Pickleball’s popularity has exploded in recent years, with players loving the fast-paced fun of this paddle sport. But having the right pickleball shoes is key to enjoying the game comfortably and safely. The wrong type of shoe can lead to sliding around the court or developing foot pain and injuries.
Are You looking for the best pickleball shoes?
After months of exhaustive research, I present all available options to both men and women players – indoor or outdoor play, wide or flat feet or ankle support, I cover it all. From brands like Babolat, K-Swiss to Asics, Fila, Tyrol, Head, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, and Xero Shoes I review everything.
In particular, I explore differences between tennis shoes and pickleball sneakers; my reviews reflect both personal experiences/preferences as well as feedback from fellow pickleball players sharing similar preferences or dislikes.
Top 12 Best Pickleball Shoes For Indoor And Outdoor Play
Adidas Men’s Solematch Control Tennis Shoe
Adidas has been a leading brand in athletic footwear for many years. Although the Adidas
SoleMatch Control Tennis Shoes were originally created for tennis courts, they work just as
well on pickleball courts. This pickleball shoe comes in different color schemes, including
stylish black, green, Black/Black/Lucid Fuchsia. It is designed for hard play. This pickleball
shoe has a durable court outsole that features a herringbone design for better traction. It
also includes a 3-D-molded heel to ensure a snug fit.
The pickleball shoes I recommend for men have a mesh upper with an airy design that
promotes ventilation, keeping your feet blister-free and dry. They also feature a durable
rubber sole.
Key Features
● Sturdy rubber sole
● Utilising mesh textile and synthetic upper materials
● Offers extra comfort through the soft textile lining
● An ultra-cushioned textile insole for optimal support
● easy lace-up construction for effortless wearability
Babolat Men’s Jet Mach 3
Babolat’s expertise is the tennies shoes that are the result of years of observation,
innovation and testing, as well as working with partners and renowned brands, including
Michelin, for high-quality soles that ensure maximum durability and Chamatex, for fabrics
made from Aramid fibers or high-tenacity Polyamide.
Key Features
● Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sole
● Matryx Evo is made with PAHT and Aramid fibers for ultra-lightweight designs without
compromising stability
● KPRSX shock-absorption system for shock absorption; flexible EVA foam in the heel
area for ease of wearability and rocker for easier movements are among other key
elements for easy wearability
● Michelin Premium Technology recently revamped its sole for increased durability,
featuring OrthoLite insoles
● Comfort and breathability, along with fabrics patented by Babolat & Chamatex
guarantee top performance and endurance
FitVille Men‘s Wide Pickleball Shoes
The FitVille Men’s Wide Pickleball Shoes are specifically designed for the fast-paced game of pickleball, with features that support quick lateral movements and shock absorption.
These shoes have a wide toe box that allows your feet to spread naturally when moving side to side. This helps prevent jammed toes and blisters while changing directions rapidly on the pickleball court. The wider design also accommodates those with wider feet who need more room in the toe area.
The outsoles use a durable gum rubber compound to handle frequent pivoting without wearing down too quickly. The patterned tread provides reliable traction on indoor and outdoor pickleball surfaces.
For cushioning, these shoes contain a lightweight EVA midsole to absorb impact. This helps reduce stress on your joints when running and jumping for shots. The insole is removable so you can insert your own custom orthotic if needed.
The upper uses a combination of mesh fabric and synthetic leather. The mesh allows airflow to keep your feet cool and dry during active games. The synthetic leather overlays add durability in high wear areas.
FitVille designed these shoes specifically for pickleball, rather than simply re-branding a tennis or court shoe. From the wider toe box to the cushioning system, every element aims to support pickleball play.
Key Features
● Suede & fabric upper with rubber sole
● Versatile, sporty and stylish all-in-one package
● Mesh and microfiber for freshness
● Ideal for people with wider feet
If you’re looking for a shoe made specifically for the rigors of pickleball, the FitVille Men’s Wide Pickleball Shoes are a great option. They offer the combination of comfort, support, and durability that pickleball players need.
K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe
The K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe is designed specifically for the fast-paced sport of pickleball. This lightweight performance shoe allows competitive players to move quickly and efficiently on the court.
A key feature of the Pickleball Supreme is its wider toe box. This gives your toes room to spread naturally when planting your foot or changing directions rapidly. The mesh upper is also engineered to be breathable, keeping your feet cooler during active play.
The outsole uses K-Swiss’s trademarked DragGuard rubber compound, which grips pickleball court surfaces tenaciously. You’ll be able to stop and start smoothly, maintaining stability during shots. The texture of the sole also prevents dust and debris from clinging excessively.
