When it comes to pickleball shoes, there's more to consider than you might think. Can't you just wear tennis shoes? Not always. Pickleball is a different game, and yes, there are shoes designed specifically for pickleball.
Agile footwork is key to excelling at pickleball—you need to be able to skip and change direction quickly without skidding or losing grip. Good support to the arches and ankles, comfortable padding, and grippy soles are features of the best pickleball shoes.
To help you choose the right footwear for the courts, we've compiled a list of the best pickleball shoes on the market. Take a look at our top paddle picks below:
Shortlist
Shoes for men
Our Rating:
1. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Men's)
Our Rating:
2. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Men's)
Our Rating:
3. Tyrol Drive V Court Shoe
Shoes for women
Our Rating:
6. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Women's)
Our Rating:
7. ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes
Our Rating:
8. New Balance Women's FuelCell 996 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe
Pickleball shoes for men
1. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Men's)
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You have rolled your ankles in the past.
These shoes provide excellent side to side grip and stability, and have built-in anti-roll features.
You hit the courts on a regular basis
These shoes are ideal for heavy use, and are built to keep their performance over time.
You're looking for a wide shoe.
Babolat shoes come with a wide size option.
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
The Babolat models are the priciest on our list.
You're looking for a padded shoe.
These are comfortable, but are designed more for performance.
Weight
12.4oz
Price
$99–120
6 Or More Color Options
Heel Width
Slightly narrow (65mm), wide size options available
Midsole Width
Slightly narrow (79mm), wide size options available
Toe Box Width
Narrow (83mm), wide size options available
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Try the Mach 3s & get 10% off with code PICKLEHEADS
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deals
2. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Men's)
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You want a premium shoe for an affordable price tag.
These offer plenty of bang for your buck.
You want shoes specifically designed for pickleball.
A few others on our list are for court sports in general.
You're looking for non-marking shoes for indoor play.
These can be used indoor or outdoor, but have a non-marking sole.
Pass if:
You're looking for an extra-wide shoe.
K-Swiss only offer a standard width in these shoes.
Weight
12.7oz
Price
$99
Drag Guard On Toe And Heel
Heel Width
Slightly narrow (68mm)
Midsole Width
Slightly narrow (77mm)
Toe Box Width
Standard (97mm)
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Save 10% on the K-Swiss shoes with code PICKLEHEADS
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deals
3. Tyrol Drive V Court Shoe
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You plan to play pickleball outdoors.
These shoes are especially suited to outdoor courts.
You like a more natural feel.
They're designed to allow your foot to flex and move freely.
You don't mind spending a little extra for top quality shoes.
While they might be the priciest on our list, they deliver on quality.
Pass if:
You usually take a narrow model.
These shoes come in a standard width that's comparatively wide.
You're on a budget.
These shoes don't come cheap.
Weight
15.2oz
Price
$150
Color Options
Black, blue, and orange
No Wide Option In Sizes
Heel Width
Standard (72mm)
Midsole Width
Standard (84mm)
Toe Box Width
Standard (96mm)
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Save 8% on the Tyrol Drive V with PICKLEHEADS10
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deals
4. New Balance Men's 1006 V1 Tennis Shoe
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You play most of your pickleball indoors.
These shoes have a non-marking insole, perfect for indoor courts.
You have wide feet.
These shoes offer wide and extra-wide size options.
You play a lot of pickleball.
These shoes will stay comfortable and intact even with heavy use.
Pass if:
You usually play outdoors.
These shoes are best suited to indoor pickleball.
Sizes
Available in wide sizes
Color Options
White, black, navy blue
Price
$99
Weight
14.5oz
Why we picked them
Who it's for
See for yourself why the New Balance shoes are the best for indoors
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deal
5. ASICS Men's Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You're looking for great stability and support.
The fancy gel layer really works.
You've had ankle injuries in the past.
These shoes are designed to minimize shock and impact.
You prefer a light shoe.
These are the lightest on our list, at only 11.5oz for men's size 9.5.
Pass if:
You have wider than average feet.
These shoes come in standard width only.
Price
$100
Plenty Of Color Options
Weight
11.5oz
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Get the ASICS shoes & join over 1,000 happy buyers
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deal
Pickleball shoes for women
6. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Women's)
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You're looking for a comfortable, lightweight court shoe.
K-Swiss designed this shoe specifically for pickleball, and they've done a great job.
You want to look good on the court.
