Let’s start with the Spoiler- “There is no Dedicated Shoe Brand for Pickleball. However, It’s a Myth.”
And the reason behind is- Pickleball is not something that has been usually played all over the world, though it has got hype in the last 5-6 years.
Now, here comes the question- What does the “Best Shoes for Pickleball” mean then?
Well, there is none but still have some (sooth to say, a few) especially mutant shoes by some manufactures that could adapt themselves very well in a Pickleball court. And, in this content, you will get to know about such 10 most popular Pickleball shoes out there.
After research, analyze customers review and a group of discussion, I came up top 3 pick that will added more value when you put on your feet!!! ❤️
Best Value
ASICS Gel-Rocket 9
- Breathable mesh lining
- Rubber sole for ultimate gripping the ground
- Molded-EVA midsole for extra cushioning foam
Premium
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express
- Textile Collar Lining
- The synthetic coating on upper
- Molded polyurethane foam
Great Value
Saucony Grid Stratos 5
- Manmade, Mesh fabric
- Synthetic Coating
- GDR rubber outsole
Top 10 Shoes For Serious Pickleball Men’s Players 👨
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 10 Shoes For Serious Pickleball Women’s Players 👩
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here I’m starting with introducing pickleball shoes at the end will find buying guide, tips and tricks for pickleball players stick with me!!!
Top 10 Best Shoes for Pickleball:
Though all the shoes out there are top-notch and designed with athletic value, it doesn’t mean you can pick any one of them blindfolded. Different shoes serve different purposes. So, you have to find out your one according to your certain requirements.
Seems tough?
No worries, it’s gonna be fun. The content itself will guide you to your goal.
ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes – Best Indoor and Outdoor Shoe for Pickleball & Volleyball
Specifications
- Breathable Mesh Lining
- Padded Collar And Tongue
- Rubber Outsole
- Synthetic Coating
- Traditional lace closure for best fitting
Material |
9.7 |
Comfort |
9.5 |
Support |
9.5 |
Stability |
9.7 |
Lightweight |
9.6 |
Price |
9.8 (Very much reasonable) |
Overall- 96.3%
If you are an entry-level pickleball player and looking for a reliable indoor pickleball shoe, there is nothing that could be better than ASICS Gel-Rocket 9.
And If you play outdoors?
Well, the shoe is the best of both worlds. It is durable, delivers outstanding performance, and comes at a very fair price.
Especially, this quality-driven shoe has multiple built-in technologies to give you the best user experience. The forefoot GEL® Cushioning along with Trusstic System® Technology makes it lit. These technologies consequence a shock-absorbing toe-drop and a significantly lighter feel without compromising quality and integrity. So, now you can easily change any direction at the fastest speed without any fear.
In addition, its rubber outsole assures ultimate grip in slippery courts so as to pull up the slips and stumbles.
Pros
- Extremely Comfortable
- Great Cushioning
- Wide Toe Box
- Fits Perfectly
- Looks Great
- Perfect For Entry-level And Moderate Players
Cons
- Nothing as such to mention
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe – Best Pickleball shoe for Outdoor
Material |
9.5 |
Comfort |
9.6 |
Support |
9.4 |
Stability |
9.5 |
Lightweight |
9.6 |
Price |
9.4 |
Overall- 95%
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express has been praised because of its standout cushioning technology- Plush Cushioning- which is by far the best to reduce feet-strikes and heel bites.
The shoe is considered to be the perfect footwear for women who are seeking outstanding performance in their sports. Most noticeably, this one is the best outdoor pickleball shoe; however, according to some experts, it is more of an All-court pickleball shoe.
It has built-in polyurethane foam which makes it incredibly lightweight and flexible. So you won’t feel heavy on your feet anymore while moving fast.
To provide an optimal fitting, it comes with the traditional lace closure method.
For quick and responsive play we recommend you choose K-Swiss Hypercourt Express as it is inspired by most sportsmen and runners.
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express can be the perfect shoes for women who are seeking outstanding performance in their sports. Most noticeably, this one is the best outdoor pickleball shoes.
