10 Pickleball Shoes That Will Have You Running Circles Around Other Players

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Shoes that pinch, gap, lack support, or just fail to add a little bounce to your step aren’t just bummers—they can destroy your chances of emerging victorious in any athletic endeavor. Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, is celebrated as a fun sport that brings people of all athletic abilities, body types, and ages together. But, you still want to win, right?

You may have already scored killer pickleball accessories and a great bag—but what’s going on with your shoes? As much as you love your running sneakers or golf shoes, you’re going to need a different shoe specifically designed with pickleball in mind if you really want to bring your A-game to the court.

Best Pickleball Shoes

• Best Overall: Brooks Glycerin Shoe for Pickleball

• Best Budget: ASICS Upcourt 5 Pickleball Shoes

• Best for Indoor Courts: K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme Shoe

• Best for Outdoor Courts: ASICS Gel-RENMA Shoes

• Best for Wide Feet: FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes

What to Consider

Any old sneaker may get the job done the first few times you try pickleball, but once you’re invested in the game, do yourself a favor and get shoes specifically for pickleball. In addition to budget and design considerations, keep the following in mind to ensure you end up with the best pair for you.

Support

You need serious outsole and midsole support if you want to be able to thwack and rally with the best. Look for supportive EVA foam in the midsole and a strong outsole that will keep you balanced as you pivot and dart backward, forward, and from side to side. Think sturdy.

Traction

You’re moving around a lot on the court, and you want to minimize your chances of hitting the deck. Look for strong rubber soles and extra traction.

Material

A sweaty, soppy foot will not have you playing your best. Look for lightweight mesh material to keep your feet swift and dry.

How We Selected

To come up with the best list of pickleball shoes, I tapped my considerable experience hitting the pickleball courts and consulted with devoted pickleball-playing friends and associates for insight into personal preferences. I also reviewed professional reviews from Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, and others. Before including any products in this guide, I also carefully read reviews from real-life users on Amazon and social media. Read on and get ready to bring a new level of competition to your next game.

Glycerin Shoe for Pickleball

These kicks are great if you want lightweight shoes that offer the support of weightier shoes. The rounded toe and widened platform make for smooth and easy transitions. The shoes were specifically engineered to offer soft, comfortable support with breathability. The lace-up closure makes slipping the shoes on and off easy, and the double traction means you won’t slip and slide.

More than 83 percent of reviewers on Amazon give these shoes five out of five stars, with several repeat buyers saying they’d never consider another brand. One reviewer said, “They are the Cadillacs of cushioning."

Upcourt 5 Pickleball Shoes

If you want value-priced shoes that punch well above their weight class in terms of quality, step right up. These Asics are extra breathable, with supportive midfoot panels and a durable toe-in-heel—plus, their rubber soles ensure you can move and groove with the best of them on the court.

The sock liner for these shoes is produced using a dyeing process that reduces water usage by one-third and cuts carbon emissions almost in half. Reviewers love these stylish sneakers, saying they are “light with great support,” but warn that they do run small and are probably better for players with narrow feet.

Pickleball Supreme Shoe

These pickleball shoes have become cult favorites among players for their incredible support and the way they optimize mobility on the court. They feature a 180-degree thermal plastic plantar support chassis, which strengthens midfoot stability. The high-density rubber compound outsole provides durable, heel-to-toe support. Finally, the durable and lightweight durawrap flex upper material gives feet breathable, soft support, and flexibility.

These shoes are ideal for indoor courts because they’re so elastic, but they also provide the kind of support you need on indoor courts. Reviewers say they’ll never go back to their old shoes after trying these comfortable game changers.

Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

These budget buys offer incredible stability and durability, and the synthetic leather overlays mean you can play well even in sometimes wet or otherwise challenging outdoor conditions. The sturdy shoe also provides plenty of bounce, and the TRUSTIC tech they were designed with prevents twisted ankles.

The dye used in these shoes is manufactured with care, significantly reducing water usage and carbon output.

Reviewers say that these shoes grip the court and are very responsive during play. They do fit snugly though so players with wider feet may want to keep that in mind.

Wide Pickleball Shoes

If you have feet that are on the wide side, these FitVille pickleball shoes are an ideal pick. The shoes are equipped with high-rebound tech, allowing you to be more responsive and fast, all while still having the support and cushioning you need. These shoes also offer great shock absorption, which makes all of the hot stepping easier on the joints.

The anti-torsion TPU rubber soles prevent slipping and sliding, while also enhancing agility. The built-in arch support makes these sneakers a safe bit for people with flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. More than 80 percent of reviewers on Amazon give these shoes five out of five stars for the way these comfy and good-looking shoes support and prolong play.

Grand Court 2.0 Pickleball Sneaker

If you’re looking for a versatile shoe that works on the pickleball court, and just kicking around the house or town, this wallet-friendly pair is a great option. The streamlined design and lightweight comfort are versatile, and the two-layer sock liner offers solid cushioning and support for folks who don’t have joint or foot issues.

The shoe is breathable, and the rubber outsole delivers great grip on the court. At least 50 percent of the upper half of the shoe is made from recycled content. More than 81 percent of reviewers on Amazon give this 5 out of 5 stars, saying they’re good-looking, fit to size, and great once you break them in.

Women's Grand Court 2.0 Sneaker

If you’re looking for a versatile shoe that works on the pickleball court and just kicking around the house or town, this wallet-friendly pair is a great option. The streamlined design and lightweight comfort are versatile, and the two-layer sock liner offers solid cushioning and support for folks who don’t have joint or foot issues.

The shoe is breathable, and the rubber outsole delivers great grip on the court. At least 50 percent of the upper half of the shoe is made from recycled content. More than 81 percent of reviewers on Amazon give this 5 out of 5 stars, saying they’re good-looking, fit to size, and great once you break them in.

Viper Court Smash Pickleball Shoes

This is the perfect pickleball shoe, but it looks and feels great in other arenas too, with a streamlined enough design to look good in most settings. The relaxed fit upper sole is roomier in the toe and forefoot than many other options, and more breathable too.

The shoe is designed for the constant micro-movements required to play pickleball well, with lightweight and responsive cushioning. The rubber sole offers enhanced traction, stability, and durability.

Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Sneaker

This super-breathable shoe is a great option if you hate dealing with sweaty feet. The shoes also come with a removable insole, which adds extra cushion if you want it, but is removable if your feet are in between sizes.

These shoes have a rubber sole that boosts on-court responsiveness and speed. Reviewers say these kicks are very comfortable right out of the box. Reviewers with bunions and hammertoes say the roomier toe box is a bonus, but others say it makes their toes feel like they’re swimming.

SoleMatch Control Pickleball Sneaker

This highly durable pair of pickleball shoes looks as well as it performs. The Adidas Solematch is made from at least 50 percent recycled materials while helping you deliver the court performance you need to trounce the competition. The lightweight mesh is breathable, and the bounce cushioning is flexible and supportive.

The higher back around the ankle is great for those in need of support, but do make sure you wear socks that protect your ankles from chafing. The rubber sole is extremely durable and responsive. Reviewers love this shoe praising its great arch support and cool look.

Court Express Pickleball Shoe

These K-Swiss pickleball shoes will get you through many seasons on the court, despite their value pricing. The special formula EVA offers optimal cushioning and enhances the durability of the midsole. The rubber sole is made from high-density rubber, making it more durable than most.

If you have sweaty feet you’ll appreciate the sock liner, which has been designed to keep your hardworking tootsies cool and wick away sweat. Reviewers love how comfortable, affordable, and durable these shoes are and noted that they didn't need any break-in time.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair