Are you looking for pickleball shoes? Then there’s something you need to know! Before you buy your first pair of shoes, you will be thankful you read our article. If you bought the first pair of shoes you found, they will probably cost you more in the long run.
In my opinion, finding the right shoes for pickleball is the most important aspect for new players learning the game. There are literally hundreds of shoes to choose from. Some are designed for tennis and are perfectly suited for pickleball, while others are designed specifically for pickleball Paddle games.
So which shoes for pickleball are the most comfortable? Which ones are the best? Well, to answer this question, I decided to buy, try on, research, and analyze every pickleball shoe I could get my hands on. Having done this, I highly recommend the K-Swiss Express Light. It is lightweight, has a very roomy toe box, and is perfect for people with wide feet!
I have used other pickleball court shoes as well, and in this article, I hope to detail them to give you some direction in choosing your next pair of pickleball shoes.
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Best Shoes For Pickleball
In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about pickleball shoes and show you some of my favorite options. I will cover both men’s pickleball shoes and women’s shoes, so everyone will be covered. Happy reading!
Best Shoes For Pickleball | Comparison Table 2023
5-Stars Pick | Great Prices | High Quality
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro Men's Hard-Court Tennis Shoe, Black, 10 UK (10.5 US) | Nike | Check Price | |
| Fila Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes, White/Pink Glo/Electric Purple (US Women's Size 9.5) | Fila | Check Price | |
| adidas Men's Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoe, White/Core Black/Silver Metallic, 13 | adidas | Check Price | |
| New Balance mens 806 V1 Tennis Shoe, White, 11.5 Wide US | New Balance | Check Price | |
| Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 Mid Black/White Men | Mizuno | Check Price | |
| Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Hc Hard Court Mens Tennis Shoe Cd0424-100 Size 8 | Nike | Check Price | |
| ASICS Women's Upcourt 5 Volleyball Shoes, 8.5, Black/Pure Silver | ASICS | Check Price | |
| K-Swiss Men's Express Light Pickleball Shoe, Highrise/Navy, 10 W | K-Swiss | Check Price | |
| WILSON Rush Pro Ace Pickleball White/Stormy Weather/Classic Blue 7.5 D (M) | WILSON | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Shoes For Pickleball | Reviews 2023
1. Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro: Best Shoes For Pickleball
- Nike Men's Shoes
- Lightweight Breathability. The durable mesh helps keep your feet cool
- The inside of the mesh is reinforced where you need extra
- The Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro takes everything you love about the NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X and makes it lighter and more supportive
- Soft foam midsole has a Zoom Air unit
- Asymmetrical lacing hugs foot during lateral movements
- Full-length foot frame on the lateral side for stability
- Mens Hard-Court Tennis Shoe, Black, 10 UK (10.5 US)
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2. Fila Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes
- leather / synthetic / textile
- Herringbone rubber outsole for added traction and durability
- Forefoot circle pivot area
- TPU midfoot shank for added stability
- Energized EVA midsole for extra cushioning
- Designed For Multi-Directional Movement
- Lightweight Construction, Made With Woven Textiles
- Synthetic textile upper increases breathability and comfort
- , White/Pink Glo/Electric Purple (US Women's Size 9.5)
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3. adidas Men's Adizero Ubersonic
- Mens tennis shoes made for hard courts
- BEAT THE HEAT: Designed to keep you going in hot conditions — beat the heat with adidas HEAT.RDY
- ADIDAS LIGHT STRIKE: adidas Lightstrike is redefining the next generation of speed with a super-light midsole designed for dynamic, lightweight movement
- ADIWEAR OUTSOLE: Adiwear outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability
- MADE WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: Made with a series of recycled materials, this upper features at least 50% recycled content. This product represents just one of our solutions to help end plastic waste
- The inner layer of the upper is a comfortable and breathable Primeknit sock
- Their foot-hugging stretch woven upper and external heel counter keep you strapped in for explosive sprints
- 4 Tennis Shoe, White/Core Black/Silver Metallic, 13
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4. New Balance men's Shoe
- For the ultimate in on-court stability and support, the New Balance 806 delivers. With C-CAP®, ABZORB®, and our exclusive ROLLBAR technology, this heritage tennis shoe offers unrivaled motion control. Now made even lighter, it’s as stylish as ever.
