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Best pickleball shoes in 2024 - top 10 compared

picture of Brandon Mackie
Brandon Mackie

Updated on: Jul 2, 2023

Graphic featuring the Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe and K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe

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

Best shoes overall

Photo of the Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Men's)

Our Rating:

1. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Men's)

The Babolat Jet Mach 3 All-Court Shoe uses cutting-edge technology to protect you from injury while enhancing your reaction time on the courts.
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Read my deep dive

Best budget shoe

Photo of the K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Men's)

Our Rating:

2. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Men's)

The K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes offer excellent support and performance for under $100.
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Best for outdoors

Photo of the Tyrol Drive V Court Shoe

Our Rating:

3. Tyrol Drive V Court Shoe

The Tyrol Drive V Court shoe allows your foot to move freely while protecting it from the rigors of tough court sessions.
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Shoes for women

Best shoes overall

Photo of the K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe

Our Rating:

6. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Women's)

K-Swiss Express Lights are ideal indoor court shoes. They're non-marking, durable, and super lightweight.
Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS

Best budget shoes

Photo of the ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes

Our Rating:

7. ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes

A popular, non-marking court shoe that offers plenty of performance for an attractive price tag.

Best for outdoors

Photo of the New Balance Women's FuelCell 996 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe

Our Rating:

8. New Balance Women's FuelCell 996 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe

The New Balance Fuel Cell 996 V5 shoe helps you leap into action at a moment's notice with its propulsive foam.

Pickleball shoes for men

Best shoes overall

1. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Men's)

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High-tech footwear that will keep you playing better for longer
8/10

Durability

8/10

Comfort

10/10

Stability

9/10

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.

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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
The Babolat Jet Mach 3s are our choice for the best overall pickleball shoe in 2023, and there are a ton of reasons why. These shoes are carefully designed to stand up to heavy use on the courts while giving your feet excellent support and protection.
They also use cutting-edge shoe technology to give you awesome grip and reaction speed off the line.
Who it's for
These court shoes are for anyone who is happy to pay a little extra for a carefully designed pickleball shoe that will help to prevent ankle roll, while offering excellent on-court performance.
special offer

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Features
Starting from the bottom up, these shoes have a super durable, Michelin rubber sole with a tread that's designed specifically for court sports. But our favorite thing about these soles is the shape.
Extra extensions are added to the outside edge of the soles, which act as an 'anti-roll' mechanism. These stop the shoe from turning, allowing your ankle to roll while giving you stopping power when you need to make a lightning quick direction change. These extra square inches of rubber also add to the overall grip of the shoe.
You'll notice the bulge in the sole shape most obviously towards the widest part of your foot, but there's also an extra edge at the back towards the outside of your heel. This widens the sole there too and creates extra contact with the playing surface to enhance stability and grip.
The Jet Mach 3s feature a solid heel counter, which is the support behind your heel. Shoes often tend to crumple here, especially if you shove your foot in without opening the laces properly. A firm heel counter provides extra rigidity behind your heel, stopping your foot from sliding around inside the shoe to give better comfort and stability.
Design and feel
We love the style of these shoes—especially the white/estate blue option. The breathable upper allows for plenty of airflow to keep your feet cool and sweat-free.
The shoes are also designed with improved rigidity to prevent twisting from front to back. This keeps your foot safer and under less strain during all of the lateral movement of a session on the courts.
Performance
These shoes have excellent foreflex (the flexibility that allows the front of your foot to bend up and down). They use 'active flexion', a technology developed by Babolat that segments the sole into nine key pressure points for maximum responsiveness.
The whole upper of the shoe is made from a combination of aramid and polyamid fibers, which are super lightweight yet strong and flexible.
Value for money
These shoes don't come cheap, but they're well worth the price tag. There are more expensive pickleball shoes out there that offer a lot less.

Pros

✔️ Excellent support and security
✔️ Extra sole extensions to prevent ankle roll
✔️ 6-month warranty

Cons

❌ Some may find the laces too thin
❌ For a premium shoe, the insole is flimsy
star icon
My verdict
When it comes to pickleball shoes, you won't find much better than these. They are carefully designed to keep you comfortable and supported, avoiding fatigue and strain on the foot as much as possible. They also feature anti-roll bulges on the sole, durable rubber and extra shock absorption, all packed into an ultra lightweight court shoe.

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Best budget shoe

2. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Men's)

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A great-looking, pickleball-specific shoe with premium features for an affordable price tag
9/10

Durability

8/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

7/10

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.

