10 Best Pickleball Shoes to Help Improve Your Game
In a pickle about which shoe to choose? We got you.
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Whether you know the rules of pickleball like the back of your hand or are just jumping on the bandwagon, investing in a pair of pickleball shoes can make a big difference, says Katy Luxem, founder of Big Dill Pickleball Co. Ditch your running shoes and slip on a pair pickleball shoes before placing your pickleball paddle in your pickleball bag (say that three times fast). But before you can head out to play, make sure you find shoes that fit.
Pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab teamed up with pickleball experts to find the best pickleball shoes of 2024. We researched almost two dozen styles and landed on the following top-rated picks from popular brands like Nike and New Balance.
Our top picks:
We evaluate a variety of sneakers for on and off court play, including the best tennis shoes for women and men. When researching pickleball shoes, we spoke with avid pickleball players to learn about their favorites, as well as read online reviews from brands we've previously tested. To help narrow down our list, we paid close attention to material, durability and price, so you can find a pair that matches your budget. Comfort, fit and style all play a part in the game too, so we made sure to look at those features as well.
Read on to learn more about the best pickleball shoes, as well as answers to your FAQs. For more worthy pickleball gift ideas and top-performing products, we recommend checking out our guide to the best exercise dresses to revamp your athletic wardrobe.
Sketchers Women's Viper Court Pro Pickleball Sneaker
Pros
- Can wear indoors and outdoors
- Cushioned midsole and removable insole
- Machine washable
Cons
- One shopper found the shoes to be too flat
Nick Mastropasqua is the manager at Hearst's gym, theCLUB, and is an avid pickleball player. The Viper Court Pros are his favorite shoes and the style he wears while playing. Mastropasqua recommends them for indoor and outdoor use, and likes that the shoes provide great stability for lateral movements on the court. He also finds them to be a durable option, which we appreciate too as pickleball shoes like these are often over $100. That's why you want to make sure they'll last long and be worth the investment.
Other standout features include a removable insole for extra comfort when you need it, as well as a cushioned midsole for support. We also appreciate the mesh lining for breathability and that you can machine wash the sneakers to keep them clean. Online five-star reviews find the shoes comfortable, although one shopper notes that the shoes felt a little flat.
Upper: Synthetic | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: Not listed
Wilson Men's Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Shoes
Pros
- Breathable, flexible design
- Large bumper toes
- Bouncy outsole
Cons
- Shoppers note that they can run a bit narrow
Designed specifically for pickleball courts, the Rush Pro Ace are lightweight and breathable with a flexible midsole with impact cushioning to improve stability and allow for more controlled movements. The cushioned pair is nice and bouncy, too, which helps when you need to hop up to the net to hit a difficult drop shot. We also like that this pair has big rubber bumper toes on the front to keep the shoes in tip-top condition longer.
The functional design features don't end there, though. There is extra padding in the ankle area and under the tongue for extra comfort. We also appreciate that the shoes are constructed with durability in mind, without sacrificing a lightweight design. Satisfied shoppers recommend these shoes to players, although note that the fit may be too narrow for some. Still, one five-star review says "they are keepers" and another adds: "Played one session on the court and excellent results."
Upper: Synthetic | Outsole: Synthetic | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: 12 oz
Pros
- Wide toe box for roomy fit
- Fun, simple colors
- Memory foam shock absorption
Cons
- Some shoppers note less durability
Acacia is a family-run company that is known to sell shoes and accessories for more niche sports, explains Lydia Hirt, Chief Marketing Officer of CityPickle. "They were early to the pickleball-specific space, and their shoes are supportive and have a wider toe box than others I’ve worn," adds Hirt. That said, these shoes can be great if you want a roomier fit or have wider feet. "They also offer vibrant colors to bring personality to your footwear and have 'pickleball' on the shoe," says Hirt. We love the neon yellow dashes on this blue pair (pictured), but you can choose other colors, including a bold red and simple gray.
While Hurt most often goes for the Dink Shot line, you can browse the brand's entire pickleball inventory. The unisex style we've included here features reinforced ankle support and memory foam for shock absorption. Five-star reviews say the shoes are comfortable, but some shoppers find that the shoes didn't last as long as they were hoping.