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express has built-in polyurethane foam which makes it incredibly lightweight and flexible. This shoe comes with traditional lace closure to give you optimal fitting. And K-Swiss Hypercourt Express is designed in such a way to position perfectly.
For quick and responsive play we recommend you choose K-Swiss Hypercourt Express because it is inspired by most runners.
K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express and K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express both share the same features and qualities. Both are ultra-lightweight sports shoes engineered to ensure the best performance with high-comfort.
Pros
- The Synthetic coating on upper for comfort and strong construction
- Collar Lining made of textile
- Draggard & Aosta Rubber for ultimate gripping
- Molded polyurethane foam
Cons
- Lacks shock absorption feature
Saucony Grid Stratos 5 – Best Grip Shoes For Pickleball
Specifications
- Manmade, Mesh fabric
- Synthetic Coating
- Mesh Upper
- Lace closure
- GRID® system Tech.
- Rubber Outsole
Material |
9.3 |
Comfort |
9.5 |
Support |
9.5 |
Stability |
9.4 |
Lightweight |
9.4 |
Price |
9.5 |
Overall- 94.33%
Games like Pickleball require moving back and forth all the time which could be very dangerous for athletes; you know, sudden injuries and stuff. So it’s important to pick a shoe wisely.
Usually, the features professional pickleball players emphasize the most, ‘Grip’ is one of them. And Saucony Grid Stratos 5 is in my consideration because of its Friction and Grip. The outsole of this footgear is composed of rubber material which manages your strong and rigid moves smoothly.
Besides, it comes with traditional lace closure for optimal fitting which helps to keep up the chase with compatible stability.
The heel structure has a built-in GRID® system to bring forth a significant value to its cushion bed. It will protect you from heel strikes better than ever.
Pros
- style=””>Running Shoe
- Comfortable Enough
- Colorful Outlook
- Good Arch Support
- Amazing Support
- Durable
Cons
- style=””>Runs Small
Nike Court Lite Tennis Shoes – Best Court Shoe For Pickleball
Specifications
- Phylon Midsole
- Mesh Tongue
- GDR Rubber Outsole
- Synthetic And Leather Material
- Lace-up Closure
Material |
9.2 |
Comfort |
9.5 |
Support |
9.3 |
Stability |
9.3 |
Lightweight |
9.4 |
Price |
9.5 |
Overall- 93.67%
Here we are talking about one of the best pickleball shoes from Nike’s
lineage and it is none other than Nike Court Lite Tennis Shoe.
This court shoe for pickleball is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. It offers an on-trend Phylon midsole to deliver extra cushioning and a lightweight feeling.
To confirm durability even on tough performance, NIKE Men’s Court Lite is composed of synthetic and leather material proportionally.
Moreover, this pickleball shoe offers a GDR rubber outsole to ensures durable performance and ultimate gripping while you are making lateral movement. And to reduce shoe damage or abrasion, an unspecified extra layer is added to the toe box.
Likewise, Nike Women’s Court Lite Shoe features synthetic and leather material at the upper, and Phylon midsole to deliver cushion and a lightweight feeling. And GDR rubber outsole for ultimate gripping on the hardcourt.
Pros
- Good Court Shoe
- Supportive
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good Grip
- Easy to Clean
- Perfect Fit
Cons
- Lacks Perforations for better airflow.
Adidas Barricade Classic Bounce – Best Tennis Shoe for Pickleball
Specifications
- BOUNCE™ cushioning
- BARRICADE mesh upper
- ADITUFF™ toe Protector
- Rubber Outsole
- Perforated Upper
- Midfoot Integral TORSION® SYSTEM
Material |
9.44 |
Comfort |
9.5 |
Support |
9.4 |
Stability |
9.3 |
Lightweight |
9.3 |
Price |
9.1 |
Overall- 93.3%
Adidas Barricade Classic Bounce is considered to be the finest tennis shoe for years which undoubtedly asserts this pair is ought to be one of the best shoes for pickleball contenders.