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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
Compared to pickleball paddles for example, pickleball shoes don't vary much in price, so this shoe isn't much cheaper than the other picks on our list. We picked it because we think it's great value for money, and delivers the same features and quality as much more expensive shoes.
Who it's for
These are for any pickleball player looking for a carefully designed, pickleball-specific shoe that will enhance their performance in pickleball and stand up to tough sessions on the courts.
special offer

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Features
This shoe’s high-density Aosta rubber outsoles are super durable and feature additional drag guards for long-lasting wear. The midsole benefits from a support chassis and EVA foam, which add cushioning and responsiveness underfoot. This extra cushioning adds bounce to help you to get off the mark quicker.
The lightweight, supportive feel of these shoes also makes it easier to achieve quick changes of direction.
Design and feel
Firstly, these shoes look great. Their striped design really pops on the courts and is sure to draw compliments—especially given the range of colors available.
The breathable ortholite sock liners create a moisture management system that allows sweat to wick away from the foot and avoid damp, uncomfortable feet.
Performance
A 180-degree thermal plastic plantar support chassis enhances mid-foot stability, giving you a firm footing and allowing for quicker reaction speeds. The heel grip liner adds to this support, and keeps your heel from slipping inside the shoe.
Value for money
The K-Swiss Men's Express Light is designed specifically for pickleball, and will stand up to many months of rigorous play. The soles are made from a premium, hard-wearing rubber, and the dura wrap protective coating on the upper protects the shoes. This means you'll get plenty of value for money from these shoes over time.

Pros

✔️ Lightweight and responsive
✔️ Premium features for an affordable price
✔️ Extra protection for long-lasting durability

Cons

❌ No wide size options available
star icon
My verdict
These shoes offer awesome value for money. They're lightweight and packed with features to give you comfort, stability, and traction all wrapped up in an ultra-protective shield to keep them in top condition for longer.

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Best for outdoors

3. Tyrol Drive V Court Shoe

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Natural movement, but better
8/10

Durability

8/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

7/10

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.

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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
The Tyrol Drive V Court shoe is our top pick for outdoor pickleball shoes. It offers excellent protection, grip, and support while remaining light, breathable, and flexible on the foot.
Who it's for
This one is for those who can afford to splash out a little on a premium, airy, natural-feeling pickleball shoe for outdoor play.
special offer

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Features
This shoe packs all the premium features you'd expect from a high-end court shoe. It offers a cushioned, responsive midsole, a firm heel counter, and a mesh nylon upper.
The chevron-pattern Vibram outsole is thick and durable, with vibration dampening technology built in. The soles have a built in toe guard, helping it to stand up well to rough outdoor courts.
Design and feel
The upper is made from a nylon mesh for enhanced airflow and breathability, keeping your feet cooler and allowing sweat and heat to dissipate. That upper features a unique design in a range of colors to suit any taste.
The Drive V is flexible enough to allow natural movement of the foot but has various features that cushion, support, and protect the feet during tough sessions on the pickleball court.
Performance
The sole also features an EVA midsole made from a lightweight foam. This absorbs shock, which then protects your feet and legs from fatigue and injury over time.
The upper of the shoe has a built-in, snug heel counter and a rigid heel stabilizer to keep your foot secure and avoid twisting. The wide toe box allows enough space for your toes to spread fully and avoid heat and sweat.
Value for money
The Tyrol Drive V Court shoe is the most expensive on our list for men, but that price does deliver a truly well-built shoe that will last the distance.

Pros

✔️ Breathable and airy
✔️ Thick and durable sole
✔️ Flexible in the right places

Cons

❌ Heavier option than the Babolat
❌ Insoles tend to wear out quickly
star icon
My verdict
These shoes feel airy and cool while still providing ample support and protection against twisting. Despite their breathability, they are robust enough to stand up to outdoor play, and feature durable rubber soles with plenty of protection against the elements. If you're up to invest in a top-tier pickleball-specific shoe, these are a great pick.

