Best Pickleball Shoes for Knee Pain: Top Supportive Options for 2025

Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that many people enjoy. It’s a great way to stay active and social. But playing pickleball can be tough on your knees, especially if you already have knee pain. The right shoes can make a big difference in how your knees feel during and after a game.

When you play pickleball, you do a lot of quick stops, starts, and side-to-side moves. These motions can put stress on your knees. Good pickleball shoes help cushion your feet and knees from these impacts. They also give you the support and stability you need to move safely on the court.

When you’re looking for pickleball shoes to help with knee pain, pay attention to a few key things. Look for shoes with good cushioning in the heel and forefoot. Make sure they have enough support for your arches. The shoes should also fit well and feel stable when you move. We tested many pickleball shoes to find the best ones for people with knee pain.

Best Pickleball Shoes for Knee Pain

If you suffer from knee pain while playing pickleball, finding the right shoes can make a big difference. The following list highlights top picks that offer cushioning and support to help reduce strain on your knees. These shoes combine comfort, stability, and performance to enhance your game while protecting your joints.

ASICS GEL-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes

You should buy these shoes if you want a lightweight, flexible option for pickleball that offers good support and cushioning.

Pros

• Breathable mesh design
• Stable and supportive
• Good shock absorption

Cons

• Sizing may run small
• Sole durability concerns
• Limited color options

The ASICS GEL-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes are a solid choice for players looking for comfort and performance on the court. When you slip these shoes on, you’ll notice how light they feel on your feet. The open mesh upper lets your feet breathe, which is great for those long, intense games.

As you move around the court, you’ll appreciate the stability these shoes provide. The TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole gives you a secure feel during quick direction changes. The EVA foam and GEL cushioning work together to soften the impact when you’re jumping and landing.

One thing to keep in mind is that these shoes might feel a bit snug at first. You may want to go up half a size when ordering. Some players have noted issues with sole durability, so keep an eye on wear and tear if you play often. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ASICS GEL-Game 9 offers a good balance of comfort, support, and flexibility for your pickleball games.

ASICS Gel-Game 9

You’ll find these shoes provide excellent support and comfort for pickleball players with knee pain.

Pros

• Great breathability
• Improved stability
• Shock absorption

Cons

• Narrow toe box
• Can feel stiff at first
• May run warm

The ASICS Gel-Game 9 shoes are a solid choice for pickleball players looking to protect their knees. The open mesh design keeps your feet cool and dry during intense matches. You’ll notice the difference right away as air flows freely through the shoe.

These shoes shine when it comes to stability. The TRUSSTIC technology gives you a firm base, helping you make quick moves on the court without worry. This added support is key for reducing stress on your knees during play.

Comfort is a top priority in the Gel-Game 9. The EVA cushioning creates a soft feel underfoot, while the GEL technology absorbs shock with each step. Your knees will thank you after long games. The shoes may feel a bit stiff at first, but they’ll break in nicely over time.

One thing to keep in mind is the narrow toe box. If you have wider feet, you might want to try a half size up for a better fit. Despite the breathable design, some players find these shoes run a bit warm during extended play.

FitVille Wide Pickleball Sneakers

You’ll find these shoes offer good support and comfort for pickleball, but they may run large for some players.

Pros

• Roomy toe box for wider feet
• Good traction on various surfaces
• Breathable upper keeps feet cool

Cons

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

The FitVille Wide Pickleball Sneakers feel comfy right away. You’ll notice the roomy toe box gives your feet space to move. This is great if you have wider feet or need extra room.

These shoes grip well on different courts. You can play confidently without worrying about slipping. The outsoles help you make quick moves during games.

The breathable upper is a nice touch. Your feet stay cool even during long matches. This helps prevent sweat buildup and keeps you comfy.

One thing to note is the sizing. Some players find these shoes run large. You might want to try a size down from your usual. The wide fit may also be too roomy for narrow feet.

The cushioning is good but not amazing. You get decent shock absorption, which helps protect your knees. But if you need lots of cushioning, you might want more.

