Joseph works as an editor in one of the magazines dedicated to video games. Here, at RecRoomPick, he’s given the opportunity to enjoy the reverse of the medal – the no less engaging world of offline games.
Ryan knows everything when it comes to gaming, both online and offline. Since his early years he’s been in love with arcades, air hockey, and foosball. Finally, he’s given the opportunity to share his knowledge and opinion on the hobby of his life (and even get paid for it!).
Last updated: September 24, 2023
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There are multiple reasons for which you need to wear pickleball shoes, mostly because they play an important part in your sports experience. While you could, of course, play pickleball while wearing sneakers or running shoes, this is not recommended because you need a pair that is not slippery and provides support and protection for your feet. Pickleball players expect comfort and stability from their shoes.
We reviewed dozens of pickleball shoes and found that the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express are the best option for most players, taking into account their construction, durability, and level of comfort they provide on the court. We also selected nine other popular pickleball shoes, each with its own advantages so you can find a pair that suits your particular needs.
Our team spent days researching and testing the best pickleball shoes currently available on the market to find the best ones that suit various playing styles. We took into account factors such as upper material, sole traction, weight, and extra features. Another crucial aspect of our research was the balance between features and price. We compressed the results of our research in a comparison table, and you’ll also find detailed reviews of every pair below. A detailed buying guide at the end can help you make an informed decision.
"This model feels like running shoes, but has all the shock absorption and stability qualities, offering maximum comfort and breathability, the best shoes for outdoor pickleball courts."
"These shoes are really flexible, and they don’t require a breaking in period, offering maximum comfort, stability, lightweight and ADIWEAR™6 rubber provides durability."
"These court shoes are highly versatile, and you can wear them for other indoor sports as well, anatomical cup-in-sole features good fit for both narrow and wider feet."
"This model comes in widths up to EE making it the best for wide feet, and are non-constrictive and are feeling cozy even when you spend hours on end playing pickleball."
"This model features minimalist design with MatrYX High performance technical fabric for the upper material, Michelin outsole with an exclusive S pattern with additional rubber protection in high-wear areas."
"These shoes feature outstanding design, breathable insole with cooling system and are wide across the toe, while traction and stability are offered by the high-quality rubber outsole."
"This model features mesh forefoot that resists wear and tear, as well as the receptive cushioning that offers comfort, stability during the game and top-grip rubber outsole provides superior traction and cushion to deliver great energy return."
"These shoes are designed with the tennis player in mind, but they work very well for pickleball players, this model combines responsive cushioning with stability."
"These shoes have a lace-up design, which allows easily to adjust their fit to suit your feet and preferences and Ndurance points in high-wear areas contribute to the overall durability."
"Affordable shoes with good stability and comfort for playing on various surfaces, plus, wishbone shank contributes to enhanced stability and you can be sure of six-month outsole durability guarantee."
We chose to feature the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express as our editor’s choice because they are a performance-oriented type of outdoor shoes that also provide amazing comfort. While they feel like running shoes, these shoes have all the shock absorption and stability that you would expect from a tennis shoe. Lightweight and flexible, the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express provide enhanced ventilation for your feet, while also being able to mold to your feet.
The upper construction of the shoes includes a seamfree synthetic leather and canvas, while the outsole comprises of a combination of Draggaurd Rubber & Aosta Rubber for enhanced stability and traction. The seamfree synthetic leather used to construct the upper section is a cutting-edge material that provides breathability without sacrificing flexibility. Overall, these shoes offer excellent freedom of movement couple with enhanced support.
The ankle collar and tongue of the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express offers excellent padding, so you don’t have to deal with hotspots or pressure points that might be present with other sports shoes. Users who tested and reviewed these shoes found that they provide an excellent combination of arch support and cushioning. Moreover, the heel is lined with a non-slip material to keep your heel from slipping inside. The shoes are available in multiple color combinations and are perfect for those with wide feet. Many reviewers mentioned that people with narrow fit might have trouble adjusting to these shoes.
If you’re looking for the best pickleball shoes for women on the market, the Adidas Performance Women’s ASMC Barricade Boost Tennis Shoe offers an excellent blend of performance and fashion. This is an upgraded version of a popular Adidas model and comes with a redesigned Primeknit upper.
