Most pickleball players experience pain on their feet during a regular training session. The fact is, pickleball players must wear a shoe that fits perfectly.
Ideally, the heel should be narrower and the forefoot wider.
It can be confusing finding the right shoes since there are other similar shoes for other sports such as tennis, volleyball and more.
Here, we review the best pickleball shoes for men and women.
Table of Contents
Best Pickleball Shoes For Women In 2021
1. For Indoor Pickleball Games
Women players would love a comfortable pair of shoes that fit well while leaving some little room for invasive sessions.
The K-Swiss is designed to offer your endless comfort for your pickleball practice.
This stylish K-Swiss shoe is just what you need. They are a perfect fit, which is further enhanced by the lace closure.
Further, they are lightweight and will give you the swiftness of a sporty shoe.
It’s made from a synthetic material which molds well to the shape of your foot.
They offer luxurious cushioning on the inside, and the collar consists of soft textile.
Like most varieties of the K-Swiss brand, the outsole is made of durable rubber to last. The tractions levels are pretty solid, and thus you can practice without the fear of sliding.
Also, the anchor and foot support is perfect and will not strain your feet.
The K-Swiss is breathable, and the upper areas consist of a mesh material that allows fresh air.
- A comfortable pair
- A perfect fit that molds to your feet
- Long-lasting outsole
- High traction
- Breathable upper
- Some users complain of toe jamming
If you need a plush, comfy, and well-cushioned pair of tennis shoes, then this pair of ASICS men’s shoes will definitely end your frantic search.
Although designed for men, women players love them due to plushness and comfort. Further, these models have a more calm midsole.
Without a doubt, you’ll enjoy the ultra-soft interior and appreciate the comfort levels. Additionally, the upper area is flexible, and the entire fit is wide.
There is a great deal of padding on the collar, and the laces let you adjust the tightness depending on your needs.
You’ll appreciate the lightness of these shoes, which neither feels bulky or clunky.
Unlike some shoes which feel heavy and one ends up losing traction, these are adequate and offer a perfect grip.
The shoe holds up well, especially around the toe area. Since they’re of a decent weight and height, your foot is well supported.
We also love the durable outsole that justifies the value of this shoe.
- A comfortable pair of shoe
- Stable and supportive
- Lightweight and low profile midsole
- Ultra-soft
- High traction
- A bit longer and narrow than other options
The ASICS Gel Women Tennis shoes are a stylish pair right out of the box.
They are a perfect fit and lateral support for tennis, pickleball, and badminton players.
The first thing you’ll discover about this model is the luxurious and plush feeling on your feet.
It is due to the cushioned interior and the breathable upper.
The lightweight design of these shoes supports a speedy movement on the court.
The durability of the outsole is quite impressive, whereas the high traction will raise your confidence on the court.
Finally, they are stable and support the entire foot without feeling too loose.
- Padded interior
- Breathable material
- Come in elegant colors
- Durable outsole
- High traction
- Stable and supportive
- The toe box is slightly narrow
Overall, the K-Swiss Women Shoe is a luxurious, responsive, comfortable, and dynamic option. They are suitable for any pickleball player craving for speed and performance.
This incredible pair of shoes is supportive and stable, thus allowing you to push any limits on your footwork.
We love the body structure, which consists of synthetic material and leather on the upper area.
For durability, the outsole is made of Aosta rubber and the midsole guarantees maximum support to the foot.
Furthermore, you’ll be comfortable playing on the court due to the high traction.
There is the lace closure that enables you to adjust your preferred comfort level.
The Cushioned interior offers maximum comfort, which is accentuated by the breathable material.
- The outsole is durable
- They have adequate ventilation
- They are comfortable
- Have are a firm and perfect fit
- Cushioned interior
- Fairly affordable
- Some users complain of the main body being too stiff
Comfort, speediness, and glove-like fit are the qualities that describe the ASICS Women’s tennis shoes.
These come in elegant colors such that you can wear them even off the court. They cost more; however, they’ll provide comfort and well-balanced performance.
The traction levels of these shoes are satisfactory, given the fact that the outsole is made of durable material.
The trusstic-tech ensures the weight is greatly reduced while maintaining the stableness of the shoe.
Other than the cushioned interior, the shoe has a system that -manages the moisture level, thus ensuring dryness.
As a final point, this model is shock absorbent and protects the foot during different game intensities.
- Comfortable shoe
- Perfect fit
- Lightweight design
- Moisture absorbent
- Shock absorbent
- Durable outsole and high traction
- Pricey but worth every cent
1. For Outdoor Pickleball Games
The Adidas Barricade Tennis Shoe is a premium grade model that will guarantee you maximum performance.
