The 10 Best Pickleball Shoes of 2024, Tested by Real People
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We took our testing to the courts, and these shoes scored
People / Rafa Soriano
Pickleball has become quite a popular pastime, drawing in all ages and skill levels. Like other court sports, your footwear should be carefully considered.
PEOPLE chatted with professional pickleball players to determine what types of shoes can help your game. “Some of the design and performance elements that are most important to me include being lightweight, roomy, comfortable, and supportive,” professional pickleball player Catherine Parenteau tells PEOPLE.
“The reason why I suggest getting court-specific shoes is because you need to have enough stability and support — both of which are essential for pickleball,” says professional pickleball player Tyson McGuffin. “Every sport requires different movements and is played on different surfaces, so it's important to invest in the appropriate gear to avoid injury.”
We took our testing to the courts with 14 of the most top-rated pickleball shoes you can buy (for both men and women). Read on for the best pickleball shoes of 2024, according to PEOPLE.
Things to Consider Before Buying Pickleball Shoes
Mobility: In pickleball, you’re moving around a lot to chase the ball. In doing so, you need a shoe that will support your movement. Qualities like weight and traction enable mobility in a pickleball shoe which is why many of our top picks are lightweight and have good traction to help you slide into place while still gripping the court floor. We rated the K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme Shoe best for traction given its sturdy design. “You really want a lightweight shoe that can accommodate quick lateral movements and that will help you to avoid jamming your toes,” says McGuffin. “I'm an aggressive mover on the court, so stability and good traction are elements that are super important to me.”
Comfort and Support: When you’re on your feet running, jumping, and sliding across the court, a shoe with proper cushioning and support will save your feet from any discomfort. “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the Skechers team who has developed some of the most comfortable pickleball shoes I’ve ever worn,” says Parenteau. It’s no surprise then, that the Skechers Slip-ins: Viper Court Elite shoes were ranked best cushioning.
Materials and Durability: Pickleball shoes are usually a bit of an investment (ranging from $85 to $150 on our list), so you want a shoe that will stand the test of time. Materials such as ballistic nylon, mesh, and various rubber all will contribute to movement, breathability, and longevity.
Best Overall, Women’s: K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoe
Pros
The K-Swiss shoes are extremely comfortable, supportive, and enduring given our player’s extensive use of them.
They also offered breathability in 100-degree weather.
They offer a good grip for quickly pivoting across the court, flexibility, and a light weight.
Cons
Our tester wished there were more color options to choose from.
The toe area has shown some wear after six months of intense and regular game play (not uncommon for more seasoned athletes).
We rated these the best overall for women because one of our female testers plays pickleball three to four times a week for around two hours per session and said she loves these shoes so much, she’d be “hard pressed to change to something else.” She’s owned these shoes for about six months and gave them high marks in nearly every category.
The shoes were “comfortable in every way,” with a lightweight and flexible design, plenty of ankle support, and a broad toe box. Our tester plays pickleball with intense foot movements yet said the shoes kept her feet protected and comfortable throughout gameplay. She also loved the breathability because usually her feet overheat when playing, and they don’t with these shoes — even in 100-degree Alabama heat.
The grip allows for quick pivoting whether playing outside on traditional courts or inside on a gym floor. They offer enough (but not too much) padding while keeping a lightweight feel. They’re also super flexible and didn’t show any signs of stiffness even upon first wear.
While the shoes have shown some signs of wear and tear in the toe region, our player attributes this to her level of game play: “I play eight hours of intense pickleball with lots of stretching, pivoting, and running backwards.” She says the shoes have made her a better player and after they wear out, she plans to buy two more and rotate them so they last longer.
Sizes: 5–12 (women’s sizing) | Colors: 4 | Materials: EVA cushioning, rubber compound, heel grip lining | Features: Extra eyelet for tighter lacing, drag guard for abrasion resistance
Best Overall, Men’s: Acacia Sports The "Tyler" Signature Edition Pro Shoes
Pros
The Tyler shoe allowed plenty of space in the toe box while also offering lateral support.
