The Best Pickleball Shoes for Men & Women in 2024

Pickleball is a game that demands agility, quick response, and stability on the court. Finding the best pickleball shoes plays a critical role in enhancing these abilities, making pickleball shoes an essential piece of equipment for any enthusiast of the sport. 

Designed to provide comfort, grip, and the right support, the best pickleball shoes can elevate your game and ensure you move confidently and precisely. Whether a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned player aiming to sharpen your skills, investing in the right pair of shoes is key to playing your best game. Let’s explore what makes pickleball shoes unique and why they should be part of every player’s toolkit.

Best Pickleball Shoes 2024

Best Overall: Skechers Viper Court Pro

Women's Go Train Arch Fit

best pickleball shoes
  • Skechers Shoes: Goodyear rubber outsoles, comfortable fit, specifically for pickleball
  • Relaxed fit with adjustable lace-up front and breathable mesh upper
  • Skechers Arch Fit insole cushion (arch support)
  • Versatile for casual occasions and workouts

Men's Go Train Arch Fit

  • Goodyear rubber outsoles for indoor and outdoor court play, specifically for pickleball
  • Size options with adjustable lace-up front
  • Breathable athletic mesh upper for cooling
  • Skechers Arch Fit insole cushion (arch support)
  • Year-round wear: winter, summer, fall, spring
  • Versatile for casual occasions and pickleball

Best Budget: ASICS Gel-Renma Shoes

Women's Gel-RENMA

best pickleball shoes
  • Synthetic leather overlays for durability
  • Solution dye sock liner reduces water usage by 33% and carbon emissions by 45%
  • TRUSSTIC technology enhances stability
  • Flex grooves in the outsole for improved flexibility, keeping your feet secure
  • Forefoot GEL technology absorbs impact and provides a softer, durable foot strike feel
  • Wrap-up outsole and wider gauge for smoother and balanced movements

Men's Gel-RENMA

  • Synthetic leather overlays for durability
  • Solution dye sockliner reduces water usage by 33% and carbon emissions by 45%
  • TRUSSTIC technology enhances stability
  • Flex grooves in outsole for better flexibility
  • Forefoot GEL technology for impact absorption
  • Wrap-up outsole and wider gauge for balanced movements, outdoor pickleball shoes

Lightweight: New Balance Fuel Cell 996v5

Women's Fuel Cell

best pickleball shoes
  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
  • NDure upper technology for superior durability
  • Added lateral stability with a higher midsole topline, keeping your foot secure
  • PU support on the tip for durability 
  • Full-length NDurance outsole provides superior traction and durability to help get more wear out of the shoe

Men`s Fuel Cell 996v5

  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
  • NDure upper technology for superior durability
  • Added lateral stability with a higher midsole topline, outdoor pickleball shoes
  • PU support on the tip for durability 
  • Full-length NDurance outsole provides superior traction to help get more wear out of the shoe

Best Durability: Adidas Gamecourt 2 Sneaker

Women's Gamecourt 2

best pickleball shoes
  • Padded collar and a durable outsole
  • Open mesh upper is breathable and flexible
  • EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • Adiwear outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durable sneakers
  • Made with a series of recycled materials, this upper features at least 50% recycled content
  • Padded collar and a durable outsole
  • Open mesh upper is breathable and flexible
  • EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • Adiwear outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durable sneakers
  • Made with a series of recycled materials, this upper features at least 50% recycled content

Men's Gamecourt 2

best pickleball shoes

Best Wide Feet: K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme

Women's Pickleball Supreme

best pickleball shoes
  • 180 PSC for enhanced mid-foot stability
  • AOSTA 7.0 outsole for heel-to-toe durability
  • DRAGGUARD 7.0 in high-wear areas for elevated outsole durability
  • DURAWRAP FLEX UPPER for protection and flexibility without a break-in period
  • Designed for wider feet as a stability shoe for pickleball’s specific movement

Men's Pickleball Supreme

  • 180 PSC enhances mid-foot stability
  • AOSTA 7.0 outsole for unmatched durability
  • DRAGGUARD 7.0 boosts outsole durability in high-wear areas, good running shoes
  • Durawrap flex mesh upper offers protection and flexibility without breaking in
  • Designed for stability in pickleball’s lateral and front/back movements with a snug fit

Choosing the Best Pickleball Shoes

The Best Pickleball Shoes Type: Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball

One of the first decisions you must make to find the best pickleball court shoes is whether you’ll need indoor shoes or outdoor shoes. Indoor courts usually have smooth surfaces, so you’ll want an indoor shoe with non-marking soles that won’t scuff the court. These court shoes offer excellent grip and are specifically designed for indoor play.

Conversely, outdoor courts can vary in surface texture and moisture levels, making lateral movements more difficult. For outdoor play, you’ll need an outdoor shoe with durable outsoles that can handle rougher surfaces and enhance traction on different terrains. Finding a cushioned midsole shoe is also recommended.

Pickleball Shoes Material: Durability and Breathability

The material of your pickleball shoes is crucial for durability and breathability. Look for the best court shoes made from high-quality materials such as synthetic leather or mesh uppers. These shoes provide lateral stability and are ideal for pickleball and playing tennis.

Synthetic leather offers exceptional durability, providing resistance against wear and tear during intense gameplay. Meanwhile, mesh uppers contribute to breathability by allowing air circulation around your feet, preventing excessive sweating during those intense matches.

Sole Type: Traction and Grip on Different Surfaces

The sole of the best pickleball shoe is like its secret agent – it silently determines your movements on the court. The sole type should correspond with the court surface you will play on most frequently. For indoor courts, go for gum or non-marking rubber soles that provide excellent traction without leaving marks behind.

