Top 5 Best Pickleball Shoes-Tested & Reviewed
Pickleball, the emerging court sport around the US, Canada, and UK, can be played with just three items: a uniform, paddle, and shoes. Shoes play an important role and have a great effect on your performance on the court. They need to have perfect traction, 100% balance, lightweight, comfort, and the best support. Are you also feeling that the right pickleball shoes are the key to success in pickleball? If yes, then, do you want to know about the best pickleball shoes ever, which can fulfill your needs and make you a professional player?
In this article, we have reviewed the 5 best pickleball shoes which help us improve our gameplay. We have spent money and time and will share first hand experiences regarding the pickleball best shoes we have used so far.
How do we pick the best shoes for pickleball?
As a pickleball player and have a friend circle about picklebal I have experienced some important things here. The court specific traction and thick cushion for stability qualifies any shoes to be used for a pickleball. These are tested and tried. It will also improve your performance and make you feel more enjoyable.
List of top 5 Best Pickleball Shoes
Here is the list all the shoes which we have used or used by our team players. We have discuss our first hand experience and test shoes for pickleball.
(1) K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme- Best Overall Shoes
The K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme shoes are mainly designed for the players who want more responsiveness. Due to its inner rubber I feel more comfortable on the court. Its outsoles are highly durable. The Covering shell is made up of “Mesh” which keeps it adjustable.
The presence of extra rubber in its inner soles makes it more comfortable and I feel no aching at the day end. These shoes offer more fitness which make it suitable for both outdoor and indoor gameplay. I have been using it for 5 months with the frequency of 3 hours for 5 days a week but literally it really works for me. I have found them very supportive with wide outsoles and greater lateral stability.
These shoes stand out for their responsiveness and comfort, thanks to their inner rubber build working as a shock absorber and durable outsoles. The mesh shell ensures breathability and adjustability during intense play. With added rubber in the inner soles, they provide lasting comfort, ideal for long sessions on the court. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, they offer an extra fit and consistent performance, making them a top pick for pickleball enthusiasts. After five months of use, these shoes continue to deliver reliable support and comfort.
Pros
Cons
Key Specifications
Weight | 12 ounces |
Covering | Mesh |
Outsoles | Rubber |
Cushion | EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) |
Closure | Lace-up |
(2) K-Swiss Men’s Express Light-Best Supportive Shoes for Pickleball
K-swiss pickleball shoes are famous for perfect support on the court. It provides the top level of support to your feet in which you will feel more comfortable and supported than other shoes. It can improve your game whether you are a pro pickleball player or new to court sports.
There are some features which are different from other pickleball shoes like the extra supportive, top notch protection to the toes, high stability and breathability. As A whole these features make them more comfortable and supportive pickleball shoes. I have found it very cool and ventilated even in the hot session. It also helps with tinea pedis and keeps your feet free sweets also.
The point to note is that when I was using it for the grass picklebal court then It did not work for me and my other colleagues also agreed with my point. It only works on the hard surface courts like asphalt, concrete, and sometimes on clay courts as well. It has better durability with the use of 2 hours daily non stop for three months. In this span we have completed about 1000+ games with a single pair of the best K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe. One other thing I have observed is that It’s an extra fit shoe and I bought a 1 ⁄ 2 size up from my normal shoes and you should also consider making it more worthy for your game.
These are not the fastest shoes for pickleball but they offer good support, lightweight and are durable inside out which compels me to buy this pair for my pickleball hobby.
Pros
Cons
Key Specifications
Weight | 1.85 pounds |
Covering | Machine Washable Mesh |
Outsoles | Synthetic Rubber |
Cushion | EVA foam |
Closure | Lace up |
(3) Brooks Glycerin Shoe for Pickleball- Most Secure Pickleball Shoes
Brooks Glycerin Shoe is considered to be the most secure shoe for pickleball courts. They are gooch aborber and provede high end comfort which keeps the knee and ankle to be more secure.
These shoes are extremely soft I have ever found. It offers the best cushion which makes it more durable and comfortable during the gameplay. It has three special features which are rarely found in other pickleball best shoes. It has pickleball court double traction outsoles rubber which You can use on wety pickleball court. They don’t slip in the rain as per my use. Secondly, it has a plush cushion which makes it extremely soft and this thing makes it more comfortable and pickleball friendly. It has more shock absorbing ability with solid arch and heel support.
Another point I have observed is that they are extra fit then I Choose the size ½ larger than my normal shoes like I was using 11 inches then I opted Brooks Glycerin Shoe for Pickleball ½ size upper than this upto 11.5.
