If you need a pair of high quality pickleball shoes, it is important to explore your options. In this article we will take a close look at some of the best pickleball shoes on the market right now.
Our top choice is the WILSON Rush Pro 3.0, which features a tough rubber sole and an impressive 4D chassis. It offers a tremendous amount of support and stability. You’ll quickly find that it has a breathable design with optimal airflow. You can play for hours at a time without ever feeling uncomfortable in the slightest.
Before you decide on a certain pair of shoes, we recommend that you take the time to learn about the following products.
How We Picked The Best Pickleball Shoes
As we selected various products for our best pickleball shoes list, there were specific criteria we considered. We started off by focusing on each shoe’s upper. This part of the shoe is more important than many people realize. It plays a crucial role in determining and sturdiness and breathability.
We also looked at the outsole to make sure that each shoe has an ideal traction pattern for this sport. This will tell you a lot about how much control it offers while you are playing. The material of the outsole is also worth looking into. It should be made of a durable material that can last through regular use.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Pickleball Shoes 2022:
ASICS Men’s Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes
The ASICS Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes are specifically designed to absorb impact force. It greatly reduces the strain that is put on your feet and ankles during sudden landings.
You’ll find that the Trusstic System Technology this shoe uses is also very beneficial. This design decreases the risk of injuries resulting from twisting and other motions during gameplay. The gel material it uses also gives you a nice comfortable overall fit.
We also really like the outsole design of this shoe, which features durable rubber material. It has a wrap-up design for optimal support and control on the court. The traction pattern includes flex grooves that allow you to move in multiple directions with impressive agility.
This shoe is made for those who have a neutral foot type. It offers even distribution along the entire bottom of the foot. If you have a normal size arch, the GEL-RENMA is among the best pickleball shoes available.
The traditional lace closure system that this shoe offers will keep it securely on your feet at all times. You’ll be able to decide how tight or loose you want them. This gives you a customized fit that is always just right.
There is no question that this pickleball shoe offers a very balanced overall design. It has a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of regular athletic use while still giving you ample flexibility. This allows you to move around the court smoothly without ever feeling too constricted.
You’ll also find that the perforations in the front of this shoe make it very breathable. It is designed to allow for optimal airflow, which will help keep you comfortable at all times.
Pros:
- Breathable design offers superb ventilation to keep feet cool and dry
- Outsole features flex grooves that enable multidirectional movement
- Traditional lace closure system lets you get a custom fit
- Wrap-up outsole design enables impressive agility on the court
- Shock-absorbing gel technology reduces strain with sudden landings
- Offers ample support to prevent injuries from twisting
Cons:
- They could use a bit more cushioning inside
K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe features a rubber compound outsole that is incredibly durable. It has a high-density design that can stand up against intense use on a daily basis.
We especially like this shoe’s durawrap construction, which protects against toe dragging. This can make all the difference when it comes to improving your performance in a small but noticeable way.
The thermal plastic chassis that this shoe offers will give you plenty of stability in the mid foot section. It offers tremendous support, which is particularly beneficial if you have plantar fasciitis.
One of the reasons we selected the Express Light for our best pickleball shoes list is its ortholite sock liner. It is specifically designed to absorb moisture to keep your feet cool and dry during all of your games. This helps enhance comfort while preventing athlete’s foot and other issues.
There are numerous parts of this shoe that are reinforced to prevent abrasions from toe dragging. This makes it exceptionally tough and reliable as a whole.
This shoe also has a breathable design that enables maximum airflow. You therefore won’t have to deal with an annoying buildup or heat and/or moisture while you are running back and forth across the court.
Pros:
- Lightweight design enables fast movements
- Sockliner is designed to prevent moisture buildup
- Dragguards are present in numerous areas to reduce abrasions
- Plantar Support Chassis gives you ample support in the mid-foot section
- Durable high-density outsole is tough and long-lasting
Cons:
- They can take a while to properly wear in
WILSON Women’s Rush Pro 3.0 Pickleball Shoe
The WILSON Rush Pro 3.0 Pickleball Shoe features a 4D support chassis that reduces torsion to allow for smooth pivot movements. It offers an incredible amount of stability for better overall performance on a consistent basis.
We are particularly fond of this shoe’s strong and solid upper, which is designed for maximum breathability. There are many small perforations that allow for optimal airflow. This will help keep your feet dry and cool, even during your most intense games and practice sessions.
