Best Pickleball Shoes for Beginners: Top Choices for Comfort and Performance
Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. As more people discover this exciting game, the need for proper equipment becomes clear. Shoes are a key part of any player’s gear, especially for beginners who are just starting out.
When you’re new to pickleball, the right shoes can make a big difference in your comfort and performance on the court. Good pickleball shoes offer support, stability, and traction to help you move quickly and change direction with ease. They also protect your feet and ankles from the impact of fast-paced play.
When choosing pickleball shoes, pay attention to the sole material and tread pattern. Look for shoes with non-marking outsoles that grip the court well. The upper part of the shoe should be breathable and provide good ankle support.
Comfort is key, so make sure the shoes fit well and have enough cushioning for your feet. We tested many pickleball shoes to find the best options for beginners that offer a good mix of comfort, support, and value.
Best Pickleball Shoes for Beginners
When you’re starting out in pickleball, having the right shoes can make a big difference. Good pickleball shoes offer comfort, support, and traction to help you move smoothly on the court. Here are some top picks for beginners looking to step up their game.
ASICS Gel-RENMA
You’ll find these shoes perfect for pickleball beginners thanks to their comfort and stability.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Good traction
- Stylish design
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Pricey
- Outsole wears quickly
The ASICS Gel-RENMA pickleball shoes offer a great mix of comfort and performance. When you slip these on, you’ll notice the gel cushioning right away. It absorbs shock well, making them comfy for long games on the court.
These shoes shine in the stability department. The DYNAWALL technology extends into the heel, giving you extra support during side-to-side moves. You’ll feel more confident covering the court and chasing down shots.
Traction is another strong point of the Gel-RENMA. The outsole grips the court well, letting you start and stop quickly. Just keep in mind that the sole may wear out faster than you’d like if you play often.
Despite this, the shoes look great and come in nice color options. They’re a bit pricey, but many players find them worth it for the comfort and performance they provide.
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes
These shoes offer stability and comfort for beginners, making them a solid choice for your first pickleball footwear.
Pros
- Great stability for quick moves
- Comfortable fit with moisture-wicking
- Durable design for toe-dragging
Cons
- May take time to adjust
- Wear out quickly with heavy use
- Limited arch support for some players
When you step onto the court in these K-Swiss shoes, you’ll notice how light they feel on your feet. The stability design helps you move quickly from side to side and front to back. This is key for pickleball, where you need to react fast to shots.
The shoes have a special liner that keeps your feet dry. This is nice when you’re playing for a long time. You won’t have to worry about sweaty, slippery feet.
The outer part of the shoe is tough, which is good for beginners who might drag their toes a lot.
You might need some time to get used to these shoes if you’ve been playing in regular sneakers. They fit differently because they’re made just for pickleball. Some players say they wear out fast, but this can happen with any shoe if you play a lot. While many find them comfy, a few people wish they had more arch support.
Still, for most beginners, these shoes are a good start for your pickleball games.
Skechers Viper Court Smash
These comfortable and supportive pickleball shoes are a great choice for beginners looking to improve their game.
Pros
- Relaxed fit for comfort
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor courts
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Limited color options
- May run small for some users
- Could use more lateral support
The Skechers Viper Court Smash shoes offer a mix of comfort and performance for new pickleball players. You’ll appreciate the relaxed fit design, which gives your toes more room to move. This extra space can help prevent blisters and discomfort during long matches.
These shoes work well on both indoor and outdoor courts. The rubber outsoles provide good traction, helping you make quick moves without slipping. You’ll feel confident changing directions and chasing down shots.
The lightweight construction of these shoes is a big plus. You won’t feel weighed down as you move around the court. This can help you stay quick on your feet throughout your games.
Keep in mind that some players find these shoes run a bit small, so you might want to try them on or order a half size up.
ASICS Gel-Game 9
You’ll love these shoes for pickleball thanks to their comfort and stability.
