The Best Pickleball Shoes for Dinks, Drives and More | Gear Patrol (2024)

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Unless you’ve been hibernating in the gym for the past few years, you’re probably aware of one of the biggest crazes of the day — pickleball. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and paddleball, this fun and engaging sport has grown a massive following thanks to its approachable nature and varied levels of competition.

Additionally, pickleball continues to rise in popularity given its low equipment requirements. All you really need for a quick rally amongst friends is a few balls, some well-to-do racquets and a comfortable fit. Yet still, there’s ways to improve your game by swapping out your gear for more dedicated silhouettes, and that’s definitely the notion at hand when it comes to your footwear.

Pickleball shoes can elevate your play by creating a comfortable yet effective underfoot experience with ample grip and traction on court surfaces. Sure, you can learn the ropes of the game with your dedicated running shoes, but if you dream of commanding the kitchen or striding for that game-winning dink, you’ll want your sneakers to be on par with the sport at hand.

How We Tested

Ben Emminger

Pickleball’s been on my radar for quite some time, and there’s a plethora of courts in my area. As such, I took to these kitchens and service areas with a handful of these top-performing shoes, highlighting how grippy and supportive my steps felt mid-play. Like other court-based games, your footwear should feature enough traction and lateral stability to facilitate fast-twitch movements, so these were main points of emphasis in each rally.

Additionally, I noted how breathable and comfortable each profile felt on-foot, because there’s no sense in getting lost in the sport if your feet are left cramped or sweaty after just a few serves. Finally, I looked at each sneaker’s price point, because while there is an upper echelon of pickleball players, I still feel the activity is more of an everyman’s game and therefore shouldn’t be too much of a hit on your wallet, at least for budding enthusiasts.

Ready to get your infatuation with one of today’s most popular sports started on the right foot? Let’s lace up and get right into our curated guide.

Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court

Dick’s Sporting Goods

BEST OVERALL PICKLEBALL SHOE

Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court

• $74.97 at Dick's Sporting Goods

  $148.99(50% off)

Stepping onto the court in these impressive sneakers shows you mean business. Thanks to a wider forefoot that increases ground contact and sleek profile built for speed, the Jet Mach 3s are my favorite sneakers for pickleball. I appreciate the unique KPRSX cushioning system that’s boosted with a shock-absorbing EVA foam. Granted, the more performance-based design can leave your feet more tired than not after a day’s worth of games, but for a quick match or two, it can help take some of that sting out of harsher landings.

The Babolat Jet Mach 3s also feature Michelin Premium technology across the outsole for improved durability, and tread is bigger and thicker in key areas prone to wear. This means that for as long as you’re invested in the sport, these kicks should be there to support your game.

New Balance Coco CG1

New Balance

BEST UPGRADE PICKLEBALL SHOE

New Balance Coco CG1

• $169.99 at New Balance

Serving as the brand’s first signature profile for tennis star Coco Gauff, these kicks definitely don’t lack any style. Looks aside, the Coco CG1s are plenty effective in upgrading your game, too, thanks to a mid cut that adds some much-appreciated ankle support. Additionally, I appreciate the present tackiness across the NDurance rubber outsole, although athletes that prefer sliding out of shots may want a less grippy experience.

Ben Emminger

In side-to-side cuts, I had no issues with support and stability, which I attribute to the Saddle gore band that helps maintain that locked-in vibe. Despite this snug and confident fit, I feel as if the shoes showcase ample flexibility and don’t take long to break in. The one caveat with these stylish sneakers, though, is their lack of breathability. Taking on multiple games under clear skies and sunlight could leave your socks sopping after the final volley, so it may be best to keep a spare pair of stockings in-tote for the ride or walk home.

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler

wilson

BEST BUDGET PICKLEBALL SHOE

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler

• $99.00 at wilson.com

While this pickleball shoe from Wilson isn’t the cheapest model in this roundup, I believe it’s the best of the bunch when it comes to combining performance and cost-effectiveness. The Rush Pro Ace Picklers showcase a wider toe box for a more accommodating fit, and the 4D Support Chassis can work wonders in improving control and stability through on-court pivots. Plus, the R-DST+ midsole foam adds great comfort and energy return to your steps, which keeps you on your toes more during play without too much of an aggressive feel.

Ben Emminger

As great as the Rush Pro Ace Picklers are in gameplay, they do leave something to be desired when it comes to aesthetics. This isn’t to say the upper and color combinations look bad, but there’s only two hues to choose from — White and Blue or Black and Red. Those wanting a more vibrant get-up for kitchen duty may need to look elsewhere (and spend a few extra dollars in the process).

