The best pickleball shoes, according to experts
Got bit by the pickleball bug? Let these shoes support you on the court.
K-Swiss Men's Express Light Pickleball Shoe
$104.95
$110.00
Best wide-width shoe for women
$70.00
$89.95
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With the rise in popularity of pickleball, hundreds of different sneakers made for the sport have hit the market. To help you choose the right shoes for you, experts suggest paying attention to the following criteria:
Our experts recommended a few pickleball sneakers for men and women. I also found highly rated options that met the criteria set forth by the pickleball pros we spoke with.
Felsenthal says that Skechers are an affordable and supportive option for pickleball sneakers. These shoes have rubber soles to provide traction for indoor and outdoor courts, according to the brand. They come in a medium or extra-wide width for comfort and the mesh upper is constructed to be breathable and to support the ankle as someone pivots and runs across the court, says Skechers. These shoes come in seven colors, including white/black and yellow/navy.
According to the brand, this shoe, which comes in normal and wide widths, offers lateral support for those quick side-to-side movements called for in pickleball and forward support to propel you to the net. The shoe is made from breathable materials to prevent sweaty feet, and the toe and heel are reinforced to prevent wear in those areas. These sneakers have a 4.2-star average rating from nearly 2,000 reviews on Amazon.
Technically, these sneakers are made for volleyball. But experts say there are many of the same movements in volleyball and pickleball, like quick pivots back and forth and bursts forward and backward. The sneakers have a flexible upper for easy movement but a synthetic leather overlay that also provides lateral support, according to the brand. The heel has gel cushioning for comfort and grooved grips on the sole for traction.
Those with wide feet may consider these pickleball shoes from Fitville. They have a 4.2-star average rating from nearly 3,000 reviews on Amazon and come in wide and extra-wide widths. The upper is flexible and made from breathable fabric with anti-odor technology, according to Fitville. They also have a honeycomb-patterned insole for cushioning, arch support for comfort and deep heel cups to support feet as you make lateral movements, according to the brand.
This sneaker has a piece of rubber covering the toe, also known as a drag pad, to prevent wear and tear when dragging your foot as you pivot and make sudden stops on the court. The sole is made from high-density rubber to provide support, good rebounding and traction, according to the brand. Support is built into all sides of the shoe to keep your feet steady as you move quickly. This sneaker has a 4.3-star average rating from over 600 reviews on Amazon.
I’ve been playing pickleball for a few years and wear these shoes. They weigh just under 10 ounces and don’t weigh me down. There is extra padding around the ankle for support, and the rubber sole provides good traction. The rubber extends up towards the footbed in places you’re likely to drag your foot when trying to make a shot to protect the mesh and prevent excessive wear and tear.
These sneakers, which have a 4.3-star average rating from over 1,800 reviews on Amazon, are intended for court sports like tennis and pickleball. According to Adidas, they have padding around the ankle for stability, no matter what direction you move in, and the upper is made of mesh for breathability. The shoe is also machine washable.
“One of my favorite shoes for pickleball is the Hypercourt Express 2 by K-Swiss,” says Massad. This shoe provides lateral support, grip, and cushioning—everything you want in a pickleball shoe.” According to the brand, the upper is made from flexible material that has enough firmness to allow you to move freely while still supporting lateral movements. The sole is also made from durable rubber to provide good traction on indoor and outdoor courts.
Felsenthal likes the pickleball sneakers from Skechers for both men and women. Not only are the shoes relatively affordable, but he says they provide strong lateral support and have durable rubber soles for good traction. The sneakers have a relaxed fit, making them a good option for those with wider feet. The shoes also have insoles that offer arch support.
Ryka’s Courtside sneaker is made specifically for pickleball players. It has built-in support on either side of the sole to help with side-to-side movements, durable traction on the outer sole for grip on the court and a wide toe box for comfort, according to the brand. The upper is made from leather and has ventilation built-in to keep your feet cool. Also helpful: It comes in regular and wide widths.
If you’re buying spin shoes, you want them to work for spinning. So it only makes sense that if you buy pickleball sneakers, they need to work for your game. Below, experts outline the three things to remember to ensure your shoes support you through every dink, pivot and serve.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two pickleball experts about how to shop for pickleball shoes and compiled a list of their recommendations.
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