- Full grain leather upper
- Herringbone-pattern outsole for added traction during lateral movements
- LIGHTNING DRY® wicks moisture away to help keep your feet dry and comfortable
- Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500, may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement
- New Balance 806 tennis shoes are the perfect durable and stable option for all-court players
- Comfortable lining, a supportive midfoot, and maximum traction
- , White, 11.5 Wide US
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5. Mizuno Wave Momentum
- Wave Momentum Mid Volleyball Shoe 13
- Wave Plate Torsional Support. Torsional support in volleyball shoes is usually pretty black and white
- Mixuno Wave for stability and cushioning at the heal
- Features new eyelet structure for optimal fit and less stress
- Perform your best with the Mizuno mens Wave Momentum 2 volleyball shoes
- These lightweight shoes feature a high level of stability and cushioning
- : Located inside the shoe to provide a soft and secure fit
- 2 Mid Black/White Men
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6. Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage
- Innovated to withstand your toughest matches
- this updated design puts flexible
- durable materials exactly where they're needed most
- A unique lacing system keeps your laces hidden for extra durability while sliding
- Styles That Deliver Comfort & Refinement. Shop Luxury Designer Shoes
- Do It Tennis offers the best selection & prices on premium tennis gear & accessories
- Equipments and gears meet every water sports needs for everyone
- Support your training process and achieve your fitness goals
- 4 Hc Hard Court Mens Tennis Shoe Cd0424-100 Size 8
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7. ASICS Women's Upcourt 5 Shoes
- Supportive overlays improve stability
- Mesh panels improve comfort
- Toe and heel counter are designed for durability
- The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology
- Supportive overlays improve stability
- Mesh panels improve comfort
- Toe and heel counter are designed for durability
- The ASICS Womens Upcourt 5 shoe is designed to offer better flexibility and a more comfortable
- , 8.5, Black/Pure Silver
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8. K-Swiss Men's Express Light Pickleball Shoe
- AÖSTA 7.0 RUBBER COMPOUND: High-density outsole provides unsurpassed durability from heel-to-toe.
- DURAWRAP: Provides an extra line of defense against excessive toe-dragging.
- 180 PSC PLANTAR: A 180 degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis that enhances mid-foot stability.
- ORTHOLITE SOCK LINER: The unique open-cell structure of OrthoLite foam creates a moisture management system, helping to move moisture away and provide a cooler, drier, healthier environment.
- DRAGGUARD: Located in the high wear areas of the toe and heel offering increased abrasion-resistance.
- The Express Light Pickleball was created to give players a comfortable
- and breathable shoe that supports on-court movement and performance needed for the sport
- , Highrise/Navy, 10 W
Product Overview:
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9. WILSON Rush Pro Ace Pickleball
- 4D Support Chassis limits supination and torsion to help control pivot movements while loading up for powerful strokes, creating superior stability
- Sensifeel features a minimally layered upper to upgrade comfort while maintaining superior support
- DF2 provides cushioned court feel, yielding compromise between comfort and quick performance (DF2 = HT Drop 9 mm)
- Rubber Medial Drag Pad supplies added durability and protection when dragging the foot
- R-DST+ offers the best combination of cushioning and rebound for more dynamic performance
- Duralast consists of a high-density, consummately durable rubber compound that provides abrasion resistance and maximum traction on all surfaces
- Wide Fit (2E) construction accommodates wider foot for more comfortable fit
- Designed for best performance on pickleball court surfaces
- Color: White/Stormy Weather/Classic Blue
- Item #: WRS329260
- White/Stormy Weather/Classic Blue 7.5 D (M)
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How To Choose The Best Shoes For Pickleball | Unrivaled Guide 2023
Unfortunately, there are very few types of shoes designed specifically for pickleball. Therefore, we are forced 
to look at similar sports to find the best shoes.
Pickleball Shoes For Indoor Use
Indoor pickleball is often played on wooden courts. This makes the floor somewhat slippery, so shoes with good grip are necessary. Try to choose shoes from similar sports such as badminton or volleyball. These sports use similar courts and have similar lateral movements. This makes them ideal for pickleball.
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Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
Playing on concrete will wear out pickleball shoes, so you need a very durable pair. Some people may think directly of running shoes, but we recommend that you avoid them. Running shoes are designed to move forward with great impact on the heel.
As a result, they do not provide the support needed for lateral movement. They also have thick soles in the heel area and thin soles in the ball area, ideal for pickleball.
Tennis shoes, on the other hand, are perfect! The terrain and movement are similar to pickleball, and the shoe conditions are similar. And the great thing is that a good enough pair of them can be used as pickleball court shoes.
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Comfort
Pickleball, with its movement in all directions, can be very hard on the feet. The best pickleball shoes offer just the right amount of cushioning and support to keep them light and comfortable.
