Best Pickleball Shoes for Ankle Support: Top Choices for 2025
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. As its popularity soars, players are looking for the right gear to improve their game and stay safe on the court. Shoes are a crucial part of any pickleball player’s equipment, especially when it comes to protecting your ankles during quick movements and sudden stops.
Ankle support is key in pickleball shoes. The sport involves lots of side-to-side motion, quick starts and stops, and rapid direction changes. Good ankle support can help prevent injuries and keep you playing comfortably for longer periods.
When choosing pickleball shoes, look for features like high-top designs, sturdy heel counters, and cushioned collars that wrap around your ankles.
Ankle support is key in pickleball shoes. The sport involves lots of side-to-side motion, quick starts and stops, and rapid direction changes. Good ankle support can help prevent injuries and keep you playing comfortably for longer periods.
When choosing pickleball shoes, look for features like high-top designs, sturdy heel counters, and cushioned collars that wrap around your ankles.
When shopping for pickleball shoes with ankle support, pay attention to the fit, cushioning, and traction. A snug fit around the midfoot and heel is important to keep your foot stable. Adequate cushioning helps absorb impact, while good traction prevents slips on the court.
You’ll also want to consider the shoe’s weight and breathability to ensure comfort during long games. We tested 12 pairs of pickleball shoes to find the best options for ankle support and overall performance on the court.
Best Pickleball Shoes for Ankle Support
If you’re looking for pickleball shoes that offer great ankle support, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve researched and tested many options to bring you this list of top picks. These shoes will help keep your ankles stable and protected during intense matches.
ASICS Gel-RENMA
You’ll find these shoes offer great stability and comfort for pickleball, making them a solid choice for players seeking ankle support.
Pros
- Excellent stability for lateral movements
- Comfortable gel cushioning
- Durable synthetic leather overlays
Cons
- Narrow fit may not suit all foot types
- Break-in period needed
- Outsole wears quickly with heavy use
When you step onto the court in these ASICS Gel-RENMA shoes, you’ll notice the secure fit right away. The DYNAWRAP technology in the eyestay gives you a locked-in feel, which is crucial when you’re making quick moves during a game.
The midsole features DYNAWALL technology that extends into the heel. This gives you added stability when you’re covering the baseline. You’ll feel more confident making those sudden side-to-side movements without worrying about rolling your ankle.
Comfort is key in these shoes. The gel cushioning absorbs impact well, so your feet won’t feel beat up after a long day of play. The outsole has flex grooves that improve flexibility, letting your feet move naturally. While the grip is good for both indoor and outdoor courts, you might find the sole wears down faster than expected with frequent use.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Picklers
You’ll love these shoes if you want comfort and stability for pickleball.
Pros
- Wide toe box for roomy fit
- Great stability for quick moves
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool
Cons
- May feel bulky for some players
- Limited color options
- Pricier than basic court shoes
These Wilson Rush Pro Ace Picklers are a game-changer on the court. The first thing you’ll notice is the generous fit, especially in the toe box. Your feet have room to spread out, which feels great during long matches.
The 4D Support Chassis is a standout feature. It keeps your foot stable when you’re lunging for shots or pivoting quickly. You’ll feel more confident making sudden moves without worrying about rolling an ankle.
Breathability is top-notch thanks to the Sensifeel upper. Your feet stay cool and dry, even during intense play. The cushioning is just right – not too soft, not too firm. After a few hours on the court, your feet won’t feel beat up.
ASICS GEL-GAME 9
You should consider these pickleball shoes for their blend of comfort and stability on the court.
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Stable during quick moves
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- May run small
- Limited color options
- Synthetic materials
The ASICS GEL-GAME 9 shoes give you a good mix of support and flexibility for pickleball. You’ll notice the open mesh design right away. It keeps your feet cool during those long matches. The synthetic leather parts help your feet stay put when you make fast turns.
When you’re on the court, you’ll feel how the TRUSSTIC tech in the midsole keeps you steady. The EVA foam and GEL cushioning work together to soften the impact when you move. This means less strain on your joints as you play.