The shoes had good traction and enough grip to stop suddenly when running around the court.
Their design is both lightweight, cushioned, and breathable.
They held up throughout testing with no visible signs of wear.
Cons
The shoes are only available in one color.
At first, they were a bit stiff in the sole, but were easy to break in.
While the Acacia Sport Tyler shoe is available in unisex sizing, our male tester particularly loved these shoes. He plays pickleball at an intermediate level (with past tennis experience) and wore these shoes throughout the testing period for various game play. He prioritizes ample space in the toe box, lateral support, and a lightweight and breathable design. The Tyler shoe met all of that criteria and then some.
Though the soles were a bit stiff at first, they were easy to break in after a few hours. Our tester praised the fit, and said, “The PlusLace technology allowed the shoe to be tightened in a way that secured my heel but didn’t squish my toes.” The shoes allowed our tester to move swiftly across the court, and make quick lateral movements —“I was able to stop on a dime.”
The grip on the shoes were especially helpful to our player when he ran toward “the kitchen” portion of the court and needed to stop quickly. Plus, they offer slight cushioning and impressive durability, and showed no signs of wear during our testing. “I feel more agility in these than in my other court shoes,” said our tester, which “made playing more enjoyable.”
Sizes: 6.5–13 (for women’s sizing, subtract 1.5 from your normal size) | Colors: 1 | Materials: Mesh, ballistic nylon, water-resistant EVA foam, anti-wear rubber, ProFlex material | Features: Additional lace eyelet for a tighter fit, wider toe box
Pickleball 101
“The kitchen” refers to the two boxes of the pickleball court directly next to the net. Players are not allowed to step into the box in order to prevent volleying the ball (hitting it without a bounce), so when you’re running towards the next to hit the ball, a shoe with good traction can help you stop without sliding.
Best Budget: Asics Women's Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes
Pros
These are comfortable, supportive, and lightweight pickleball shoes.
They’re easy to break in and have a strong grip to help with traction on the court.
Cons
The toe box is a bit more narrow than other shoes our tester has tried.
It’s not the most breathable shoe on our list.
Our tester for these shoes plays pickleball at an intermediate level and prioritizes ankle support and a lightweight design. She liked how the shoes fit, noting that their light weight and how the laces’ texture helps the shoe stay tied. The toe box was a touch narrow, but the overall design was quite comfortable for our pickleball player — especially considering the cushioning and support. They were easy to break in, and our tester didn’t have any chafing or other irritation upon first wear.
And where they lack in breathability, they make up for with grip. Our tester said the shoes have an assortment of textures on the bottom that helps you start and stop quickly on the court. They provided a good amount of traction and ankle support and prevented fatigue and foot pain during our testing period. Plus, this shoe is also available in men’s sizes should you have a pickleball partner you want to match with.
Sizes: 5–12 (women’s sizes) | Colors: 6 | Materials: Synthetic leather overlays, “Forefoot Gel” material helps with shock absorption | Features: Flex grooves in the outsole to help with movement
Related: The Best Walking Shoes of 2024, According to 17 Podiatrists, Fitness Experts, and More
Best Colors: Asics Men's Gel-Resolution 9 Tennis Shoes
Pros
The shoes are supportive, even for those with ongoing foot conditions.
They’re breathable, comfortable, and durable.
Our tester normally wears inserts and didn’t need to with these shoes.
They have an extensive range of color options.
Cons
The tread is shallow which could lead to slips if mud or other debris got lodged in those crevices.
For the Asics Gel-Resolution 9, our tester is a 2-year seasoned pickleball player who deals with foot conditions like plantars fasciitis and flat feet. At first, our tester was concerned about the fit because these shoes have a narrow design and a harder exterior, but the insoles sat high in the shoe and prevented any squeezing or discomfort. He did notice that the shoes also felt a little more dense than the Brooks shoes he usually wears.
