These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (2024)

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports around right now. And for good reason: The fast-paced game, played much like tennis but on a smaller court and with slightly different gear, is fun for players of all ages and skill levels. But if you're serious about upping your game, ditching your running shoes for the right pair of sneakers can make a big difference, says Katy Luxem, founder of Big Dill Pickleball Co.

Our top picks:

To make our top picks, our editors scoured top retailers for the best-selling products, reading hundreds of reviews and specifications. We also consulted pickleball experts like Luxem and Mindy Gibson, a pro at Life Time South Jordan in Utah. Based on our research, these are our top recommendations.

1

Best Overall Pickleball Shoes

SKECHERS Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pro

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (12)

1

Best Overall Pickleball Shoes

SKECHERS Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pro

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (13)Pros' favorite
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (14)Lightweight
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (15)Removable insole
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (16)Not available in wide sizes

You know it's a good shoe when professional pickleball players like Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin rely on it when on the court. The lightweight pair — each shoe weighs just shy of 12 ounces — has a simple design that not only looks sharp, but also performs well. It's largely thanks to the removable insole, which helps mold the foot in order to reduce shock and more evenly disperse weight. Choose from four colors in both men's and women's styles.

2

Best Value Pickleball Shoes

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Shoes

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (17)

2

Best Value Pickleball Shoes

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Shoes

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (18)Breathable, flexible desigh
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (19)Large bumper toes
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (20)Bouncy outsole
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (21)Run a bit narrow

Designed specifically for pickleball courts, the Rush Pro Ace is a lightweight and breathable shoe with a flexible midsole with impact cushioning to improve stability and allow for more controlled movements. The cushioned pair is nice and bouncy, too, which helps when you need to hop up to the net to hit a difficult drop shot. We also like that this pair has big rubber bumper toes on the front to keep the shoe in tip-top condition longer, though the design may be too narrow for some.

3

Best Supportive Pickleball Shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (22)

3

Best Supportive Pickleball Shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (23)Come in medium and wide sizes
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (24)Extra heel cushioning
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (25)High ankle collar
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (26)Some say the shoes come up too high

This multi-colored shoe, available in two colorways, has plenty of cushioning in the heel for those who need a little bit of extra support. Not to mention, the shoes have a high collar to help keep your ankle locked in place — a great feature for anyone who struggles with stability, especially when darting around during a volley. The downside, though, is that some found the high collar irritating. Choose from both medium and wide options to best suit the shape of your foot.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4

Best Pickleball Shoes for Outdoor Courts

ASICS Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (27)

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (28)

4

Best Pickleball Shoes for Outdoor Courts

ASICS Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

Now 14% Off

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (29)Very supportive
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (30)Signature gel cushioning
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (31)On the heavier side

A favorite among experts like Luxem, the Gel-Renma is a nice and sturdy shoe that has enough bounce to help you move agilely around the court. With this pair, you'll get all of the support you need — the shoes have flex-grooved soles and a special TRUSTIC technology that's meant to limit twisting at the knees and ankles. The shoes also have ASIC's signature GEL tech that claims to minimize the strain you feel when you make quick, hard movements — like a lunge for the ball — although the shoes themselves are a bit heavier than others on this list.

5

Best Pickleball Shoe for Narrow Feet

Nike Zoom Vapor 11 Hard Court Tennis Shoes

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (32)

5

Best Pickleball Shoe for Narrow Feet

Nike Zoom Vapor 11 Hard Court Tennis Shoes

Now 56% Off

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (33)Highly supportive
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (34)Slim fit
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (35)Stylish
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (36)Toe box may be too narrow for some

One of Nike's bestselling tennis shoes, the Zoom Vapor 11 is just as well suited to both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. It's an undeniably stylish shoe with a slim-fitting design. But it's not all about the aesthetics — the pair is constructed with durable, reinforced mesh that's breathable but cradles your foot enough for quick lateral movements. It's also designed with an outsole that has enough spring to help you get to the net quickly.

6

Best Pickleball Shoe for Women

Adidas Solematch Control Sneaker

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (37)

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (38)

6

Best Pickleball Shoe for Women

Adidas Solematch Control Sneaker

Now 33% Off

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (39)Made with recycled material
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (40)Highly durable
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (41)High ankle collar can be irritating

These pickleball shoes may be constructed with recycled materials, but what you get is a highly durable pair that'll help you get around the court with increased agility. The lightweight mesh shoes feature a special bounce cushioning that provides both comfort and flex, and the high collar is great for support, though it can become irritating if socks don't come up high enough. Plus, the adiwear outsole is said to be extremely durable and wraps around the toe to protect the stylish shoes from the foot drag that happens during serves, volleys and quick lateral movements.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Pickleball Shoes for Men

Under Armour Men's Charged Commit Tr 3

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (42)

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (43)

7

Best Pickleball Shoes for Men

Under Armour Men's Charged Commit Tr 3

Now 25% Off

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (44)Great traction
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (45)Supportive
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (46)Comes in 17 colors
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (47)Relatively narrow

They may be cross-trainers, but these lightweight yet sturdy shoes are great for pickleball courts. They're foot-hugging at every point for premium support, though some found them a bit narrow. There's a dual-external heel counter, a leather mid-foot saddle and a cushioned sockliner that molds to your foot. They also boast strategically-placed flex grooves on the sole to improve traction — even in wet conditions on an outdoor court. We love that the pair comes in nearly 20 colors, too.