This shoe is composed of synthetic material which increases its lightness and durability. And the rubber sole will facilitate you with the foremost grip over any ground without any fear of slipping.
Besides, Adidas Barricade Classic has built-in Torsion System Technology to come up with stalwart arch support to facilitate the independent movement of your forefoot and rearfoot. That means, it leaves no room to complain about the stability and adaptability on the ground.
As we all know, sometimes we have to be super-fast while playing pickleball; so the shoe is to be abrasion-resistant to reduce damage. The shoe will allow you to do lateral movements like turning, twisting, and contorting without facing any disfigurement.
Pros
- Immensely Comfortable
- Perforations for better breathability
- Abrasion-resistant
- Reliable Cushioning
- Removable Insole
- Fits Well
Cons
- Lacks Color Variations
ASICS Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes – Best Performance Shoe For Pickleball
Specifications
- Solyte Midsole
- Ortholite Sockliner
- Synthetic and Mesh Fabric
- Rubber Outsole
Material |
9.3 |
Comfort |
9.3 |
Support |
9.3 |
Stability |
9.3 |
Lightweight |
9.4 |
Price |
9.2 |
Overall- 93%
ASICS is a renowned brand for producing Sports footwear, especially tennis shoes and volleyball shoes. And they have developed a sneaker, ASICS Gel-Challenger 12, for comparatively light games like pickleball.
This elegant shoe features numerous advanced technologies to cope up with the game. And therein significantly, The SOLYTE™ midsole is for lightweight, rebound, and unprecedented durable performance.
Its GEL™ technology supports the toe box and the heel counter for strong stability and fast lateral movement.
Besides, to eliminate the risk of twisting or any other injuries, TRUSSTIC SYSTEM™ technology delivers you strong gripping and traction on the court.
On top of that, the removable Sockliner adds an extra advantage to fit Ortholites.
Pros
- Very Comfortable
- Proper Grip
- Advanced Technologies
- Moisture Management Capability
- Lightweight Midsole
- Attenuates Shocks
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to the competitors
Prince T22 Tennis Shoe – Best USA Made Pickleball Shoe
Specifications
- Synthetic material
- Mash upper
- Build-in EVA Midsole
- Softspring PU Toe tip
- Rubber outsole
Material |
8.7 |
Comfort |
9.0 |
Support |
9.6 |
Stability |
9.0 |
Lightweight |
9.0 |
Price |
9.3 |
Overall- 91%
Prince T22 Tennis Shoe is a flagship shoe of a USA-based company, mostly known as Prince Sports. This classic tennis shoe offers numerous support and stability to any sports enthusiastic including pickleball sportsperson.
Prince T22 Tennis Shoe comes with underfoot cushioning for comfort, and mesh design on the outer surface for better breathability and ventilation. The sole is composed of rubber for greater durability and grip on the ground.
This shoe has a built-in EVA Midsole with ShockEraser for finer shock absorption, and its SoftSpring PU toe tip is designed to diffuse any range of ground-bite.
The Shoe is available in lots of eye-catchy colors including baby blue, mint, grey, and my favorite white colors.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Synthetic material for lightweight
- Mesh upper for breathability and ventilation
- Built-in EVA Midsole with ShockEraser
- SoftSpring PU toe tip
- Durable rubber outsole for ultimate gripping
- Ultimate gripping
- Superior Support
Cons
- Some customers complain about the Size
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes – Best Pickleball Shoe For Beginner
Specifications
- Fabric And Synthetic
- Lace-up Closure
- EVA Midsole
- EVA Sockliner
- Gel forefoot
Material |
9.3 |
Comfort |
9.3 |
Support |
8.0 |
Stability |
9.2 |
Lightweight |
9.2 |
Price |
9.4 |
Overall- 90.6%
To improve your everyday performance, ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 comes with numerous technologies. The degree of comfort and support you can expect from a shoe, ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 has got all of them.
For shock absorption and increasing rebound, there is an EVA midsole incorporated in the shoe which also helps to deliver you the ultimate comfort while you run across the court.