Outdoor courts may require more aggressive treads or patterns to enhance grip on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. Consider choosing court shoes with multi-directional herringbone patterns that offer stability during quick lateral movements. Also, make sure to get a durable outsole for outdoor courts.

Cushioning and Support: Impact Absorption and Stability

Pickleball involves plenty of quick stops, starts, and lateral movements. To protect your feet from the impact of these movements, look for good court shoes with adequate cushioning. The best pickleball shoe features specialized midsole technologies like gel or air cushioning systems that absorb shock upon landing and provide a comfortable feel.

Additionally, prioritize court shoes with great arch support to minimize foot fatigue during prolonged matches. Shoes with reinforced heel counters can provide better stability and reduce the risk of ankle injuries caused by sudden twists and turns on the court. There are also options for flat feet, narrow feet, wide feet, and the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis. As always, supportive cushioning is a must with any shoe!

Considering these essential factors when choosing your pickleball specific shoes will equip you to make an informed decision that suits your playing style and court preferences. Remember that comfort and functionality should always go hand in hand for a truly enjoyable pickleball experience!

best pickleball shoes

Specialized Features in the Best Pickleball Shoes

Toe Guards: Added Protection Against Toe Drag

Players often make quick and sudden movements on the court when playing fast-paced pickleball matches. These movements can sometimes lead to toe drag, where the front of the court shoe scrapes against the ground. To combat this issue, many pickleball shoes come equipped with toe guards (toe box) or a wide toe box.

These handy features are reinforced sections at the front of the shoe that provide an extra layer of protection against abrasion and wear. By implementing toe guards, pickleball shoes can withstand intense play sessions without succumbing to damage or compromising performance.

Breathable Mesh Upper: Prevents Excessive Sweating

Pickleball is an energetic sport that demands agility and endurance from its players. As such, it is natural for athletes to work up quite a sweat during intense matches. To address this concern, many of the best pickleball shoes utilize breathable mesh upper technology as a key feature. This will keep you feet cool and injury free. Removable insoles are also recommended.

These breathable mesh uppers are typically made from lightweight materials with tiny perforations that allow proper airflow throughout the shoe. By promoting ventilation and efficient moisture management, breathability helps prevent excessive sweating within the court shoe, keeping players’ feet dry, comfortable, and free from unpleasant odors even during long hours on the court.

Non-Marking Outsoles: Avoids Leaving Scuff Marks on Indoor Courts

Indoor pickleball courts often have specific rules or guidelines regarding footwear to preserve their pristine playing surface. That’s where non-marking outsoles come into play—their purpose is twofold: providing excellent traction and grip while leaving no unsightly scuff marks behind.

These outsoles are specifically designed with rubber compounds that maintain optimal traction on various indoor surfaces without leaving any visible residue or marks behind. With non-marking outsoles, players can confidently move around the court, executing swift maneuvers without worrying about damaging or defacing the play surface.

best pickleball shoes

Care Tips for the Best Pickleball Shoes

Cleaning Instructions Based on Shoe Material (e.g., Leather, Mesh)

Taking care of the best pickleball shoes ensures their longevity and performance on the court. The cleaning process may vary depending on the materials used in your shoes. 

For leather pickleball shoes, dry dirt or dust with a damp cloth. Then, mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water and gently rub the solution onto the shoe using a soft brush or cloth. Rinse off the soap thoroughly and let the shoe air dry naturally. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging leather shoes in water to prevent damage. 

On the other hand, if your pickleball shoes have mesh uppers, you need to take a slightly different approach. You remove excess dirt or debris by lightly brushing the shoe’s surface or using a soft cloth. Fill a basin with warm water and mix in mild detergent or dish soap. Dip an old toothbrush into this soapy solution and gently scrub away any stains or dirt from the mesh material. 

Do not saturate your court shoes excessively, affecting their shape and integrity. Once cleaned, rinse them thoroughly with cold water and allow them to air dry away from direct heat sources such as radiators or sunlight. 

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of shoes are best for pickleball?

Pickleball shoes should prioritize:

  • Quick lateral movements: Look for shoes with a herringbone tread pattern for good grip on court surfaces.
  • Stability and support: A snug fit and supportive midsole help prevent ankle rolls during sharp turns.
  • Durability: Pickleball involves quick stops and starts, so choose shoes built to last.

Popular options include court shoes, tennis shoes specifically designed for pickleball, or indoor/outdoor shoes with good traction.

Q: Is there a difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?

While similar, there are subtle differences:

  • Pickleball shoes often have more aggressive tread for quick changes of direction.
  • Tennis shoes may offer more lateral support for side-to-side movement.
  • Specific pickleball shoes might be lighter for quicker footwork.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your playing style and budget. Both can be suitable if they offer good grip, stability, and comfort.

Q: Can I wear walking shoes for pickleball?

Walking shoes may not be ideal due to:

  • Less grippy soles: Can lead to slipping and potential injuries.
  • Less supportive: Might not provide enough stability for sudden movements.
  • Bulkier design: Can feel cumbersome and restrict agility.

However, if you’re a casual player, comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes might be okay for starting out. But for performance and injury prevention, dedicated pickleball or tennis shoes are highly recommended.

Q: Should pickleball shoes be snug?

Yes, a snug fit is important for good court feel and stability. However, they shouldn’t be uncomfortably tight or restrict blood flow. Try different sizes and brands to find a shoe that offers:

  • Secure heel hold: No heel slippage during movement.
  • Snug forefoot: Prevents excessive toe movement and blisters.
  • Comfortable toe box: Enough space for your toes to wiggle without feeling cramped.

Remember, comfort is key, so choose a shoe that feels good while offering the support and stability you need on the court.

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