Do you even play pickleball bro?
It’s the sensation that has caught fire all over the United States. Everywhere you look, pickleball courts are popping up. It’s easy to see why – pickleball is basically just ping pong on a little tennis court. Because the game is on a smaller court than a tennis court, it’s easier to play, lots of fun, and still great for women and men’s health. Former tennis stars like John McEnroe and Andre Agassi have adopted the game and are promoting it like crazy.
Because pickleball is similar to tennis in terms of cutting and running, the big tennis sneaker brands have created shoes specifically for the needs of pickleball players in terms of stability, ventilation, cushioning and support. Similar to tennis shoes, the best shoes for pickleball ensure proper shock absorption while protecting against strain and discomfort. With the right pair of shoes, you’ll be able to get the most out of your footwork, protect yourself from injury and forget about your feet altogether as you fly across the court hitting pickleballs.
You should primarily wear pickleball shoes only during play, not for other sports or as everyday shoes. This will help ensure they last as long as possible. Pickleball Court shoes are designed for a combination of support and comfort, and most pros wear their shoes only for court play.
Whether you’re playing on indoor or outdoor courts, your pickleball-specific shoes are just as important as a pickleball paddle and will go far toward improving your game. Good court shoes are the most important piece of pickleball equipment. Playing pickleball in running shoes or street shoes is dangerous and can leave you with a twisted ankle or worse.
In contrast, pickleball court shoes offer firm support in moving sideways, backwards and forwards on the court. The outsoles should stick to the court to provide more confidence while running after balls, knowing you can stop on a dime when needed. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight shoe or a pair of pickleball shoes with excellent support, here is a list of top picks for the best pickleball shoes to choose from.
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10 Best Pickleball Shoes
Nike Zoom Challenge – $120
If you’re looking for a good shoe for hard courts for hours and hours of play, the all-new Nike Zoom Challenge is the perfect pair to help you hold serve. The Zoom Challenge is the perfect blend of comfort and support for all skill levels. An Air Zoom unit helps keep you fresh when you’re in the middle of a long rally or volley at the net, ideal for getting to untouchable shots both near and far.
An Air Zoom unit in the heel adds a spring to your step. Synthetic overlays provide lateral support and help keep your heel secure. A soft collar and padded heel give you comfort and security around your ankle. Mesh panels offer good ventilation and breathability. The extra rubber in the toe area, specifically the tip of toe, provides added durability. And high-abrasion rubber in the forefoot offers durability and excellent traction for those quick lateral movements.
New Balance FuelCell 996v5 Pickleball – $135
The New Balance Fuel Cell 996v5 Pickleball is a sturdy shoe to help you zip around the court in comfort and style. Their lightweight Fuel Cell foam midsole is paired with a hardwearing NDurance rubber outsole for a pickleball shoe that provides superior comfort and good grip. With its eye-catching mesh upper, this high-performing shoe makes a style statement both on and off the court.
FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward. Synthetic/mesh construction combined with an NDure upper technology designed provides superior durability. Added lateral stability with a higher midsole topline plus PU support on the tip for durability where needed. The NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes. There is also a herringbone outsole pattern and adjustable lace closure for a customized fit.
Skechers Viper Court Pro – $115
Play your best game in confidence and comfort with Skechers Viper Court Pro – Pickleball. Designed specifically for the professional pickleball player, this lace-up features a supportive and breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for additional protection, a removable Arch Fit insole, and lightweight Ultra Flight cushioning.
The design is complete with a Goodyear Gold compound outsole that’s built for increased durability to allow the elite player to perform controlled slides specifically on the pickleball court surface. The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system features podiatrist-certified arch support. The Podiatrist-designed shape has been developed with 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans. A removable insole helps mold to your foot to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion.
Ultra-lightweight, responsive Ultra Flight cushioning feels like heaven on your feet. The Goodyear Gold compound outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability and durability. The shoes are Relaxed Fit for a roomy comfort fit at toe and forefoot. A supportive and breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays and a lace-up front provide excellent comfort and stability.
K-Swiss Express Light – $100
K-Swiss is the first brand to introduce a court shoe specifically designed for Pickleball. The Express Light Pickleball was created to give players a comfortable, lightweight, breathable shoe that supports on-court movement and performance needed for the sport. It is an all-around shoe, perfect for the new or frequent player. Included on the shoe is a K-Swiss Pickleball logo and customized Pickleball sockliner. Ideal for hard court or clay court playing surfaces.
The K-EVA, which is a special formula EVA, is used to provide maximized cushioning and enhance durability of the midsole. ORTHOLITE sock liner provides moisture–management with anti–microbial properties to keep feet cool and minimize the effects of perspiration. EVA cushioning and support lies under the sock liner. A heel grip lining made of interlocking fibers grip the sock to minimize heel slippage.
A 180 degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis that enhances mid-foot stability. AÖSTA 7.0 rubber compound high–density outsole provides durability from heel–to–toe. DRAGGUARD is located on the outsole in the high wear areas of the toe and heel offering increased abrasion–resistance. DURAWRAP is located on the upper of the shoe and provides an extra line of defense against excessive toe–dragging.