Thanks to its GEL™ technology for providing a high degree of cushioning at the toe box. Also, ASICS uses TRUSSTIC SYSTEM™ in the midfoot area for strong stability. Now, you won’t have to worry about torsion while you are doing lateral movement; change your direction at lightning speed.
Doesn’t matter If you are a beginner or an Old-hand competitive player, the shoe will admirably suit you.
Pros
- Catchy Outlook
- Comfortable shoes
- Satisfying lateral support
- Perfect stability
- Reasonable price
- Well-designed
- Good Grip
Cons
- Lacks Support
- Not for a wide foot
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 – Best Outdoor Shoe For Pickleball
Specifications
- 100% Synthetic
- Dynamotion Fit
- Mizuno Intercool Technology
- Parallel Wave Plate
- Low-Top Shaft Height
Material |
9.0 |
Comfort |
8.6 |
Support |
8.5 |
Stability |
9.0 |
Lightweight |
9.3 |
Price |
9.4 |
Overall- 89%
Mizuno has been successful in the shoe business for over a century. And despite having such strong competitions out there, they survive against all odds only because of their quality. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 is one of their gems.
The most remarkable feature of the shoe is its built-in Parallel Wave Plate which fastens your lateral movements with superior stability.
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 comes with an eye-catching classic-cut design. Except for the look, this volleyball shoe for pickleball offers Dynamotion Fit; i.e. it is designed to reflect your foot’s natural motion and it gives you the skin-like feeling.
Moreover, Its ‘Wave’ technology (comparable to the Gel Cushioning tech.) enhances the comfort reducing heavy strikes and makes it way more comfortable for the athletes. Along with that, for better durability and shock absorption, a rubber wrap is fused at the toe box.
Pros
- High-performing Volleyball Shoe
- Dynamotion Fit
- Removable Insole
- Non-marking outsole
- Air mesh for breathability and lightweight
- Parallel Wave Plate
Cons
- Stiff
- Not for wide feet
- Runs Small
ASICS Gel-Game 7 Tennis Shoes – Best Comfortable Pickleball Shoe
Specifications
- Fabric and Synthetic Material
- Synthetic Coated Mesh
- Gel Cushioning System and
- Trusstic System Technology
- Rubber outsole
- Ortholite Sockliner
- Removable Sockliner
- EVA Midsole
Material |
9.0 |
Comfort |
8.7 |
Support |
8.5 |
Stability |
9.0 |
Lightweight |
9.0 |
Price |
9.0 |
Accelerate your movement speed and power with ASICS Gel-Game 7 shoe while you are playing pickleball. This shoe is engineered as a court shoe.
As a pickleball player, you need to move different directions quickly, therefore, for better stability and gripping this shoe comes with an outrigger outsole and wider heel cage. This ASICS Gel-Game 7 shoe is committed to bringing comfort and quick response to your every move.
The upper surface of the shoe is coated with synthetic material and mesh design which make it a more comfortable and ultra-lightweight shoe.
During sport being overheated is obvious. To keep your feet dry and cool, the open mesh is engineered to circulate air to your feet.
By prioritizing your feet stability, ASICS Gel-Game 7 shoe has built-in GEL Technology and EVA midsole adding more cushion to absorb heavy shocks. Also, this feature gives you extra comfort on your every heel striking.
This shoe is designed for women and shares the same features as ASICS Men’s Gel-Game 7. But ASICS Women’s Gel-Game 7 offers Ortholite Sockliner which delivers more comfort and better performance compared to any other insole. Also, it’s a removal sockliner i.e. you can replace it with a medical orthotic.
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Compatible Support
- Made of fabric and synthetic material
- Synthetic coated mesh surface for lightweight and breathability
- Gel Cushioning System and Trusstic System for comfort and stability
- Solid rubber outsole for better gripping on the ground
Cons
- A little Pricy
Buying Guide For Pickleball Shoes
Pickleball shoes have some special characteristics which specify them from any other sports shoe. We have discussed some key characteristics below to guide you choose the right pickleball shoes. So, let’s cut to the chase without doing any more delay.