The outsole grips the court well and bends with your foot. You might need to go up half a size, as some players find them snug. While they’re not leather, the synthetic materials should stretch a bit with use. These shoes are a solid choice if you want something light that still gives you good ankle support.
FitVille Wide Court Shoes
You’ll find these shoes offer great ankle support and comfort for pickleball players with wide feet.
Pros
- Wide design for roomy fit
- Breathable mesh upper
- Good traction on court surfaces
Cons
- May need to size up
- Limited color options
- Traction issues on wet surfaces
These FitVille court shoes are built with wide feet in mind. The roomy toe box gives your feet space to move and breathe during intense games. You’ll appreciate the mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and dry, even during long matches.
The shoes feature a honeycomb insole and Ortholite material for added cushioning. This extra support helps reduce foot fatigue and provides comfort for hours of play. The dual-density EVA outsole acts as a shock absorber, letting you move quickly on the court without straining your ankles.
Traction is key in pickleball, and these shoes deliver on dry surfaces. The anti-slip design grips well on most courts, helping you make quick turns and stops. Just be careful if the court gets wet, as some players found the traction less reliable on damp surfaces. For the best fit, you might want to order a half size up from your usual shoe size.
FitVille Amadeus V7
You’ll appreciate these pickleball shoes for their excellent ankle support and wide fit.
Pros
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Wide toe box for comfort
- TPU heel ring for stability
Cons
- May run large for some users
- Limited color options
- New brand in a competitive market
The FitVille Amadeus V7 pickleball shoes offer a great mix of comfort and support. You’ll notice the wide toe box right away, giving your feet plenty of room to move. This design helps prevent cramping and discomfort during long games.
Ankle support is a standout feature of these shoes. The TPU heel ring keeps your foot stable, reducing the risk of sprains. You’ll feel more confident making quick moves on the court. The midfoot TPU Torsion Grip adds extra security for those intense rallies.
Traction is crucial in pickleball, and these shoes deliver. The rubber sole has a special tread pattern that grips the court well. You won’t have to worry about slipping during fast-paced games. The lightweight design also helps you move quickly without feeling weighed down.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler
You’ll find these shoes offer great ankle support and comfort for pickleball players.
Pros
- Excellent stability for quick movements
- Wide fit for comfort
- Good arch support
Cons
- High ankle collar may bother some players
- Toe box might be too wide for narrow feet
- Can get soaked during intense play
The Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler shoes give you top-notch support on the court. The 4D Support Chassis helps control your foot during those fast pivots and powerful strokes. This means you can move with confidence, knowing your ankles are well-protected.
These shoes have a wide fit, which is great if you need extra room. The cushioning feels just right – not too soft, not too firm. You’ll appreciate this balance when you’re on your feet for long matches. The rubber sole grips the court well, letting you start and stop quickly.
One thing to watch out for is the high ankle collar. It might rub against your leg at first. The toe box is roomy, which some players love, but others find too loose. After a tough game, these shoes can get pretty wet inside. You might want to have a backup pair for back-to-back play days. Despite these small issues, many players find these shoes comfy right out of the box.
Skechers Viper Court Smash
You’ll find excellent ankle support and comfort in these pickleball shoes, making them a solid choice for players of all levels.
Pros
- Relaxed fit provides ample toe room
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts
- Lightweight design for quick movements
Cons
- May feel stiff when new
- Limited color options
- Sizing can be inconsistent
These Skechers pickleball shoes offer a great mix of support and flexibility.
The relaxed fit gives your toes plenty of space to move, which is key during quick side-to-side movements on the court. You’ll appreciate the breathable perforations that keep your feet cool during intense matches.
The rubber outsoles provide good traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. This versatility means you can use these shoes year-round, whether you’re playing in a gym or on an outdoor court. The non-marking soles are a nice touch, ensuring you won’t leave scuff marks behind.
Comfort is a standout feature of these shoes.
The synthetic leather upper molds to your foot shape over time, creating a custom-like fit. While they might feel a bit stiff at first, give them a few games to break in properly. Once they do, you’ll enjoy the cushioned feel that helps reduce foot fatigue during long playing sessions.
Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes
You’ll love these shoes for their comfort and support on the pickleball court.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Excellent arch support
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor play
Cons
- Short laces
- May not suit wide feet
- Limited color options
These Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes are a game-changer for your pickleball matches.
The moment you slip them on, you’ll notice how light they feel on your feet. The mesh upper keeps your feet cool during intense rallies, while the Goodyear rubber outsoles give you great grip on both indoor and outdoor courts.
The Arch Fit insole is a standout feature. It molds to your foot shape, giving you custom support that helps reduce shock as you move around the court. This is great for long games when your feet might start to feel tired.
The relaxed fit in the toe box gives your feet room to spread out, which is key for quick side-to-side movements.
You’ll appreciate the versatility of these shoes. They work well for pickleball, but you can also use them for other activities like walking or gym workouts. The cushioning is comfy enough for all-day wear, so you might find yourself keeping them on after your game ends. Just be aware that if you have wide feet, you may need to size up for the best fit.
FitVille Wide Court Shoes
You should buy these shoes if you need extra width and support for pickleball or tennis.
Pros
- Very wide toe box
- Good arch support
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Might be too wide for some
- Limited color options
- Break-in period needed
These FitVille shoes stand out for their extra-wide design.
When you slip them on, you’ll notice the roomy toe box right away. It gives your feet space to spread out naturally. This can help reduce pain if you have wide feet or foot issues.
The shoes offer solid ankle support too. The high-top design wraps around your ankles snugly. You’ll feel stable when making quick moves on the court. The arch support is also good, which can help if you deal with plantar fasciitis.
On the court, these shoes grip well. The rubber outsoles stick to the surface, letting you change direction fast. They’re also pretty tough. After weeks of play, the soles still look good.
The mesh upper breathes well, keeping your feet cool during long games. While they take a bit to break in, once you do, they’re quite comfy for long matches.
FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes
You should consider these shoes for their roomy fit and solid ankle support during pickleball games.
Pros
- Spacious toe box for wider feet
- Good traction on various surfaces
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool
Cons
- May run large for some users
- Limited color options
- Cushioning could be improved
When you slip on these FitVille shoes, you’ll notice the roomy toe box right away. It gives your feet space to spread out, which is great for stability during quick side-to-side moves on the court. The wide design works well if you have broader feet or just prefer a roomier fit.
The outsoles grip the court nicely, helping you stay steady on your feet. We found they worked well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. The breathable upper is a big plus too. Your feet stay dry and comfy, even after hours of play in the hot sun.
These shoes offer good ankle support, which is key for avoiding injuries during intense games. The lace-up design lets you adjust the fit for extra stability. While the cushioning is okay, it could be better for long play sessions. Some players might want to add extra insoles for more comfort. The shoes tend to run large, so you might need to size down for the best fit.
Buying Guide
When shopping for pickleball shoes with good ankle support, keep these key factors in mind:
Fit
Make sure the shoes fit snugly around your ankles and heels. Try them on and walk around to check for any slipping or rubbing.
Ankle Collar
Look for shoes with a padded, high-top ankle collar. This provides extra stability and helps prevent rolling your ankle during quick movements.
Cushioning
Good shock absorption is important to protect your ankles and feet. Choose shoes with ample cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas.
Stability Features
Seek out shoes with reinforced sides and a wide, flat base. These elements add lateral support when you’re moving side-to-side on the court.
Traction
The outsole should have a good grip pattern to prevent slipping. Look for non-marking rubber soles with multidirectional tread.
Weight
Lighter shoes allow for quicker movements, but heavier ones often provide more support. Find a balance that works for your playing style.
Breathability
Shoes with mesh or breathable synthetic uppers help keep your feet cool and dry during long games.
Feature | Why It’s Important |
---|---|
Ankle collar | Stabilizes ankle |
Cushioning | Absorbs impact |
Wide base | Adds lateral support |
Traction | Prevents slipping |
Try on several pairs to find the most comfortable and supportive option for your feet. Remember that proper fit is crucial for ankle protection.