Cushioning comes from an EVA midsole tuned to absorb the impact of sprints and jumps. This protects your joints by reducing shock that can lead to pain and injuries. The sockliner is removable so you can insert custom orthotics if needed.
K-Swiss added strategically placed overlays on the upper for extra support. The synthetic leather protects high abrasion areas for extended durability. The overlays also provide lateral stability when moving side to side.
The Pickleball Supreme fits the foot securely thanks to its lace-up closure and padded tongue and collar. The designers optimized everything from the outsole traction to the toe box width specifically for pickleball play.
Key Features
● Rubber sole, 180 PSC (Plantar Support Chassis), for midfoot stabilization
● High-density rubber Outsole for Extra Durability
● Ideal for high-wear areas to extend outsole life and preserve them longer
● offers protection and flexibility
● Lightweight cushioning that helps deliver energy back
For intermediate and advanced players seeking a lightweight, breathable, and durable shoe for pickleball, the K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme is an excellent choice. From its traction to its roomy toe box, it’s engineered for peak pickleball performance.
Babolat Women’s Propulse Blast AC Tennis Shoes
Designed for aggressive players, the Babolat Women’s Propulse Blast AC tennis shoes provide the speed and stability needed for hard court play.
The Matryx upper on the Propulse Blast AC uses Kevlar fibers woven into the material for exceptional abrasion resistance. The Kevlar helps the shoes maintain structural integrity even after hours of play on rough hard court surfaces. Strategically placed perforations offer ventilation to keep feet cool.
Underfoot, Babolat’s Michelin OCS2 outsole compound provides a balance of control and traction. The tread pattern grips the court well for starting, stopping, and changing directions quickly. The outsole also features enhanced cushioning in the forefoot to absorb impact from abrupt halts and lunges.
The Propulse Blast contains a number of Babolat technologies to boost performance. The Active Cushioning system positions cushioning pods strategically under pressure points. This absorbs shock and reduces fatigue in the feet and legs. Powered by SRT2 Energizing foam, the cushioning retains its lively feel over time.
An Integrated Ergonomic Fit construction wraps the foot in a snug but non-restricting way. The seamless interior helps prevent irritation while lockdown pads anchor the heel and midfoot securely.
Weighing just over 11 ounces, the Propulse Blast AC maintains a lightweight, speed-optimized profile. The low-profile design aligns the foot close to the court for enhanced stability and response.
Key Features
● Rubber sole Parchet
● Pulse Blast Power Straps provide additional support
● KPRS-X protects heels against impact
● Michelin-developed soles specifically adapted to different court types
● Two strong midfoot straps designed to offer support lateral footwork exercises
● Cushioning EVA insert under the heel for shock protection
The Propulse Blast AC is a good choice for pickleball players, especially those who are looking for a durable and supportive shoe.
K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
The K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball shoe provides the quickness and support female players need on the pickleball court. Weighing just 8.4 ounces, the Express Light maintains a feather-light feel to enhance speed and mobility.
The low-profile design keeps the foot close to the surface for stability when moving laterally. The full-length K-EVA midsole supplies responsive cushioning to absorb impact during play. An Ortholite sockliner wicks moisture and inhibits odor-causing bacteria for a drier, fresher in-shoe feel.
The Express Light Pickleball features a DRAGGUARD rubber outsole optimized for traction on indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The patterned tread grips aggressively during quick stops, starts, and direction changes. An EVA crash pad under the forefoot protects against shock from abrupt halts and sprints.
The mesh upper includes strategically placed synthetic leather overlays for structure and durability. The combination of mesh and overlays provides lateral support while allowing airflow to keep feet cool. Padding around the collar locks down the heel comfortably.
For female players who rely on speed, the K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoe delivers enhanced mobility without sacrificing cushioning or traction. The ultra-lightweight build caters to a fast-paced game.
Best Pickleball Shoe for Stability | ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes
With its solid rubber outsole and Rearfoot GEL Cushioning system, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 supplies exceptional lateral stability for pickleball play. The low-profile design keeps the foot close to the court to aid quick position changes and reaction time.
The NC Rubber outsole compound provides durable traction even on rough outdoor surfaces. Flex grooves facilitate natural movement in the forefoot. A Trusstic System plate adds torsional stability for smooth weight transfers.
In the upper, a combination of mesh, synthetics, and overlays provides structured support while allowing airflow. A padded tongue and collar enhance comfort and fit.