Our player was surprised at how comfortable these shoes actually were. He normally wears added inserts, but didn’t need them with these shoes given the built-in support. Your foot is locked in with this shoe, so there’s no sliding around. Plus, they’re quite breathable. The tread is kind of thin, and though the shoes grip well, our tester noted that they might get slippery if mud or other debris gets stuck in the shallow crevices. Even after our testing period, the shoes have held up well.
Sizes: 6–15 (men’s sizing) | Colors: 5 | Materials: Forefoot Gel, rubber | Features: Special design for heel stability, and a sockliner
Best Traction: K-Swiss Men's Pickleball Supreme Shoe
Pros
The Supreme shoe is comfortable with impeccable arch and ankle support.
The traction and grip were especially impressive when it was rainy, and our player didn’t slide or slip on the court.
The materials are durable, easy to maintain, and built to last.
Cons
Our player couldn’t find any cons with this shoe.
Our tester noticed the comfort of these shoes from the very first wear. The structure is flexible but stable, with a medium weight and plenty of arch support. Given the traction and grip on the shoe, our player didn’t slide too much around the court, even in rainy conditions, and the structure of the shoe kept his foot and ankle aligned.
The sole was a little stiff, but it prevented any twisting which is ideal. Our tester actually praised the arch support calling it “remarkable.” The shoes were durable and simple to clean, and compared to others on our list, the price is in the middle range. Our tester would recommend these shoes given their flexibility and stability — and could not find any cons.
Sizes: 7–14 (men’s sizing) | Colors: 3 | Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole, EVA midsole | Features: Durawrap flex upper for the best fit
Related: The 19 Best Arch Support Sandals for Pain-Free, All-Day Wear
Best Lightweight: NikeCourt Women's Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
$120 at Dickssportinggoods.com
Pros
These shoes are versatile for both pickleball and tennis.
They are super lightweight, breathable, and help stabilize your foot.
The grip was impressive, but still allowed for intentional sliding and pivoting.
Cons
Our tester didn’t find any cons with these shoes.
As a seasoned tennis player, our tester for the Nike Court shoes is newer to pickleball, but absolutely loved these shoes. She prefers lightweight and breathable shoes and the Nike Courts delivered. The upper mesh allows ventilation and there isn’t too much cushioning so the shoe is lower to the ground and has a very light weight.
Our tester was just as comfortable in these shoes walking on the treadmill as she was on the courts playing. The shoe’s structure helps stabilize your foot which is essential for lateral movements, sliding, and quick stops. Our tester especially loved the herringbone design on the soles which helped grip the court while still allowing for pivots and other intentional sliding. It is a comfortable, supportive, and lightweight shoe that makes it easy for you to “zoom” — as its name implies — around the court.
Sizes: 5–12 (women’s sizing) | Colors: 5 | Materials: Reinforced mesh, rubber | Features: Zoom Air cushioning
Related: The 13 Best Tennis Bags for Your Next Match, Including Sloane Stephens’ Favorite
Best Cushioning: Skechers Men's Slip-ins Viper Court Elite Pickleball Shoes
Pros
Both of our professional pickleball players love Skechers shoes.
The slip-in design is convenient and snug enough to hold your foot securely.
The shoes accommodate quick lateral movement and are quite durable.
Cons
Our tester felt the shoe would be better with a more breathable upper.
Our tester for both Skechers shoes plays pickleball three to four times a week for around two hours per match. He found the slip-on shoes to have a snug fit that stabilized his foot while moving around the court. It has a heavy upper mesh that could have been more breathable, but our tester thinks it will last longer given its density.
The slip-in feature was so convenient — our tester added that the laces “don’t even feel necessary.” Another stellar feature is the cushioning, which was plush yet firm. After hours of playing, our tester didn’t experience any foot fatigue while wearing these shoes. Both Skechers shoes are made with a special performance Goodyear rubber which successfully grips both indoor and outdoor court flooring. It’s a durable and comfortable shoe that, per our tester, improved his lateral movements when shuffling at the kitchen.
