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If there’s any sport making a major racket right now, it’s pickleball. As this relatively new sport continues to garner attention, it’s essential to pick up the right gear to guarantee performance and safety on the court, including a pair of the best pickleball shoes.
Although pickleball is typically compared to tennis, the two are not exactly the same — and they require different shoes. “Tennis requires a lot more forward and back movement, unlike the side-to-side motions throughout a game of pickleball,” explains pickleball expert Leslie Maltz, owner and head coach at Warner Center Pickleball. “With all these lateral movements, you’re on the ball of your feet a lot, which is the area of a shoe that tends to wear down quicker than others.”
So, what sets pickleball shoes apart from your typical tennis shoes for women and men? For starters, the key lies in their design. On top of reinforcement in the toebox and heel, these specialized kicks often come equipped with a durable outsole that provides excellent traction on the court, shedding the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, they promote performance boosters like energy return, enabling you to move swiftly, efficiently, and elegantly through any big match. Last but not least, their lightweight construction paves the way for your agility so that you can keep up with your opponent’s pace at ease. Above all else, you’ll want some of the best shoes for standing all day – you never know how long you’ll be on the courts.
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But, of course, any shoe can fall apart, so how often should you replace them? Usually, it’s best to rotate in a new pair of pickleball shoes every six to twelve months, but that all depends on how often you take to the court. Regardless, thanks to their cushioning, you can depend on them to keep you performing at your highest. Truly, some options are plush enough to be considered the most comfortable shoes for men and women; you may even come across some of the best workout shoes overall throughout this guide.
Pickleball is accessible to people of various age groups and skill levels. Its smaller court and quicker gameplay are fit for more social atmospheres. Still, like with any sport, there’s always a risk of injury, and this one is no exception. Moreover, the constant lateral movements and repeated motions demand appropriate footwear to protect your feet, ankles, knees, neck, back, and so on — that’s where we start to get specific.
Whether you’re a savvy vet or just getting started, investing in the right pickleball shoes will elevate your performance and experience.
Materials: Mesh/synthetic upper and Ortholite midsole
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Wilson Top Quality Star Badge on Google 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $99
Materials: Mesh upper, textile lining, and Phylon midsole
Weight: 10.4 ounces
Special features: Herringbone outsole for enhanced grip
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
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Materials: Synthetic/mesh upper and GEL-Cushioning midsole
Weight: 10.8 ounces
Special features: Signature GEL cushioning promotes comfort and TRUSSTIC
technology in the midsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Asics Top Quality Star Badge
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Materials: Polymer microfiber
Weight: 11.9
Special features: Shock-absorbing tech courtesy of Honeycomb memory foam
Amazon Top Quality Star Badge: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Materials: Matryx Evo, EVA foam
Weight: 11.5 ounces
Special features: Sits on grippy Michelin soles
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Materials: Mesh/synthetic upper
Weight: 12.6 ounces
Special features: Ultra Flight cushioning and Goodyear Gold outsole
Skechers Top Quality Star Badge: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $115
Materials: Mesh/synthetic upper, FuelCell foam
Weight: 11.6 ounces
Special features: FuelCell midsole provides quality support
New Balance Top Quality Star Badge: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $135
Materials: Engineered mesh and carbon fiber
Weight: 12.8 ounces
Special features: Carbon fiber Speedboard for energy return
Dicks Sporting Goods Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
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Materials: Mesh upper and Phylon midsole
Weight: 10.8 ounces
Special features: Sole construction delivers premium cushion
Dick’s Sporting Goods Top Quality Star Badge: 4.6/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $62.70
Courtesy of Hoka
Materials: Engineered mesh and EVA midsole
Weight: 10.8 ounces
Special features: Rear crash pad assures balance in the heel
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top Quality Star Badge: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $165
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Materials: Synthetic upper, textile lining, and Ortholite midsole
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Special features: Available in wide sizes, herringbone pattern for traction
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Shoes:
When we’re talking indoor versus outdoor pickleball shoes, the surface you’re playing on is genuinely what calls the shots. On one hand, there are asphalt and concrete outdoor courts, which can get much rougher on the outsoles of your shoes. These outdoor courts demand footwear with durable and resilient soles that can take a beating without wearing out too quickly.
On the other hand, indoor courts might throw a curveball at you with potentially slippery hardwood. Generally, indoor courts require shoes with enhanced grip — nobody wants to slip, slide, and, even worse, get hurt when going for that crucial shot. A grippy outsole will allow you to make those speedy moves without worrying about losing your footing.