8

Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoe

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (48)

8

Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoe

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (49)Added plantar stability
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (50)Highly durable
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (51)Liner adds comfort
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (52)Relatively small toe box

Available in both men's and women's styles, this lightweight shoe is specifically designed for pickleball. The pair boasts a 180º thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis meant to improve stability, plus has an ortholite sock liner to keep feet cool and sweat-free in the process. Also nice: A high-density outsole, complete with a DURAWRAP cover that minimizes toe dragging during swift movements on the court, although some reviewers say the toe box runs small.

9

Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor Courts

Babolat Jet Mach 3 Tennis Shoes

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (53)

9

Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor Courts

Babolat Jet Mach 3 Tennis Shoes

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (54)Shock-absorbing
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (55)Flexible yet supportive
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (56)Soles may wear out quickly

Babolat may not be as well known as other brands like Nike or New Balance, but Gibson says you shouldn't sleep on this pair. They offer great overall value, thanks to a unique cushioning system called KPRSX. It's designed with more elasticity to support quick movements, yet still offer the support you need for improved stability on the court, though the soles may wear out quickly. The pair is also built with a special shock-absorbing EVA foam pad that may help relieve stress on your joints.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10

Best Pickleball Shoes for Ankle Support

Mizuno Wave Momentum 2

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (57)

10

Best Pickleball Shoes for Ankle Support

Mizuno Wave Momentum 2

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (58)Great ankle support
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (59)Stylish
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (60)Not super breathable

If you have problems with ankle stability, you'll appreciate this pair of sneakers. While they're actually volleyball shoes, the standout features transfer well to the pickleball court. The mid-top silhouette expertly cradles the ankle to help give you the support you need when making quick movements around the court. Reviewers say they also have exceptional traction, so you're less likely to slip — even if you're playing on an indoor basketball court. They're not super breathable, but you can't beat the look of these sneaks.

11

Best Slip-on Pickleball Shoes

Fila Speedserve Energized Sneaker

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (61)

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (62)

11

Best Slip-on Pickleball Shoes

Fila Speedserve Energized Sneaker

Now 42% Off

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (63)Easy to put on
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (64)Highly supportive
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (65)Not as breathable as other pairs

This fun, vibrant pair from Fila is technically a tennis shoe, but it's perfect for pickleball, too. The comfortable slip-ons go on without effort, but have a special TPU midfoot stabilizer and a molded foot to add support that claims to help protect against ankle rolls or slipping during quick lateral movements. They're great for anyone who tends to drag their feet, too. The shoe has a herringbone tread on the outsole that claims to give enhanced abrasion resistance, though they're not the most breathable pair on our list.

12

Best Pickleball Shoes for Wide Feet

FitVille Wide Width Court Shoes

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (66)

12

Best Pickleball Shoes for Wide Feet

FitVille Wide Width Court Shoes

Pros
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (67)Wide design
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (68)Anti-odor technology
Cons
  • These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (69)Not super stylish

Finding the right sneakers — pickleball or otherwise — can be a tall task for those with exceptionally wide feet, but this pair is more than accommodating. The supportive shoe has a generous silhouette that has ample room all around for wider feet. And while the EVA midsole helps provide a little extra arch support, you can easily slip your own custom insoles inside. Despite this design, the pair isn't too cumbersome on the foot. The soft mesh upper is more breathable than it looks. The pair even has a special anti-odor technology to help keep your feet cooler and cleaner.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What to look for when shopping for the best pickleball shoes

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (70)

A regular pair of shoes is fine for beginners playing recreationally, but as you grow into the sport, you'll want to consider the following, says Gibson:

✔️ Support: Look for shoes designed with a strong outsole and a supportive EVA foam midsole. These features help ensure maximum support during the fast lateral movements — a.k.a. side-to-side — pickleball players make. Typically, these types of shoes are wider and sturdier looking than your average running shoe.

✔️ Traction: To minimize your chances of slipping — especially if you tend to play on indoor courts fashioned on basketball courts — look for a shoe that has an outsole constructed of strong rubber. You'll also want to look a detailed groove pattern to add traction.

✔️ Breathability: Particularly important if you plan to play outdoors in the heat, look for a pair of shoes with a lightweight mesh construction that promotes airflow around your foot. Some shoes even have special anti-odor technology that can help keep your feet sweat-free.

Can running shoes be used for pickleball?

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (71)

You don't necessarily need special shoes to play pickleball, but our experts say anyone who's playing the game a lot will benefit from a shoe that can endure the momentum of the sport. "Wearing running shoes, for example, may lead to injury, as they’re built for front-to-back motion and tend to be made of breathable, lightweight mesh," says Luxem.

The best pickleball shoes have plenty of traction and are highly supportive to keep you comfortable and secure during the quick and constant lateral motions the sport demands. "If you don’t want to buy pickleball-specific shoes, try to choose a court shoe made for tennis or even basketball or volleyball," says Luxem.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (72)

Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience writing about products, including apparel and fitness gear. She worked under the guidance of pickleball pros, as well as experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to research and review the sneakers recommended in this story.

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (73)

Brigitt Earley

Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

These Are the Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Play (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6209

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.