Best pickleball shoes in 2025 - top 6 compared

Buy if:

• You want to protect your ankles:

  these shoes have amazing support around the ankles, offering the best protection against ankle rolls.

• You want a long-lasting pickleball shoe:

  these shoes look and feel almost good as new after months of heavy play.

• You want great grip:

  the soles are excellent for gripping the court, giving you great traction for lateral movements.

Pass if:

• You're on a budget:

  at $160, the SQAIRZ are the most expensive on my list, so try the $100 K-Swiss shoes instead.

• You have narrow feet:

  these have a wider feel around the toes, so check out the Diadem, K-Swiss, Babolat, ASICS, or HEAD shoes for a fit that's more true-to-size.

• You want the best speed:

  check out the Diadem Court Burst or Franklin ACV Pro on this list.

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 Babolat Jet Mach 3s or SQAIRZs for long-lasting durability.

• Your budget is around $100:

  check out the K-Swiss Express Lights for just under $105.

• You want the best ankle support:

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

Buy if:

• You want the best shoes under $100:

  the K-Swiss Express Lights rival shoes like the Babolat Jet Mach 3, but cost at least $40 less.

• You want shoes designed specifically for pickleball:

  K-Swiss made these with pickleheads in mind and I find them responsive to my movements on the court.

• 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 have $150 to spend:

  I'd pay the premium and get the Diadem Court Burst if you want the most comfortable pickleball shoe.

• You play a lot outdoors:

  the K-Swiss hold up well enough for the price, but the Babolat Jet Mach 3 and SQAIRZ shoes are some of the most durable I've tested.

• You want the best arch support:

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

Buy if:

• You want a strong shoe for outdoor courts:

  these are designed for heavy use on hard tennis courts, with Michelin rubber outsoles and strong fibers in the upper shoe.

• You've rolled your ankle before:

  the "rocker heel" is built to facilitate the roll of your foot and prevent injuries.

• You want the top pro shoe:

  this is the best shoe for pro players in an analysis done by YouTuber Shea Underwood.

Pass if:

• You mostly play on indoor courts:

  try the HEAD Motion Pros instead for the best indoor pickleball shoes.

• You want the most comfortable pickleball shoe:

  the Diadem Court Burst edges the Babolat Jet Mach 3 on comfort.

• Your budget is around $100:

  try the K-Swiss Express Lights for around $105, or the FitVilles for just $69.99 (if you have wide feet).

Buy if:

• You mostly play indoors:

  HEAD is a leader in indoor-specific tech and their Hybrasion+ outsole maximizes traction on basketball and gym floors.

• You want a little more room:

  the midsole is a touch wider here than on the Diadem, K-Swiss, or Babolat picks.

• You want a 30-day free trial:

  HEAD lets you try these out for 30 days and return them if you don't like them, as long as they're in like-new condition.

Pass if:

• You want more color choices:

  these come in just one color, so try the K-Swiss Express or Diadem Court Burst shoes for more options.

• You play almost exclusively outdoors:

  check out the durable and comfortable Babolat Jet Mach 3s.

• You want shoes made specifically for wide feet:

  the FitVille shoes are made for wide feet, and they have a budget price too.

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 XRZ™.

• You can spend a little more:

  if you want the very best shoes of 2025, check out the SQAIRZ XRZ™ and Diadem Court Burst.

• You want durable shoes on a budget:

  at around $100 (and often lower), the K-Swiss Express Lights offer great value without sacrificing durability.

Buy if:

• You have wider feet:

  these FitVille court shoes were made specifically for wide feet, and they have extra-wide sizes too.

• You want arch support also:

  these have built-in arch support.

• You want good value for money:

  at just $69.99, these are the cheapest shoes on my list – but they don't feel cheap at all.

Pass if:

• You don't need wide shoes but want arch support:

  you'll get a better all-round performance from the supportive Diadem Court Bursts.

• You only need slightly wide shoes:

  the HEAD Motion Pros are slightly wide shoes with great grip that should last you longer.

• You want a fast shoe:

  if you've got $150 to spend, the Diadem Court Bursts are the quickest shoes on this list.