Best pickleball shoes (2026)

The Pickleheads team has tested dozens of the most popular pickleball shoes available on the market, taking into account each pair's durability, comfort, stability, and speed. Value is also hugely important.

A quality pair of pickleball shoes is just as important as getting the best pickleball paddle. The K-Swiss Express Light shoes are my top choice right now. They're comfortable, they're tough, and at $115 they're the best value I've found. Read on for a deeper dive into these shoes and the other ones I think you should consider.

Best pickleball shoes at a glance

Best overall

Our Rating:

1. K-Swiss Express Light

The K-Swiss Express Light is the best all-around shoe on this list. They're comfortable from the first session, grippy, and very durable, all for $115.

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Just as good

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2. SQAIRZ XRZ2

The SQAIRZ XRZ2 rivals my top pick, with a perfect 10 for stability. They're supportive, breathable, and also very durable.

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Best traction

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3. Franklin ACV Pro

The Franklin ACV Pros give you the best traction of any shoes we've tested – great if you want to play an explosive game with quick movements.

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Most comfortable

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4. Diadem Court Burst

Diadem's move into footwear paid off. The Court Bursts are the most comfortable pickleball shoes I've tested, and they're fast and supportive too.

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Best stability

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5. Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0

The Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0 is the shoe to get if stability is your priority. It scored a 10 for support, grips the court well, and can help with heel pain.

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Best lightweight

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6. JOOLA R4LLy

The JOOLA R4LLy is the lightest shoe I've played with, and it grips the court well. The trade-off is support, so it's best for players with healthy feet who want to move quickly.

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The best pickleball shoes in 2026

The K-Swiss Express Lights are my overall pick. My fellow reviewer Stephen wears them every day, on and off the court, and after almost three months they've held up better than any other shoe he's tested. They're comfortable from the first session and grippy, and they're also the best-value shoe on this list.

Whether you want maximum stability, a lightweight shoe, or the most comfortable pair on the court, you'll find an option for you here. Let's dive into my top picks.

Best overall

1. K-Swiss Express Light

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10/10

Durability

9/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

9/10

Speed

These are my fellow reviewer Stephen Mijangos's everyday court shoes. He's worn them for almost three months, from long sessions to the walk to and from the courts, and he hasn't wanted to take them off. They're soft and plush right out of the box, and the cushioning keeps his hips and joints feeling good after long sessions.

Durability is the headline. Heavy dink sliding usually wears a hole near the big toe within a month or two, and these show only slight wear after three months thanks to the DragGuard outsole. Traction and lateral stability are excellent too. The only gripe is the stock insole, which began to peel, but swapping in an aftermarket insole is an easy fix.

For just $115, these are a steal. Read our full K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes review.

Buy if:

• You want incredible value:

  the K-Swiss Express Lights cost $115 but easily rival $150+ shoes from SQAIRZ and JOOLA.

• You want grip and stability:

  these gave me all the grip and stability I need, with good traction and a 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis.

• You want a long-lasting shoe:

  I'm surprised by how durable these are for the price – the soles look good as new after 10 hours of testing.

Pass if:

• You want a super-lightweight shoe:

  the JOOLA R4LLy pickleball shoes are even lighter than these.

• You want a known pickleball brand name:

  JOOLA, Selkirk, and Diadem all make pickleball shoes if matching with your paddle or brand loyalty matters to you.

• You want the best arch support:

  the Diadem Court Bursts have a protective midsole for added support.

My verdict

At $115, you get a shoe from one of the most trusted footwear brands that's comfortable straight away, lasts longer than most, and costs less than most pickleball shoes. Even with $170 shoes available, we keep reaching for these.

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Just as good

2. SQAIRZ XRZ2

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9.5/10

Durability

9/10

Comfort

10/10

Stability

8/10

Speed

The XRZ2 is the update to the shoe that used to hold my top spot, and the big takeaway from our testing is stability. The HexGuard overlay and CPU toe cap lock your foot in place, so you can move side to side without your foot rolling or sliding. He gave it a 10 out of 10 for support, and it's one of the most stable shoes he's worn.

Durability is excellent too. Only the K-Swiss Express Light lasts longer. Breathability is great, the Blumaka footbed now comes standard, and there are six men's colors to pick from.

The price went up to $159 from $139 for the original XRZ. These also run large with a roomy toe box, so narrow feet may feel a little lost in them.

See our full SQAIRZ XRZ2 shoe review for more.

My verdict

If stability is your priority, the XRZ2 is just as good as the K-Swiss, and the extra bucks buy you more support and a roomier fit. If you have narrow feet, try them on first or look at the K-Swiss instead.

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Best traction

3. Franklin ACV Pro

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9/10

Durability

9/10

Comfort

9.5/10

Stability

9.5/10

Speed

The Franklin ACV Pro shoes are my recommendation if you want the best possible grip on the court, along with great breathability and comfort.

These have some serious grip, which helps with quick movements. If you like playing a fast game, you'll like these. When you need to take off for a shorter shot, the increased grip means you're much faster to react.

