2025 Men’s Pickleball Shoe Rankings: As demand for performance-driven pickleball shoes rises, five major footwear brands released models aimed at serious players in 2025. A side-by-side comparison of Selkirk’s CourtStrike, Wilson’s Pickle Pro, Nike’s GP Pro, New Balance’s 996v6, and K-Swiss’s Supreme identified K-Swiss as the standout for players prioritizing durability, traction, and support.
Pickleball enthusiasts often go through 3–5 pairs of shoes annually, making proper footwear a critical investment. This year’s top options were evaluated based on stability, fit, traction, material quality, toe protection, design, and cost.
Key Findings from the 2025 Men’s Pickleball Shoe Test
K-Swiss Supreme ranked highest for traction, fit, and durability.
Wilson Pickle Pro offered top comfort and lightness, with standout visual appeal.
Selkirk CourtStrike performed well for a first release but lacked bold design.
Nike GP Pro showed promise in grip but raised fit concerns.
New Balance 996v6 delivered support but struggled with traction on quick stops.
K-Swiss Supreme: Durable Grip and Built-In Support
The K-Swiss Supreme emerged as the top choice, particularly for players seeking a stable, locked-in feel. Its traction handled aggressive court movement without slippage. Toe-drag resistance proved effective, and the shoe required no break-in period.
The fit accommodated wider feet, and the multiple ankle lace loop options allowed for customized snugness. Despite its sturdy build, the Supreme did not feel heavy during play.
Wilson Pickle Pro: Lightweight Feel and Premium Look
Wilson’s Pickle Pro stood out for its comfort and aesthetics. The shoe’s light construction allowed for easy movement, while a mesh upper provided consistent ventilation. The grip held up well over time, even during frequent play.
A white and green design gave the shoe a clean, professional appearance. Though some wear was visible due to toe-dragging, the overall performance remained consistent.
Selkirk CourtStrike: Strong Debut with Conservative Style
Selkirk entered the footwear market with the CourtStrike, earning praise for support and durability. Key features included reinforced zones in the toe and ankle and a breathable upper mesh. The shoe maintained solid traction during lateral changes.
While functionally sound, the CourtStrike’s design was described as muted compared to competitors. Still, the shoe’s construction showed potential for future iterations.
Nike GP Pro: Grip Delivers, Fit Falls Short
Nike’s GP Pro surprised with above-average traction and lateral control. The sole performed reliably on both doubles and singles courts, and the bold color scheme drew attention.
However, testers reported discomfort due to forward foot slippage and a tight toe box. The fit was problematic for wider feet, and sizing adjustments did not fully resolve the issue.
New Balance 996v6: Supportive Structure, Limited Traction
The 996v6 offered strong ankle support and an airy mesh upper. Reinforced toe areas improved durability during toe-dragging. While the secure fit was a highlight, the outsole grip fell short during fast-paced singles matches.
Testers experienced slipping on hard stops, with the tread pattern appearing more cosmetic than functional. A break-in period was also required.
News in Brief: 2025 Men’s Pickleball Shoe Rankings
Five leading brands released dedicated men’s pickleball shoes in 2025. K-Swiss Supreme earned the top ranking for its superior grip, durability, and out-of-box comfort. Wilson’s Pickle Pro followed for its lightweight build and visual appeal. Selkirk’s CourtStrike marked a strong market entry, while Nike’s GP Pro and New Balance’s 996v6 delivered mixed results, each excelling in support or design but falling short in traction or fit. For players prioritizing performance and durability, the K-Swiss Supreme led the field.