As pickleball’s popularity rapidly grows, you have more pickleball shoes available to choose from than ever before. But just as you’d take your time researching pickleball paddles to find the right one, it’s essential to choose the best pickleball shoes for your needs. To that end, we talked with professional pickleball players to find out what they look for in a great pair of shoes. Read on for our picks for the best pickleball shoes for men to help you find the right pair.
What to consider when buying pickleball shoes for men
Alexandru Pop-Moldovan, professional pickleball player, coach, and director of racquet sports at PGA National Resort Palm Beach Gardens, FL, explains that pickleball shoes need to meet contrasting demands. “The sport of pickleball demands two somewhat contrarian aspects of normal athletic footwear: lightning-quick responsiveness and long-lasting comfort,” he says. “A competitive player needs to be explosive in his movements, but be comfortable enough to stay on court for hours without sacrificing performance.”
Professional pickleball player and Skechers brand ambassador Tyson McGuffin recommends pickleball players look for shoes that combine several essential qualities. “For me, comfort, stability, durability, and high performance equal quality,” he says.
Consider these features when buying pickleball shoes.
Comfort
Pop-Moldovan says comfort and explosiveness are the two most important features in a pickleball shoe. “Due to the fact there is considerable time standing relatively in the same spot, comfort becomes even more important than it is in the sport of tennis,” he says.
Several factors contribute to comfort, including the room provided in the toe box, any shock-absorbing materials in the shoe, and the shoe’s overall breathability. Consider the shoe’s weight, too. Lightweight shoes can be more comfortable and allow you to respond faster than heavier shoes.
Stability
A good pickleball shoe needs to offer stability and support, especially as you pivot and come to sudden stops. Many shoes accomplish this through the use of a shank inserted in the midfoot to help stabilize the shoe—and it’s one of the reasons why you wouldn’t want to use your go-to walking shoes or running shoes.
Durability
You’ll want to get maximum value from your investment in a pair of pickleball shoes. Look for features that make shoes more durable, such as extra rubber on the soles and rubber toe caps to help protect the shoe when you drag your toe.
Sole Design
A pickleball shoe’s sole plays a key role in your traction and agility on the court. “The outsole needs to match the playing surface to be used for play,” says Pop-Moldovan, “whether that is an indoor or outdoor tennis-type hard court surface or an indoor basketball-type surface.”
Fit
Good fit is also essential, and it directly relates to your comfort and the stability you feel while playing. Consider not only the shoe size, but the shoe width and qualities like a roomy toe box and arch support when finding the right fit.
Style
Finally, consider the overall style of the shoes and how they’ll look when you play. “Style is important to me, as I like to be bold and stand out on the pickleball court,” says McGuffin.
Our top picks for the best pickleball shoes for men
Best pickleball shoes for competitive play: Skechers Viper Court Pro
Best pickleball shoes for competitive play
Skechers Men's Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support Sneaker, Grey/Orange 2, 10.5
These shoes have been designed specifically for elite pickleball athletes. The podiatrist-certified arch support helps to maximize comfort, and it’s paired with ultra-lightweight foam cushioning. That comfort is enhanced by the relaxed fit, which provides a roomy fit at the toe, and the availability of medium and extra wide widths. The rubber compound outsole also delivers the traction, stability, and durability that athletes need. Shopping tip: This model also made our list of the best pickleball shoes for women.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Mesh with synthetic overlay
- Weight: Not specified
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: White, white/multi, gray/orange, black/red
- Sizes: 7.5-10
- Price on publish: $115
What we like:
- Available in medium and extra wide widths
- Relaxed fit for extra room around the toe
- Podiatrist-certified arch support for comfort
- Removable insole molds to your foot for shock absorption and weight distribution
- Rubber outsole maximizes traction, stability, and durability
What we don't Like:
- Sizes are limited, especially in certain colors
- Weight isn’t specified
The bottom line:
These shoes are specifically designed for elite athletes and include features like arch support, a removable insole, and a roomy toe box.
