Pickleball Shoes We Also Tested

Along with our team of pickleball players, we've tested 32 pickleball shoes in total, but not all pairs impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some features of these shoes, ultimately, they didn't meet our rigorous testing requirements.

• Acacia Sport's FreshShot Pickleball Shoes are available in half sizes and have removable inserts to accommodate custom orthotics. But we found the all-rubber upper was too stiff, the shoes lacked adequate cushioning, and the toe box wasn't wide enough.
• We liked the excellent traction, shock absorption, and secure fit of Acacia Sport's DreamShot Pickleball Shoes. However, the shoes were heavy and stiff, causing ankle chafing and foot fatigue.
• Nike's Zoom Challenge Pickleball Shoes feel well-made, but were so narrow and stiff that they caused pressure points and discomfort, and we were unable to finish testing them.
• We liked the stylish design of Skechers' Viper Court Rally Pickleball Shoes as well as the support and breathability. Unfortunately, even the wide size was too narrow, causing cramping and foot pain.

What to Look for When Shopping for Pickleball Shoes

• Traction: Traction refers to how well a shoe’s outsole creates friction between the shoe and the floor, particularly in wet or damp conditions. Good traction helps prevent slipping and sliding, and it also keeps you secure during sudden movements and direction changes. Some shoes also have pivot points in the sole, making sharp movements easier. Look for a pickleball shoe with plenty of traction so you can play confidently and injury-free. 
• Comfort: Your pickleball shoes should feel comfortable, even after hours of play. Make sure your shoes are not so tight that the laces dig into the tops of your feet, or so loose that your feet slide around inside. A roomy toe box is important, as shoes that are too narrow can pinch your feet. Also, look for a breathable upper made from mesh that allows air circulation. Thick, foam cushioning in the midsole can help extend your playing time, too.
• Support: Pickleball shoes are known for providing great lateral support, which is necessary for all those direction changes. But they also generally have lower arch support. As a result, some players will choose to add their own custom orthotics or insoles for flat feet. Your shoes should support your entire foot, including your arch. 
• Durability: Pickleball shoes get a lot of wear and tear. Even if you don’t play regularly, the lateral motion and fast starts and stops mean your shoes are constantly working for you. Look for a pair with thick, sturdy rubber soles. Check the toes and heels to see if they have additional rubber that wraps around the shoe to protect against toe drags across the court. These features will help extend the life of your shoes, regardless of how often you pick up your pickleball paddle.
• Price: You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 or more on quality pickleball shoes. Keep in mind that more budget-friendly options may not be as supportive or durable. Keep your budget and how often you play in mind when shopping for pickleball shoes.
  

How We Tested the Pickleball Shoes

To find the best pickleball shoes on the market, we first spoke with three pickleball experts to understand what to look for in a quality pair. Then, we had a team of pickleball players test 17 pairs of shoes for over one month outdoors in Florida's intense heat and humidity, bringing our total of tested pickleball shoes to 32 pairs. Our testers sprinted, jumped, and pivoted all while evaluating each pair for the following six key criteria.

• Fit: To evaluate the fit of each pair of shoes, we note whether they are true to size and have an appropriate width and length after putting them on. Do we notice any pressure points or areas where the shoes feel too tight or too loose? While we're playing, we note if the shoe feels secure or if our feet slide around.
• Comfort: Pickleball shoes need to be comfortable for extended play. To assess comfort, we note how they feel during games, particularly with different types of movement, such as quick stops and pivots. Do we experience any rubbing, chafing, or foot fatigue during or after games? Do the cushioning and breathability contribute to overall comfort while playing?
• Support: When wearing the shoes, we consider whether they provide sufficient ankle and arch support. Do the shoes absorb shock and support stable lateral movement? Do we feel secure and protected from rolling or twisting our ankles?
• Flexibility: We evaluate flexibility by noting whether the shoe allows us to move naturally during games. Do we feel restricted or stiff? Are the sole and upper flexible enough for quick movements?
• Durability: Throughout the testing period, we check for signs of wear and tear on the upper and sole. If the shoes need cleaning, we note how easy it is to clean them. We also note if the shoes feel well-made with durable materials.
• Value: We wait until the end of the testing period to check the price of each pair of shoes and note if they are priced fairly for their features. Would we purchase the shoes at full price, or wait for them to go on sale? Would we recommend the shoes to friends and family?

Our Experts

To find the best pickleball shoes on the market, we consulted three experts for insights into what key features to look for in quality options. 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. While we select products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions.

• Laurie Coyne, certified pickleball coach and owner of AquaLane Pickleball in Virginia Beach, VA
• Laurel Heilman, coach and owner of Pickleball Lessons by Laurel in Pittsburgh, PA
• Wayne Dollard, five-time National and US Open gold medalist, and director and head pro at Level Up Pickleball in Canonsburg, PA

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pickleball shoes make a difference?

Pickleball shoes are designed to have good traction and support quick changes in direction during a game. Having shoes specific to pickleball can reduce your injury risk and allow you to pivot, jump, and shift side to side more easily.

Do I need special shoes for pickleball?

Yes, according to the pros. Pickleball-specific shoes provide lateral support, which protects against ankle rolls. While your shoes don’t need to be pricey, they should be designed for pickleball or at least other court sports.

What shoes should I wear when playing pickleball?

Recreational players or beginners still learning the rules of the game 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.

Can I wear my tennis court shoes for pickleball?

You can, but it's not ideal. Tennis and pickleball shoes may look similar, but pickleball shoes are specifically designed for the sport, with better foot drag and stability, and added rubber in places where they tend to wear more heavily. Pickleball shoes are constructed to support the side-to-side movement common in a pickleball game. 

Can you wear running shoes 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. Heilman says that the biggest injury in the game comes from tripping while backpedaling, which may happen more often if you're wearing running shoes.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, is Verywell Fit's Associate Editorial Director and a beginner pickleball player. For this story, she facilitated the pickleball shoes test by recruiting a pickleball league from her apartment complex in Florida to test 17 pairs of shoes. She then helped interpret tester insights for each shoe and selected an appropriate superlative for each pair.

Additional reporting contributed by Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, and Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS

Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, has worked at Verywell Fit since 2022 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a certified exercise physiologist and avid exerciser, she specializes in testing fitness and recovery gear, including walking shoes, ankle support shoes, massage guns, and more. She uses her fitness experience and expertise to recommend only the best products to Verywell Fit readers.

Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, is a writer for Verywell Fit and a 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.