Breathability
Pickleball is a pretty demanding sport, and you're likely to sweat quite a bit, especially if you play in a hot and humid environment. So do yourself a favor and buy a pair of breathable pickleball shoes. Your feet will thank 
you.
Level Of Play
The level of play is an important factor to consider when selecting a pickleball shoe. If you are just beginning to play, beginner's shoes should be a good fit. As you gain experience, you may upgrade to more advanced shoes. However, there is no need to worry. Most pickleball shoes are suitable for players of all levels.
Court Types
When choosing pickleball shoes, you should consider the type of surface you will be playing on. For example, if you play pickleball outdoors, the hard court surface is the same whether you play with pickleball shoes or tennis shoes. If you are playing indoors, you may want to get an indoor pickleball shoe or other court shoes.
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Width And Length
When purchasing pickleball shoes, choose ones that are comfortable and fit your feet snugly. Choose a pair that is comfortable and fits the shape of your feet. Ideally, choose shoes that are not too wide or too narrow.
Ankle Support
Look for pickleball shoes with good arch support and cushioning. This will reduce the risk of ankle pain and other foot injuries. Avoid running shoes, as they do not provide enough support for the lateral movement of the pickleball.
Shoe Weight
Good shoes should provide adequate support, comfort, and maneuverability when playing pickleball. However, since you will be running and moving around the pickleball court, the shoes should not be too heavy.
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Advantages of Pickleball Shoes
The use of appropriate shoes for pickleball is necessary for players of all levels. Having comfortable and supportive shoes can reduce the risk of fatigue and injury. In addition, a good pickleball shoe will give you optimal traction. You will be able to hit more accurate shots and move around the court more efficiently.
Choosing the best pickleball shoes will help you improve your game and have fun playing this popular sport.
Tips For Buying Pickleball Shoes
- Start by doing some research on the Internet. Look through the manufacturer's information and relevant reviews and comments.
- Ask other players you play with which shoes they like and why. They will surely be able to share their experiences with you.
- Decide whether you prefer a top layer of leather, fabric, mesh, or a combination of both. This will affect comfort and breathability.
- Look for shoes that provide proper ankle and arch support.
- Consider the court surface you will be playing on most often. This will help determine whether you should purchase tennis shoes, court shoes, or volleyball shoes. Indoor courts (such as gymnasiums) tend to be slippery. Outdoor courts (tennis court surfaces), on the other hand, will wear out the soles more quickly.
- Consider the color of the court surface. As you probably know, hitting a pickleball at your opponent's feet is an effective strategy. Are your feet an easy target? Choose dark-colored shoes or shoes that are easily camouflaged on the court surface to hide your feet from your opponents ;-).
- Consider your style of play Are you moving around excessively in the court and dragging your toes? Depending on your style, you may need more lateral support or toe cushioning.
- Consider the weight of the shoe. You do not want shoes that weigh you down on the court.
- Is comfort your first priority? If so, consider gel insoles. However, given the high speeds and movement required in pickleball, you should also look for shoes with thick soles to minimize the impact on the court.
- Keep track of when, where, and how much you bought your shoes. This will make it easier to purchase new shoes in the future.
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Best Shoes For Pickleball | Infographics
Best Shoes For Pickleball | Video Explanation
FAQs
What kind of shoes should I wear for pickleball?
Any sports shoes that mimic pickleball conditions are fine. Tennis shoes are best for outdoor pickleball. Indoor pickleball, badminton, squash, and volleyball shoes are also good choices.
Can I wear tennis shoes for pickleball?
Tennis shoes are the best choice for pickleball. This is because tennis is played on a very similar court and the movements are almost identical but on a smaller scale. Remember that pickleball tennis shoes are best suited for outdoor pickleball, not indoor pickleball.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
In the past, it was easy to distinguish between indoor and outdoor shoes, but these days the line between the two is blurring. In the past, indoor shoes were made almost entirely of organic rubber, while outdoor shoes were made of resilient synthetic rubber. However, many shoes now use different mixtures of these two materials for indoor and outdoor use.
In many cases, outdoor shoes are fairly easily identified by their style. Nevertheless, we always recommend checking the product description to be sure.
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Conclusion
This guide offers a wide variety of the best shoes for pickleball at a wide range of prices, so you won't be spending a fortune. Instead, you'll spend enough to keep your feet safe and your wallet full. If you already own a pair of shoes or have just purchased a pair, please share your experience by leaving a comment in the comments section below.
Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here
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