Best Pickleball Shoes for Optimal Performance in 2025

Pickleball has become a popular sport for people of all ages. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. As the game grows, players are looking for the right gear to improve their performance. Good shoes are a key part of that gear.

The right pickleball shoes can help you move faster and stay stable on the court. They provide support for quick side-to-side movements and protect your feet from injury. Pickleball shoes are made to handle the unique demands of the sport.

When choosing pickleball shoes, pay attention to the sole, cushioning, and fit. The sole should offer good grip on indoor and outdoor courts. Cushioning helps absorb shock from repeated jumps and quick stops. A snug fit keeps your foot stable during rapid movements.

We tested many pickleball shoes to find the best options for players at all levels.

Best Pickleball Shoes

Picking the right shoes can make a big difference in your pickleball game. We’ve tested many options to find the top picks that offer comfort, support, and grip on the court. Check out our list of the best pickleball shoes below to up your game.

ASICS Gel-RENMA

You’ll love these shoes for pickleball thanks to their comfort, stability, and grip.

Pros

• Great cushioning and impact absorption
• Good traction on different surfaces
• Stylish design and color options

Cons

• Narrow fit may not suit all foot types
• Sole wears down quickly with heavy use
• Break-in period needed for some users

When you step onto the court in these ASICS Gel-RENMA shoes, you’ll feel ready to play your best game. The gel cushioning works wonders to absorb shock, letting you move quickly without straining your feet and joints. You’ll appreciate how light they feel as you dash around the court.

The grip on these shoes is just right for pickleball. You’ll have enough traction to make sharp turns and quick stops, but not so much that you’ll risk tripping. They work well on both indoor and outdoor courts, giving you flexibility in where you play.

One thing to watch out for is the narrow fit. If you have wider feet, you might want to try a different model or size up. The shoes may feel snug at first, but most players find they loosen up after a few games. While the soles provide good grip, they might wear down faster than you’d like if you play often. Still, for the price and performance, these shoes offer solid value for pickleball enthusiasts.

ASICS Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

You should buy these shoes for their great stability and comfort on the pickleball court.

Pros

• Excellent stability for multi-directional movements
• Comfortable cushioning system
• Durable synthetic leather overlays

Cons

• Initial stiffness requires break-in time
• Narrow toe box may not suit all foot shapes
• Limited color options

When you step onto the court in these ASICS Gel-RENMA shoes, you’ll notice the difference right away. The TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole gives you solid support. This helps you make quick turns without twisting your ankle.

The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge work together to keep your movements smooth. You’ll feel more balanced as you dash across the court to return shots. The flex grooves in the outsole let your feet move freely, so you can react fast to your opponent’s moves.

These shoes might feel a bit stiff at first. Give them some time to break in. After a few games, you’ll find they become more flexible and comfy. The GEL cushioning system absorbs shocks well, so your feet won’t hurt after long matches. The synthetic leather parts make the shoes tough, so they’ll last through many games.

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Picklers

You’ll love these comfortable and stable pickleball shoes for their wider fit and great support on the court.

Pros

• Roomy toe box for wider feet
• Excellent stability for quick movements
• Breathable upper keeps feet cool

Cons

• May feel too wide for narrow feet
• Limited color options
• Slightly heavier than some competitors

These Wilson Rush Pro Ace Picklers are a game-changer for players with wider feet. The generous toe box gives your toes plenty of room to spread out, reducing discomfort during long matches. You’ll feel the difference right away when you slip them on.

On the court, these shoes really shine. The 4D Support Chassis keeps your foot stable during quick direction changes and pivot moves. This extra support helps you stay balanced and ready for any shot. The grippy rubber sole sticks well to the court surface, giving you confidence in your footwork.

Breathability is key in these shoes. The mesh upper lets air flow freely, keeping your feet cool and dry even during intense games. While they’re not the lightest pickleball shoes out there, the trade-off in comfort and stability is worth it for many players. If you’ve struggled to find pickleball shoes that fit well and perform great, give these Wilson Rush Pro Ace Picklers a try.

ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8

You’ll find these shoes offer great value and comfort for pickleball players of all levels.

Pros

• Comfortable gel cushioning
• Good stability and support
• Affordable price point

Cons

• May wear out quickly with frequent use
• Slightly stiff outsole
• Limited color options

The ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 tennis shoes are a solid choice for pickleball players. When you slip these on, you’ll notice how comfy they feel right away. The gel cushioning does a great job of absorbing shocks, which helps protect your joints during long games.

You’ll appreciate the stability these shoes provide on the court. The wrap-up outsole and TRUSSTIC technology work together to keep your feet secure as you move around. This lets you stop, pivot, and change direction quickly without worrying about losing your footing.

One thing to keep in mind is that these shoes might not last as long as pricier options if you play often. But for the cost, you get a lot of value. The synthetic leather toe overlays add some durability, which helps extend their life. Overall, the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 gives you a good mix of comfort, support, and affordability for your pickleball games.

K-Swiss Express Light

You should consider these pickleball shoes for their stability and comfort during quick movements on the court.

Pros

• Great stability for lateral movements
• Durable with extra toe protection
• Moisture-wicking sock liner

Cons

• May take time to adjust to fit
• Faster wear in high-use areas
• Some users want more heel support

The K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes are built for the fast-paced nature of the game. You’ll notice the stability right away, especially during quick side-to-side moves. The shoes grip the court well, which helps prevent slips that could lead to injuries.

Comfort is key in these shoes. The OrthoLite sock liner wicks away sweat, keeping your feet dry during intense matches. This feature is a big plus if you play often or in hot weather. The overall fit might feel different if you’re used to regular sneakers, but give yourself time to adjust.

