The good thing about pickleball is that you don't need a lot of equipment to get you started. However, most players don't grasp that not having the right shoes can hold them back. This is why today we're looking at the best shoes for pickleball so that you can have all you need to need to ace your game.
Although there aren't many shoes designed specifically for pickleball, the best shoes are used for badminton, tennis, or volleyball. These shoes protect you from injury and allow you to give your full potential to the game without any holdbacks. Here are some of the top shoes for you.
1. K-Swiss Men's Express Shoe
- K-EVA: Special formula EVA to provide maximized cushioning and enhance durability of the midsole.
- ORTHOLITE: Sock liner providing moisture management with properties to keep feet cool and minimize...
- EVA: Cushioning and support under the sock liner.
- HEEL GRIP LINING: Made of interlocking fibers that grip the sock to minimize heel slippage
- 180 PSC PLANTAR: A 180 degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis that enhances mid-foot...
This is a shoe that is designed for pickleball. K-Swiss holds the record as the first brand to introduce court shoes designed specifically for pickleball. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and more and more players are looking for the right shoes.
These K-Swiss court shoes were made to give players like you a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoe. This pickleball court shoe supports your on-court movement and all the performance you need for the sport. It's an all-around shoe that is great for you whether you are a frequent pickleball player or a newcomer.
You'll love the K-Swiss Pickleball logo and the customised sock liner that's included on these shoes. These court shoes are great for hard court or clay court playing surfaces. The special formula EVA on this court shoe gives you maximum cushioning and durability of the midsole.
2. ASICS Men's Gel-Rocket 8 Volleyball Shoe
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System (COURT): Attenuates shock during impact phase.
- Trusstic System Technology: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural...
This ASICS men's gel rocket will serve you well as you play pickleball on outdoor pickleball courts. These best pickleball shoes for men are on the more expensive side of volleyball shoes but for a good reason. This pair of shoes is great for pickleball courts, thanks to its exceptional fit and enhanced traction.
This volleyball shoe has an upgraded shock-absorbing cushioning that is great for comfort, support and stability. These men's pickleball shoes are quality shoes that every player will appreciate. The shock absorption allows you to play on the pickleball court without worrying about injuries comfortably.
These ASICS gel rocket outdoor pickleball shoes can give the gel rocket 9 a run for its money. This pair of shoes is good for outdoor courts whether you are a beginner or intermediate court player. The trusstic system makes these pairs of pickleball shoes have great stability.
3. K-Swiss Women's Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe
- Textile/Molded Polyurethane/Synthetic Upper
- Textile Collar Lining
- Draggaurd Rubber & Aosta Rubber Outsole
- Molded Ortholite x40 Sockliner
- Lace Closure
K-Swiss Women's Hypercourt Express tennis shoe is designed to weigh about 11.5 ounces which are slightly heavier than other best pickleball shoes we've reviewed. Nonetheless, this does not in any way take away from their effectiveness. These best pickleball shoes for women were originally designed to be tennis shoes and are wide, especially in the toe.
This K-Swiss Women's Hypercourt Express tennis shoe can feel a bit clunky after you've played for an extended period. Nonetheless, this tennis shoe is perfect for you if you have a wide forefoot. However, if you have narrow feet, you may struggle with this tennis shoe as quick stops can make you jam your toes, thanks to the wide toe box.
This K-Swiss Hypercourt outdoor pickleball shoe comes in various colours that make playing all the more interesting. You can get colours such as bright and flashy lime yellow/raspberry combination or a muted grey and white combination. Your personal taste will determine which colour outdoor pickleball shoe you get. You could also choose a pair of pickleball shoes that match your apparel.
4. ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 8
- Get your heartbeat racing in lightweight and durable Gel-Rocket 8 volleyball shoe!
- Lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays provide structured support and comfort.
- Foam-padded collar and tongue.
- Breathable mesh lining and a cushioned footbed provide added cushioning.
- Traditional lacing closure for optimal fit. Molded-EVA midsole provide enhanced cushioning and shock...
These ASICS gel pickleball shoes have an exceptional fit, an upgraded, shock-absorbing cushioning, and enhanced traction. Initially designed for volleyball, these ASICS women's gel shoes are also great for playing. They are great for you, whether you are a beginner, expert, or intermediate court player.
These ASICS women's gel court shoes are lightweight and have gum rubber on their outsole for traction. These ASICS gel pickleball shoes are also very comfortable, thanks to their forefoot gel cushioning system. Intermediate court players will love these shoes that come at an entry-level price that is both affordable and suitable for this ASICS women's gel court shoe.
These shoes are breathable and have shock-absorbing support that allows you to serve without worrying about any injuries. The lightweight mesh and upper that features synthetic overlays provide you with comfort and structured support. These are some of the best women's pickleball shoes that are on the market.
5. ASICS Men's Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe
- 6-Month Outsole Warranty: Warranty against excessive outsole wear up to 6 months.
- Gender-Specific Cushioning: Women's models feature a lower-density top layer in the midsole,...