These shoes work well for pickleball and other court sports. They offer a mix of comfort and support that many players enjoy. Just keep in mind the fit may take some getting used to.

Skechers Viper Court Smash

You’ll find these shoes a solid choice for pickleball players seeking knee pain relief and comfort on the court.

Pros

• Relaxed fit for roomy toe box
• Lightweight design for easy movement
• Versatile for indoor and outdoor play

Cons

• May lack support for quick turns
• Sizing can be inconsistent
• Break-in period needed for some users

The Skechers Viper Court Smash offers a blend of comfort and functionality for pickleball enthusiasts. You’ll notice the relaxed fit right away, giving your toes plenty of wiggle room. This extra space can be a game-changer if you’re dealing with knee pain, as it allows for natural foot movement.

These shoes shine in their versatility. You can use them on both indoor and outdoor courts thanks to the non-marking rubber outsoles. The traction is good, helping you stay steady during quick moves. You might feel more confident in your footwork, which could reduce strain on your knees.

Comfort is key with these shoes. The synthetic leather upper feels soft and breathable. You’ll like how light they feel on your feet, making it easier to play for longer periods. Keep in mind that some players say they need a short break-in time. After a few games, you should find them molding nicely to your feet.

K-Swiss Express Light for Women

You should buy these shoes if you want top-notch comfort and support for pickleball.

Pros

• Wide toe box for comfort
• Great stability for quick moves
• Durable design with extra protection

Cons

• May feel stiff at first
• Sizing can be tricky
• Limited color options

These K-Swiss Express Light shoes are a game-changer for pickleball players with knee pain. The wide toe box gives your feet room to breathe, which is key during those long matches. You’ll feel the difference right away in how stable you are on the court.

The shoes have special features to help them last longer. There’s extra protection in areas that usually wear out fast, like the toe and heel. This means you won’t need to buy new shoes as often, which is great for your wallet.

When you first put them on, they might feel a bit stiff. But don’t worry – this is normal for shoes made for stability. Give them some time to break in, and you’ll soon forget you’re even wearing them. The cushioning inside helps keep your feet comfy, even after hours of play.

K-Swiss Express Light

These pickleball shoes offer a good mix of stability and comfort for players with knee pain.

Pros

• Great stability for lateral movements
• Comfortable fit with moisture-wicking liner
• Durable design with added toe protection

Cons

• May require an adjustment period
• Faster wear in high-use areas
• Limited heel support for some players

The K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes are made for players who need extra stability on the court. You’ll notice the snug fit right away, which helps keep your feet in place during quick side-to-side moves. This can really help if you have knee pain, as it reduces the strain on your joints.

When you first put these shoes on, you might find them a bit different from regular sneakers. Give yourself some time to get used to them. The shoes have a special liner that keeps your feet dry, which is nice during long games. You won’t have to worry about slippery, sweaty feet throwing off your game.

These shoes are tough, with extra protection in the toe area. This is great because pickleball can be hard on shoes. You’ll appreciate this durability if you play often. Some players might want more heel support, though. If you have specific foot needs, you may want to try them on first to make sure they work for you.

K-Swiss Express Light

These shoes offer great support and comfort for pickleball players with knee pain.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• Superior stability features
• Durable outsole and upper

Cons

• May need to size up
• Initial break-in period
• Higher ankle design may cause discomfort for some

The K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes are a game-changer for players dealing with knee pain. When you slip these on, you’ll notice how light they feel on your feet. The breathable design keeps your feet cool during intense matches.

These shoes shine in the stability department. The 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis gives you a solid foundation, while the heel grip lining stops your foot from sliding around inside. This combo helps reduce strain on your knees as you move quickly on the court.

Durability is a strong point of the Express Light. The Aosta rubber outsole holds up well to the wear and tear of frequent play. The Dragguard and Durawrap features add extra protection in high-wear areas. You won’t need to replace these shoes any time soon.

Keep in mind that you might need to order a half size up for the best fit. There’s also a short break-in period as the shoes adjust to your feet. Some players find the higher ankle design rubs a bit at first, but this usually improves with wear.