Nike NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2

Nike

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PICKLEBALL SHOE

Nike NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2

• $120.00 at Nike

For athletes that prioritize speed and quickness on the court, consider these sleek and fast sneakers from Nike. The Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2s build off their predecessor with a new Air Zoom unit in the forefoot. This added tech helps create even more responsiveness underfoot to keep you nimble and moving forward as you chase down those dillballs.

These impressive Nike shoes also boast a full-length foot frame along the lateral side of the shoe, which can bolster your stability during those fast-twitch movements. As other athletes have noted, though, the outsole does favor playing styles with ample toe drags and slides. As such, you may need to take it easy on your first few outings until you learn how to unlock all the speedy performance this shoe has to offer.

FitVille Amadeus Tennis and Pickleball Court Shoes v3

Amazon

BEST PICKLEBALL SHOE FOR WIDE FEET

FitVille Amadeus Tennis and Pickleball Court Shoes v3

• $69.99 at Amazon

Have a wide foot and struggle to find kicks that fit your frame? These FitVille pickleball shoes only come in wide and extra-wide sizes, all while delivering quality traction and stability day in and day out. The anti-torsion design can be great in supporting those quick cross-court movements, and there’s plenty of comfort within thanks to an ergonomic Ortholite insole.

The Amadeus V3s also feature a unique anti-odor technology, which can be a definite convenience after those hard-fought days serving up dinks and drives. The upper is also breathable enough to keep your feet cool during play, but I do wish there was a little more flexibility in the build overall. These can feel somewhat rigid when worn, but for those wanting max stability and support in a wide profile, I guess you can sacrifice a little bit of maneuverability.

Skechers Viper Court Pro

Dick’s Sporting Goods

BEST PICKLEBALL SHOE FOR ARCH SUPPORT

Skechers Viper Court Pro

• $58.97 at Dick's Sporting Goods

  $109.99(46% off)

If you’re looking for a pickleball shoe with premium arch support, then why not go with the silhouette developed with 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans? The Viper Court Pros from Skechers showcase a unique, podiatrist-approved design highlighted by the brand’s patented Arch Fit insole system that molds to your foot and cradles each step in a bed of support and comfort. This tech marries well to the TPU midfoot shank and sturdy upper for a fit that’s near unbeatable.

Ben Emminger

I say near unbeatable in this instance, though, because while there’s a lot to love about the Viper Court Pros’s fit, there’s something to be desired when it comes to responsiveness. I was able to cut and slide handedly in games where intensity was muted, but for those instances where aggressiveness was needed, I would have preferred a little more energy return from the Ultra Flight midsole tech. This could just be my lack of pickleball experience at play, though, since many of the game’s top athletes rely on these Skechers to help them dominate the court.

Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour AC

Courtesy

BEST PICKLEBALL SHOE FOR ANKLE SUPPORT

Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour AC

• $140.00 at mizunousa.com

I really enjoy this Mizuno silhouette for ankle stability thanks to the proprietary Dyna-Heel Lock. As you tighten the laces, the heel counter begins to hug your Achilles more creating exceptional lockdown and support. Additionally, the 3D-Solid upper creates a stable frame across the top of your foot with enough flexibility to support those agile attacks toward the net. I also don’t believe this synthetic overlay would cause the shoe to run hot, as there’s plenty of cut-outs to support worthwhile breathability.

The Wave Enforce Tour ACs are another mid-cut court shoe, and the overall geometry does lend itself to increased play on the balls of your feet. This can be great for keeping a nimble presence in your game, but the higher stack height may leave some wanting a little more court feel in each approach. It may be difficult to find that sense of contact for some through all the impressive layers underneath.

Asics Gel-Renma

Asics

BEST PICKLEBALL SHOE FOR OUTDOOR COURTS

Asics Gel-Renma

• $85.00 at Asics

For those enjoyable outdoor games, these Asics sneakers are prime for performance. I enjoy how much the brand takes athlete comfort and support into consideration with the Gel-Renmas, highlighted by a Trusstic midsole technology designed to help limit excessive twisting during movement. Plus, these pickleball shoes also feature the brand’s signature Gel technology in the forefoot, which is a favorite of mine for its impeccable ability to absorb shock and limit strains across the joints upon impact.

As outdoor-ready as the Gel-Renmas are, however, it does pay dividends to check the forecast before hitting the local park. For one, the synthetic leather upper looks great and can help boost the shoe’s durability, but that sturdiness does not give way to ample breathability. If your conditions are hot and humid, expect to sweat in these otherwise trusty kicks.