Get it here: Skechers Viper Court Pro
Most breathable pickleball shoes for men: Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Men’s Pickleball Shoe
Most breathable pickleball shoes for men
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Men's Pickleball Shoe - Size 11
With its prominent use of mesh on the upper, this pickleball shoe is our pick for the most breathable shoe. It features a wide toe box for wider feet, and since it’s available in sizes 7 to 14, it’s an option for a wide range of players. Other perks include a support chassis to help stabilize your foot when you pivot, as well as a foam midsole to maximize cushioning. The rubber sole is durable and features a rubber overlay for extra protection when you drag your foot.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Mesh
- Weight: Not specified
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: White/stormy weather/classic blue, ebony/black/wilson red
- Sizes: 7-14
- Price on publish: $99
What we like:
- Great range of sizes
- Wide toe box for wider feet
- Support chassis helps stabilize the foot during pivot movements
- Mesh upper for breathability and comfort
- Rubber overlay for extra durability when dragging the foot
What we don't Like:
- Some buyers have experienced difficulty finding the right size
- Limited colors
- Weight is not specified
The bottom line:
These shoes feature the prominent use of mesh in the upper for breathability, while a support chassis and foam midsole make for a comfortable, supportive feel.
Get it here: Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Men’s Pickleball Shoe
Most balanced pickleball shoes for men: Fila Volley Zone Men’s Pickleball Shoe
Most balanced pickleball shoes for men
The Fila Volley Zone Men’s Pickleball Shoe is crafted for balanced, comfortable wear. A midfoot polyurethane shank adds stability, while a foam midsole adds cushion. The sockliner is crafted of molded foam to provide support and comfort. Additionally, the rubber outsole features a herringbone pattern for traction while a circle pivot area lets you quickly change directions. Good to know: There’s a particularly fun option that features a pickleball paddle design.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Synthetic
- Weight: Not specified
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: White/navy/red or navy/red/white
- Sizes: 8-13
- Price on publish: $67.97
What we like:
- Foam midsole provides extra cushion
- Removable molded foam sockliner for support and comfort
- Herringbone rubber outsole maximizes traction and durability
- Circle pivot area in the sole forefoot for maneuverability
- Midfoot shank to provide stability
What we don't Like:
- Not available in size 7
- No wide options available
The bottom line:
This shoe features a midfoot shank for stability and a foam midsole for extra cushion, resulting in a balanced and supportive feel.
Get it here: Fila Volley Zone Men’s Pickleball Shoe
Best pickleball shoes for indoor play: Python Deluxe Indoor Court Shoes
Best pickleball shoes for indoor play
Python Men's Deluxe Indoor (Low) Indoor Court Shoe (Non-Marking) 7.0 (D) US (Black)
These indoor court shoes are available in both mid and low designs, so players who cross over between different racquet sports can choose their preferred design. The rubber sole maximizes traction and durability and is suitable for indoor court use. The thicker back heel offers extra shock absorption, while the faux leather upper adds extra support and stability for pivots.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Faux leather and mesh
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: Black, white
- Sizes: 7-12.5
- Price on Publish: $79.95
What we like:
- Thicker back heel helps to absorb shock for comfortable wear
- High density rubber maximizes traction and is durable
- Synthetic leather upper adds stability
- Available in indoor mid and indoor low designs for crossover sports players
- Inner fabric helps to absorb sweat
What we don't Like:
- Largest size is a 12.5
- Runs small
The bottom line:
This shoe is available in mid and low designs for crossover players, while a rubber sole maximizes traction on an indoor court.