What makes these shoes great is the presence of the exclusive BOOST cushioning technology that provides users with better response time and augmented energy return. The durable ADIWEAR™6 rubber provides durability, added traction and secure footing. A modified herringbone thread on the outsole enhances its traction. The midsole is also highly durable and offers plenty of cushioning to keep your feet comfortable for prolonged periods of time.
Users who tested and reviewed the Adidas Performance Women’s ASMC Barricade Boost Tennis Shoe often mentioned that these shoes are pretty much flexible, and they don’t require a breaking in period. This means that you can take them out on the court straight from the box. The shoes have also received lots of positive reviews for their stability and comfort. Some users mentioned that the arch support is not perfect, but overall, the shoes are lightweight and a perfect choice for those who intend to play pickleball for hours on end without sacrificing comfort. Besides pickleball, these shoes are also suitable for playing tennis, so they offer a lot in terms of versatility.
Why is it special?
Durable rubber sole
BOOST technology for better recovery and extra comfort
An ideal choice for women pickleball players, the Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z5 Mid Indoor Court Shoe offer a highly praised textile and synthetic combination for the upper material and come complete with a durable rubber outsole that provides users with plenty of traction and good support for those long pickleball sessions.
These court shoes are highly versatile, and you can wear them for other indoor sports as well, such as volleyball for example. The Mizuno Wave Lightning Z5 are one of the best choices on the market for those who are looking for a pair that delivers lightweight performance while also being highly breathable. According to users who tested and reviewed these shoes, they offer excellent ankle support and a good fit for both narrow and wider feet.
The Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z5 Mid Indoor Court Shoe sport the D-Flex Groove, which is basically a diagonal flexible groove in the mid-foot area. The main benefit of this feature is the fact that it allows you to turn at maximum speed. The D-Flex Groove also helps to transfer your natural body movement efficiently and help with shifts in direction. Another thing that we liked about these Mizuno shoes for women is the anatomical cup-in-sole, which is anatomically designed to fit the bottom of the foot for enhanced comfort during play.
The best choice out there for wide feet, the Python Wide (EE) Width Indoor Mid Racquetball Shoe is a lightweight mid-cut shoe that comes in widths up to EE, which is almost impossible to find in pickleball shoes. The high-quality synthetic leather upper is highly breathable, so your feet don’t overheat during play. Extra comfort is given by the lightweight EVA insole, while the die-cut Artholite insoles do an excellent job when it comes to shock absorption.
Most of the users who tested the Python Wide (EE) Width Indoor Mid Racquetball Shoe mentioned that they are true to size and comfortable enough so you can play for hours on end without feeling your feet heavy. The shoes are also suitable for a range of other sports, including squash, badminton, racquetball, and racquetball.
The gummy sole of these shoes provides users with enhanced traction, which is very important especially for those who like to play fast, energetic games. The upper material is made from synthetic leather with open mesh inserts and feels comfortable, being non-constrictive and feeling cozy even when you spend hours on end playing pickleball.
What we also lied about the Python Wide (EE) Width Indoor Mid Racquetball Shoe is the fact that they are very lightweight at 11.6 oz. for a size 10.5, which makes them ideal for users who don’t want to feel like their shoes are dragging them down while playing.
Designed with tennis players in mind, the Babolat Men’s Jet Mach II All Court Tennis Shoes are fast and responsive, which makes them ideal for experienced pickleball players who want to up their game even more. This lightweight pair of sports shoes features a patented MatrYX High performance technical fabric for the upper material, which is enhanced with Polyamide fibers and durable Kevlar woven into targeted zones.
For the outsole, you’ll notice that these shoes feature a Michelin outsole with an exclusive S pattern. Moreover, they employ Active Flexion technology for enhanced flexibility, and they feature additional rubber protection for the high-wear areas. Weighing just 11.8 oz., the Babolat Men’s Jet Mach II All Court Tennis Shoes are some of the lightest pairs we reviewed and are sure to keep you comfortable even during the most heated game of pickleball.