It consists of a durable rubber sole that excels well when it comes to traction. These shoes are abrasion resistant and molds to the shape of the foot.
The toughness and stableness mean that your leg is protected against any abrasion or extreme movements.
Additionally, there is the TPU support that boosts durability and stability.
The Adidas Barricade is a perfect fit and has a cushioned interior that is adequately ventilated.
- Durable rubber sole
- High traction
- Maximum comfort
- Midsole support
- Adequate ventilation
- Costly
Grab a pair of Tyrol Pickleball shoes for your practice session. From a distance, these may look like an ordinary pair of women sneakers.
However, they are high-grade tennis shoes with an array of features for maximum performance.
The padding has been reinforced for maximum comfort, whereas the toe area is roomy.
Notably, the interior consists of a breathable material that ensures your feet remain dry and fresh even after a sweaty session.
The outsole is made of premium rubber, and this ensures traction on the court.
Whereas the shoe feels light, the midsole is quite stable for optimal support.
- Has a breathable interior
- Comfortable
- A wide toe area
- Lightweight yet stable
- Stylish appearance
- A bid wide for a narrow foot
Best Pickleball Shoes For Men In 2021
1. Indoor Shoes For Pickleball
The ASICS brand is world-renowned, and their shoes are some of the most innovative sportswear in the world today.
The shoes are quite evolving and offer the best comfort for your feet. They are designed in and out for the trickiest pickleball, tennis, and badminton players.
Although the Gel Challenger costs more than other tennis shoes, it’s a high-performance shoe.
Overall, it performs well in terms of comfort, arch and foot support, durability, breathability, and traction.
You will be impressed by the quality of these sure considering the high price tag. The outsoles are made to last, whereas they provide good traction, especially on hard courts.
The midsole consist of light material that cushions the foot and allows for easier movement. These shoes rely on GEL-tech that absorbs shock on the leg and for maximum foot support.
The fabric is synthetic, which enhances breathability and comfort.
- Comfortable shoe
- High traction
- The light midsole for comfort
- Shock absorbent
- Breathable material
- The shoelaces are shorter
Next on our list is the Babolat men’s shoe. Build for play in a tennis court. They feature a lightweight frame that makes them some of the fastest and resilient tennis shoes.
With a durable outsole, coupled with a cushioned interior, this combination makes the shoe a top contender.
Indeed they accommodate wide feet, and you’ll flex well without experiencing any pinching or uncomfortable rubbing.
The Babolat outsoles are stronger, and this boosts the overall durability of the shoe.
Even though the shoes feel soft and light on the inside, your feet will stay locked inside and well supported.
The grip for the outsole is out of this world due to the high traction. You can effortlessly change directions without sliding.
- Extremely lightweight
- High traction
- Stable and highly supportive
- Durable outsole
- Cushioned and comfortable
- They are pricey
Coming up on our list is the K-Swiss Men’s Tennis Shoes that aims at giving you the best experience at the court.
These are made from cutting edge technology, and the shoe is a blend of ultimate fit, high-performance, comfort, and sophistication.
For extra comfort, these lace-up shoes have their upper consisting of synthetic leather.
The interior has a textile-collar lining, which makes them foot-friendly and offers adequate foot protection.
Overall, the K-Swiss are top-rated with the outsole made of durable Aosta rubber and molded midsole for support and durability.
These are breathable, and your legs will not feel soggy after a sweaty session.
- Comfortable shoes
- Extremely supportive
- A perfect fit
- Reasonably priced
- Lightweight design
- These are not suitable for intensive play
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 is a proven pair of durable volleyball shoes.
The brand ASICS has exceeded expectations by ensuring vital features such as support, comfort, and breathability is a priority.
When it comes to sports shoes, elegance and style may be the fall back where quality is lacking.
However, this is not the case with the ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8. We love the genuineness of these shoes, and the quality sure does back up everything.
The lacing system is a bit traditional; however, they have other features of modern shoes. They are shock-absorbent thanks to the midsole that offer a dense cushion.
The trusstic-tech greatly reduces the overall weight with the structural support remaining intact.
With the interior consisting of a breathable mesh, you’ll get maximum comfort. The outsole is made of high-quality material, and this boosts the durability of ASICS shoes.
Lastly, they offer a good grip on any surface due to high traction.
- Breathable material
- Highly cushioned for comfort
- High traction
- Durable outsole
- Lightweight yet stable
- From a trusted brand
- Not suitable for small feet
The most outstanding aspect of Adidas Barricade is the brand name. And, away from the looks, they are unique when it comes to design and performance.
