Best Pickleball Shoes for Juniors: Top Picks for Young Players in 2025

Pickleball has become a popular sport for players of all ages, including juniors. As young athletes take to the courts, the right shoes can make a big difference in their performance and comfort. Pickleball shoes for juniors need to provide support, stability, and traction for quick movements and sudden stops.

Good pickleball shoes can help prevent injuries and improve a young player’s game. They should have cushioning to absorb impact, a sturdy sole for lateral movements, and breathable materials to keep feet cool during matches. The right shoes can also boost confidence, allowing junior players to focus on developing their skills.

When choosing pickleball shoes for juniors, pay attention to fit, durability, and court-specific features. The shoes should have enough room for growing feet but still feel snug and stable. Look for reinforced areas that can withstand frequent use and non-marking soles suitable for indoor and outdoor courts. You want shoes that will last through a season of play while keeping young feet protected.

You can find many options for junior pickleball shoes on the market today. We spent time researching and testing various models to find the best choices for young players.

Best Pickleball Shoes for Juniors

You’ll find our top picks for junior pickleball shoes below. These options offer comfort, support, and durability to help young players perform their best on the court. We’ve selected shoes that cater to different foot shapes and playing styles.

ASICS GEL-GAME 9

You should consider these shoes for their comfort and stability, but be aware of potential sizing issues.

Pros

• Great breathability
• Excellent stability
• Good shock absorption

Cons

• May run small
• Durability concerns
• Limited color options

The ASICS GEL-GAME 9 is a solid choice for young pickleball players. Its open mesh design keeps feet cool during intense matches. You’ll feel the difference in air flow, which is a big plus on hot days.

These shoes offer strong support for quick moves on the court. The TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole gives you better stability when you need to change direction fast. This can help you react quicker to your opponent’s shots.

Comfort is key in these shoes. The EVA cushioning and GEL technology work together to soften the impact when you land. This can help reduce foot fatigue during long games. Keep in mind that some players find these shoes run small, so you might want to order a half size up.

ASICS Gel-Game 9

You’ll love these shoes for their comfort and stability on the pickleball court.

Pros

• Great breathability
• Excellent stability
• Soft cushioning

Cons

• Narrow toe box
• Can feel hot
• Stiff at first

The ASICS Gel-Game 9 tennis shoes are a solid choice for young pickleball players. When you slip them on, you’ll notice the snug fit and firm support. The open mesh design keeps your feet cool during intense matches.

As you move around the court, you’ll feel the benefits of the TRUSSTIC technology. It gives you extra stability when you’re reaching for those tricky shots. The EVA cushioning and GEL technology work together to soften the impact on your feet. This is great for reducing fatigue during long games.

These shoes might feel a bit stiff when you first put them on, but they’ll break in over time. The toe box is on the narrow side, so if you have wider feet, you may want to size up. While they’re breathable, some players find them warm during summer matches. Despite these small issues, the ASICS Gel-Game 9 shoes are a reliable pick for junior pickleball players looking for a mix of comfort and performance.

Skechers Viper Court Smash

You’ll get solid performance and comfort from these pickleball shoes, making them a good choice for junior players.

Pros

• Comfortable relaxed fit
• Versatile for indoor and outdoor play
• Breathable design

Cons

• Limited color options
• May lack support for quick turns
• Sizing can be inconsistent

The Skechers Viper Court Smash pickleball shoes offer a relaxed fit that gives your feet room to breathe. The roomy toe box lets your toes spread out naturally when you move. This extra space helps prevent blisters and keeps you comfy during long matches.

The rubber outsoles work well on both indoor and outdoor courts. You get good grip without leaving scuff marks behind. The tread pattern helps you stop and start quickly as you chase down shots.

While playing, you’ll notice these shoes feel light on your feet. The breathable upper keeps air flowing, so your feet stay cool even when the game heats up. The cushioning absorbs impact when you jump and land, protecting your joints.