Get it here: Python Deluxe Indoor Court Shoes
Most comfortable pickleball shoes for men: K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball
Most comfortable pickleball shoes for men
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball
The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoes are designed for comfort. A sock liner helps with moisture management to keep your feet cool and comfortable, while the foam midsole provides cushioning as you play. These shoes feature a support chassis that helps to stabilize the shoe, and a heel grip lining also reduces slipping. Plantar support helps to improve stability, while a modified herringbone pattern rubber sole maximizes traction during each game.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Mesh
- Weight: Not specified
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color: Highrise/navy, steel gray/jet black, black/lollipop, dark blue/white, blue opal/white
- Sizes: 6.5-14
- Price on Publish: $99.95
What we like:
- Sock liner for moisture management features antimicrobial properties
- Support chassis helps to stabilize the shoe
- Foam midsole for cushioning
- Modified herringbone rubber sole maximizes traction on all court surface types
- Rubber wrap on the upper provides protection against toe dragging
What we don't Like:
- Some colors aren’t available in all sizes
- No wide sizes
The bottom line:
This shoe features a sock liner to help keep your feet cool, while a foam midsole and support chassis combine stability and support for optimal comfort.
Get it here: K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball
Best pickleball shoes for wide feet: FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes for Men
Best pickleball shoes for wide feet
FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes for Men
These pickleball shoes are available in regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes, so they’re ideal for players who have wide feet. A roomy toe box and more flexibility in the forefoot give you freedom of movement and help to enhance comfort. Other features like the breathable mesh upper and the shock-absorbing insoles and midsoles also help to keep you comfortable during each game.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Mesh
- Weight: 1.98 pounds
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: Royal blue, black after dark, white gray, black
- Sizes: 8-14
- Price on publish: $69.99
What we like:
- Available in regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes
- Insoles provide extra stability and shock absorption for comfort
- Breathable insole material helps to keep feet cool and dry
- EVA foam midsole helps to absorb shock and provide cushion
- Non-slip design provides grip on multiple surface types
What we don't Like:
- Certain sizes are only available in limited colors
- Minimal padding around the heel
The bottom line:
Available in regular, wide, and extra side widths, these pickleball shoes also feature a breathable mesh upper and a roomy toe box to help keep you comfortable while you play.
Get it here: FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes for Men
Best support pickleball shoes for men: Head Revolt EVO 2.0 Men’s Pickleball Shoes
Available in sizes 7 through 14 and with an extra-wide fit, these shoes are ideal for players who need a wider yet supportive fit. Tongue and collar padding, plus a breathable mesh upper contribute to your comfort. The hybrid outsole is suitable for all tennis surfaces and features a non-marking rubber. The shoe also features tread zones for optimal grip when playing on clay, and durability zones are designed for hard court use, too.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Mesh
- Weight: Not specified
- Sole material: Non-marking rubber
- Color: Black/green
- Sizes: 7-14
- Price on publish: $89
What we like:
- Wide range of sizes
- Extra-wide fit
- Ventilation holes in the outsole
- Non-marking rubber
- Anti torsion midfoot shank for stability and support
What we don't Like:
- Only available in one color option
- Extra-wide fit may be too wide for some
The bottom line:
These shoes are available in a great range of sizes with an extra-wide fit, while features like a midfoot shank and tongue and collar padding help maximize comfort.
Get it here: Head Revolt EVO 2.0 Men’s Pickleball Shoes
Best design pickleball shoes: Adidas Court Pickleball Shoes
Best design pickleball shoes
adidas Court Pickleball Shoes Cloud White 8.5 Mens
The Adidas Court Pickleball Shoes win our pick for best design, not only because of their appearance and functionality, but also because they’re an eco-friendly choice. These shoes are crafted with at least 20% recycled materials, reducing their environmental impact. They feature an eye-catching style that will stand out on the court. The shoes also offer a responsive midsole for comfort, while a rubber sole provides the traction needed for quick maneuvers and direction changes.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Textile
- Weight: Not specified
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: Cloud white/silver metallic/core black
- Sizes: 7-13
- Price on publish: $110
What we like:
- Crafted with at least 20% recycled materials for reduced waste and environmental impact
- Bounce midsole provides responsive cushioning for comfort and agility
- Rubber outsole maximizes traction for quick maneuvers
- Textile upper is breathable to keep your feet cool
- Sleek, eye-catching appearance
What we don't Like:
- Only available in one color
- No wide fit options
The bottom line:
Not only do these shoes feature eye-catching style, they’re crafted with at least 20% recycled materials, making them an environmentally-friendly choice.