Shock absorption works well with these shoes, and while the padding is not really plush and cushioning and feels on the thin side, it doesn’t have a major impact on the overall comfort. This is an ideal pair of pickleball shoes for those who are looking for a pair of shoes that focus on agility and speed for competition. The minimalist design of the Babolat Men’s Jet Mach II All Court Tennis Shoes makes them ideal for any player, but the thinner padding and narrow fit may not suit users who are looking for plush cushioning.
The Tyrol Men’s Volley Series Pickleball Shoe features the best design we have found in all the shoes we reviewed. They are some of the few shoes on the market designed with the pickleball player in mind. These shoes feature a mesh nylon upper material that enhanced their breathability and makes the shoes easy to clean at the same time. The insole is also aerated and features a cooling system, so overall, you are likely never to get too hot when wearing these shoes.
Many of the reviewers who tested the Tyrol Men’s Volley Series Pickleball Shoe liked the traction and stability offered by the high-quality rubber outsole. A molded rubber toe offers toe drag reinforcement, and these shoes also offer a power clip for strike support. Users also liked the overall comfort these shoes bring on the court, as well as the overall design that makes you stand out on the court.
We liked that the Tyrol Men’s Volley Series Pickleball Shoe is wider across the toe than many of the other shoes we reviewed. The heel is also a bit wider, which means that some of the users may have to add an insert for improved comfort. According to many users, the shoes don’t require a break-in period, so you can be out playing pickleball the day you receive them.
Featuring a sock-like construction that hugs the foot, the Adidas Men’s Stabil X Volleyball Shoe is our choice for best shoes for indoor pickleball. Lightweight and durable, these shoes have a mid-cut design that protects the ankle while you move fast during a game. The internal reinforcement in the midfoot also allows you to customize the degree of support you need by using the laces.
We particularly liked the mesh forefoot that resists wear and tear very well, as well as the receptive cushioning that offers you comfort and stability during the game. The top-grip rubber outsole provides superior traction and we have found the cushion to deliver great energy return.
Users who tested these shoes on the court appreciated the level of support these shoes provide, but some of them also fund them to be a bit on the tight side. The enhanced traction won the Adidas Men’s Stabil X Volleyball Shoe lots of praise from users, and some of them mentioned that they might require a couple of days for breaking in.
These shoes are particularly versatile, which means that you can also wear them when playing other sports, such as volleyball and racquetball, for example. They are available in multiple color combinations and they are generally true to size. According to reviews, they are a suitable choice for those who are looking for a narrow fit.
Comfort and durability are two words that can be used to describe the Wilson Footwear Women’s Tennis Shoe. As their name suggests, these shoes are designed with the tennis player in mind, but they work very well for pickleball players as well. The soft upper material is made from fabric with engineered mesh, and it makes you feel quick on your feet. We liked the stability and support you get straight out of the box with these shoes.
The outsole features Duralast rubber for above-average durability and reliable traction at the same time. The modified herringbone pattern contributes to good traction no matter which type of court you are playing on. Considering how light these shoes are, many players were impressed by their durability. The toe bumper offers enhanced protection, which contributes to the overall durability of these shoes.
We liked the fact that the Wilson Footwear Women’s Tennis Shoe is very lightweight, and many users agree that weight is one of the highlights of these shoes. The midsole of the shoes combines responsive cushioning with stability, and overall this helps to resist twisting. These Wilson shoes are available in multiple color and have a with that is likely to suit just about any user. The Wilson Footwear Women’s Tennis Shoe is a good choice for women who are looking for a comfortable option that suits players of all levels.
An affordable tennis shoe that works well for playing outdoor pickleball, the New Balance Women’s WC1006v1 Tennis Shoe features a breathable mesh upper that enhances your comfort as you wear them on the court. The padded tongue and collar contribute to ankle support and overall comfort, while the rubber outsole makes these shoes durable.
While some of the users who reviewed these shoes mentioned that the soles are rather inflexible, others mentioned that the overall feeling is a comfortable one. New Balance based this model on a previous one, which they improved by adding a cushioning insole to improve comfort and keep your feet well-supported for the duration of the game. When it comes to sizing, the New Balance Women’s WC1006v1 Tennis Shoe is not always true to size, and users with narrow feet might find it a bit difficult to adjust to.
