Best Pickleball Right Shoes Guide: Choosing the right shoes for pickleball can make a big difference in your performance and safety. Experts say regular sneakers, like running shoes, don’t offer the support needed for the fast, side-to-side moves in pickleball. Trainers and professionals shared their top tips and picks to help players choose the best footwear for the sport.
What to Look for in Pickleball Shoes
Andrew Felsenthal, a racquet sports leader at Life Time Peachtree Corners in Georgia, explained why running shoes aren’t the best choice: “Running shoes are designed to primarily move forward. With pickleball, you move in every direction — including lots of quick, explosive direction changes — so you need a shoe designed to support those movements.”
Marc Massad, a pickleball trainer and ambassador for the International Federation of Pickleball, added that good lateral support is key. “Because there are lots of side-to-side movements made in pickleball, finding shoes with lateral support is important.”
Other important features include cushioning and grip. Felsenthal says a cushioned sole helps absorb impact on hard courts. Massad recommends shoes with rubber soles that have treads for better traction.
Best Pickleball Shoes for Men
Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit
Felsenthal recommends these for their affordability and strong support. The shoes have rubber soles, wide fit options, and breathable mesh uppers that help with ankle support.
K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
This shoe has side and front support to help with quick moves. It comes in breathable fabric and reinforced toe and heel areas.
Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 12 Sneakers
Although made for volleyball, these shoes have similar features needed for pickleball. They include gel cushioning, synthetic overlays for side support, and grooved soles for grip.
Fitville Men’s Wide Pickleball Shoes
Great for wide feet, these shoes have arch support, breathable fabric, and cushioned insoles. The deep heel cups help with side movement.
Wilson Men’s Rush Pro Ace Pickler Sneaker
These shoes have a rubber toe drag pad and a high-density rubber sole for strong grip and foot support during fast stops and turns.
Best Pickleball Shoes for Women
K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
These shoes are lightweight, supportive around the ankle, and provide solid grip. Extra rubber protects high-wear spots.
Adidas Women’s Gamecourt 2
Built for court sports, these have ankle padding for stability, mesh uppers for airflow, and are machine washable.
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoe
Marc Massad says, “One of my favorite shoes for pickleball is the Hypercourt Express 2 by K-Swiss.” These offer strong grip, cushioning, and support for lateral movement.
Skechers Women’s Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pickleball Sneaker
Felsenthal also recommends this model. He says it offers great side support, traction, and is comfortable for wider feet.
Ryka Women’s Courtside Pickleball Shoe
Made just for pickleball, these shoes feature strong side support, a wide toe box, and built-in ventilation to keep feet cool. They also come in wide sizes.
How to Keep Your Pickleball Shoes Supportive
Marc Massad advises against using running shoes: “I’ve seen firsthand the importance of the right footwear in enhancing performance and preventing injuries in pickleball.” He says shoes made for court sports have better side support to prevent ankle rolls.
Andrew Felsenthal adds that the type of court matters: indoor courts need more grip due to smooth surfaces, while outdoor courts don’t require as much traction.
Massad also recommends replacing shoes based on how often you play. “And if you play semi-regularly, try to replace your shoes once a year,” he says. If you play all the time, you may need to replace them every six months.
Why This Matters
Wearing the right shoes helps prevent injuries and boosts performance. As pickleball becomes more popular, having supportive footwear designed for the game helps players stay safe and play better. Following expert advice on shoe type, fit, and when to replace them can keep players on the court longer and more comfortably.
News in Brief: Best Pickleball Right Shoes Guide
Experts say wearing proper pickleball shoes is key for safety and performance. Running shoes don’t provide the side support needed. Trainers recommend shoes with good grip, cushioning, and ankle support. The article lists top picks for men and women and shares tips on how to choose and care for pickleball shoes.
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