Pickleball, a mix of tennis, badminton, and paddleball, is taking the sports world by storm. A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, but the movements are similar—quick steps in all directions, sprints, and stops—which can put stress on your ankles, knees, and hips. A well-designed pair of pickleball shoes can help protect both your body and your game by providing more lateral support and stability. Investing in the right pair of pickleball shoes can protect you against injuries and keep you feeling light on your feet, even after hours of play. When shopping for pickleball shoes, look for key features like non-skid, non-marking soles, good arch support, lateral support, and breathable mesh to promote airflow. With help from three experts—two pickleball coaches and one U.S. Open pickleball gold medal recipient—we reviewed dozens of pickleball shoes from top brands to find the best ones based on key features like traction, comfort, support, and durability. We also tested our best men's pick for ourselves during a two-hour pickleball game on an outdoor court. For even more guidance on what makes a sturdy, supportive pickleball shoe, we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article. Our Top Picks Best for Wide Feet: FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes at Amazon ($69) Best for Plantar Fasciitis: K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoe at Amazon ($105) Most Supportive: Best Lightweight: Best for Outdoor Play: Tyrol Women’s Drive-V Pro Series Pickleball Shoe at Amazon ($150) Best for Indoor Play: In This Article Our Picks Where We Stand How We Selected Our Experts What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Pros Good heel stability Non-marking, durable sole Antimicrobial insole Cons Toe box may be too wide for some Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Nylon, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam, silicone | Weight: Not listed Best for regular pickleball players looking for a lightweight shoe to support more agile play. Acacia Sports is a favorite shoe brand among the experts we spoke to. The Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes are our top overall pick because they have a water-resistant midsole that provides structure to the shoe’s footbed. A thick layer of foam feels comfortable underfoot, while the antimicrobial, silicone insole has a honeycomb gel structure to absorb shock as you play. This pair also has a wide toe box and great heel stability. We like the leather drag guard, which wraps around the shoe to protect it from scratches and scuffs. The durable soles provide great traction, and won’t mark up the court—a requirement for any pair you plan to wear in an official USA Pickleball game. We also like that these shoes are USA Pickleball-approved and feature a patterned tread with great traction for quick sprints and pivots. Although this particular model isn't available in a women's version, women can size down one size from their usual to get the right fit. Pros Podiatrist-certified arch support Removable insole Good traction Cons Upper isn’t as breathable as other options Bulkier than regular shoes Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Removable textile insole | Weight: 11.7 ounces | Our Overall Rating:4.9/5 Best for those who need great stability, support, and traction and play on outdoor and indoor courts. The Viper Court shoe from Skechers is supportive and good for games on both indoor and outdoor courts, making it our top recommendation for the best men’s pickleball shoe. We had the opportunity to test this shoe for ourselves, wearing the pair for a two-hour pickleball game on an outdoor court. Our single favorite thing about these shoes is how stable they are and their superior traction, which helped us feel secure making quick, small movements during games. The shoes feature a removable insole that offers light cushioning and molds to your feet, with comfortable, podiatrist-approved arch support that our tester with high arches found particularly helpful. And, if you need more customized support (or more cushioning), we like that you can replace the existing insoles with your own orthotics. The Viper features durable rubber soles and a padded tongue that prevents blisters, making this versatile shoe a solid choice for other activities, from tennis to cross-training. We like that the shoe has a more relaxed fit and comes in wide sizes for plenty of wiggle room. Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Pickleball Central. "I think these are great beginner pickleball shoes because they'll help stabilize you and your feet as you learn how to play."—Sarah Felbin, Verywell Fit commerce editor and product tester (Sarah tested the women's version of this shoe) Pros Comes in bright colors Thick midsole absorbs shock Wide toe box Cins May not have enough ankle support for some May run small Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Mesh, leather, textile | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 11.8 ounces Best for those looking for shock-absorbing shoes that can help with agile movements. FILA’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes are our top women’s pick because they feature a sturdy, non-marking rubber outsole and a circle pivot area built into the forefoot that provides support for quick direction changes. These shoes have good traction for moving all over the court. They’re also breathable, with a mesh upper that encourages airflow. We like the shoe’s responsiveness and FILA’s range of bright, tie-dye patterns. The midsole is also padded with plush foam that absorbs shock well. And the toe box is both wide and tall, so wearers with bunions and wide feet can play comfortably. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, FILA, and Total Pickleball. Rule the Pickleball Court With These 50 Must-Haves, From Paddles to Athleisure Pros Good stability Extra gel padding Helps prevent overpronation Cons Upper isn’t as breathable as other options Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic leather | Outsole: Gum rubber | Cushioning: Foam, gel | Weight: 12.6 ounces Best for frequent pickleball players in need of a durable shoe at a more affordable price. For budget-friendly pickleball shoes that are also comfortable and durable, we recommend the Gel-Renma from Asics. It's designed to prevent your foot from twisting, so you feel secure even during fast, lateral movements. These sneakers are supportive, flexible, and offer solid traction, thanks to a non-marking rubber sole and a wrap-around outsole that protects both the shoes and your feet. We like that the sole also features pivot point circles—a tread pattern that allows you to rotate your foot better when it strikes the ground—allowing for quick direction changes when you need to reach tough shots. Gel padding underneath the balls of the feet helps absorb shock. And the sneakers incorporate a resin structure in the middle of the outsole that creates a bit of rigidity and minimizes inward rolling, or overpronation, on landing. Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Asics. Pros Anti-odor Deep, wide heel cup Budget-friendly Cons Upper may feel stiff to some Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Microfiber, mesh | Outsole: EVA rubber | Cushioning: Honeycomb insole | Weight: 11.8 ounces Best for frequent pickleball players who need wide, supportive shoes. Finding a pickleball shoe with enough space and support for wide feet can be difficult. FitVille’s Amadeus Court Shoes only come in wide and extra-wide sizes, so finding the right fit is simple—and they’re budget-friendlier than many of our other top picks. Suitable for both tennis and pickleball, the anti-torsion sole—which consists of a tread technology that increases stability in the midfoot of the shoe—is made from durable, non-skid rubber. The insole’s honeycomb structure is covered with soft material, providing plenty of cushioning and shock absorption. And a deep, wide heel cup offers additional stability. Plus, both the insole and the footbed are removable, in case you need to add your own custom orthotics.We like that the midsole is also anti-odor, to prevent unpleasant smells from building up over time. Also available in men's sizes at FitVille. Pros Stylish design Lightweight Moisture-wicking sock liner Cons Higher heel collar may be irritating to some Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 9.8 ounces Best for pickleball players who need added support to minimize plantar fasciitis pain. If plantar fasciitis pain often interrupts your pickleball games, we recommend K-Swiss’s Express Light Shoe. It offers superior support, with a plastic chassis stretching across the middle of the shoe—a piece of hard plastic that makes the shoe more stable and less prone to twisting. This means the shoe offers better stability for your arch during multi-direction moves. And a moisture-wicking sock liner keeps your feet feeling dry and comfortable. Weighing just 9.8 ounces, this shoe is 2 to 3 ounces lighter than many of our other top picks. The design also includes a drag guard that protects the shoe's heel from excessive wear and can help extend the Express Light’s lifespan. It can be hard to find pickleball shoes in wide sizes, but K-Swiss offers this shoe in a wide width from sizes 5 through 12. Choose from a range of bright or neutral colors that make this shoe just as stylish as it is sleek. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, KSwiss, and Total Pickleball. The Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested by Editors With a Diagnosis Pros Helps prevent feet from twisting Plush, padded midsole Drag pad protects from wear and tear Cons White color may get dirty fast Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: High-density rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: Not listed Best for players who need a lot of stability for multi-direction movement. Wilson’s Rush Pro Ace Pickler is comfortable, roomy, and designed to gently correct your gait, making it our top pick for the most supportive pickleball shoe. An asymmetrical chassis locks your foot in place for a secure fit—this is especially helpful for pivot movements when you’re turning quickly. Plus, the heel counter stabilizes your rearfoot for better control. The midsole is lined with thick, molded foam that feels soft underfoot. And we like that the thin upper is designed to breathe, preventing sweaty feet. A rubber drag pad protects the heel and makes the shoes durable enough to wear on and off the court. Also available in men's sizes at Zappos, Wilson, and Pickleball Central. Pros Breathable mesh upper Wide toe box Removable insole Cons Not specifically designed for pickleball May run small Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 9.6 ounces Best for players needing a lightweight shoe that won't hinder their movements. Babolat’s Jet Tere shoe is a favorite of Laurie Coyne, a certified pickleball coach and owner of AquaLane Pickleball in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Coyne likes that these shoes are light and balanced, and says they allow her to quickly adjust to the fast pace of pickleball. She particularly likes that this Babolat shoe allows her to quickly shift direction, thanks to the stability it offers underfoot. The insole is cushioned with plenty of foam, and it’s also removable, so you can customize the fit and support. The shoe has other features we love, too, like a breathable mesh upper, a roomy toe box, and reinforced heel support. Lateral movement protection reduces the risk of rolling your ankle, and the bright colors will help you stand out on the court. Weighing in at 9.6 ounces, this is one of the lightest shoes on our list. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Babolat. Pros Breathable mesh upper Durable toe guard Good traction Cons May run large Pricier than other options Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Nylon mesh | Outsole: Vibram rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 12.6 ounces Best for players who play outdoors and need breathable, durable shoes. Outdoor players need a durable shoe with good traction, like Tyrol’s Drive-V Pro Series. Tyrol is favored by experts, including Laurel Heilman, coach and owner of Pickleball Lessons by Laurel in Pittsburgh. With torsion control and a lightweight mesh upper, this pair combines breathability and stability for games in warm weather. The shoe's wide toe box provides just the right amount of room, and the rubber toe guard offers durability and keeps the shoe from experiencing excessive wear.We like the padded insole, which feels comfortable even after hours of play. The insole's foam is placed just right to absorb shock that can be jarring to joints on hard outdoor surfaces. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Tyrol, and Pickleball Central. Pros Plush, padded midsole Wide toe box Elevated heel for superior control and balance Cons Unisex sizing may make it difficult to find the right fit Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Leather | Outsole: Gum rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: Not listed Best for wearers who play exclusively indoors. With a wide toe box and plenty of cushioning, Acacia Sports’ Hypershot II is our top pick for indoor play. Its non-marking, contoured rubber sole offers excellent grip and control. And a protective toe guard provides extra support during lateral movements. Memory foam in the midsole feels comfortable underfoot and helps absorb shock. We like the midsole’s honeycomb structure, which improves airflow to keep your feet cool. Elevated heels help with control and balance, so you can make even the toughest shots. Pros Good shock absorption Good ankle support Breathable mesh upper Cons Heavier than other options Not specifically designed for pickleball Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 13.8 ounces Best for players who need extra cushioning, a wide base of support, or ankle stability. If your pickleball shoes aren’t comfortable, you won’t want to wear them—no matter how stylish or supportive they are. For a shoe that’s truly easy to wear, we recommend Prince’s T22 Tennis Shoe.The midsole has a heel insert that absorbs shock, while an additional forefoot insert helps evenly distribute the impact from running and diving. And like other shoes on our list, the upper contains breathable mesh to prevent your feet from overheating. Wearers note that this pair has good ankle support—so if you’re a player who worries about rolling your ankles, these may be the sneakers for you. The outsole is thick and wide and provides plenty of traction, and we like that the shoes have a six-month outsole durability guarantee against wear and tear, so they won't break down too soon. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Prince Tennis. We Found the 11 Most Comfortable Shoes for Walking, Running, and Everyday Wear Pros Good stability Good traction Anti-abrasion toe cap Cons May not have enough arch support for some Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: 12.6 ounces Best for players who need a shoe that stands up to frequent play. Lotto is another one of Heilman’s favorite pickleball brands. Their Mirage 300 SPD shoes are our pick for durable sneakers that will last for many games to come. Foam in the midsole cushions every step and helps absorb shock while you play.Anti-torsion control offers great stability to protect your feet and ankles. We like that the rubber outsole won’t mark up indoor courts, but still has enough traction for outdoor play.Comfortable and responsive, the Mirage 300 has an anti-abrasion toe cap and a tightly woven water-resistant upper that’s sturdy enough to hold up to regular use. Also available in men's sizes at Tennis Express. Pros Available in wide widths Energy returning midsole Added lateral stability Cons May not be tight enough for narrower feet Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: Not listed Best for players who need more knee and other joint support. New Balance is known for ultra-supportive shoes, and the FuelCell 996v5 Pickleball shoe is no exception. With its foam midsole that runs the full length of the shoe, it provides plenty of cushion and shock absorption to protect knees and other joints. The midsole also provides energy return to fight fatigue. The shoe has added stability built in on the lateral side to minimize strain and pressure on the foot and knee during side-to-side movements. The outsole is made of durable rubber and features New Balance's proprietary "chicken foot" design, a three-pronged structure in the midsole that looks like a chicken's foot and promotes better balance and stability. We also like that, like other New Balance shoes, these pickleball shoes come in wide widths. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and New Balance. After researching over 40 pairs of pickleball shoes and testing one pair for ourselves, Acacia's Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes are our clear favorite. They have great heel stability and a wide toe box, providing a roomy, comfortable fit. They're also USA Pickleball-approved and are a top brand among experts. With pickleball being a hot sport right now, we continue to research shoes and update our list as new options and features come up. We also continue to test pickleball shoes on the court and will update this list with new insights as we gather them. To find the best pickleball shoes on the market, we first interviewed three pickleball experts for information on what to look for in quality pickleball shoes. We then researched over 40 pairs of pickleball shoes from top, trusted brands, analyzing each shoe's key specs and considering customer feedback. We also tested one pair of shoes, Skechers' Viper Court Pickleball Shoe, on the court for a two-hour pickleball game. We continue to research and test the top pickleball shoes to keep our list current and accurate. When researching and testing pickleball shoes, we select shoes based on the following five key criteria: To find the best pickleball shoes on the market, we consulted three experts for insights into what key features to look for in quality shoes for pickleball. We also asked our experts which features make a shoe better for indoor or outdoor play. Finally, our experts gave recommendations for brands they love, as well as shoe features to avoid for pickleball. Read on for more about our experts: A high-quality pair of pickleball shoes can vary from around $70 to $150 and up. Beginner to intermediate players should expect to spend somewhere around $100 on a comfortable and responsive shoe. The most affordable pair of pickleball shoes on our list, FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes were $64 at Amazon when we published our list of top recommendations. And our best overall pair, Acacia's Sports Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes are typically available for $140 at Amazon. Less expensive sneakers may not be as durable, while more expensive ones may have a long list of additional features that casual players don’t need. Yes, according to the pros. Pickleball-specific shoes provide lateral support, which protects against ankle rolls. While your shoes don’t need to be expensive, they should be designed for pickleball, or at least court sports. Recreational players will likely want a heavier pickleball shoe—one that’s wider, with good support. As you move up in skill level, you may want a lighter shoe that allows for quicker movements, but they are less stable and less supportive. At first glance, tennis and pickleball shoes may look similar. But pickleball shoes have been specifically designed for the sport, with better foot drag and stability. Pickleball shoes are constructed to support the side-to-side movement common in a pickleball game.Pickleball shoes also have added rubber in places where they tend to wear more heavily. No. If you have bad knees, you try to find running shoes for bad knees, right? You should apply the same rule for pickleball. Our experts stress that wearing running shoes on the pickleball court is dangerous because of their lack of lateral support. A running shoe’s outsole has a different tread pattern, which may catch the pickleball court’s surface during play, causing you to trip or fall. “The biggest injury in the game comes from tripping while backpedaling, which may happen more often in running shoes,” Heilman explains. Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, is a fitness writer and certified group fitness instructor who enjoys hitting the pickleball courts regularly. Since gear is an essential component of the game, she endeavors to seek guidance from experts and to provide recommendations for products that are reliable, dependable, and generally well-reviewed by those who have tried them. Get the Most Out of Your Next Match With the 10 Best Pickleball Sets in the Game:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-pickleball-shoes-tout-374c179ef79a43cbaac9aee28b73e68f.jpg "Tested & Coach-Approved: The Best Pickleball Shoes to up Your Indoor & Outdoor Play (1)")
Best Overall
Acacia Sports Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes
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Best Women's
FILA Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes
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Best for Wide Feet
FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes
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Best for Plantar Fasciitis
K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoe
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Best Lightweight
Babolat Women's Jet Tere All Court Shoe
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Best for Outdoor Play
Tyrol Women’s Drive-V Pro Series Pickleball Shoe
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Most Comfortable
Prince Women’s T22 Tennis Shoe
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Best for Knee Support
New Balance FuelCell 996v5 Pickleball Shoes
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Where We Stand
How We Selected and Tested the Best Pickleball Shoes
Our Experts
What to Look for When Shopping for Pickleball Shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
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