Acacia Hypershot II

Courtesy

BEST PICKLEBALL SHOE FOR INDOOR COURTS

Acacia Hypershot II

• $89.99 at holabirdsports.com

  $99.99(10% off)

When taking your game onto hardwood or synthetic surfaces, you don’t want your kicks to leave you slipping and sliding through shots. These sleek profiles from Acacia Sports take these flooring options to heart, providing excellent traction and control through the non-marking, anti-wear gum rubber outsole. Additionally, the Hypershot IIs boast an elevated heel which places your foot in an ideal position for confident steps from start to finish.

The Acacia Hypershot IIs are also available in unisex sizing, which can be viewed in one of two ways. If you’re just looking for a well-to-do pair of indoor pickleball shoes, this versatility can be an added perk. If you’re looking for that premier fit that caters to your specific size, you may need to opt for a more specialized cut.

Fila Volley Zone

Dick’s Sporting Goods

BEST PICKLEBALL SHOE FOR WOMEN

Fila Volley Zone

• $109.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Not only can these Volley Zone pickleball shoes help you stand out amongst the crowd thanks to vibrant and energetic colorways, but the built-in design elements are prime for taking over the court. I appreciate the forefoot circle pivot area along the outsole, which lends itself to quick changes of direction, similar to what you’d find in worthwhile basketball shoes. Additionally, the high-abrasion toe cap helps increase the sneaker’s durability and can withstand the occasional slide or toe drag for game-winning shots.

The Film Volley Zones also boast a TPU midfoot shank for underfoot stability, but moving up the profile can showcase less sturdiness. Due to the lower profile of this kick, you’re less likely to experience the same level of support at the ankle. For athletes that desire a more locked-in, stable frame, I suggest opting for a taller silhouette that supports this joint more.

How to Choose Pickleball Shoes

Outsole Traction

Your pickleball shoes should be grippy enough to create a secure step across your court of choice. This can help you maintain form through each shot without slipping and sliding excessively. Look for pickleball sneakers with multi-directional tread across the outsole, as this pattern can lend itself to the fast-paced, side-to-side movements of the sport.

Additionally, it can help to have pickleball shoes with a wider footprint. Not only can this better ground your steps and foot placement in your form, but also creates a wider surface area for the outsole to create friction during fast-twitch movements. If your shoe is too narrow across the footprint, you could have less tread to grab hold of the court, leading to errant slides.

Support

Pickleball shoes should be a nice blend of flex and rigidity. You want your steps and strides to be unhindered as you control the court, yet there needs to be some sturdiness across the profile to withstand the sudden stops and pivots. Support and stability can also come from your sneaker’s midsole construction that essentially creates a “wall” along the medial and lateral sides of the foot. This can help create a more locked-in feel, especially when shuffling from side-to-side in the confines of a pickleball court.

Comfort and Breathability

There’s few instances in a pickleball game where you’re standing still, so to help ensure gameplay is as comfortable as possible, try and find a pickleball shoe that features a healthy amount of cushioning. The plush foam doesn’t need to be excessive, as this can begin to weigh down your feet and create that “clunky” sensation underfoot, but there should be some padding to get you through each volley.

Additionally, movement means sweat regardless of playing indoors or outdoors, so to help keep your feet from that swampy sock aesthetic, look for profiles offering ample breathability across the upper. Mesh materials and other synthetics are optimal, yet can sacrifice durability in the long run. Leather and thicker textiles can be great for extended wear, but can immediately turn up the temps inside. In the end, be sure to weigh your own preferences and wants before ultimately deciding on a silhouette.

Durability

Thanks to the constant motion, hard stops and occasional slide or toe drag, pickleball shoes are put through plenty of wear and tear from top to bottom. As such, it’s important to look for durable components across the profile, including hearty outsoles and high-quality uppers. These features can help extend the longevity of your footwear, helping you enjoy the game longer before needing to make a replacement purchase.

Pickleball Shoes Vs. Tennis Shoes

You may have noticed that a few of the above picks technically classify as pickleball shoes. While these premium profiles indicate that tennis shoes and pickleball shoes are one in the same, that actually isn’t the case.

For one, pickleball shoes often feature a tread pattern specific to the game at hand, and while tennis shoes can feature a worthwhile outsole that plays well in both activities, it isn’t the standard. Additionally, you’ll often find that pickleball shoes feature a roomier, more comfortable fit than tennis shoes since the pace of play is somewhat slowed down. So, there’s no need for that cramped, locked-in aesthetic. Finally, tennis shoes often boast a more rigid upper construction to help keep them more durable across the wider court and extra movement. Pickleball shoes can get away with being a little more flexible and breathable.

If you’re just looking for a profile to elevate your weekend festivities, then both pickleball shoes or tennis shoes can suffice. If you’re looking to hone your craft in one discipline or the other, you may be better off with a silhouette designed specifically for your intended sport.

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