These New Balance tennis shoes have a lace-up design, which means that you can easily adjust their fit to suit your feet and preferences. The removable foam insole allows for even more customization. On the outsole, you will find Ndurance points in high-wear areas, which contribute to the overall durability of the shoes. The New Balance shoes are available in two color combinations and come in a wide range of sizes, but a single width.
Our budget choice for pickleball shoes is the Prince Men’s 8P984149-T22 Tennis Shoe, an affordable shoe that still provides good stability and comfort for playing on various surfaces. Made from synthetic material and mesh, the upper material allows the free flow of air so your feet can breathe even when you play in hot weather. The 4Foot Wrap of these shoes creates a glove-like fir to keep your foot correctly and comfortably in its place.
The Prince Men’s 8P984149-T22 Tennis Shoe is an all-rounder that you can use on various courts and for playing a wide range of sports, including baseball and softball. What we liked about these Prince shoes is the fact that they have good shock absorption, doing a very good job at dispersing shocks to protect the user’s feet.
Users appreciated that the Prince Men’s 8P984149-T22 Tennis Shoe has a roomy toe box, which means that they are an excellent option for those with a wide foot. The wishbone shank of these shoes contributes to enhanced stability. When it comes to the sole, the 100% PRC 1000 rubber offers lots of durability. Users who tested these shoes mentioned that the soles don’t show signs of wear too soon. Moreover, the outsoles are grippy, providing you with great traction for quick starts and stops, which is essential in pickleball.
What could be better?
A bit inflexible
Things to Consider
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and one of the most popular reasons behind that growth is the fact that it’s a sport suitable for all ages. Whether you are only picking up the sport or you have some experience with it, it’s essential to have good footwear to give you the traction you need to improve your technique and stability so you can move from one side to another with ease. If you’re not sure what the best shoes for pickleball are, this buying guide has all the details you need to make an informed choice.
Choosing the best shoes for pickleball
To choose the best shoes for pickleball, you need to consider multiple aspects, including the type of shoes, upper material, outsole, as well as comfort and breathability. If you are looking for shoes for pickleball that come with extra features, you may want to check out the more expensive models we have listed in our comparison table.
Types
It is rather difficult to find shoes for pickleball that are specially designed with this sport in mind. As such, you are best options are shoes created for other court sports, such as tennis or volleyball. If you are looking to play indoor pickleball, your best option is to look at volleyball shoes that are designed to provide you with comfort when playing sports on indoor courts.
Most pickleball games take place on outdoor courts that are very often converted tennis courts, while indoor games are often played on surfaces that are also shared with other sports such as volleyball and badminton.
Because there is a lot of lateral movement in pickleball and the sport also requires you to change direction quickly, shoes designed for other racket sports such as squash or racquetball are also great options especially for the outdoor courts. Volleyball shoes are a good choice for most pickleball players because they are specifically designed for indoor courts and they feature rubber soles that has a lot of grip to help you navigate the smooth gym surface safely.
Sizes available
Most pickleball shoes are available in a wide variety of sizes for both men and women, just as you would expect with shoes designed for other sports. The shoes should be wide enough to keep you comfortable and eliminate the possibility of any bulging on the sides of the shoe. As with any type of athletic shoe, your toes should not feel cramped, and most experts agree that there should be at least 1/2-inch space between the tip of the shoe and your longest toe.
The upper part of pickleball shoes can be made from different materials, with some of the most popular choices being synthetic leather or synthetic nylon with mesh. As a rule of thumb, the upper material is very durable and provides users with plenty of breathability, so they don’t overheat even when playing on a hot summer day. Some models come with a combination of mesh and syntactic or leather to provide durability while balancing breathability and minimizing the weight of the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole is a term that refers to the bottom of the shoe, and the material it is made from is important because this is the part that provides you with stability and prevents you from slipping on smooth surfaces. Most outsoles for pickleball shoes are made from a highly durable rubber that provides good grip and can withstand abrasive surfaces at the same time. Shoes designed for indoor use generally come with a natural gum rubber that increases traction, whereas those designed for outdoor courts are optimized for abrasive surfaces.