Both of our professional experts play with Skechers regularly and said they’re known for a wide and roomy toe box and lightweight feel. Both of these qualities “accommodate quick lateral movements on the court,” says Parenteau.
Sizes: 8–13 (men’s sizing) | Colors: 3 | Materials: Mesh and synthetic overlay, Goodyear performance rubber, cushioning | Features: Machine washable, hands-free slip-in design
Best Durable: Skechers Men's Viper Court Pro Pickleball Shoes
Pros
It’s made with durable materials like the GoodYear performance rubber.
The design is relaxed yet supportive, and really comfortable.
There’s some cushioning, but not too much to remain stable when moving around quickly.
Cons
There weren’t any real cons, but our tester thought the upper mesh wasn’t as sturdy as the other Skechers shoe we tested.
He also noticed they were a little more dense than the Elite pair (but that adds to durability).
Our tester found the Viper Court Pros to be very similar to the Elite pair, with a few discerning differences. The design is very spacious and has a more relaxed fit and has a little more density to it. The arch and heel sections are quite comfortable, and they have some cushioning too (though not as much as the Elites).
“One of the major selling points of Skechers Viper Court Pro pickleball shoes was the use of a Goodyear rubber outsole,” says McGuffin. “I never have to worry about being supported on the court and can focus on my game.” Our tester agreed, noting the outsole has a superb grip and made him feel very “grounded on the court.” He also appreciated the flexibility and support which helped him reach for high balls without needing to jump. Overall, it’s a durable and well-designed pickleball shoe.
Plus, the shoe comes in vibrant colors, which is a bonus for McGuffin: “I tend to be a little loud fashion-wise on the court.”
Sizes: 7.5–13 (men’s sizing) | Colors: 4 | Materials: Goodyear performance rubber, mesh upper, cushioning | Features: Podiatrist-certified arch support
Best Support: Tyrol Men's Drive V Pickleball Shoes
Pros
Our tester liked the wide toe box and shoes’ ability to grip the court.
The shoes offer equal ankle, arch, and lateral support.
They were comfortable once broken in.
Cons
The shoes were quite heavy with a “wooden” feeling before they were broken in.
They are also a little heavier than some of the other shoes we tested.
Pickleball demands lots of movement, so if your feet need one thing, it’s support. Our tester is an intermediate player who plays the game five or six times a week, so these shoes were getting plenty of use. He requires a lot of lateral support as well as stability.
The design offers a wide toe box, a dense weight, and firm structure. The pro of this is the shoes are extremely supportive; the con, they were quite stiff and felt “wooden” at first and needed to be broken in to wear them comfortably. (Note: The break in period was around two weeks).
Our tester liked the cushioning compared to tennis shoes he owns — it’s firm cushioning but still adds to the support factor. The shoes also had a solid grip on the courts, were breathable, and provided equal ankle and arch support.
Sizes: 7–14 (men’s sizing) | Colors: 3 | Materials: EVA insole, rubber toe bumper | Features: Wide toe box, designed for lateral stability, ventilation system, and a heel stabilizer
Best Value: Wilson Men's Rush Pro Ace Pickler
Pros
The Wilson shoe is comfortable, supportive, and stabilizing when you move around the court.
It has a lot of bounce and grip so you can jump and pivot without sliding.
The design was also breathable and durable throughout our testing period.
Cons
Our tester couldn’t find a con, but noted that they wished there were more color options.
Wilson is a household name for court sports, so it’s no surprise that this shoe made our list. Our tester is an intermediate-level pickleball player who prioritizes stability. The Rush Pro shoe is lightweight with a roomy toe box, and secure in the heel. It offered comfort, lateral support, and ankle stability.
It has a lot of bounce, which is great for quick movements and shock absorption. Our tester also liked how breathable the shoes are. They gripped the courts well, while still allowing for intentional sliding and traction. Our tester usually deals with arch-related pain with certain shoes, but didn’t have any pain when wearing these shoes. The sole isn’t super flexible, but it’s still comfortable, and has held up well with use.