Heavy-Duty Structure
Your selected pickleball shoe must come with a heavy-duty rubber sole. During the play, you will have to jump and run a lot, which results in pressure on your knees and feet. And the rubber sole gives you ultimate gripping on the floor to fight back the shocks and strains.
Cushioning
Shoes with rigid and firm soles are very uncomfortable. So sports-friendly footwear is desired to be cushy and snug.
Long story short, if you want me to put it straight- Don’t go for a shoe with less cushioning support.
Purpose
As mentioned, there are varying types of shoes that offers ankle support, some of the best shoes for ankle support are running shoes, basketball shoes, heavy duty combat boots, or casual shoes.
So choose what’s best for your lifestyle and the activity you intend to do.
Support & Ankle Protection
You cannot imagine a pair of Athletic shoes without suitable support.
During pickleball sports, your ankle becomes very vulnerable and may twist if your shoes lack strong ankle-support construction.
Also, you need to make lateral movements frequently which puts heavy stress on your ankle. So, you need to choose a shoe that features sturdy ankle support and a soft pad collar for extra comfort.
Weight
Games like volleyball, tennis, and pickleball require a quick response. And it’s not easy to pass through the court in different directions with ease wearing heavy footwear. But with a lightweight and responsive shoe, you can move faster across the pickleball court than wearing weighty footgear.
Non-Marking Sole
Most of the pickleball courts require players to wear non-marking shoes. An ordinary shoe may damage the court with its outsole color. That’s why make sure you are going to a shoe that doesn’t leave its sign.
Quick Tips: All About Pickleball
Running shoes or Sneakers are recommendable either because in most cases they lack stability and worthy gripping.
However, choosing the best shoe for pickleball among hundreds of shoes is difficult, and it entirely depends on what you are expecting from your pickleball shoe. If you are more conscious about injuries, then choose something that offers a lot of support rather than being stuck between light or heavyweight shoes.
Do I Really Need A Pickleball Shoe?
Owning the best shoes for pickleball is more important than having the best paddle. The sport requires frequent sporadic movements rather than incessant runs. And pickleball shoes are particularly designed to withstand these aforementioned moves, which therefore helps reduce injury risks.
So, whether you are just a recreational pickleball player or professional, it’s NECESSARY making a good investment to own a pair of good shoes for your game and health as well.
How did pickleball get its name?
When I searching pickleball on Google, It makes me crazy, I share with you from where the Pickleball comes!!
The name origination of pickleball sport varies from group to group. But
Barney McCallum’s thought prevails – Pritchards’ dog named Pickles used to chase pickleball balls and run with it.
For sure there is other logic for the naming.
Similarly, according to the statement of;
Joel Pritchard’s wife (Joan), she started to call the game as pickleball because it reminded her about pickle boats in crew where oarsmen were selected to make it from other boats leftovers in a combination of different sports.
So, she started to call it pickleball.
What are the 5 rules of pickleball?
Usually When I go pickleball court to spend some of my leisure time with friends, I notice all players concern some basic rules. The five rules of Pickleball that must be keep on mind every pickleball payer. Those are Serve, Volleys, Double-Bounce Rule, Fault, and Scoring.
- Serve: The serve should be a hit with an underhand swing and contact should be below the hips of other players.
- Volley: Players have to maintain no Volley Zone.Double Bounce
- Rule: When the receiving player needs to hit the ball, he should at least bounce once after receiving and before hitting.
- Fault: If the player steps into a non-volley zone, on any line or any other associated lines that will cause the fault.
- Scoring: Generally, it is played to 11 and should be won by 2.
What Are The Benefits Of Wearing Pickleball Shoes?
Toe, foot, and ankle these parts become very vulnerable while you play pickleball. To prevent any injury, pickleball shoes are engineered to provide you overall optimal fitting to reduce heel injury or torsion. And the toe box offers extra width and height for prevent toe injury.