I have used it for 5 months and 3 hours a day, 5 days a week but it maintained its comfortablity that’s why I consider them the best shoe to wear for pickleball. So, they are durable as well. These factors are the points that entice my urge to buy these luxury pickleball shoes.
Pros
Cons
Key Specifications
Weight | 10.1 ounces |
Outsole Materials | Rubber |
Covering | Washable Fabric |
Cushioning | Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 |
Closure | Laces-up |
(4) Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic-Best Pickleball Shoes For Competitive Play
Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic shoes have the ability to improve your game and make you able for competetive gameplay. These pickleball shoes only resonate with the Male feet sizes.
When I was entering from a medium pace towards competitive gameplay then I was searching for the best pickleball shoes. I have tried alot of shoes and wasted money and time also. After some time, I realised my requirements for PICKLEBALL SHOES FOR COMPETITIVE PLAY and I found Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support perfect for it.
It has a high heel pillow which supports my foot exelently. It is very good for shock absorbing moments. The use of rubber in its soles make it more more controllable and increase its durability. I have used it for a long time, like 6 months. In its 1st 6 weeks 4 days a week average with a span of 3 hours per session but believe me it looked like a new one and there were no scratches. It means it is designed for pickleball courts with top notch materials.
It is good for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s court traction is feasible for both courts I have found. My feet were feeling good comfort due to its soft padded collor and tongue materials.
The extra comfort, cushion and top notch breathability are key features of these shoes. Its soles are made up of Air Cooled Goga Mat which hits the bottom line for my requirements because Pickleball is a game of stamina and long run with quick agility.
Pros
Cons
Key Specifications
Weight | Ultra-lightweight 9 ounces |
Heel height | 1 1/4-inch |
Outer Material | Athletic Mesh |
Outer sole | Rubber |
Cushion | ECO FLIGHT™ |
Closure | Laces up |
(5) ASICSGel-Renma Pickleball Shoes-Most Balanced Pickleball Shoes
ASICS Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes offer players exceptional balance, comfort and stability on the court. Its innovative Gel cushioning technology is a unique feature which makes it among the list of top pickleball shoes. It is specifically famous for good balance among pickleball enthusiasts, these shoes provide great support for quick movements and precise footwork, enhancing your performance during intense matches.
Its outsoles are wider which maintain the balanace. Due to its wider outsoles it offers a good balance which keeps them aside from the normal shoes. Having a leather overlay provides good durability alsoI am a curious type of pickleball player and always tried to find the reason behind the logic. By following this process I found that the reason behind it’s great cushion, comfort, support, and durability is the use of gel cushion.
I have used ASICS Gel-Renma for pickleball and itm lasts for 4 months and 2 hours 4 days a week but its traction is getting lost in its 8th week. So, they are long lasting shoes. The point should be noted that it is not good for achilles.
It also has great traction and can easily handle the wet court. Good for wety courts and will keep you safe from slips. Has Excellent mobility and comfort on hard courts. These are matchless features along with the perfect cushion.
Pros
Cons
Key Specifications
Weight | 358 g/12. Ounces |
Cushion | Regular polyurethane foam (Gel Cushion) |
Outer materials | Polyester Faux Leather |
Heels Height | 10 mm |
Out Soles | Rubber |
Points to be considered before buying Pickleball Shoes Guide
Before buying or investing in pickleball shoes, it is essential to keep these four points in mind: pickleball court-specific traction, balance and stability, cushioning and support, and the materials used in the shoes. These factors significantly impact your performance and comfort during gameplay.
(1) Materials
The shoes used for pickleball should be made of high-quality materials, as they are primarily used on hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Given the fast pace and frequent use of pickleball, top-notch quality materials are necessary to improve performance and longevity
(2) Pickleball Court-Specific Traction
Pickleball court-specific traction is crucial when choosing pickleball shoes. A high-quality rubber outsole with excellent traction is essential for reducing the risk of injury and facilitating smooth movements on the court.
(3) Balance and Stability
Pickleball requires quick agility, with players often relying on lateral movements on the court. Balanced and high-quality shoes are essential for maintaining stability during these movements. The design of the shoes, including their wider area, enhances balance and stability, crucial for executing quick movements effectively.
(4) Cushioning and Support
Cushioning and support are vital factors to consider when purchasing pickleball shoes. Thick, high-quality cushioning provides additional comfort and support, allowing for a more balanced and stable feel on the court. The correlation between cushioning and support ensures the comfort needed during gameplay.
These considerations, including pickleball court-specific traction, balance and stability, cushioning and support, and the quality of materials used, are essential for selecting the right pickleball shoes. They not only enhance performance but also contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.