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Best for indoors

4. New Balance Men's 1006 V1 Tennis Shoe

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Non-marking, super comfortable sneakers with options for every foot width
7/10

Durability

9/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

7/10

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
We picked the New Balance 1006 V1s for our top indoor pickleball shoes for men for their comfort and durablility even after heavy use. Plus, their non-marking soles ensure you won't mess up the playing surface with scuffs.
Who it's for
These are perfect for any pickleheads who mostly play indoors, as well as anyone looking for options when it comes to shoe width.
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Features
The New Balance 1006 V1s feature New Balance's lightest soles (the REVlite midsole), with additional cushioning in the heel and forefoot for extra shock absorption. Under that is an outsole that won't mark the playing surface, featuring a toe tip to protect your shoe's weak point.
All of this is topped up with a mesh upper that allows airflow and breathability, as well as a 'Lightning Dry' lining to avoid sweaty feet during long sessions.
Design and feel
These shoes are designed with long-term comfort in mind. New Balance went to great lengths to make these as padded and easy on the foot as possible. They have a large toe-box to avoid constricting your forefoot, and plenty of padding around the ankle. They feel soft and padded on the court, but not too clunky or heavy.
Performance
As these are built mainly for comfort, they don't offer as many performance features as a pair like the Babolat Jet Mach 3s. That said, these sneakers stand up well to vigorous court time, and provide enough spring to improve your acceleration on the courts.
Value for money
At around $100, these shoes are well-priced for their level of quality. However, if you're looking for high-tech performance pickleball shoes, go for the Babolat Jet Machs 3s.

Pros

✔️ Non-scuffing soles to protect your playing surface
✔️ Super comfortable, padded shoes
✔️ Wide options available

Cons

❌ Heavy compared to other options
❌ The sole will wear out with heavy use
star icon
My verdict
The New Balance Men's tennis shoes are great indoor shoes. They won't mark the playing surface and they're super comfortable to wear.

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Best for support

5. ASICS Men's Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes

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Multi-layered soles and clever gel technology packed into an ultra-light, supportive sneaker
8/10

Durability

8/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

8/10

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
We picked these Gel-Challenger 12s as our best shoe for support as they feature under-laying support built into the shoe. This gives you a stable footing when darting back and forth across the court.
Who it's for
These shoes are great for anyone with weak ankles or tend to get sore feet after long sessions on the court. They'll also suit players with previous foot or ankle injuries.
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Features
These are the only shoes on our men's list that use gel in their construction. It's this gel that helps make them so good for support. Added to the fore and rear sections, the gel increases your stability when making quick side-to-side movement, which is when you're most prone to ankle rolls.
The Gel Challenger 12's soles use a lightweight, cushioned midsole with excellent bounceback. It also features Asic's own tech—a type of resin that prevents twisting of the shoe and improves stability.
Design and feel
These shoes come in a wide range of bright color combinations that'll stand out on the court. They feel lightweight despite the extra support and sturdiness, and their Ortholite sock liner provides extra bounce and moisture management. The gel absorbs a lot of shock from impacts, reducing the vibrations to the leg.
Performance
These shoes perform excellently on the courts, and are praised in reviews for their comfort and support when making quick lateral steps and toe-off steps.
The sole features extra-durable rubber in areas that usually wear down, meaning the shoe can keep going for more mileage. The soles themselves are carefully designed to give you ultimate grip and speed off the mark.
Value for money
At $100, this option is a very fair price for what you get in terms of performance and durability.

Pros

✔️ Gel technology increases support and reduces impact
✔️ Suitable for indoor and outdoor pickleball
✔️ Several color combinations available

Cons

❌ Width options not available
star icon
My verdict
Overall, the ASICS Gel-Challenger 12s are great court shoes that offer excellent support and use clever tech to reduce the impact on your feet, ankles, and legs. If you're prone to injuries, these shoes are a great pick.

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Pickleball shoes for women

Best shoes overall

6. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Women's)

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Stylish, durable court shoes with plenty of performance
8/10

Durability

9/10

Comfort

8/10

Stability

9/10

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.

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Weight

9.8oz

Heel Width

Standard (63mm)

Midsole Width

Slightly narrow (69mm)

Toe Box Width

Standard (89mm)

Why we picked it
K-Swiss designed this shoe specifically for pickleball, and it shows. It uses clever features to provide excellent foot support, while still feeling lightweight and extremely nimble on the courts. These shoes offer a great balance of comfort, support, and performance.
Who it's for
This is our top pick and will suit any female player who wants a high-performance pickleball shoe that's comfortable and looks great.
special offer

Try the K-Swiss & save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS

Features
The high-density rubber soles offer great grip and lasting tread. The shoe features drag guards on the heel and toe that help to protect against wear in those high-contact areas.
The upper is coated in a durawrap rubber to protect the shoe from toe-dragging.
Design and feel
At just under 10oz, these shoes are ultra-light while still packing in plenty of features to add to your comfort. Sock liners wick away moisture from the foot and improve breathability. Meanwhile, a heel grip liner prevents your feet from slipping about inside the shoe.
When it comes to looks, these shoes really shine. Reviewers agree that these are truly attractive sneakers, both on and off the pickleball court.
Performance
Additional sole support increases stability in the shoe by preventing twisting. Board material under the liner adds durability to the sole, while the midsole feels ultra soft despite a rigid support chassis to ensure a snug fit on your foot.
All of these combine to create a shoe that will protect your foot and give it great support on the courts.
Value for money
For just shy of $100, these shoes offer high quality construction, durable materials, and a comfortable light shoe that's perfect for pickleball. We can't argue with that price!