My only real complaint is that the support could be better. The thin insert (the reason behind their breathability) unfortunately means they don't support your arch as much. That said, this could be fixed with a better insert.

The Franklin ACV Pro shoes come in at $130, making them around $30 cheaper than the SQAIRZ XRZ2. With a brand like Franklin behind it and being made from high-quality materials, that's really good value for money. They're very durable, too, so you won't be replacing these anytime soon.

Read our Franklin ACV Pro pickleball shoe review.

Buy if:

• You want quick feet:

  these have some serious grip, which will help you get to shots faster.

• You value comfort:

  these are some of the comfiest and most breathable shoes we've tested.

• You want shoes that'll last:

  these are super durable – even after hours of testing, we saw no signs of wear.

Pass if:

• You need extra ankle support:

  while you can boost the support with a better insert, your best option is the SQAIRZ XRZ2 or Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0.

• You want a really lightweight shoe:

  you'll barely feel the JOOLA R4LLy, which are super-lightweight pickleball shoes.

• You want durable shoes on a budget:

  at $115, the K-Swiss Express Lights offer great value without sacrificing durability.

My verdict

If you like playing explosive, fast games, you'll like the Franklin ACV Pros. These offer some of the best grip of any shoes we've tested so far. The fit keeps your feet in place, too, so you can get to shots even quicker. They're a fair price for shoes from top sports brand Franklin.

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Most comfortable

4. Diadem Court Burst

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8/10

Durability

10/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

9.5/10

Speed

Diadem Court Bursts are the most comfortable pickleball shoes I've ever tried, and that's straight out of the box with no real break-in period. They're breathable and fast, blending a light weight with strong support. If you prioritise comfort, speed, and stability, these are some of the best you'll find.

If you want to play a fast game and not worry about rolling your ankle or picking up strains, these are worth trying. They're quick yet supportive.

I did experience some slight issues with the laces and mesh, so durability-wise, they're not on the same level as the K-Swiss or SQAIRZ.

If comfort is your priority, the Diadem Court Bursts are worth $150. The performance, cushioning, and breathability make up for what they lack in durability.

Buy if:

• You want the comfiest pickleball shoes:

  if comfort is your priority, these are my recommendation – they're the comfiest court shoes I've ever had.

• You want support and speed too:

  Diadem hit a balance of strong overall support with a lightweight feel that lets you play fast.

• You don't want a break-in period:

  these are rare shoes that require almost no adjustment – they feel great right out of the box.

Pass if:

• You want the most durable shoes:

  try the tougher K-Swiss or SQAIRZs for long-lasting durability.

• Your budget is closer to $100:

  check out the K-Swiss Express Lights for $115.

• You want the best ankle support:

  check out the SQAIRZ and Selkirks, which have really strong ankle support to prevent injuries.

My verdict

If comfort is your main priority in a shoe, you won't find better than the Diadem Court Burst. It's in my top picks because it also scores 9/10 or higher on stability and speed, which I'd argue are the next most important factors. While durability isn't the highest, the performance makes up for that and justifies the price point.

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Best stability

5. Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0

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10/10

Stability

9/10

Traction

9/10

Comfort

8/10

Durability

Note: the men's version is currently out of stock.

The CourtStrike Pro 2.0 is built around stability, and it scored a perfect 10 for support in our testing. The best result was personal: Stephen had been dealing with heel pain on the court, and it went away once he started playing in these. That's a big deal if you're on court several times a week.

Traction and comfort both scored a 9, and breathability came in at an 8. The weak spot is durability. The outsole wore down after about two months, though Selkirk backs the sole with a 6-month warranty.

The value depends on the price at the time of purchase. The retail tag is $128 but in October 2026 they were slashed to between $81 and $96. That makes them the only shoe on this list below $100.

Read our full review of the Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0 pickleball shoes.

Buy if:

• You experience heel pain:

  Stephen fixed his heel discomfort with these Selkirk shoes – the cushioning system and heel lockdown working wonders.

• You're an aggressive player:

  the extra stability supports you for lateral cuts, slides, and quick transitions.

• Comfort matters to you:

  these are up there with the K-Swiss Express Light on comfort – you can wear them all day on or off the courts.

Pass if:

• You want more durability:

  try the K-Swiss for extreme durability at an awesome low price.

• You want the lightest pickleball shoe:

  the JOOLA shoes, followed by the K-Swiss and Diadem, are all extremely lightweight.

• You need a men's shoe:

  at the time of writing (October 2026), they are out of stock in the men's shoes.

My verdict

This is the most stability you can get without paying SQAIRZ prices. The Selkirk pickleball shoe costs at lot less than the XRZ2 with the same support score. You give up some durability, so it's worth knowing about the sole warranty if you play a lot.

Note: the men's version is currently out of stock.

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Best lightweight

6. JOOLA R4LLy

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9/10

Traction

8/10

Durability

7/10

Comfort

5/10

Stability

The JOOLA R4LLy is the lightest pickleball shoe I've worn and it feels quick on the court. Traction is strong (9 out of 10), breathability is good, and early durability looks solid.