One downside is the limited color choices. You might want more exciting options to match your style. The shoes also don’t offer as much support for quick side-to-side moves as some pricier models. Lastly, be careful when ordering, as the sizes can run small for some people.

K-Swiss Court Express

You’ll find the K-Swiss Court Express a solid choice for junior pickleball players starting out or playing casually.

Pros

• Wide toe box for comfort
• Good ankle support
• Lightweight design

Cons

• Stiff around the ankle initially
• May lack durability for frequent play
• Limited color options

These shoes feel great right out of the box. The wide toe box gives your feet room to breathe, which is key during long rallies. You’ll notice the extra space lets your toes spread naturally, helping with balance and quick movements.

The ankle support stands out on the court. When you make sharp turns or quick stops, the shoes keep your feet stable. This can help prevent rolled ankles, a common worry for new players.

K-Swiss uses a special EVA foam in the midsole. It cushions your feet well, reducing fatigue during long games. The rubber outsole grips the court nicely, letting you move confidently without slipping.

While comfortable, these shoes might feel a bit stiff around the ankle at first. Give them time to break in. They’re best for casual play – if you’re on the court every day, you might want something more durable. The color choices are limited, but the classic white look fits most outfits.

K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes

These shoes offer a good balance of comfort and support for junior pickleball players.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable design
• Good stability for quick movements
• Durable outsole for long-lasting use

Cons

• May need to order a half size up
• Some users report ankle discomfort
• Break-in period might be needed

You’ll find the K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes to be a solid choice for your junior player. These shoes are made with quick movements in mind, which is key for pickleball. The lightweight build helps kids move fast on the court without feeling weighed down.

The shoes have some neat features to keep young feet steady. There’s a special support system in the sole that helps with balance during those tricky side-to-side moves. The heel has a grip lining to stop feet from sliding around inside the shoe. This can really help kids feel more sure-footed when they play.

Durability is a big plus with these shoes. The rubber sole is tough and goes from heel to toe. There’s extra protection in areas that tend to wear out fast, like the toe box. This means the shoes can stand up to lots of games. The breathable design also keeps feet cool, which is great for long play sessions. Just keep in mind that you might need to order a half size up to get the best fit for your child.

ASICS Gel-RENMA Court Shoes

You’ll appreciate these shoes for their stability and flexibility on the pickleball court.

Pros

• Great court grip
• Good stability for quick moves
• Flex grooves for better movement

Cons

• Tight fit at first
• Stiff until broken in
• May be narrow for some feet

When you step onto the court in these ASICS Gel-RENMA shoes, you’ll notice how they stick to the surface. The wrap-up outsole gives you a solid base for those fast side-to-side moves in pickleball. You might find them a bit stiff at first, but give them time to break in.

The TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole helps keep your foot stable as you lunge for shots. This feature is key when you’re stretching for those tricky dinks at the net. The flex grooves in the sole let your feet bend naturally, which is great for quick starts and stops.

After a few games, you’ll feel the shoes soften up and mold to your feet. The synthetic leather top part looks sleek and holds up well to repeated use. Just keep in mind that if you have wider feet, you might need to go up a size for the best fit.

Fila Volley Zone

You’ll find these shoes a great choice for junior pickleball players due to their comfort and performance features.

Pros

• Breathable design
• Excellent traction
• Responsive cushioning

Cons

• Limited color options
• May run slightly wide
• Potential break-in period

The Fila Volley Zone pickleball shoes are made for young players who want to step up their game. The synthetic and textile mix keeps your feet cool during intense matches. You’ll appreciate the grippy rubber outsole that helps you stay steady on the court.

These shoes have a special pivot area in the front. This lets you change direction fast when you’re chasing down shots. The sturdy middle part of the shoe gives you extra support, which is key for growing feet.

The cushioning in these shoes feels bouncy and helps absorb shocks when you’re moving around. You can take out the inner sole if you need to, which is nice for getting the right fit. While they might feel a bit roomy at first, they should mold to your feet after a few games.