K-Swiss Express Light

You should buy these shoes if you want a lightweight, stable option for pickleball that helps reduce knee pain.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable design
• Superior stability for quick movements
• Durable outsole with abrasion resistance

Cons

• May take time to adjust to fit
• Limited color options
• Not suitable for wide feet

The K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes are a game-changer for players dealing with knee pain. These shoes are incredibly light, which helps reduce stress on your joints during play. The breathable design keeps your feet cool and dry, even during long matches.

You’ll notice the superior stability right away. The 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis gives you solid footing for quick side-to-side movements. The heel grip lining uses interlocking fibers to prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe. This added stability can help reduce strain on your knees.

Durability is a key feature of these shoes. The Aosta rubber outsole provides long-lasting traction from heel to toe. The Dragguard and Durawrap features add extra protection against wear and tear from toe-dragging. You’ll appreciate the custom pickleball sock liner and K-Swiss Pickleball logo, showing these shoes were made specifically for the sport you love.

K-Swiss Court Express

You should buy these shoes if you want a comfortable and supportive option for casual pickleball play.

Pros

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

Cons

• May feel stiff at first
• Not ideal for advanced players
• Limited color options

The K-Swiss Court Express pickleball shoes are a great choice if you’re new to the sport or play on weekends. They have a roomy toe box that gives your feet space to move. This helps reduce pressure on your knees during quick movements.

These shoes offer solid ankle support, which is key for preventing injuries on the court. The leather upper feels durable and should last a while. The rubber sole grips well on different surfaces, so you won’t slip during intense rallies.

The cushioning in these shoes is pretty good. It helps absorb shock when you’re running around the court. This can help protect your knees from impact. Keep in mind that they might feel a bit stiff at first. Give them some time to break in. If you play pickleball often, you might want a more advanced shoe. But for casual players, these K-Swiss Court Express shoes are a solid pick.

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler

You’ll find comfort and stability in these pickleball shoes designed for players with wider feet.

Pros

• Roomy toe box for wider feet
• Stable design for quick movements
• Breathable upper material

Cons

• May feel too wide for narrow feet
• Limited color options
• Pricier than some alternatives

The Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler shoes are a game-changer for pickleball players with wider feet. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you slip them on. The generous fit gives your toes plenty of room to spread out, reducing pressure and discomfort during long games.

These shoes shine when it comes to stability. The 4D Support Chassis keeps your foot locked in place during quick side-to-side movements. You’ll feel more confident making those fast pivots to reach tough shots. The rubber sole grips the court well, helping you stay on your feet even during intense rallies.

Breathability is a key feature of the Rush Pro Ace Pickler. The mesh upper lets air flow freely, keeping your feet cool and dry. This is a big plus during hot summer games or long tournaments. While these shoes may not be the lightest on the market, the added stability makes up for the extra weight. You’ll appreciate the blend of comfort and support these shoes offer on the pickleball court.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right pickleball shoes for knee pain is important. Here are some key factors to consider:

Cushioning

Look for shoes with ample cushioning, especially in the heel and forefoot. This helps absorb shock and reduce stress on your knees.

Stability

Shoes with good lateral support can help prevent twisting motions that may strain your knees. Check for a sturdy heel counter and midfoot shank.

Fit

Make sure the shoes fit well. Too tight or loose shoes can affect your movement and put extra stress on your knees.

Weight

Lighter shoes can reduce fatigue and strain on your joints. But don’t sacrifice cushioning or support for weight.

Sole

A non-marking outsole with good traction is essential. It helps prevent slips and sudden stops that could jar your knees.

Breathability

Shoes that allow air flow keep your feet cool and dry, reducing discomfort during play.

Here’s a quick checklist of features to look for:

• Ample cushioning
• Good lateral support
• Proper fit
• Lightweight design
• Non-marking outsole
• Breathable upper

Try on several pairs before deciding. Walk and make quick movements in them to test comfort and support. The best shoe for you is one that feels comfortable and provides the support your knees need.