The catch is support and pricing. Stability and support both came in at a 5, so I can't recommend them for anyone who deals with ankle or heel discomfort.

At around $180, these are the most expensive pickleball shoes on the guide. The JOOLA brand name factors in here – this is the home of Ben Johns after all. If you're a quick mover who isn't worried about supports, you'll love them. Other players can find better stability at a lower price.

Read our full JOOLA R4LLy pickleball shoe review for more.

Buy if:

• You want the lightest feel:

  the super-low weight helps you move across the court with speed, great during fast kitchen exchanges.

• Traction is important:

  another thing these JOOLA court shoes have is grip – you can actually hear them squeak during hard cuts like a basketball shoe.

• You're a Ben Johns fan:

  if you're one of the many JOOLA fans, grab these to match up with your JOOLA pickleball paddle.

Pass if:

• You need strong arch support:

  the SQAIRZ XRZ2 and Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0 have better built-in supports for your arches.

• You want the most comfortable shoe:

  I'd go with the more cushioned Diadem Court Burst if comfort is your top priority.

• You don't want to spend $180:

  my top pick overall costs just $115 – the K-Swiss Express Lights are great, durable shoes for a low price.

My verdict

I'd only recommend these if low weight is your top priority and you have no history of foot pain. They have the least support on this list, but they're great if a light feel is your main goal.

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How to choose the best pickleball shoes

The shoes you wear are vital to your comfort and performance on the pickleball court. That's why I took careful consideration when choosing my top picks.

I always aim to give my readers a range of choices and it's no different with court shoes. Some players need more arch support, while some want ankle support. At the same time, I don't just choose a shoe for the sake of it. Each pair has earned its place here, and I never recommend one unless it's of value.

Here's what I take into account when judging a shoe:

• Comfort: when you're running around for hours, your feet need to be snug without overheating, and correctly protected from sore spots in high-impact areas.
• Support: great pickleball shoes must be flexible enough to allow your foot to bend naturally while having enough rigidity to prevent it from twisting and the ankle from rolling.
• Performance: I wanted to include shoes that enhance your performance on the courts. That's why I chose shoes with features that make you accelerate and stop quicker while maintaining great grip on the ground.
• Durability: pickleball shoes get a hammering in day-to-day court life. Clever additions like toe and heel guards add to the lifespan of your shoe to keep you playing better for longer.
• Price: finally, I tried to find shoes that offered the best value for money.

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Pickleball shoes vs tennis shoes

This list is mostly pickleball-specific shoes, plus the Diadem Court Burst, which doubles as a tennis shoe. Tennis shoes can work for pickleball because, like in pickleball, they need to provide good grip and stability on court surfaces.

So, what's the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes?

Brandon Mackie wearing the Diadem Court Bursts

Similarities

• Pickleball and tennis shoes must have a sturdy and gripping outsole (preferably rubber). They also need to be reliable for swiveling, changing directions, and stopping quickly on various court surfaces.
• A good heel cup is important in both shoe types to keep your ankle stable, especially when making lateral movements.
• Both shoes require plenty of midsole bounce and support to keep you moving quickly and comfortably throughout your game without injuring your joints.

Differences

• Pickleball shoes often have a tread pattern specific to the sport, which helps to provide a better grip on slippery pickleball courts. Tennis shoes may also have this feature, but it's not as common.
• Pickleball shoes are extra wide and more spacious than tennis shoes to allow for better movement and comfort when playing the game.
• Tennis shoes often have a more stiff upper construction, while pickleball shoes often have a more flexible and breathable upper.

Despite their differences, there's a lot of crossover between the two. So, if you're not sure which to go with, it's perfectly fine to choose a tennis shoe that's designed for multiple sports. One of my top picks, the Diadem Court Bursts, are designed for tennis and pickleball.

Just make sure that the shoe has a good grip and stability on court surfaces, and that it fits well. The general rule for tennis shoes is 45 to 60 hours of play. It's important to note that the lifespan of your shoes will also depend on how well you take care of them.

Bottom line

That's my breakdown of the top pickleball shoes in 2026. To recap, here are my top six again:

1. K-Swiss Express Light - best overall
2. SQAIRZ XRZ2 - just as good
3. Franklin ACV Pro - best traction
4. Diadem Court Burst - most comfortable
5. Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0 - best stability
6. JOOLA R4LLy - best lightweight

The K-Swiss Express Light is my top choice in 2026. They're comfortable, they last longer than any other shoe we've tested, and at $115 they're the best value here. The SQAIRZ XRZ2 is just as good if stability is your priority, and the Franklin ACV Pro is the one to get for traction.

Recent updates

October 2026

I've revamped this list. The K-Swiss Express Light is now my top pick, followed by the SQAIRZ XRZ2. I've added the Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0 for stability and the JOOLA R4LLy for a lightweight option, and I've moved the Diadem Court Burst to most comfortable. The Babolat Jet Mach 3, HEAD Motion Pro, Xero 360 and FitVille Wide are no longer on the list.