K-Swiss Express Light

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

Pros

• Roomy toe box
• Great stability
• Comfortable for long wear

Cons

• May need time to adjust
• Sizing can be tricky
• Potential fit issues around outer toe

These K-Swiss shoes are a game-changer for junior pickleball players. When you slip them on, you’ll notice the roomy toe box right away. This extra space lets your toes spread out, giving you better balance during quick movements on the court.

The stability of these shoes is top-notch. You’ll feel secure making those fast side-to-side moves that pickleball demands. The Dragguard feature adds extra protection in high-wear areas, so you don’t have to worry about wearing through the toe or heel too quickly.

One of the best things about these shoes is how comfy they are, even after hours of play. The OrthoLite sock liner helps keep your feet cool and dry. Just be aware that it might take a bit of time to get used to them if you’ve been playing in regular sneakers. Some players have had issues with the fit around the outer toe area, so you may need to try a few sizes to find your perfect fit.

FitVille Wide Court Shoes

These shoes offer a roomy fit and good traction, making them a solid choice for junior pickleball players with wider feet.

Pros

• Wide toe box for comfort
• Good grip on various surfaces
• Breathable upper keeps feet cool

Cons

• May run large for some
• Limited color options
• Moderate arch support

When you slip on these FitVille shoes, you’ll notice the roomy toe box right away. Your toes can spread out naturally, which is great for quick side-to-side moves on the court. The shoes feel light on your feet, so you won’t get tired during long games.

The outsoles give you a firm grip on different court surfaces. You can make fast stops and turns without worrying about slipping. The upgraded breathable upper is nice too – your feet stay dry even after hours of play.

The midsoles do a good job of absorbing shock from jumps and quick movements. This helps protect your joints from impact. While the arch support is okay, it might not be enough if you need extra help in that area. The shoes tend to run a bit large, so you may want to try a half size down for the best fit.

Ryka Courtside Pickleball Shoes

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

Pros

• Designed for women’s foot shape
• Exceptional cushioning
• Good lateral support

Cons

• May take time to break in
• Limited color options
• Durability concerns

When you slip on these Ryka Courtside Pickleball Shoes, you’ll notice the snug fit right away. The narrower heel and roomy toe box cater to a woman’s foot shape, giving you a secure feel on the court. The lace-up closure lets you adjust the fit to your liking.

During gameplay, you’ll appreciate the shoe’s performance features. The lightweight EVA midsole provides soft cushioning, helping to reduce fatigue as you move around. The rubber outsole grips the court well, giving you confidence in your quick lateral movements.

After a few matches, you might find these shoes start to mold to your feet better. The leather upper with breathable perforations keeps your feet cool, even during intense rallies. While the white and red color scheme looks sharp, you might wish for more color choices. Keep an eye on wear and tear, as some players have reported durability issues after a month of regular use.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right pickleball shoes for juniors is important for their comfort and performance. Here are some key factors to consider:

Fit

Make sure the shoes fit properly. Leave about a thumb’s width of space at the toe. The heel should not slip when walking or running.

Support

Look for shoes with good ankle and arch support. This helps prevent injuries during quick movements on the court.

Cushioning

Ample cushioning in the midsole absorbs shock and reduces foot fatigue. This is especially important for growing feet.

Traction

The outsole should provide good grip on indoor and outdoor courts. Look for non-marking rubber soles with a tread pattern.

Durability

Kids can be tough on shoes. Pick ones made with sturdy materials that can withstand frequent use.

Weight

Lighter shoes allow for quicker movements. But they should still offer enough support and stability.

Breathability

Mesh or synthetic uppers help keep feet cool and dry during play.

Price

Set a budget, but don’t sacrifice quality. Well-made shoes can prevent injuries and last longer.

Try on several pairs to find the best fit and feel. Have your child walk and move around in them before buying.