Durability is a strong point with the Express Light. The Dragguard in high-wear areas like the toe and heel adds extra protection. This helps the shoes last longer, even with frequent play. While they may still wear down over time, that’s normal for pickleball shoes given the demands of the sport.

K-Swiss Court Express

You’ll find these shoes offer good value for casual pickleball players seeking comfort and support.

Pros

• Comfortable fit for extended play
• Durable rubber outsole
• Breathable design

Cons

• May run wide for some feet
• Not ideal for advanced players
• Some durability concerns

These K-Swiss Court Express shoes are a solid choice if you’re new to pickleball or play on weekends. The leather upper gives a classic look, while the rubber sole grips the court well. You’ll notice the cushioning right away – it’s soft but still gives you enough support to move quickly.

When you’re on the court, your feet stay cool thanks to the breathable design. This is great for those long rallies where you’re constantly moving. The shoes feel light on your feet, which helps you react fast to shots.

Keep in mind that these aren’t pro-level shoes. If you play more than a few times a week, you might want something more heavy-duty. Some players say they run a bit wide, so try them on first if you can. While most find them comfy, a few folks had issues with stitching coming loose after a couple of months. For the price, though, these shoes give you good bang for your buck as you get into the sport.

K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme

These shoes offer great stability but may not be ideal for all players due to durability concerns.

Pros

• Excellent lateral support
• Good fit for competitive players
• Enhanced midfoot stability

Cons

• May require sizing up
• Potential durability issues
• Stiff insole for some users

The K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme shoes are built for serious players. You’ll notice the stability right away, especially during quick side-to-side moves. The shoes grip the court well, giving you confidence in your footwork.

Fit is key in pickleball shoes, and these may take some getting used to. You might need to go up half a size for the best fit. The support is strong, which is great if you play often, but it could feel different if you’re used to lighter shoes.

One thing to watch out for is wear and tear. Some players have said the soles wear down quickly, especially near the toes. This could be a problem if you play a lot. The insoles are also quite firm, which some find uncomfortable. But for many, these shoes offer the right mix of support and grip for competitive play.

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler

Pickleball players will find these shoes offer great support and comfort.

Pros

• Sturdy yet flexible design
• Good arch support
• Wide toe box for comfort

Cons

• High ankle may rub for some
• Can get sweaty during play
• Sizing may run large

When you step onto the court in these Wilson Rush Pro Ace Picklers, you’ll feel ready to play. The shoes have a solid build that gives you stability as you move. Your feet will thank you for the arch support, which helps during long games.

The wide toe box is a nice touch. It lets your toes spread out, giving you better balance. You might notice the ankle area sits a bit high. This could bug some players, but it does add extra support.

After a few games, you might find these shoes get pretty sweaty inside. It’s not ideal, but it’s common with many pickleball shoes. You may want to let them dry out between matches. Keep in mind that you might need to order a size down from your usual. Many players find these run a bit large.

Skechers Viper Court Smash

The Skechers Viper Court Smash is a top choice for pickleball players seeking comfort and versatility on any court surface.

Pros

• Relaxed fit for roomy toe box
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor play
• Lightweight and breathable design

Cons

• Limited color options
• May lack advanced support for competitive play
• Cushioning could be firmer for some players

These shoes stand out for their relaxed fit, giving your toes plenty of space to move. You’ll notice the roomy feel right away, which helps prevent discomfort during long games. The synthetic leather upper is smooth and comfortable, while tiny holes allow air to flow, keeping your feet cool.

The rubber outsoles grip well on both indoor and outdoor courts. You can switch between surfaces without changing shoes, which is handy if you play at different venues. The non-marking soles won’t leave scuff marks, so you won’t upset any court managers.

Skechers designed these shoes to be light, so you can move quickly around the court. The cushioning is soft, though some players might want more firmness for intense games. While great for casual play, serious competitors might need shoes with extra ankle support. The style is simple, with limited color choices, but the gray and blue option looks clean and matches most outfits.

Skechers Viper Court Smash

These pickleball shoes offer a great mix of comfort and performance for players of all levels.

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight design
• Roomy fit for comfort
• Excellent traction on various surfaces

Cons

• May feel loose for some players
• Limited color options
• Can get warm during intense play

The Skechers Viper Court Smash shoes are built with pickleball players in mind. You’ll notice the roomy fit right away, giving your toes plenty of space to move. This extra room is great for long games, but some players might find it a bit too loose at first.

These shoes really shine when it comes to comfort. The ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning feels soft under your feet, and you’ll appreciate it during those marathon matches. The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool, but on really hot days, you might still feel some warmth.

On the court, the Viper Court Smash grips well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. You can make quick moves without worrying about slipping. The lightweight design helps you stay nimble, which is key in pickleball. While these shoes aren’t the fanciest looking, they make up for it with solid performance where it counts.

Buying Guide

When shopping for pickleball shoes, there are key factors to consider. Let’s look at what to keep in mind as you choose the best pair for your needs.

Comfort and Fit

Your shoes should feel snug but not tight. Try them on with the socks you’ll wear while playing. Walk around to test comfort and support.

Court Type

Different shoes work best on different surfaces:

Court Type	Shoe Features
Indoor	Non-marking soles, good grip
Outdoor	Durable outsoles, extra cushioning

Stability

Look for shoes with:

• Wide, flat soles
• Good ankle support
• Reinforced sides

These features help prevent rolling your ankle during quick side-to-side movements.

Weight

Lighter shoes can help you move faster on the court. But they may wear out quicker than heavier options.

Breathability

Mesh uppers or ventilation holes keep your feet cool and dry during play.

Durability

Check the quality of materials and construction.

Reinforced toe areas can extend the life of your shoes.