Pros
- Great breathability
- Excellent stability
- Cushioned for comfort
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Can feel stiff at first
- May run warm
The ASICS Gel-Game 9 shoes are a solid choice for pickleball beginners. When you slip them on, you’ll notice the open mesh design right away. This keeps your feet cool during long games.
The shoes also use TRUSSTIC technology, which gives you extra stability as you move around the court.
You’ll appreciate the EVA cushioning in these shoes. It makes them comfy to wear, even if you’re playing for hours. The GEL technology is another plus. It helps absorb shock when you land, making your steps feel softer.
These shoes might feel a bit stiff at first, but that’s normal. They’ll break in as you use them. Some players find the toe box narrow, so keep that in mind if you have wider feet.
While they’re great for indoor play, they can get warm during outdoor summer games. Still, for most beginners, these shoes offer a good mix of support and comfort for pickleball.
ASICS Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes
These shoes are a solid choice for beginners looking for comfort and stability on the pickleball court.
Pros
- Great breathability
- Good stability
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- Sizing may run small
- Durability concerns
- Limited color options
The ASICS Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes offer a nice mix of comfort and performance for new players. When you slip these on, you’ll notice the open mesh design right away. It keeps your feet cool during long games, which is a big plus when you’re just starting out and building your stamina.
You’ll appreciate the stability these shoes provide. The TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole helps you feel secure when you’re moving around the court. This is especially helpful when you’re learning to make quick direction changes.
The EVA cushioning and GEL technology in the forefoot make landings softer, which can help reduce fatigue as you practice your shots.
One thing to keep in mind is that these shoes might feel a bit snug at first. You may want to try a half size up from your usual size. Some players have mentioned concerns about the durability of the soles, so you’ll want to keep an eye on wear and tear.
While the white and indigo color looks nice, it would be great to have more color choices.
ASICS GEL-GAME 9
You should buy these shoes if you want a lightweight, flexible option for pickleball that offers good support and ventilation.
Pros
- Great breathability
- Good stability
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- Narrow fit
- May wear quickly
- Limited color options
When you step onto the court in these ASICS GEL-GAME 9 shoes, you’ll notice how light they feel on your feet. The open mesh design lets your feet breathe, which is nice during long games. You won’t have to worry about your feet getting too hot and sweaty.
These shoes give you good support when you move around. The special TRUSSTIC technology in the middle of the shoe helps keep your foot stable. This is useful when you need to change direction quickly during a match. The cushioning feels soft and bouncy, making it easier on your feet when you jump or run.
One thing to keep in mind is that these shoes have a narrow fit. If you have wider feet, you might want to try a different size or model. Some players say the shoes wear out faster than they’d like, especially if you play a lot.
But for beginners who are just getting into pickleball, these ASICS shoes are a solid choice to help you move comfortably on the court.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler
You’ll find these shoes deliver top-notch support and comfort for beginners stepping onto the pickleball court.
Pros
- Great arch support
- Wide fit for comfort
- Sturdy yet flexible design
Cons
- High ankle might rub
- Can get sweaty during play
- Sizing may run large
When you slip on the Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler, you’ll notice the roomy toe box right away. This extra space lets your feet spread out naturally, which is key for quick side-to-side moves on the court. The shoes feel solid but not heavy, giving you a sense of stability without weighing you down.
The cushioning in these shoes is a game-changer. You’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds, even after hours of play. This comfort comes from the R-DST+ technology, which adds a nice bounce to your step. The rubber sole grips the court well, so you won’t slip when you lunge for a tough shot.
One thing to watch out for is the fit around the ankle. It sits a bit high and might rub at first. You may need to wear taller socks until you break them in. Also, your feet might get pretty sweaty during intense games. It’s a good idea to let these shoes air out between matches.