Pros

✔️ Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable
✔️ Available in 6 attractive color schemes
✔️ Great protection all round, with drag guards on the sole and dura-wrap on the upper

Cons

❌ No wide options available
❌ Some users found the tongue a little short
star icon
My verdict
The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoe is a high-performance court shoe that will impress you with its lightweight comfort and great looks. All round an excellent shoe for any female player.

Today’s best deals

Best budget shoes

7. ASICS Women's Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes

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Premium quality indoor pickleball shoes for a great price
8/10

Durability

8/10

Comfort

8/10

Stability

7/10

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
We picked this as our budget option primarily for the value for money it offers. ASICS have developed newer versions of this shoe (the Gel Rocket 11), but this model offers more than enough to satisfy the needs of most pickleball players.
Who it's for
This shoe is great for beginners and intermediate players who would prefer not to splash out too much on a pair of sneakers.
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Features
The shoe incorporates ASICS' signature gel cushioning technology in the front and rear. This gel helps absorb shock upon impact, providing enhanced comfort and reducing the risk of injury. The midsole is made of lightweight foam, offering additional cushioning and responsiveness.
Design and feel
The Gel Rocket 10 for women is designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit. The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and sweat-free. Meanwhile, the integrated heel wrap allows for smoother landings by taking the impact away from the feet and legs. Special grooves in the outsoles improve foot flexibility.
Performance
The Gel Rocket 10s have several features that make them perform well on the pickleball court. They feature a 'Trusstic' system that adds support to the midfoot area. This system helps reduce torsion and provides extra support as you move about.
The outsole is a durable rubber with a herringbone pattern, which offers excellent traction on court surfaces, allowing for quick stops and starts without slipping.
Value for money
For just $70, these shoes are a bargain. They may not offer as chic a look as the K-Swiss offering, but they certainly deliver on the courts, which is what really matters.

Pros

✔️ Gel cushions help to absorb shock
✔️ Super flexible to allow for free movement
✔️ Thick foam provides snug comfort

Cons

❌ Not as good-looking as the K-Swiss offering
❌ Sizes run small, order a size larger than you would normally take
star icon
My verdict
This shoe is an ideal option for anyone on a budget. It provides reliable performance and durability without breaking the bank.

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Best for outdoors

8. New Balance Women's FuelCell 996 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe

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A great-looking sneaker with clever tech that adds spring to your step
8/10

Durability

8/10

Comfort

8/10

Stability

9/10

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
We picked the New Balance Fuelcell 996 V5s for their high-quality build, responsive feel, and retro-cool look.
Who it's for
These shoes are great for anyone looking to play a ton of outdoor pickleball without tiring out their feet and legs.
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Features
The rubber outsoles make for enhanced durability in those high-wear areas. Meanwhile, the tread produces great traction on hard surfaces to minimize slipping and increase your acceleration off the mark.
Additional lateral supports give you more stability through the ankles, and the synthetic mesh upper allows airflow to keep the foot cool no matter the weather.
Design and feel
These sneakers look great with their old-school, colorful design. They come in five distinct color combinations that feature semi-opaque rubber in the soles. They're well padded for comfort, and have adjustable lace closures for a more snug fit.
Performance
The lightweight midsole is what gives these pickleball shoes their edge. Its springy consistency delivers a propulsive feel to help you get off the mark quicker. Think of it like a coiled spring inside your shoe.
The herringbone tread on the soles increases your grip, allowing you to make quick side-to-side movements without slipping.
Value for money
These are the second priciest shoes on our list at $135, but we're convinced the cost is justified for the level of quality that you get.

Pros

✔️ Wide size options available
✔️ Super stylish look
✔️ Supple and ready to wear, no break-in time required

Cons

❌ Expensive price tag
star icon
My verdict
These outdoor pickleball shoes have it all: style, performance, and comfort. They don't come cheap, but if you're ready to invest in your game, we can't recommend them enough.

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Best for indoors

9. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Women's)

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Awesome grip and reaction speed, while protecting your ankles from painful rolls
7/10

Durability

7/10

Comfort

8/10

Stability

9/10

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.