Get it here: Adidas Court Pickleball Shoes
Best pickleball shoes for speed: K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme
These pickleball shoes are designed for competitive players who need a responsive shoe for speed. The upper provides protection but also flexes, eliminating the need for a break in period. At 1.63 pounds, the shoes are lightweight, and a responsive midsole provides cushion while maximizing energy return as you play. The shoes also feature a high-density sole and extra durability in high wear areas like the toe and heel.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure Type: Lace up
- Upper Material: Mesh
- Weight: 1.63 pounds
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color: Blue, black, white
- Sizes: 7-14
- Price on Publish: $99.95
What we like:
- Upper provides protection and flexes, so there’s no break-in period
- Lightweight midsole cushions and maximizes energy return
- Shoes weigh just 1.63 pounds
- High-density sole for durability
- Plastic support chassis creates stability
What we don't Like:
- Sizing is limited for some colors
- Some customers found the shoes lacked durability
The bottom line:
These lightweight shoes feature a midsole that maximizes energy return and speed, while a durable rubber sole provides the traction you need to quickly maneuver during games.
Get it here: K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme
Best lightweight pickleball shoes for men: ASICS Men’s Gel Dedicate 8 Pickleball Shoes
Best lightweight pickleball shoes for men
ASICS Men’s Gel Dedicate 8 Pickleball Shoes
Weighing just 1.44 pounds, these shoes are lightweight, yet durable. The rubber sole is reinforced and paired with a wrap-up design that creates stability while still letting you move freely, so you feel supported during pivots and maneuvers. A synthetic toe overlay helps to protect this high-wear area. The shoes also feature gel technology cushioning, which makes them stand out from other shoes.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Gel
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Synthetic leather overlays
- Weight: 1.44 pounds
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: White/lime burst, white/shocking orange
- Sizes: 6-14
- Price on publish: $63.52
What we like:
- Gel technology cushioning for shock absorption
- Synthetic leather overlays help to provide extra support for a locked-in feel
- Reinforced sole and wrap-up outsole for stability while letting you move freely
- Synthetic toe overlay for extra durability
- Available in a great range of sizes
What we don't Like:
- Narrow fit isn’t suitable for wider feet
- Several customers find the lack of arch support problematic
The bottom line:
These shoes weigh just 1.44 pounds and feature gel technology for cushioning and a highly durable sole.
Get it here: ASICS Men’s Gel Dedicate 8 Pickleball Shoes
Best pickleball shoes with durability: NewBalance FuelCell 996v5 Pickleball
Best pickleball shoes with durability
NewBalance FuelCell 996v5 Pickleball
The NewBalance FuelCell Pickleball shoes feature a rubber outsole for comfort and traction, and it’s designed with extra durability in high-wear areas for longer lasting wear. A forefoot cage increases comfort and support while adding durability to the upper, too. The shoe also features PU leather on the tip for extra protection when you drag a toe, so you can get maximum use out of these shoes.
Specifications:
- Cushioning: Foam
- Closure type: Lace up
- Upper material: Mesh
- Weight: 1.79 pounds
- Sole material: Rubber
- Color: White with gray and royal blue
- Sizes: 7-15
- Price on publish: $134.99
What we like:
- Available in size 15
- Foam midsole provides shock absorption and comfort
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction and extra durability in high wear areas
- Designed to provide extra lateral stability
- Foam creates a propulsive feel as you play
What we don't Like:
- Only available in one color
- Slightly heavier than other shoes
The bottom line:
Features like a sole with extra durability in high wear areas, a forefoot cage to strengthen the upper, and PU leather on the toe make these shoes a highly durable choice.