Upper: Polymer microfiber | Outsole: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: 2 lbs
Fila Women's Volley Zone Shoes
Pros
- Herringbone rubber outsole provides good traction
- Comfortable and cute style
- Stable shank
Cons
- Some shoppers find them not as durable
You can machine wash these Fila pickleball shoes for easy cleaning — a great perk when it comes to helping the bright white color last. Our textiles experts highlight the herringbone rubber outsole that not only lends traction on the court, but is meant to improve durability too. The plastic midfoot shank provides stability, which is great if you're a beginner pickleball player. One five-star review writes, "I am fussy about my sneakers and these are not only comfortable but stylish," while another satisfied shopper agrees and adds: "My game is better too." Some customers do note that they didn't find the shoes to be super durable, although that may be expected with a less expensive pair compared to $100 and up styles.
Upper: Synthetic | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: Not listed
Nike Men's Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Rafa Tennis Shoes
Pros
- Aesthetic appearance looks good on the court
- Comfortable insole
- Stable shoe
Cons
- Some shoppers find that they run narrow
Not only are these hard court shoes super sleek looking with the iconic swoosh and neon green ridges along the bottom, but Mastropasqua finds them to have a very comfortable insole. Named after professional tennis player Rafael Nadal ("Rafa"), these pickleball shoes have a bevy of beneficial features, including lacing that wraps around your foot for extra support. Mastropasqua does note, however, that the shoes wear down faster. While this lowers the overall value of the pickleball shoes, if you only play pickleball (or tennis) on hard surfaces, then the investment may be worth it.
Another pickleball player leaves a glowing a five-star review writing, "Great support and stability for my foot, very comfortable and I like the traction I get with quick movements side to side and forwards/backward." Other players do find that the shoes can run narrow, though.
RELATED: The Best Nike Shoes for Women, Reviewed by Sneaker Experts
Upper: Not listed | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: 12 oz
ASICS Women's Gel-Challenger 14 Tennis Shoes
Pros
- GEL technology improves shock absorption
- Durable toe protector
- Ortholite liner
Cons
- One Amazon review notes the shoes can be stiff
These pickleball shoes by ASICS are another great option for players with wider feet. Mastropasqua did find the shoes to be very durable and responsive, both important traits if you are frequent player looking for shoes that help with seamless transitions. You could even use these shoes for light jogging, adds Mastropasqua, making them a versatile pair. One Amazon shopper did find the shoes to be a bit stiff, though.
We like the rearfoot GEL technology (hence the name), which improves shock absorption so you experience a softer feeling upon impact. The toe protector also keeps the shoes protected from scruff marks, and an ortholite liner adds support for long games. At under $100, you're getting a whole bunch of design features that can benefit various activities — we call that a good deal.
Upper: Polyester | Outsole: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: 30 oz
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Lav V2
Pros
- Come in regular and wide sizes
- Extra heel cushioning
- High ankle collar
Cons
- Some may find collar height uncomfortable
This multi-colored shoe, available in eight colorways, has plenty of cushioning in the heel for those who need a little bit of extra support. Not to mention, the shoes have a high collar to help keep your ankle locked in place — a great feature for anyone who struggles with stability, especially when darting around during a volley. The downside, though, is that some may find the high collar irritating.
A breathable mesh upper will help keep your feet cool on warm days on the court. We also appreciate the toe drag tip for extra protection and durability while you are moving around the court. You can choose from regular and wide sizes. In fact, one satisfied shopper writes: "Best so far for wide feet. Lightweight, comfortable, roomy toe box, great for lateral movement and fast direction changes."
RELATED: The Best New Balance Shoes for Every Lifestyle
Upper: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: Not listed
K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoes
Pros
- Added plantar stability
- Highly durable
- Liner adds comfort
Cons
- Online shoppers note a break-in period
These lightweight pickleball shoes boasts a 180º thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis meant to improve stability, plus have an ortholite sock liner to keep feet cool and sweat-free in the process. Also nice: A high-density outsole, complete with a DURAWRAP cover that minimizes toe dragging during swift movements on the court. Our textile pros like that the shoes have extra protection in high-use areas to improve abrasion resistance.
The shoes have over 1,600 Amazon ratings with pickleball players agreeing these are great shoes that fit well and feel comfortable. One happy shopper writes: "I have had plantar fasciitis for years. I play pickleball and was in pain every time I played. This is the first time my feet do not hurt while playing." Consumers do note that there can be blisters the first couple times you wear them.
Upper: Not listed | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: Not listed
Babolat Men's Jet Mach 3 Tennis Shoes
Pros
- Shock-absorbing
- Flexible yet supportive
- Designed with quick movements in mind
Cons
- Shoppers find the shoes can not last as long
Babolat may not be as well known as other brands like Nike or New Balance, but Mindy Gibson, a pro at Life Time South Jordan in Utah, says you shouldn't sleep on this pair. They offer great support, thanks to a unique cushioning system called KPRSX. It's designed with more elasticity to support quick movements, yet still offer the support you need for improved stability on the court.