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Weight

11.5oz

Heel Width

Standard (63mm)

Midsole Width

Standard (78mm)

Toe Box Width

Standard (87mm)

Why we picked it
This is the women's version of our best overall pick for men, and it's too good to leave off the list. If you're after an indoor pickleball shoe, you won't get much better than this.
Babolat have put a lot of thought and clever tech into making this shoe comfortable and responsive on the courts, as well as adding extra ankle protection.
Who it's for
These shoes are great for any female player looking for a premium court shoe that plays well indoors. They are particularly suited to anyone with weak ankles or a previous ankle injury because of their anti-roll soles.
special offer

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Features
The most obvious feature of the Babolat Jet Mach 3 is the sole shape. There are bulges at the widest part of the foot and towards the heel on the outside. These are designed to prevent ankle rolls and create more traction.
The soles themselves are made from Michelin premium rubber, which gives great grip over increased court mileage.
These shoes also feature a solid heel counter for support and extra rigidity to stop your foot from twisting. To ensure your foot bends as it should, the shoes include a flexible forefoot area with an upper made from lightweight, bendy fibers.
Design and feel
The upper is carefully designed with a combination of lightweight, flexible fabrics that offer excellent comfort and support to the wearer.
When it comes to looks, the blue and pink option certainly stands out. If you don’t want to draw too much attention, the plain white option is perfect for you.
Performance
These shoes are designed primarily for speed, and they certainly deliver in that area. The extra anti-roll feature on the sole doubles as a launch pad for the foot. This speeds up your side-to-side movements on the court.
The extra square inches of rubber make a big difference to your traction, improving acceleration and stopping speed.
Value for money
At around $150, these are definitely at the high-end, but for that money you get a high-end shoe, with a ton of clever shoe technology to help you perform your best on the courts.

Pros

✔️ Extra sole extensions to prevent ankle roll
✔️ Durable rubber soles
✔️ Excellent traction on indoor courts

Cons

❌ Expensive price tag
star icon
My verdict
These shoes are carefully designed to protect you from injury. They offer excellent reaction speed, while also standing up to heavy use on the courts. We can't find many faults with these shoes, but they do come with a premium price tag.

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Best for support

10. Skechers Women's Viper Court

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Designed by podiatrists for ultimate foot support
7/10

Durability

9/10

Comfort

9/10

Stability

6/10

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.

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Weight

9.25oz

Plenty Of Color Options Available

Why we picked it
We picked the Skechers Women's Vipers for their supportive comfort and specially-designed insoles.
Who it's for
These are ideal for any pickleheads who are looking for some extra support from their shoes, as well as anyone with a history of foot pain or injuries.
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Features
These shoes are designed specifically to minimize the chances of foot pain and injury. The insoles are designed by foot specialists to redistribute pressure and reduce soreness and fatigue over long court sessions.
The insoles mold to your foot over time, and help to absorb the impact of the ground. Meanwhile, they disperse your weight throughout the foot and away from the painful pressure points.
The shoes feature a breathable upper and rubber outsoles, which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.
Design and feel
The shoes have a relaxed fit overall with plenty of space for your foot, and a wide toe box. Lightweight cushioning in the midsole creates a responsive yet cushioned feel underfoot.
A breathable upper, along with the soft padded collar and tongue, add to the overall luxurious comfort of this pickleball shoe.
In terms of looks, these shoes have a simple, attractive design, and come in a range of color options.
Performance
The Skechers Viper Court shoe is all about comfort and support, so it isn't going to win any awards for speed. That said, the cushioning in the midsole is responsive and springy, while the outside rubber provides excellent traction on the court surface.
Value for money
Typically around $90, these shoes are affordably priced, so you're getting bang for your buck.

Pros

✔️ Specially-designed, machine-washable insoles for support
✔️ Extra padding throughout the shoe for comfort
✔️ Ample color options

Cons

❌ Heavier option than a performance shoe like the K-Swiss
❌ Wide design won't work for anyone with narrow feet
star icon
My verdict
For those looking for ultimate support and comfort, these shoes are the best on our list by far. The specialist insoles and additional padding throughout create a super comfortable court shoe that's easy on the foot and helps you to keep playing pain-free for longer.

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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.
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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?

Woman laces up her grey and pink Nike low-top athletic shoe

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.
Tennis player holding a racket stands at the court lines

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:

  1. Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe – Best overall shoes
  2. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Best budget shoes

Women's:

  1. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Best overall shoes
  2. 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?

This article contains affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As a brand associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

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About the author
Brandon Mackie
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
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