- Flexion Fit Upper: Proprietary upper which provides form fitting comfort without sacrificing...
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems: Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and...
- PGuard Toe Protector: Enhanced toe durability.
These ASICS men's gel pickleball shoes give you maximum stability thanks to their lower external heel counter and redesigned upper for midfoot comfort and support. The durable material used to make this ASICS men's gel pickleball shoe outsole makes this shoe resistant to wear and tear when you're out on the hardcourt.
These ASICS men's gel pickleball shoes are founded on the belief that health and fitness is the root of a healthy and happy lifestyle, and were designed to be tennis shoes. These pickleball shoes are a part of the brand's line of performance-driven athletic shoes. These best pickleball shoes, which are also tennis shoes, come with a six-month warranty against excessive outsole wear.
These court shoes are perfectly designed for your male feet and can also be used as tennis shoes. The proprietary upper provides you with form-fitting comfort while still ensuring that you get the best support as you play your game. These options are some of the best pickleball shoes for men and can't compare to any running shoes.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Pickleball Shoes
The characteristics of a good shoe are these factors that make it safe for you to move while playing pickleball. Let's look at some of them.
1. Thick Stiff Sole
While you play pickleball, you'll be running from point to point and jumping up and down. This means that quick movements can cause injuries and stress to your knees and feet if you aren't wearing the best pickleball shoes. Therefore, having a shoe that has a thick and stiff sole will provide your feet with support from these impacts.
A rubber sole is a great example of a thick stiff sole. A shoe with a rubber outsole will serve you well for both indoor and outdoor courts.
2. Solid Ankle Construction
Shoes to play pickleball need to have a solid ankle construction to give you the ankle support you need. If you've played pickleball for some time, you've probably noticed that the most common type of injury on the outdoor and indoor court is a twisted ankle.
This is because your is the most vulnerable part of your body while you play pickleball.
3. Light and Responsive Sole
In addition to being thick and stiff, you need to ensure that the sole under the ball of your foot is light and responsive. This will allow moving easily around the court. Having a light and responsive sole will allow you to move quickly.
Because a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, you'll find that pickleball is a fast-paced game.
4. Non-marking
Many indoor pickleball courts won't allow you to play if you don't have indoor court shoes. These are shoes that have a non-marking sole. This is because indoor pickleball shoes don't ruin the floor while you are playing pickleball.
Therefore, double-check that your shoe for pickleball is suitable for playing indoor pickleball. You can't wear running shoes to play this sport.
5. Weight
You must pay attention to the weight of your shoe. As a pickleball player, you can't wear running shoes and not worry about the other factors. Although the weight of your shoe will vary from size to size, you need to compare across brands to get the right one for you.
A heavier shoe can give you more support, but a lighter shoe will allow you to move faster on the court. Different pickleball players have different preferences. If you're worried about injuries, you should forget about weight and choose a shoe that will give you the stability you need.
Alternatively, if you're worried about how fast you're able to move, go for a lightweight option that still gives you the support you need for lateral movements.
6. Mesh
The mesh upper makes your shoe have better breathability and lightness. This also makes your shoe comfortable and prevents your feet from overheating. Therefore, choose a shoe that has great breathability without compromising on stability because they are too lightweight.
Too much flexibility because your pickleball shoe is too lightweight can cause you to lose balance.
7. Midsole
Most of the cushioning should be focused on the midsole. This and the other factors above are why running shoes is not a great factor in this sport. The midsole is found between the base of your shoe and the outsole.
Therefore, when the midsole of your shoe is thicker, it has more cushioning and will support your foot properly. All the best pickleball shoes above have great cushioning to support your foot as you play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are tennis shoes good for pickleball?
Yes. Tennis shoes and court shoes are great for this sport. These shoes provide you with the stability, grip, and structure you require to play the sport effectively. You'll find that most pickleball players opt for these shoes and good volleyball shoe options like those above.
2. How long do Pickleball shoes last?
60 hours. Like most court shoes used in sports like squash, tennis, racquetball, and volleyball, you'll need to replace your shoes after 60 hours of playtime. Experts recommend this because the last thing you want is to play ineffectively because your shoes are worn out.
3. How to Clean Pickleball Shoes?
You can hand wash them or wash them in the washing machine. However, check the tag that comes inside the shoe to tell if it is washing machine friendly so that you don't ruin your good pair of shoes. Nonetheless, you can wash your shoes the same way you care for any other of your sporting equipment.
You don't want your shoe to stink because you haven't washed it in a while. Therefore, you can clean them every once in a while. If you choose to use the washing machine, add some old towels into the machine as you put them in the shoes to avoid them being tossed around too much.
The towels will also ensure that the load is balanced while still protecting your shoes. You can remove the shoelaces before cleaning the shoes. However, if your shoes are made of real leather or suede, you cannot wash them in the washing machine. Nonetheless, other materials such as rubber, plastic, pleather, canvas, and knit shoes are safe for the washing machine.