The lightweight shoes also feature a rocker heel to help you start and stop on a dime. It's built with a special shock-absorbing EVA foam pad that may help relieve stress on your joints. Meanwhile a durable outsole is meant to improve longevity, although some shoppers find the shoes start to wear down after 1 to 2 months of purchasing. However, others find that the shoes can last over 6 months, so it may come down to how often you play.
Upper: Not listed | Outsole: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: 24 oz
FitVille Women's Wide Width Court Shoes
Pros
- Wider silhouette with room for insoles
- Anti-odor technology
- Can use indoor or outdoors
Cons
- One review notes the shoes can be stiff
Finding the right sneakers — pickleball or otherwise — can be a tall task for those with wide feet, but this pair is more than accommodating. The supportive shoes have a generous silhouette that has ample room all around for wider feet. While the ortholite cushioning already provides cushioning, you can easily slip your own custom insoles inside. Our shoe experts appreciate the durable EVA foam cushioning and rubber outsole to help with shock absorption.
Despite this design, the pair isn't too cumbersome on the foot. The soft mesh upper is more breathable than it looks. The pair even has a special anti-odor technology to help keep your feet cooler and cleaner. We appreciate the non-slip design that means you can play indoors or outdoors — improving the overall value of these affordable pickleball shoes. One Amazon shopper did find the shoes to be a bit too stiff, though.
Upper: Mesh, microfiber | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Weight: 24 oz
How we chose the best pickleball shoes
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test every activity-based shoes from the best rollerblades to the best spin shoes. While our textiles pros are hoping to expand our categorial research in pickleball shoes, for now, we collaborated with frequent pickleball players and three experts to gather input on popular brands. When choosing which shoes to include in this guide, we considered durability, fit, support, material and more. We scoured online reviews from consumers to see which pickleball shoes are comfortable to wear on the court.
What to look for when shopping for the best pickleball shoes
A regular pair of shoes is fine for beginners playing recreationally, but as you grow into the sport, you'll want to consider the following, says Gibson:
✔️ Support: Look for shoes designed with a strong outsole and a supportive EVA foam midsole. These features help ensure maximum support during fast lateral movements pickleball players make. Typically, these types of shoes are wider and sturdier looking than your average running shoe.
✔️ Traction: To minimize your chances of slipping — especially if you tend to play on indoor courts fashioned on basketball courts — look for a shoe that has an outsole constructed of strong rubber. You'll also want to look for a detailed groove pattern to add traction.
✔️ Breathability: Particularly important if you plan to play outdoors in the heat, look for a pair of shoes with a lightweight mesh construction that promotes airflow around your foot. Some shoes even have special anti-odor technology that can help keep your feet sweat-free.
✔️ Surface: Playing indoors vs. outdoors will change the type of shoes you purchase. "Indoor shoes should have a strong outsole for grip on slick surfaces," says GH Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour. Meanwhile, outdoor shoes tend to be lighter weight and features more cushioning. If you're a beginner player, however, Seymour recommends focusing on finding a supportive and comfortable shoe with decent traction.
What is the difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?
Some brands may only make minor changes to its tennis and pickleball shoes, but most often a tennis shoe can also function on the pickleball court. However, if you are a pro player or often play pickleball ball (and haven't picked up a tennis racket in years), then you may benefit from investing in a pickleball shoe instead as they have a wider base for lateral movements. Unlike tennis, which can be played on different surfaces, pickleball typically takes place on an outdoor "sport court" surface, explains Hirt. "All pickleball shoes need good traction and tread for quick lateral movements," adds Hirt.
Can running shoes be used for pickleball?
Again, you don't necessarily need special shoes to play pickleball, but our experts say anyone who's playing the game a lot will benefit from a shoe that can endure the momentum of the sport. "Wearing running shoes, for example, may lead to injury, as they’re built for front-to-back motion and tend to be made of breathable, lightweight mesh," says Luxem.
The best pickleball shoes have plenty of traction and are highly supportive to keep you comfortable and secure during the quick and constant lateral motions the sport demands. "If you don’t want to buy pickleball-specific shoes, try to choose a court shoe made for tennis or even basketball or volleyball," says Luxem.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience writing about products, including apparel and fitness gear. She worked under the guidance of pickleball pros, as well as experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to research and review sneakers recommended in this story.
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with Lab experts to optimize product guides. She most recently updated this story to refresh our picks and incorporate even more input from pickleball expers. Elizabeth is by no means an advanced player, but she has picked up a pickleball paddle a few times.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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