support, flexibility, and comfort.It comprises Aramide and Polyamide fibers to give a stable yet comfortable arch to your feet. This makes speedy feet movements without straining the legs. 

Secondly, the KPRS-X midsole provides excellent shock absorption and cushions your feet from fast-movement impact. We really liked how the shoe’s heel rocker helped us stay balanced when going from standing still to starting to move again. Although it’s lightweight, the durability is maintained as JET MACH 3 sole uses Michelin Premium technology. They come in various sizes and even have a version for Women’s jamming pickleball shoes. 

Just know that we tested it on pickleball courts that have asphalt surfaces so durability may vary. As long as you use these shoes specifically for playing pickleball in pickleball or tennis courts then they will last for some time. Beginners who are still practicing footwork should give it a few months before buying it as it’s expensive.

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Women pickleball players look for breathability and better cushion when it comes to pickleball shoes. The Fila Women’s Volley zone pickleball shoes offer that as it has a wide toe box. Its 388-gram weight(size 10) is a cherry on top and you can select the Men version for your partner. Furthermore, both are constructed from synthetic materials, ensuring durability and grip on the court. We were satisfied with its removable sock liner made from molded EVA foam. Especially, for custom foot orthoses if you want that.

For women, this is the best with a comfortable interior lining of the shoe’s soft fabric. Sweaty feet are rarely an issue while wearing these on the pickleball court. One of the issues, however, is the lack of ankle support. But it can be solved if you get one size up from your original size. Plus, the shoes are equipped with padded collars and tongues. It’ll fit better this way and your ankles will be protected as well. Lastly, the design is cute with a lace-up closure system and logo details. The upper material is a mixture of mesh and synthetic, providing a stylish look.

Another all-rounder and pickleball player’s most popular shoe is the K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoe. As it’s designed specifically for pickleball, the design is ideal with a low-profile design and high-density outsole. It’s less than 400 ounces in all sizes and offers excellent traction. The reason we chose this for men is due to its DURAWRAP feature and rubber sole. Both of these make its durability next-level even though it’s lightweight. Rubber sole grips the court surface with a tight grip that helps the player’s footwork. And the Durawrap increases the lifespan in the toe area as it’s the first to fade in others. Also, it doesn’t have regular rubber but AOSTA 7.0 Rubber Compound.

Make all types of physical foot movement without worries about tearing your shoes. You will get a comfortable Ortholite sock liner that does not cause a weird odor after just a few hours of gameplay. You can also try the K-Swiss Women’s Pickleball Shoe if you prefer lighter pickleball shoes. Another feature is the DragGuard which elongates the life of the heel area. 

Some players feel odd in high-density outsoles but players with plantar fasciitis find this design useful. For other foot conditions, you need to insert custom sock lines, as it’s not for everyone.

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For support on all types of outdoor or indoor pickleball courts, choose Wilson Rush Pro Ace. The highlight of the design is the 4D Support Chassis support during quick lateral movements. Pickleball is mostly about lateral movement as you hit the ball so this is the perfect cheat code for beginners to get used to pickleball. Aside from that, players feel a balanced blend of comfort and support in the Die Cut EVA. With the addition of Sensifeel technology, you don’t feel any slips. Players who did not like the K-Swiss high-density design can go for its DF2 design. This heel-to-toe drop(9 mm) and R-DST+ foam give a cushioning feel to your feet.

Therefore, you get responsive and high agility without feeling odd. It’s versatile for both men and women. 

Furthermore, the medial rubber drag pad is a rubber layer on the inside part of the shoe. It makes the shoe more protective of your foot, especially during sliding and dragging movements. When you slide or drag it during sideways movements in pickleball. It is heavier than other shoes, weighing 349 grams. However, this weight makes it ideal for outdoor use. Lastly, it’s a bonus that the lace-up procedure is easy and doesn’t get messily tangled. 

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The ability to pivot depends on traction and the Skechers Viper Court-Athletic shoes are the one. It grips both outdoor and indoor surface areas with Goodyear Performance Outsoles. Players do not feel irregular sensations or discomfort as it comes with ultra-cushioned midsoles. Do not wear this to play basketball as you may slip. You get optimum traction on movements like lateral in pickleball.

Additionally, its Arch Fit insoles provide suitable performance for pickleball and other sports like tennis or volleyball. These are approved by foot doctors after extensive research of numerous foot scans. Senior pickleball players will love this because it offers great support for the arches of feet. It has a weight of only 341 for size 10 which makes it good for beginners as well. 

When it comes to breathability, the mesh upper and simple lace-up system never disappoints. We liked doing gym exercises while wearing these after a great pickleball match. Moreover, it’s hard to find a suitable shoe for the price in this economy. And this affordable pickleball shoe has all the needed features and ideal durability. Lastly, you will find a true-to-size fit as these shoes are available in many sizes including medium (D) and extra wide (4E).

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Pickleball players who want durable indoor pickleball shoes can opt for ASICS Gel-Rocket 9. Although they are designed for volleyball, the Trusstic System Technology and Molded-EVA midsole are good for pickleball too. With the Trusstic System, players feel less weight thanks to its structure. Therefore, you can easily enhance your foot agility. We did not feel any vibration, so its shock absorption and cushioning are on point. 

You can play for long hours without feeling fatigued or swollen. Unlike Skechers Viper shoes, it features a GEL Cushioning System. It’s installed in both the rear and forefoot areas which makes the impact of jumps less. Players can easily pivot into different lateral movements on the pickleball court. The key feature is its durability with foam padding in the collar and tongue and meshes in the upper. You can use it for various activities and it will last you for years. People with a limited budget can opt for this for its high value. ASICS offers a Men’s version of this shoe and it’s just as perfect. Both shoes have a weight of only 337 grams which makes them the second lightest on the list. To sum it up, these are the best durable and best lightweight pickleball shoes for everyone.