The asymmetrical medial side heel offers a good amount of arch support, which is incredibly important. It will also give you superb control with all of your movements on the court.
You’ll find that this sockliner in this shoe also contributes to its comfortable overall fit. It also gives you a high level of stability, which will improve your overall confidence in each game.
The durable outsole of the Rush Pro 3.0 is just one of the reasons it made our best pickleball shoes list. This part of the shoe has a high-density design that you can count on to stand the test of time.
You can expect a nice cushioned feel with every landing while you are playing. This is due to the sophisticated overall design of the chassis. It gives you excellent support and can actually prevent fairly serious injuries of all kinds.
Pros:
- Breathable design improves overall comfort during games
- Impressive chassis construction offers lots of support and stability
- Good amount of cushioning offers comfort and protection against hard landings
- Heel design gives you plenty of arch support
- Sockliner enhances stability while giving you a nice soft feel
Cons:
- The toebox is a little on the narrow side
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7
The ASICS Gel-Venture 7 has a synthetic and mesh construction that will give you lasting and reliable durability. This shoe boasts a tough rubber sole with a traction pattern that is ideal for tennis, pickleball, and many other sports.
This shoe’s rearfoot GEL cushioning system offers impressively effective shock absorbing performance. It reduces impact force considerably on landing. You’ll find that it also makes every movement feel smoother overall.
We also have to mention the Ortholite X-40 sockliner, which helps a lot with keeping moisture under control. This design will help keep your feet cool and dry for optimal comfort throughout all of your games. It will provide you with excellent breathability as well. This extra layer of cushioning will also prevent fatigue and soreness.
The EVA midsole in this shoe is just one reason that we chose it for our best pickleball shoes list. It is made to lessen strain caused by impact force while moving across the court. You will instantly notice an increase in energy with all of your movements. You can play for hours without having to deal with soreness and other issues later on.
There’s also the internal heel counter, which keeps your feet in place at all times. This reduces the chances serious injuries while giving you a more efficient overall stride.
Whether you are playing a game of pickleball or running along a rugged trail, the Venture 7 has a lot to offer. It is definitely among the most versatile athletic shoes on the market right now.
Pros:
- Ortholite sockliner offers additional cushioning for a comfortable fit
- EVA midsole gives you ample protection while increasing rebound
- Synthetic leather upper is tough with a breathable design
- Unique cushioning system minimizes impact force on landings
- Tread pattern gives you versatile performance to meet all of your needs
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer quite as much cushioning as some other Asics shoes
FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes
The FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes have a simple but impressive overall design that is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. They feature a durable upper that is made of microfiber material. This part of the shoe offers good breathability, which keeps away unpleasant odors. It prevents moisture buildup, which keeps your feet comfortable.
You’ll quickly discover that the wide fit of these shoes will give you freedom of movement. You won’t have to contend with a constricting feel, which can have a very negative impact on your performance. They are incredibly flexible while still offering a very secure fit.
We really like the honeycomb insole, which features Ortholite material. You can expect a good amount of cushioning, which is designed to offer plenty of support.
The EVA material and TPU rubber that is present in the outsole of this shoe are very strong and abrasion resistant. The rubber material offers amazing shock absorbing performance to help you stay agile on the court. It also has a non-slip traction pattern that will allow you to move smoothly while maintaining a firm grip on the playing surface.
The dynamic design of these shoes will give you tons of extra energy. They are made to last, so you will get years of reliable performance. This well-balanced design is the main reasons we put this product on our list of the best pickleball shoes.
Pros:
- Mesh upper offers excellent breathability to combat moisture
- Honeycomb insole with Ortholite material gives you ample cushioning
- Outsole gives you a firm grip to prevent slipping
- Wide fit allows you to stay comfortable at all times
- Anti-torsion design delivers impressive stability
Cons:
- Traction on outsole wears away somewhat fast with regular use
Best Pickleball Shoes Buying Guide
When you need to find the absolute best pickleball shoes, there are a few considerations to make. You’ll find that the following list will help with narrowing down your options.
Upper
You’ll find that some of the best pickleball shoes feature a sturdy upper that is made of mesh or synthetic leather. Both of these materials are known for holding up exceptionally well over time.
Make sure that you buy shoes that have a breathable upper design. If it is made of leather or some other non-mesh material, it should have numerous perforations. This allows for optimal airflow so you won’t have to deal excess heat and/or moisture. The last thing you want is for your feet to get hot and sweaty during a game.