Sizes: 7–14 (men’s sizing) | Colors: 2, white and black | Materials: Rubber drag pad, EVA cushioning, foam midsole | Features: 4D Support Chassis Technology to reinforce your movements during game play
Related: The 10 Best Skorts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Other Pickleball Shoes We Tried
Adidas Court Pickleball Shoes: These shoes stacked up against our winners in terms of ankle support and traction, but came up short in comfort and weight. Our tester felt their foot slid around too much when playing, which caused foot fatigue. The shoes were also bulkier than others on our list and the sizing was a little off (you should go half a size up, per our tester).
Fila Volley Zone: These shoes proved to be a little unbalanced during our testing, as the upper is very lightweight, but the footbed was heavy and kind of dense. They just weren’t comfortable for playing in, and our tester noticed some pain in the ball of his heel after wearing them. We think this is in part due to a lack of cushioning and harder footbed. Stability and durability weren’t an issue here, but due to the comfort concerns we opted not to include it on our list.
Babolat Jet Mach 3: Our tester was disappointed with the heavy weight of these shoes. While the shoes are cushioned and breathable, our tester didn’t find them to be the most comfortable when playing the sport. They do have good lateral support and grip, but the ankle support was better than the arch support. They’re quite durable, but not as flexible or comfortable as our tester would have liked.
Adidas Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes: A separate tester also lamented about sizing, so this is something you should keep in mind when ordering from Adidas. Fit aside, our tester found these shoes to be comfortable and supportive, praising the ankle support, grip, and stability. Alas, after our tester wore them for six months (regularly playing the sport), both the outsole grip and insole cushioning had really worn out, leaving little shock absorption.
How We Tested Pickleball Shoes
To test each pair of pickleball shoes for design and function, we gathered real pickleball players who played the game wearing the shoes. Then we looked at a few different qualities to determine our winners.
Fit: Each of our testers tried on the shoes, checking the overall fit. We favored those that were lightweight and flexible when worn. Our lab team determined that a good fit will allow some room in the toe box, while still keeping the heel in place.
Design: Our testers looked at all of these things as well as the comfort and support of the shoes. They noted certain pressure points, areas of support, cushioning, and any other notable features. When moving, they considered traction as well.
Versatility: Since these court shoes are intended for sport, mobility and versatility is important. Our testers wore the shoes between four or five times for 30 to 45 minute intervals of pickleball. They tested them on a variety of surfaces such as wooden, synthetic, and concrete floors.
People / Alex Zeng
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pickleball shoes the same as tennis shoes?
“People ask me this question a lot and I always say no,” Parenteau says. As professional tennis and pickleball players, Parenteau and McGuffin are used to this question. They both tell PEOPLE that tennis shoes feel heavier than pickleball shoes and that design has to do with court size. “Pickleball courts are about half the size of a regular tennis court, which means lightweight footwear will give an all-around more comfortable experience,” Parenteau says.
Why are court shoes better for pickleball?
Simply put, compared to regular sneakers or other types of athletic shoes, court shoes are designed with movement across the court in mind — sliding, pivoting, short steps, and other necessary movements for the game. “Most athletic shoes are not made with non-marking outsoles and don’t offer enough traction or stability for court surfaces,” says Parenteau. “Opting for court shoes like the Skechers Viper Court Pro will ensure you will be supported on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE with a wealth of knowledge in fitness apparel, workout shoes, and more. She has also played tennis for over 20 years, and has picked up the sport of pickleball in the last year. For this story she utilized our testing insights to see what actual pickleball players thought of each shoe, as well as insights from our professional pickleball players and experts: Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin.
Meet Our Experts
Catherine Parenteau is the #2 women’s pickleball player in the world, and the 2021 US Open Pickleball Women’s Pro Doubles Champion. She is also known for her extensive tennis career.
Tyson McGuffin is a five-time Grand Slam champion and a four-time national champion. He also has had a significant tennis career.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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