Adidas Barricade 13 Court – $160
Starting with the asymmetrical lacing system, the men’s adidas Barricade 13 Court Shoe is designed to perform differently. The lace system makes a big difference and offers extra stability to the breathable synthetic upper material when changing direction so you can properly trust the tacky traction of the Adiwear outsole. This unique combination is further backed up by an Adituff toe that prevents ripping and tearing when you drag your back foot on overhead put-aways or big passing shots.
To further make a difference in your game, the adidas Barricade 13 Court Shoe boasts a now-legendary bounce midsole. This midsole, which came from running shoes, balances cushion, support, and response to help you move your feet quickly and run down shots throughout a long day on the courts. Added details like a padded collar, unique colorways, and a low-profile tongue help you stay focused on the game and not your feet.
The adidas Barricade 13 Court Shoe for men uses a mix of unique and trustworthy features to help you stay grounded and in position throughout a match.
Adidas Pickleball Court Shoe – $110
If you’re loyal to adidas and don’t want to spend too much on a pickleball shoe, try out the adidas Pickleball Court. A Bounce midsole provides responsive cushioning to help you dart across the court, while a rubber sole grips the ground for quick cuts and sidesteps. The textile upper keeps you light on your feet so you can focus on the win. At $110, they are a great value for pickleball pros.
HEAD Sprint Pro 3.5 – $140
The HEAD Sprint Pro 3.5 is lightweight performance along with breathable comfort, wrapped in a sleek and modern design. The HEAD Sprint Pro 3.5 is perfect for players who unleash their speed on the court. Feel explosive during lateral movements on the low-drop TRI-NRG midsole. Midfoot Delta Straps add security during aggressive slides and quick changes in direction.
For fierce strikers who move quickly during the match, the HEAD Sprint Pro 3.5 supports your attacking style. Engineered mesh and tongue material provide lightweight comfort. Patented cooling system improves breathability. A refreshed aesthetic gives the shoe a modern look and feel.
The lightweight, knitted mesh upper keeps you cool and comfortable. Half-sock construction provides step-in comfort. Delta Straps and TPU heel counter add a secure, customized fit to support aggressive slides and quick changes in direction. Drift Defense protects the toe and medial side from abrasion. The TRI-NRG provides excellent cushioning, torsional stability and energy return for explosive lift-offs. Low-to-the-ground design enables fast lateral movements. Hybrasion+ compound provides durability in high-wear areas. Lateral control stability trigger helps to avoid roll overs.
Diadem Court Burst – $150
Diadem’s revolutionary court shoe meticulously crafted for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts who demand speed and agility on the court. Their inaugural shoe, the Court Burst, is the result of a collaborative effort by a team of elite footwear designers and engineers dedicated to creating the ultimate blend of speed, comfort, and performance.
Diadem’s Court Burst features a lightweight and breathable performance knit upper, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit from the moment you lace up. The instant comfort is complemented by the shoe’s stability-focused construction with its Rebound X and Pro Stance X unique technologies, making it ideal for intense matches and extended play sessions for the player looking to win.
Whether you’re sprinting across the tennis court or engaging in dynamic pickleball rallies, the Court Burst is engineered to meet the demands of high-speed gameplay. Elevate your performance with Diadem’s Court Burst – where speed meets balance for the ultimate court experience. Breathable, durable, and comfortable 360 Performance Knit has a 4-way lightweight stretch for a perfect fit.
The Max Shield toe guard uses unique reinforced high abrasion TPU that is bendable with key cutouts that limit the weight and bulkiness while providing key protection against toe drag. Tongue wings with internal and external reinforcement on the upper combined with TPU support in the midsole make up the Rebound X roll guard. This stabilizing feature allows plays to extend past their normal center of gravity without worrying about rolling. Impact EVA Foam in the heel counter provides cushioning and stability.
The key feature in creating an incredible stable show is the Pro Stance X shank that provides ridgeness and arch support in the center of the midsole. High abrasion carbon rubber compound with herringbone pattern with a balanced blend of grip and give.
Wilson Rush Pro LITE – $89
Dominate the court with the Wilson Rush Pro Lite Tennis Shoe for men, engineered for all-court excellence. Prioritizing maximum comfort with a wide toe box fit, breathable single-layer mesh, and a curved sole supporting every stride, these shoes are ideal for casual players seeking both style and comfort.
Featuring the Pro Torque Chassis (PTC) Light for stability, a supportive single-layer mesh upper, and an R-DST+ midsole for added comfort, these shoes also boast durable Duralast and DF2 technologies in the outsole. Experience the perfect fusion of comfort, breathability, style, and affordability.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 – $130
This is the shoe Andre Agassi has been playing pickleball in – so if you want to be like the GOAT, go with the Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2. For the rally that won’t relent or the marathon match that must end in your favor, go with the Vapor Pro 2. Nike brought back all the elements you enjoyed in the original Pro: The low-to-the-ground design and the springy Zoom Air cushioning that helps you break from baseline to baseline, with that familiar Vapor comfort that helps keep you fresh on unforgiving surfaces.
This design is lower to the court, giving you an incredible lightweight court feel for bursts of quick movements. Stretchy internal sleeve hugs your foot for a sock-like fit. The herringbone outsole uses a data-informed design to create optimal grip without impacting your ability to slide. Nike removed rubber in low-wear areas to help keep weight at a minimum. Full-length foot frame on the outside of the shoe helps stabilize your foot during quick cuts.