Toecap
Most pickleball come with a reinforced toecap, as Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z5 Mid Indoor Court Shoe or Adidas Men’s Stabil X Volleyball Shoe, to protect your toes against foot drag and impacts and is generally positioned just above the toes. Some models include a toe guard, which is essentially an additional layer of rubber to provide an extra level of protection.
Comfort and support
When shopping for pickleball shoes, it’s important to consider comfort because that could make or break your experience. Some of the elements that contribute to the level of comfort of sports shoe include cushioning and support. The cushion factor is essential because you are bound to make lots of high-impact moves when playing pickleball, so you need a pair of shoes that does a good job when it comes to absorbing shocks. Support is also critical, as a shoe with good support is likely to keep your feet comfortable for longer and leave you pain-free even after you play for hours. And K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express even features the heel lined with a non-slip material to keep the heel from slipping inside.
Breathability
Most shoes for pickleball have mesh inserts in the upper part to help with breathability. A shoe with good breathability properties will help you avoid overheating while also keeping your feet dry.
Weight
Most pickleball players prefer lightweight shoes that help them remain comfortable even when playing for hours. You should expect the shoes to weigh between 11 and 14 oz.
Extra features
Some models have extra features to enhance your pickleball experience. These may include an extra soft knit upper to help the shoe adapt to your foot shape, and extra cooling systems such as those found in the Tyrol Men’s Volley Series Pickleball Shoe. Other shoes such as the Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z5 Mid Indoor Court Shoe have a D-Flex Groove feature that helps you turn at high speeds on the court.
Price range
Pickleball shoes come in a variety of price ranges to suit every budget, whether you are a beginner who is looking for an affordable pair to get started with the game, or a seasoned pickleball player looking to upgrade their footwear to enjoy the game at the fullest. In general, you should expect to pay under $75 for a pair of shoes designed for beginners, and in excess of $100 for a more specialized pair of shoes that provides enhanced comfort and is versatile enough to be used for multiple sports.
While the cleaning instruction may differ from one manufacturer to another, you should always dry brush your pickleball shoes and only use a mild cleaning solution if you need to get rid of stubborn stains. Laces and soles can be washed with a mild detergent as well. Avoid washing your shoes for pickleball in the washing machine, and always air dry them. Make sure that you always consult the caring instructions provided by the manufacturer.
To extend the life of your pickleball shoes, you should keep them clean at all times and air dry them. Storing the shoes correctly will also extend their life — avoid placing them in direct sunlight or throw them in a cold garage in winter. Always store your shoes in a cool and dry place and make sure they are completely dry when you store them.
If you play almost every day, it might be a good idea to alternate pairs. This is especially true for situations where you wear the shoes in wet weather, because it’s important to leave them to dry completely before wearing them again. Also, you might need two pairs of pickleball shoes if you play both indoors and outdoors.
Wrapping It Up
Our editor’s choice, the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express is a shoe that would suit the vast majority of players because it combines a fantastic design with a comfortable and durable construction. These shoes are also offering very good traction and have a breathable upper that makes them ideal for all seasons. If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of shoes for pickleball for women, the Adidas Performance Women’s ASMC Barricade Boost Tennis Shoe come with a durable rubber sole and enhanced traction. Finally, our third choice is the Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z5 Mid Indoor Court Shoe, the best choice for women looking for a pair of shoes for pickleball they can wear on a court with a smooth surface because they provide excellent traction. No matter what model you decide to buy in the end, don’t forget to check the sizing information carefully to buy a pair that fits you right.
To choose the best shoes for pickleball, you need to consider multiple aspects, including the type of shoes, upper material, outsole, as well as comfort and breathability. If you are looking for shoes for pickleball that come with extra features, you may want to check out the more expensive models we have listed in our comparison table.
The outsole is a term that refers to the bottom of the shoe, and the material it is made from is important because this is the part that provides you with stability and prevents you from slipping on smooth surfaces. Most outsoles for pickleball shoes are made from a highly durable rubber that provides good grip and can withstand abrasive surfaces at the same time. Shoes designed for indoor use generally come with a natural gum rubber that increases traction, whereas those designed for outdoor courts are optimized for abrasive surfaces.
Some models have extra features to enhance your pickleball experience. These may include an extra soft knit upper to help the shoe adapt to your foot shape, and extra cooling systems such as those found in the 