You can review my article, specifically if you are facing lack of ankle support.
The shoe manufacturers also give priority on shoe construction, cushioning, breathability, and strong midsole and outsole construction.
Why Pickleball Shoes Are Important for the Player?
Owning the best shoes for pickleball is more important than having the best paddle. Without any of them, you can not go on pickleball court. Here is the complete pickleball paddle reviews guide that would help you choose the best one. Pickleball sport requires a frequent start and stop movement rather than a continuous running motion – pickleball shoes are particularly designed to withstand these aforementioned moves. If you are a beginner; then, make a good investment to own a pair of good shoes for pickleball.
The future opportunities of Pickleball players or where you can go only play pickleball?
I discover that Pickleball games future are so bright and there are 2.815 million Pickleball players worldwide. This sport is getting better at acquiring TV Contracts and professional endorsements. Also, winners are getting expensive prices. For beginners, there are tremendous opportunities waiting out there. If you are passionate about it, stick with your passion.
Types Of Pickleball Players
No matter which type you are- focus on ball, hit with paddle, wear grippy shoes and play pickleball.
Frequently Asked Question All About Pickleball
Do high-top shoes help ankles?
Answer
Definitely a yes; high-top shoes appear to be more capable than low-top when it comes to reducing ankle injury risks.
How To Prevent Injuries During Pickleball Sport?
Answer
Wear a shoe that comes with lace closure and gives you optimal fitting. Also, it must feature a heel lock fitting and extra wide toe box. Also, your shoes must contain an extra cushion and a well-constructed collar for ankle protection. If possible, don’t forget to wear a foot brace too.
Can You Wear Any Shoe To Play Pickleball?
Answer
You shouldn’t play pickleball wearing any regular shoes or sneakers as an ordinary shoe is highly likely to result in injury or torsion. Since, during the sport, you need to make numerous lateral movements frequently; an improper shoe couldn’t play the role the way certain pickleball footwear does.
What are the key features of a pickleball sneaker?
Answer
For outstanding performance, your shoes have to be very responsive, lightweight, well-cushioned, roomy, supportive, and comfortable.
Is There Any Difference Between Pickleball Shoes And Tennis Shoes?
Answer
There is no significant difference between these two types of shoes. You can wear either of these shoes to play on the court.
Do high top shoes help ankles?
Answer
Definitely a yes, for these shoes don’t strain your ankles too much as they protect it.
Why Is It Called The Kitchen In Pickleball?
Answer
The kitchen term came from the shuffleboard game – some of the rules of this game are commonly seen in pickleball sport. The kitchen term only refers to the rules of the pickleball game.
How Many Matches Do You Play With One Pair Of Pickleball Shoes?
Answer
This is very hard to answer this question. The longevity of your pickleball shoes depends on the shoe quality, weather, and court. If your practice daily, replace your shoes every six months.
How To Stop Shoes Rubbing The Back Of Your Heel?
Answer
Wear a shoe with a soft collar pad, but you can also use a proper fitting insole, moleskin, double sock or duct tape.
How To Stop The Foot From Sliding Forward In Shoes?
Answer
A few reasons may trigger this problem: improper shoe size, your instep is abnormally low, your arch is abnormally high, or lace closure is improperly tied.
I’ve wrote a very detalied article about stop feet from sliding forward
How to clean Pickleball Shoes?
Answer
- Remove your shoelaces
- Sink it into water
- Apply a paste of vinegar and baking soda
- Scrub your shoe using a brush
- Clean it using water then let it dry. Also, use a brush to extract the dirt.
And to remove the shoes odor , using black tea can be the best solution. Boil a black (any) tea bag with water for 2/3 minutes; then, put it into your shoes for 1 hour. That’s all.
Final Verdict
Coming to the end of this discussion, we can presume that selecting the best shoes for pickleball from a number of shoe brands is challenging and difficult.
So, I will recommend you to forget about the brands and pay attention to the features of the shoes. Then choose one following your purpose and expectations. Fingers Crossed.
Take Care.
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