For female players wanting a stability-focused shoe, the Gel-Rocket 9 has proven cushioning and traction systems to support solid footing during pickleball play. It sustains comfort through long days of competition.
Best Value Pickleball Shoe | Tyrol Women’s Drive-V Pro Series Pickleball Shoe
Tyrol designed the Drive-V Pro expressly for the lateral motions and quick footwork of pickleball. The upper combines a lightweight mesh with durable synthetic overlays in high wear areas. Meta-Rocker technology encourages a natural gait cycle.
A full-length compression molded EVA midsole provides responsive shock absorption for comfort. The midsole shape includes Ergo-5 technology to match the contours of the foot.
The outsole utilizes Tyrol’s non-marking, high abrasion rubber compound to maintain traction. Under the forefoot, a crash pad helps absorb shock from abrupt stops. The outsole patterns are optimized specifically for indoor or outdoor pickleball.
Weighing just 11 ounces, the Drive-V Pro maintains quickness and mobility. From the traction pattern to the compression midsole, every component aims to enhance pickleball play.
Prince T22 White/Silver Women’s Shoes
The Prince T22 pickleball shoe offers ample cushioning and shock absorption to keep feet comfortable during extended play. The shoe contains Prince’s ShockEraser technology in the heel and forefoot to protect against impact. An EVA midsole provides a responsive feel and durable cushioning.
The full-grain leather upper resists abrasion on the court. Overlays support the medial and lateral sides during rigorous lateral motions. A wider fit in the toe box gives toes room to splay for stability. The herringbone-patterned outsole grips both indoor and outdoor courts reliably.
The plush cushioning system makes the Prince T22 a top choice for all-day comfort. It provides smooth heel-to-toe transitions and keeps feet fresher for longer.
ACACIA Women’s Corrine Carr Signature Edition Pickleball Shoe – Most Responsive
Designed with input from pro player Corrine Carr, the Acacia Signature Edition pickleball shoe emphasizes responsiveness. A Pebax propulsion plate provides energy return with each step for enhanced quickness. Acacia tuned the FlexFrame chassis to facilitate smooth footwork.
Underfoot, a full-length compression molded EVA midsole absorbs shock while feeling lively. Acacia placed its SoftLanding cushioning pods under the heel and forefoot for targeted shock absorption.
The outsole utilizes the brand’s RazorThin technology, with strategically placed lugs to grab and release the court surface quickly. The partial bootie upper integrates with the exoskeleton chassis for seamless support.
For players wanting unmatched responsiveness, the Corrine Carr Signature Edition has technologies dialed in for fast reaction time on the court. It feels like an extension of your foot for agile play.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Shoes – Most Versatile
Built for versatility across playing styles, the Wilson Rush Pro Ace provides well-rounded performance. An EVA midsole delivers cushioning while a TPU chassis adds stability for lateral motions. Wilson placed R-DST+ foam under the heel for strategically focused shock absorption.
The upper combines breathable mesh with durable synthetics in high wear areas. Overlays support fast direction changes. The shoe also has a wider fit through the forefoot to accommodate orthotic inserts if needed.
Outsole tread patterns are tailored for different courts – indoor, outdoor, or mixed use. This allows customizing traction based on where you play most. Weighing just 12 ounces, the Rush Pro Ace maintains excellent mobility.
With its blend of stability, cushioning, and support, the Wilson Rush Pro Ace can adapt across playing environments. It’s a great choice as a versatile all-court pickleball shoe.
Skechers Viper Court Outdoor Pickleball Shoes – Most Durable
The Skechers Viper Court stands out with exceptional durability to withstand hardcore pickleball play. The leather and synthetic upper resists scuffs, abrasion, and damage from court contact. Stabilizing overlays provide structured lateral support during abrupt motions.
A padded collar and tongue enhance ankle comfort, while breathable mesh lining wicks moisture. The full-contact rubber outsole uses a W shape traction pattern to grip outdoor courts optimally.
Inside, a lightweight and responsive ULTRA GO midsole cushioning system absorbs shock. A comfortable Air Cooled Goga Mat insole enhances cushioning. Weighing 14 ounces, the Viper Court maintains stability for intense play.
For players wanting a shoe that sustains top performance even after months of regular use, the Skechers Viper Court is built to last. It combines plush comfort with technologies to prevent wear and tear.
There you have it – a detailed breakdown of 12 top-tier pickleball shoes for 2023. Whether you desire lightweight speed, durable cushioning, or enhanced stability, there’s a shoe here dialed in for your game. Give your feet the edge they need to reach that next level of competitive play!