The Express Lights are a great looking pair of shoes.
You want to avoid scuffing an indoor court.
These soles are non-marking.
Pass if:
You have wider than average feet.
These shoes come in standard width only.
Weight
9.8oz
Heel Width
Standard (63mm)
Midsole Width
Slightly narrow (69mm)
Toe Box Width
Standard (89mm)
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Try the K-Swiss & save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deals
7. ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You're looking for quality without breaking the bank.
These shoes are the cheapest on our list.
You're a beginner.
These shoes have all that a new pickleball player needs without too much of an investment.
You play mostly indoors.
These shoes are best suited to indoor play.
Pass if:
You have wide feet.
These come in one width option, and it's relatively narrow.
You play mostly outdoors.
These shoes are better suited to indoor play.
Price
$70
Wide Range Of Color Options
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Get the ASICS shoes & join over 2,500 happy buyers
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deal
8. New Balance Women's FuelCell 996 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You play most of your pickleball outdoors.
These shoes are designed specifically for outdoor play.
You want some extra pep in your step.
These shoes are designed to improve your acceleration.
You want to stand out on the courts.
They're fun and colorful—just what you want in pickleball!
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
There are perfectly adequate pickleball shoes, like the ASICS above, for a more affordable price.
Weight
10.5oz
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Grab the New Balance shoes for & take control of your indoor court
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deal
9. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Women's)
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You're looking to protect your ankles.
These shoes feature a clever anti-roll system.
You mostly play indoors.
These are ideal for indoor pickleball.
You're prone to slipping.
They have extra rubber with a non-slip tread.
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
These shoes come with a hefty price tag.
Weight
11.5oz
Heel Width
Standard (63mm)
Midsole Width
Standard (78mm)
Toe Box Width
Standard (87mm)
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Get the Mach 3 shoes & save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deals
10. Skechers Women's Viper Court
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Durability
Comfort
Stability
Speed
Buy if:
You're looking for extra arch support.
The insoles are designed by podiatrists to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion.
You value comfort.
These shoes are designed with extra padding all around the foot.
You've had previous foot pain or injury.
Protect your feet from further damage.
Pass if:
You're looking for performance over comfort.
These shoes are primarily designed to protect your feet.
Weight
9.25oz
Plenty Of Color Options Available
Why we picked it
Who it's for
Try the Skechers & save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Pros
Cons
Today’s best deals
How we chose the best pickleball shoes
The shoes you choose are vital to your comfort, performance, and stamina on the pickleball court. So, when choosing this list, we wanted to make sure we provided the best possible advice.
We scoured the depths of Amazon and Pickleball Central, figuring out what people prioritized in their footwear, and what shoes genuinely delivered on the courts.
We then scored each shoe based on the following criteria:
- Comfort: If you're going to be 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 have to be flexible enough to allow your foot to bend naturally, but have enough rigidity to prevent the foot from twisting and the ankle from rolling.
- Performance: We wanted to include shoes that enhance your performance on the courts. That's why we 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, as well as high-quality rubber soles, add to the longevity of your shoe to keep you playing better for longer.
- Price: Finally, we tried to find shoes that offered the best value for money.
Find the perfect paddle
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Pickleball shoes vs tennis shoes
On our list of the 10 best pickleball shoes, you'll notice there are many tennis shoes. That's because, like pickleball, tennis shoes need to provide good grip and stability on court surfaces.
However, there are also a few specific pickleball shoes on the list, which are designed specifically for the game. So, what's the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes?
Similarities
- Pickleball, tennis, and badminton shoes must have a sturdy and gripping outsole – preferably rubber – and it needs to be reliable for swiveling, changing directions, and stopping quickly on various court surfaces.
- A good heel cup is important in both types of shoes 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 that is 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 is a lot of crossover between the two types of shoes. So, if you're not sure which type to go with, it's perfectly fine to choose a tennis shoe that is designed for multiple sports, including 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
Well folks, that's our breakdown of the top pickleball shoes for men and women in 2024. To recap, here's a list of our top two for each category:
Men's:
- Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe – Best overall shoes
- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Best budget shoes
Women's:
- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Best overall shoes
- ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes – Best budget shoes
The Babolat topped the men's list for their high-tech construction and anti-roll soles. Meanwhile, for the women's category, we found the K-Swiss shoes stole the show with their perfect balance of comfort, support, and performance.
Why not check them out for yourselves, and see why we loved them so much?
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