What to Look For in the Best Pickleball Shoes
- Cushioning: Like most sports, pickleball demands swift lateral movements and rapid-fire change-of-direction proper shock absorption, deeming dependable cushioning as essential in these shoes as any other sport-specific pair. Search for something that offers a responsive feel to lessen the impact on your joints and give you that crucial spring in your step. A shoe that can keep up with your intensity and keep you comfortable throughout those extended rallies.
- Strong toe box: In the heat of the game (or even a high-level practice), your feet take a toll — stopping, starting, and pivoting on a dime. With that in mind, a strong and well-protected toe box guarantees that your shoes will withstand these quick, hard-to-predict movements. Think of it this way: A sturdy toe box should act like a shield, providing withstanding durability and trusty protection to combat any collisions on the court.
- Knee support: Pickleball can be demanding on your knees, especially if you’re putting in serious court time. Take it from Maltz, who goes a step beyond time on the court and talks time on the body, explaining, “Many people entering the sport are over 45, so maintaining skeletal structure is integral.” Moreover, the right shoes for knee pain should offer stability and support to prevent excessive knee strain. Look for a pair equipped with reinforced features, whether that’s the midsole or a deep heel cup you’ll find in the best ankle support shoes. In the long term, this should allow you to play comfortably and, more importantly, reduce the risk of injury.
The Best Pickleball Shoes for Different Foot Types and Conditions
- Best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis: According to Utah-based podiatrist Dr. Mike Rushton, people who suffer from plantar fasciitis should opt for “the balance between cushion and stability and pay attention to arch support. When your body weight is evenly distributed across your foot, some pressure on your heels will be alleviated.” Overall, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis will offer cushioning in strategic areas.
- Best pickleball shoes for wide feet: Of all the potential conditions, this is often the easiest to shop for. Luckily, many brands offer wider iterations of their standard shoe; Hoka is one of the most notable examples, as the French brand crafts some of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. Overall, you should find something that offers ample breathing room and won’t restrict your foot when trying to get your moves in on the court.
- Best pickleball shoes for flat feet: Whether it’s pickleball, running, or just walking around town, the best shoes for flat feet boast built-in arch support or, at the very least, have removable insoles that allow you to swap them out for something more suitable. Pedorthist Michael Fishkin explains that those with flat feet should not wear shoes with an hourglass shape at the bottom, but a straight-across design underfoot.
- Best pickleball shoes for high arches: The best walking shoes for high arches always provide trusted stability, and that’s a crucial element to look for in arch support shoes for pickleball, too. But, even more importantly, you should consider a pair with a wide base and supportive heel — some of the best insoles may even do the trick if you are worried about a lack of support. Additionally, according to Dr. Jackie Sutera, it’s best off to “avoid rigid, thin and flat shoes.”
How We Chose the Best Pickleball Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To build our guide to the best pickleball shoes, we scoured the slew of prominent brands making court-specific shoes for decades, including Babolat and Acacia. In addition to pinning down trustworthy shoemakers, we referred to pickleball expert and coach Leslie Maltz, who owns a facility dedicated to advancing the sport. With her knowledge of the game, what is essential to stay protected throughout, and references to what podiatrists have claimed make the best options per foot type, we composed a list fit for every player. We also considered the best retailers to shop when selecting pairs of pickleball shoes, relying on customer reviews and cross-checking with Google’s new Top-Quality Store Badge (a rating that indicates retailers with quick shipping, clear return policies, and positive shopper reviews). Learn more about Footwear News here.
Meet the Experts
Leslie Maltz is the owner and coach of Warner Center Pickleball, a Los Angeles-based facility dedicated to advancing the sport.
Dr. Michael Fishkin is a certified pedorthist and currently treats patients at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Dr. Mike Rushton is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics in St. George, Utah.
Dr. Jackie Sutera is a board-certified podiatrist who practices in New York and northern New Jersey. She is a member of Vionic’s Innovation Lab and is passionate about “whole body podiatry,” which takes a holistic approach to foot and ankle care.
Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to touching on reviewing hyper-specific branches of performance and sport-related footwear. To write this article, Yardeni conducted research on pickleball courts and common movements during the game to understand what’s needed in a pair of the best pickleball shoes. He also used expert input and shopper reviews to create this list.
