Top Shoes for Pickleball Players: As pickleball grows quickly across the country, more shoe brands are jumping in with products made just for the sport. But not every pair with a “pickleball” label is built for the game. Some are just relabeled tennis or athletic shoes. For players looking for shoes designed specifically for pickleball’s fast, side-to-side motion, expert-tested options now stand out.
This updated list for June 2025 includes reviews from pro players, high-level amateurs, and lab-tested performance data. It covers five of the best pickleball shoes that balance comfort, speed, and court control. Each brand has been rated for how well it supports a player’s movement and keeps them comfortable through long matches.
1. DAPS Desi Low Pickleball Shoe
The DAPS Desi Low is one of the newest releases and has already earned a strong following. Many pro players from The Kitchen’s Major League Pickleball team, the Nashville Chefs, now use the shoe. Testing at the Heeluxe Performance Lab confirmed several advantages:
Faster starts
Quicker stops
Higher energy return
Less energy loss
DAPS offers men’s and women’s sizes, with a Desi Mid version also available. The shoes are engineered specifically for pickleball and are backed by strong test data.
2. Diadem Court Burst Pickleball Shoe
Diadem Sports designed the Court Burst for quick and agile play. The shoe offers both speed and strong support. The upper fabric is made to stretch, wick sweat, and keep the foot locked in place.
It also has extra layers in areas where players drag their toes during play. Diadem offers a variety of sizes and colors for both men and women.
3. HEAD Motion Pro BOA Pickleball Shoe
HEAD’s newest shoe features a BOA PERFORMFIT WRAP, which uses two dials for a custom fit. This unique system prevents the foot from sliding inside the shoe during sharp movements.
This precision fit helps with stability and makes quick direction changes smoother and safer. It meets the growing demand for performance-focused pickleball shoes.
4. Skechers Viper Court Elite Pickleball Shoe
Skechers worked with pro player Tyson McGuffin to design this shoe. It includes a strong TPU shank for support and quick footwork. The midsole helps fight fatigue with added cushioning.
The outsole uses Goodyear rubber, offering excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor courts. These shoes are made to be comfortable and reliable during long days on the court.
5. K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme Shoe
K-Swiss, a long-time tennis shoe brand, has now created a pickleball-specific shoe. The Pickleball Supreme supports the side-to-side motion of the game. The midsole offers strong energy transfer, helping players stay quick and alert late in matches.
It combines the comfort K-Swiss is known for with features tailored for pickleball’s fast pace and frequent pivots.
What Makes a Shoe Truly Pickleball-Ready?
Players should avoid shoes that are simply rebranded versions of tennis or training shoes. Real pickleball shoes support quick direction changes, offer grip for different court types, and reduce stress on joints.
With pro input and lab testing, this list highlights shoes that meet those standards. Brands like DAPS, Diadem, HEAD, Skechers, and K-Swiss are now making gear that lives up to what pickleball players need on the court.
News in Brief: Top Shoes for Pickleball Players
Top pickleball shoes for 2025 include models from DAPS, Diadem, HEAD, Skechers, and K-Swiss. These shoes offer better speed, support, and energy return, and are designed specifically for pickleball. Players should avoid rebranded tennis shoes and look for features that match pickleball’s unique court movement.
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