Get it here: NewBalance FuelCell 996v5 Pickleball
Selecting the right size and fit
McGuffin explains it’s important to have enough room in the toe box area of your pickleball shoes. “Shoes should also fit comfortably enough that your foot feels locked in,” he says. “Whatever size you typically wear, I’d do the same. Importantly, I like them to feel snug enough for me to feel extremely mobile with all the quick lateral movements in pickleball.”
When trying on shoes, Pop-Moldovan recommends taking extra time to ensure you’ve found the right fit. “Just like with all racquet sports shoes, it is somewhat difficult to test out new shoes just inside a retail store,” he explains. “But taking a little extra time to move around the store, even mimicking the movements of a pickleball match, will go a ways in helping make sure a player has the right fit. The consumer should consider both length and width when trying on shoes and make sure it has the level of comfort and weight they need for their game.”
How to maintain and clean pickleball shoes for men
Proper cleaning and maintenance can help prolong your pickleball shoes’ life. Pop-Moldovan notes it’s essential to make sure shoes have the proper environment and time to dry out, rather than leaving them inside an enclosed bag where airflow can’t reach them. “Cleaning is rather easy—a damp cloth is usually enough to do the trick,” he says. “Just make sure to dry them off when you are done.”
McGuffin takes a different approach to cleaning shoes. “As a pro, I am out on the court daily and probably put a lot more wear and tear on my shoes than the average player,” says McGuffin. “The last thing I’m thinking about during play is keeping my shoes clean, but I also want to look fresh on the court. Luckily, Skechers pickleball shoes are machine washable. So, I think the best way to maintain your pickleball shoes is by investing in pairs that you can easily toss in the washing machine.”
How we selected the best pickleball shoes for men
When choosing the best pickleball shoes for men, I focused on the qualities professional pickleball players value the most. I chose shoes designed to be comfortable, but that offer the support needed for the quick lateral movements and pivots that pickleball requires. I also considered durability and price point. I tried to include shoes available in many sizes. I looked for shoes that come in different widths, and also looked for features like breathability and roomy toe boxes to ensure athletes stay comfortable on the court.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What type of shoe is best for pickleball?
“I always tell people the best shoe to wear on the court is a pickleball-specific shoe,” says McGuffin. It’s important that your shoes can accommodate quick movements, are supportive and lightweight, offer plenty of room in the toe box, and above all else, are comfortable.”
Are pickleball shoes and tennis shoes the same?
McGuffin explains there are key differences between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes for women and men. “Tennis shoes are generally heavier in weight and designed for lateral movements, while pickleball shoes cater to both lateral and forward movements,” he says. “Pickleball is more stop and go with quick movements.”
What are budget friendly pickleball shoes?
Pickleball shoes often cost around $100, but you can find quality shoes available for less. For example, the FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes for Men start at $70.
How long does a typical pair of pickleball shoes for men last?
The lifespan of a shoe will depend on how often you play, how you care for it, and whether you wear it beyond the pickleball court. “For me, being a professional pickleball player, I use and abuse my shoes way more than most,” McGuffin explains. He notes that he typically gets about six months of wear out of a pair of Skechers pickleball shoes.
Are pickleball shoes for men suitable for other sports?
Pop-Moldovan explains that shoes for racquet sports aren’t suitable for some activities, like running. “It would be possible to train or work out in racquet sports shoes, but that would also depend on the type of workout,” he says. “The key issue would be the stability and support of the shoe. Heavy weight lifting requires a very stable and supportive shoe, maybe needing more support than the typical racquet sports shoe. It is better to leave the racquet sports shoes for use in just those sports.” If you plan on cross-training in other sports, consider getting a quality pair of running shoes for men to minimize the wear on your pickleball shoes.
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