K-Swiss Express Light
You should buy these shoes if you want a stable, durable option for pickleball that’s great for beginners and frequent players alike.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Superior stability for quick movements
- Durable outsole with added abrasion resistance
Cons
- May take time to adjust to the fit
- Limited color options
- Not suitable for those needing orthotics
The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoes are a game-changer on the court. When you slip them on, you’ll notice how light they feel on your feet. This makes it easy to move quickly during fast-paced games.
The breathable material keeps your feet cool, even during long matches.
These shoes shine in stability. The special support system helps you make quick side-to-side moves without losing your balance. You’ll feel confident making those tricky shots near the kitchen line.
The grip in the heel area is a nice touch, keeping your foot from sliding inside the shoe.
Durability is a key feature of these shoes. The tough rubber sole holds up well to the wear and tear of frequent play. You won’t have to worry about your shoes falling apart after a few games.
The extra protection against toe-dragging is helpful, especially if you’re still working on your footwork.
ASICS Gel-Challenger 13
You should buy these shoes for their excellent stability and comfort on the pickleball court.
Pros
- Great stability for side-to-side movements
- Comfortable cushioning system
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Run narrow
- May need to size up
- Break-in period required
The ASICS Gel-Challenger 13 tennis shoes are a solid choice for pickleball players. When you step onto the court, you’ll notice the shoes’ stability right away. The WINGWALL technology in the sidewalls helps you move side-to-side with confidence.
These shoes shine in the comfort department. The GEL cushioning system in the front and back absorbs shock as you move. This feature helps reduce fatigue during long games.
The Ortholite sockliner keeps your feet dry and comfy.
Durability is a key factor in these shoes. The AHAR Plus outsole is tough and long-lasting. It’s placed in high-wear areas to help your shoes last longer.
The PGuard toe protector adds extra durability where you need it most.
Keep in mind that these shoes tend to run narrow. You might need to go up a half size, especially if you have wider feet. Some players report a short break-in period, but after that, the shoes feel great.
K-Swiss Court Express
These comfortable and supportive shoes are a solid choice for beginners getting into pickleball.
Pros
- Wide toe box for comfort
- Good ankle support
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Stiff around ankle at first
- May lack durability for frequent players
- Limited color options
The K-Swiss Court Express pickleball shoes offer a great starting point for new players. You’ll appreciate the roomy toe box, which gives your feet space to move and breathe during games.
The leather upper provides a nice balance of flexibility and support, helping you stay stable as you move around the court.
When you slip these shoes on, you’ll notice the cushy feel right away. The special EVA midsole gives you extra padding with each step, which can help reduce fatigue during longer play sessions.
The rubber outsole grips the court well, letting you make quick moves without slipping.
For beginners playing once or twice a week, these shoes should hold up fine. But if you catch the pickleball bug and start playing more often, you might need to upgrade sooner than expected.
Some users reported wear issues after a few months of heavy use. Still, for casual players just getting into the sport, the K-Swiss Court Express offers good value and comfort to help you enjoy your time on the court.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right pickleball shoes can make a big difference in your game. Here are some key things to look for:
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 make sure they don’t pinch or rub.
Court Grip
Look for shoes with non-marking rubber soles. These give you good traction on the court without leaving scuff marks.
Support
Pick shoes that offer good ankle and arch support. This helps prevent injuries and keeps your feet stable during quick moves.
Breathability
Mesh uppers let your feet breathe and stay cool during long games.
Durability
Check the shoe’s construction. Reinforced toe areas and strong stitching help shoes last longer.
Weight
Lighter shoes let you move faster on the court. But they may wear out quicker than heavier ones.
Price
Set a budget, but don’t skimp on quality. Good shoes protect your feet and can prevent injuries.
Use this table to help you compare options:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Fit | Snug but not tight |
| Sole | Non-marking rubber |
| Upper | Breathable mesh |
| Support | Good ankle and arch support |
| Weight | Light to medium |
Try on several pairs before you decide. The best shoe for you is one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