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Do you want a pickleball shoe that rarely smells? Try playing while wearing FitVille Wide Court Shoes. These shoes have anti-odor technology in their construction. Plus, the mesh upper adds combined with that to give better breathability. Also, the Men’s version has anti-odor midsoles for breathability. Their weight is around 354 grams which is medium weight for a court pickleball shoe. To provide stability and support, EVA material and anti-torsion TPU rubber work together. Your bilateral movements and fast footwork will feel extra stable with these on. We often look for Ortholite sock liners in pickleball shoes and these serve that.

Moving onto feet coverage, the padded ankle and heel support covers feet like a  glove. Even in a regular outfit, these shoes add a stylish touch with super soft microfiber upper. 

With the wide toe box, people with Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, or Swollen Feet can use it for health purposes. Even if you play intense matches for hours, your feet will not be calloused or stiff. Be careful as the tacky rubber may wear out more quickly if you always play intensely. This is a good pick for pickleball players who need something comfortable for short-term use.

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ASICS has designed these shoes for pickleball and other activities. By testing, we realized they weren’t playing around as it polishes skills and can be used for running as well. For indoor performance, they were ideal and lasted more than a year. But outdoor use makes them last for four to five months. These are made from H Faux leather and synthetic materials but they provide excellent grip.

Pickleball players can also choose this for Women for a lighter pick. They have unbeatable stability thanks to cutting-edge TRUSSTIC technology. By wearing it indoors, we seem to pick up pickleball shots quicker with fewer mishaps. Once you wear them, you may feel they are too high but you’ll get used to it in no time. 

Furthermore, the pivot-inducing flex grooves outsole design is truly a game-changer. It also has a wrap-up feature that enables stability while playing pickleball. Keep in mind that its wide design may not fit in narrow feet. However, this isn’t a deal breaker as its Gel technology helps improve skills like strokes, dinks, and volleys. Also, this wider outsole reduces the risk of twisting or rolling the foot during intense pickleball.

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Usually, we don’t recommend running shoes for pickleball but  ASICS Gel-Venture 8 is an exception. Pickleball players looking for entry-level shoes that don’t break the bank can choose this. Based on our experience, it gives everything you need on the court. From traction to responsiveness, you get it all. You will not feel worried about your feet slipping on the court due to a re-engineered outsole. We loved feeling confident enough to change direction and maintain balance during intense rallies.

Runners complained that it’s excessively cushioned but these features make it perfect for ideal shock absorption. Also, it fits perfectly as it covers the feet from the ankles with a cushion-padded surface. Although it’s made from 100% Synthetic material, you can still wear it outdoors in harsh weather. It has a weight of 355 grams which makes it the lightest on the list. Furthermore, the lace-up system doesn’t take too much time. This is an ideal pick for beginners. But we do not recommend this for professionals as it lacks arch support for fast-paced lateral movements. There isn’t much overlay around the forefoot but it protects your feet regardless. If you need a budget-friendly pickle for women’s pickleball, luckily here’s the Women’s version as well.

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When it comes to choosing pickleball shoes, there’s no straightforward one answer. You have to try on different models and understand your comfort zone. Fret not as we can help you out with that by explaining key features that a pickleball shoe must have. You should know that making the right choice of selecting pickleball shoes enhances optimal performance. From shoe type to cushioning and outsole technology, you have to understand all. Here is our take on key factors to consider when selecting the best pickleball shoes:

Shoe Type:

Pickleball shoes come in various styles, including court shoes, indoor shoes, and cross-trainers. We don’t recommend wearing running shoes unless they have a good grip. Tennis shoes and volleyball shoes are also worn by many professional pickleball players. Choose court shoes if you play pickleball on indoor court surfaces. Volleyball shoes are good for outdoor pickleball courts as they have better stability. 

Shoe fitting:

Toe pain is a common complaint when wearing new shoes that are too tight. To avoid this discomfort, it’s important to find a size that securely fits your heel. Also, the shoes must not be stiff around the toe area. Consider the shoe’s width options and, if possible, try them on before making a purchase.

Cushioning: 

While reading reviews, you might’ve noticed that pickleball involves frequent lateral movements. We tested our shoes by checking the responsiveness of the midsoles and their shock absorptions. Construction features like EVA foam, gel, or air cushioning technology are suitable options. 

Stability and Traction: 

Speedy movements during pickleball can cause injury if you don’t have stable footwear. A strong midsole ensures stability and ample ankle support. Making quick transitions with stable midsoles is easier too. Also, the outsoles with rubber patterns are ideal picks for stability as they have good traction. If you can afford more, try going for Herringbone or multidirectional tread patterns. These features reduce the risk of foot fatigue and impact-related injuries.

Breathability: 

We all know how gross it can be to sweat after a long session of Pickleball rallies. Therefore, a shoe with breathable upper mesh or anti-odor technologies is best. They help keep feet cool which helps you focus better during official matches.

Budget and Durability: 

As beginners, you can go for inexpensive pickleball shoes but professionals should spend on high-quality ones. Some pickleball shoes like K-Swiss Express Light can last for years. Invest in high-value pickleball shoes so they live up to the price. 

Weight: 

Lighter shoes can contribute to enhanced agility and quick movements on the court. However, strike a balance between weight and support, as sacrificing stability for lighter shoes may compromise your overall performance.

Flexibility and ankle arch support: 

Lastly, pickleball shoes with good flexibility allow natural foot movements. We liked the ankle arch support of Skechers Men’s Viper Court. They have the right amount of flexibility which enhances swift movements on the court. Those who have flat feet or ankle injuries should consider the flexibility of shoes as well. 

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