The best pickleball shoes, according to experts
Got bit by the pickleball bug? You’ll need supportive shoes on the court.
K-Swiss Men's Express Light Pickleball Shoe
$undefined
$115.00
Best wide-width shoe for women
$69.95
$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:
This list includes expert recommendations and highly rated options that align with their guidance.
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 breathable mesh upper supports the ankle as someone pivots and runs across the court, says Skechers. These shoes come in seven colors, including black/gold, 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 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.
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 and 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 should consider these pickleball shoes from FitVille, which 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 removable molded sockliner and extra cushioning at the midsole for comfort. The sole has a rubber herringbone pattern for traction. The upper also has a pickleball design for style. Reviewers say the shoe has a roomy toe box and support their feet through long games.
“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 a flexible material that has just 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.
These sneakers are specifically 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.
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.
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.
These sneakers from Asics have a synthetic leather upper with extra support built in around the midfoot to keep your feet stable during the side-to-side movements that are common in pickleball matches. The soles also have deep treads for traction. Reviewers also say they are good for both indoor and outdoor games.
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 three considerations 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 am a contributing editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two pickleball experts and compiled a list of sneakers that include their recommendations.
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