The ventilation is adequate, mainly due to the breathable mesh on the upper side. Therefore your feet stay dry, cool, and comfortable.
You’ll love the dense cushion that translates to a supple feeling.
The Barricade offers superior comfort and the shoe molds to the contours of your feet, thereby providing a perfect fit.
Since they’re lightweight, it allows for easy movement, whereas the laces help to secure the shoe onto the foot.
Apart from the comfort, the barricades are a durable pair and will hold up pretty well against wear.
The outsoles are made to last and hence will give you value for money. Besides, the outsoles offer high traction, which enables you to play with confidence on the court.
- High traction to prevent sliding
- Superior comfort
- Durable outsole
- Lightweight and stable
- Perfect and secure fit
- Cost more
2. Outdoor Shoes For Pickleball
When playing pickleball outside, the surface might be a little rough, and therefore you need a sturdy shoe with a more durable outsole.
The Babolat Men’s Tennis Shoes is our perfect pick, and we highly recommend it for outdoor play.
This model features an upper with extra mesh and the insole made of durable material. The toe area is expansive, and this makes it suitable for someone with wider feet.
Comfort is the highlight of the SFX3s.
Thankfully, the cushioned interior and the breathable material provide a posh feeling.
Other than the perfect fit, these shoes are stable yet flexible to allow you to move with ease. The outsole is durable and has high traction against any ground.
The SFX3s are lighter than other options on the market.
- High quality and durable
- Comfortable fit
- Cushioned and breathable interior
- High traction
- Great value for money
- They are pricey
Up next on our selection of outdoor tennis shoes is the ASICS Men’s Gel-Dedicate 5.
These shoes cost slightly less than the SFX3s; however, they are high performers that will give you value for money.
The outsole is made of rubber that enhances the shoe longevity and traction. There is a superior cushioning system that not only ensures your comfort but is shock absorbent.
Like all other ASICS models, this, too, has the trusstic-tech that reduces its overall weight.
It also doesn’t affect the structure of the shoe since it remains stable and tough.
Lastly, they consist of synthetic material with the interior consisting of a breathable mesh.
- Durable outsole
- High traction
- Stable and tough
- Lightweight design
- Reasonably priced
- The size a bit narrow
Do I Need Special Shoes for Pickleball?
Like all other games, you require sports shoes that will not put you at risk of injury. These types of shoes should be comfortable and not interfere with your free movement in the court.
They also must be a perfect fit, not too tight or loose.
When it comes to pickleball, there are no special shoes. All you need is to choose shoes used by badminton, volleyball or tennis players. These games are similar, and so are their shoe requirements.
The shoes for the mentioned sports are lighter for speed and swift movement on the court. Their design differs significantly from other sports shoes for outdoor games such as football and baseball.
For instance, the soles for indoor games shoes are distinct from those for outdoor games. These differences are because; outdoor players are prone to falling, skidding, or sliding in wet and slippery fields.
In games such as pickleball, badminton, tennis, and volleyball, players are less likely to run, slide, or get injured. Other than jumping right or left to catch the ball, there are no rigorous activities.
However, this is not to mean that the shoes should have less traction. On the contrary, they do have some level of traction to protect the player from sliding.
The inner sole of the pickleball shoes consists of dense cushion to protect the foot from shock and to offer comfort.
Also, the material should be breathable and moisture-absorbent. This ensures your legs remain dry even after a sweaty session.
A supportive midsole ensures stability on the court, whereas a lace system helps you in adjusting the level of tightness.
In a nutshell, pickleball game has some similar elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. If you play in any other games, then your shoe selection should be the same.
Things to Consider to Find The Best Pickleball Shoes For Women or Men
When choosing the best shoes for pickleball, there are a few things to keep in mind. Keep scrolling as we explore these crucial points.
Size and Foot Type
Obviously, size is the first consideration when shopping for any footwear. The best shoes for pickleball should hug your feet and fit perfectly.
A very tight shoe may result in blisters, whereas loose shoes will dent your confidence on the court.
From our review, the best shoes that made it to the top of our list had a wide toe area. Such types offer more room for the toe and guarantee comfort.
We gave special consideration to the foot type. Pickleball, just like tennis, puts considerable pressure on the ankles and knees.
It’s, therefore, important to look for a shoe that suits and fits well depending on your foot type. A comfortable pair will also boost your confidence and elevate your skills.
Notably, the wear and tear of shoes mainly depends on how you step on the ground and the foot type.