Keep in mind that the upper of your new shoes shouldn’t have a design that includes many different layers. This can make it difficult for your feet to breathe, which will inevitably lead to unpleasant odors and general discomfort.
Chassis
The chassis of the shoe is essentially the whole top section that your foot goes into. It should offer a high degree of stability, so you can count on it to perform well every single time.
Look for shoes that have a very supportive chassis as well. It needs to enable a variety of movements while reducing torsion. This will ultimately give you more control while minimizing the risk of minor to serious on-court injuries.
A solid chassis will give you ample stability, especially in the mid-foot section. This makes all the difference when it comes to playing with confidence in every single one of your games.
Sockliner
The very best pickleball shoes will have a well-cushioned sockliner that gives you a comfortable overall fit. This part of the shoe should also be designed to manage moisture as effectively as possible. This will go a long way towards reducing sweat, heat, and discomfort.
Ortholite sockliners are particularly well-designed, so you’ll need to keep that in mind before making a decision. Shoes that have this kind of sockliner tend to offer an incredibly comfortable fit.
Outsole
As you are trying to select the best pickleball shoes on the internet, you’ll want to take a close look at each one’s outsole. The pair you settle on will need to have a tough rubber sole that can endure regular use with little to no wear.
There are many pickleball shoes on the market that have shock-absorbing outsoles. This reduces the effects of hard and/or sudden landings on your feet.
You should also make a point of searching for shoes that have an excellent tread pattern on the bottom. We recommend ones that feature flex grooves. This will give you a significant advantage on the court. You will be able to move around in all different directions while maintaining plenty of control and stability.
If your new shoes do not offer an appropriate amount of grip, the chances of slipping will drastically increase. Look at the traction pattern on each pair in order to find one that is ideal for this particular sport.
Arch Support
You must also consider the amount of arch support that each shoe offers. The insole of the shoe will give you this information for the most part. A thickly-cushioned insole with the right design can do wonders for those with flat feet. There are also shoes that are specifically designed to help people with bunions, diabetes, and other issues.
It is important that you pick a pair of shoes that are appropriate for your arch. Certain shoes are made to help with underpronation, which would be a high arch. Others are designed for overpronation, which means flat feet. Then you will have shoes that cater to the neutral foot type, which is a normal or standard arch.
Heel
You’ll find that many of the best pickleballs shoes available right now feature deep heel cups. This can of great help with giving you adequate support. It will also reduce the amount of discomfort you experience in a very noticeable way.
FAQs:
What kind of shoes should I wear to play pickleball?
You should wear shoes that provide excellent traction and support on the court. Pickleball shoes typically have gum rubber soles, which provide better grip on indoor and outdoor surfaces. They also have a low-profile design for greater stability and durability during lateral movements.
What’s the difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?
Pickleball shoes are designed specifically for the sport, with features that cater to the demands of the game. They typically have a gum rubber sole for better traction, a low-profile design for stability, and added padding for comfort. Tennis shoes, on the other hand, are designed for the unique demands of tennis, with features such as added cushioning for shock absorption and lateral support for quick movements.
Do you wear special shoes for pickleball?
While you can wear any athletic shoes to play pickleball, wearing shoes designed for the sport can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. Pickleball shoes offer specific features such as gum rubber soles, low profile design, and added cushioning to provide the necessary support and comfort for the game.
What pickleball shoes last the longest?
The longevity of pickleball shoes depends on the quality of the shoe and the frequency of use. Generally, shoes with durable materials and construction, such as reinforced toe caps and high-quality rubber soles, tend to last longer. Some popular brands known for their durable pickleball shoes include ASICS, adidas, and K-Swiss.
Are tennis shoes OK for pickleball?
While tennis shoes are suitable for playing pickleball, they may not provide the same level of performance and support as shoes specifically designed for pickleball. Tennis shoes typically have a higher profile than pickleball shoes, which can affect stability and comfort during lateral movements. Pickleball shoes are designed to offer more precise movement and traction on the court, making them the better choice for serious players.
Is pickleball a lifelong sport?
Yes, pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. It is a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints and suitable for players of all ages and fitness levels. With the proper equipment and training, players can continue to play pickleball well into their senior years.
Conclusion
In order to choose the best pickleball shoes, you will need to look at the overall construction of each one. We recommend shoes that have a sturdy upper with a breathable design. You’ll also need to make sure that they offer a good amount of cushioning to ensure a comfortable fit. Feel free to drop a comment down below so we know what you think about our list.