Foot type falls into three categories. There is the pronated sole, which causes the shoe to wear mostly on the inside.
The supinated sole tend to wear mostly on the outside. Lastly, the neutral sole wears evenly and which is very rare.
If pronated, you need a degree of lateral support to protect yourself from possible injuries. Supinate sole requires the right level of cushioning and protection, which is necessary to prevent your ankle from rollover and injury.
This may even call for a shoe with a higher cut.
Style of Play
Before you hit the store and buy your favorite shoe, you need to consider your style of play. As you move from side to side to catch the ball, you require a shoe with built-in lateral support.
Price and Brand
Without a doubt, every player would like to wear shoes associated with a certain brand. Normally top players will display branded shoes, and generally, there’s a perception that brand and performance go hand in hand.
There is some truth in the above statement. However, some popular brands, such as ASICS and Adidas, may have pricey shoes that may be above the budget.
That is not to mean that you can’t get favorable prices under the same brand name.
The advantage of buying from a popular brand is that you can still find high-quality shoes at a lower price and get value.
On the same note, be careful not to buy very cheap footwear that will wear out fast.
Durable Outsole with High Traction
A pickleball court may be hard, and you would require a shoe consisting of a durable outsole.
First, study the nature of your court before you make any choice.
You can still find universal shoes that can be worn in all types of courts. However, for tournaments consider a durable outsole that will last many days.
That said, the shoe should offer high traction to prevent skidding or sliding on the court.
Power Cushion
Normally a dense cushion with shock-absorbent characteristic will give you comfort as your feet land on hard surfaces.
It also helps in maintaining your body balance.
Breathable Mesh Material
Your feet need to maintain dryness as you play your favorite game of pickleball.
The mesh material prevents the accumulation of sweat inside the shoe, leaving you comfortable. This material also prevents your feet from blistering.
Shock Absorbers
When playing pickleball, it’s vital that you exercise care not to sprain or twist your ankle. A more serious tendon injury may occur, whereby the healing process may be slow.
Ensure your shoes have shock absorbers to hold your ankle firmly and to prevent any injuries to your ankle.
Inner Soles or Mid-Soles
Pickleball court may be hard and can cause blisters to your soles. There tends to be friction once your feet hit the ground.
You can prevent this by wearing shoes with special inner soles for such protection.
Pickleball Shoes vs. Tennis Shoes vs. Volleyball Shoes
There are no special shoes for the pickleball. So actually tennis shoes or volleyball shoes (indoor volleyball) can be actually used to play pickleball.
The reason for that is that these games are similar and have the same field or court environment.
Therefore, any pick will go well with any of the games, which in turn makes your selection easy.
FAQs About The Best Pickleball Shoes
Are Tennis Shoes Good for Pickleball?
There are no specific shoes designed for pickleball. You can use your tennis shoes for playing pickleball since these two games have similar characteristics.
Any sports shoe for courts for tennis is suitable for pickleball. You’d require the same protection when playing either of the game.
Can You Wear Running Shoes for Pickleball?
When choosing shoes for pickleball, you should select those meant for playing games in courts and not racing.
Running shoes have a build-up heel since runners normally hit the ground depending on the individual.
The expectations, field environment, and game rules are totally different from pickleball.
How Long Do Pickleball Shoes Last For?
The durability of a shoe depends on the sole, style of walk, and maintenance.
A pronated sole causes the shoe to wear on the inside, while supinated sole wears the shoe on the outside. The neutral sole wears evenly and is very rare.
In short, there is no specific period in which a pickleball shoe can last. Other underlying factors, such as material and maintenance, may also affect the durability of the shoe.
The bottom line is a durable shoe will give you value for money.
Is Pickleball Hard on Your Joints?
Pickleball can be hard on your joints if your shoes lack shock absorbers. Wearing the wrong type of shoe may limit the proper movement of the joint.
A coarse material type shoe will make the joint too hard and uncomfortable.
Is Pickleball OK for Seniors?
Absolutely. This is a good game for seniors who are not strong and energetic in vigorous games like baseball or football.
A senior will enjoy the game as he needs less energy to hold a paddle or push the ball over the net.
Playing pickleball is perfect for seniors since they can practice right at home.
Conclusion
When choosing the best pickleball shoes, there is an overflow of options.
Since there are no specific shoes, you can expand your selection to tennis, badminton, and volleyball.
Besides that, there are several things to keep in mind, such as brand, durability, comfort, and performance.
Hopefully, this review has been helpful, and now you can shop with confidence and enjoy your game of pickleball.
