Top 10 Pickleball Shoes for 2024: A Comprehensive Review

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Regardless of whether you play for leisure or competition, one key aspect of ensuring a good game is having shoes that are specifically crafted for your sport. In the case of pickleball players, shoes that provide stability and help to avoid injuries, such as sprains, are crucial.

Podiatrist Dr. Bruce Pinker has identified several factors to consider when selecting a pickleball shoe. According to Dr. Pinker, a good pickleball shoe should be fairly lightweight, have a solid heel counter, good insole cushioning, and a supportive midsole for shock absorption. Additionally, it's important to confirm that the shoe fits well and provides good ventilation.

With numerous pickleball shoe options to explore, we did the work for you by testing and identifying the best choices. We considered each shoe's unique features (e.g., improved cushioning, advanced lacing systems, enhanced lateral support), fit and comfort, weight and mobility, and overall performance throughout five different pickleball sessions on a variety of court surfaces.

Size availability: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Materials: Synthetic leather upper with rubber outsole | Functionalities: Molded EVA Sock Liner

K-Swiss, a company known for its stylish tennis shoes since the 1960s, has come out with a shoe intended for pickleball. We found that the shoe provided a supportive arch and stable sole while playing. The stretchy body of the shoe also contributes to its flexibility, essential for quick moves across the court.

A reviewer with a tennis background noted the shoe's stiff sole and its strong grip, particularly when playing on damp courts. Overall, these pickleball shoes provide the necessary court support and meet all expectations.

Size availability: 5-12 | Colors: 6 | Materials: Synthetic leather | Weight: 284 g/10 oz | Heel to toe drop: 10 mm | Functionalities: Flex grooves in outsole, wider gauge with wrap-up outsole

The Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes are an excellent starting point for beginner players. These shoes are reasonably priced and can also be used outside the court. Their midsoles are designed to minimize twisting, reducing chances of injury. The editor who tested these shoes commented favorably on the sole's textured design, which aids in grip and multidirectional play.

These Asics shoes feature light cushioning, arch support, and ankle support. However, they may be a bit narrow for individuals with wide feet.

Size availability: 7-14 | Colors: 3 | Materials: EVA base with Nylex top | Weight: Average of 392 g, depending on size | Heel to toe drop: 4mm | Functionalities: Heel stabilizer, aeration system

The Tyrol Drive V shoe is recommended for those involved in more active or competitive pickleball playing. They offer a firm grip on the court and are remarkably durable. Players with wider feet can comfortably wear these shoes due to their toe box design. However, it might take about three weeks, playing three days each week, to break these shoes in properly.

While these shoes initially caused foot fatigue, they ultimately turned out to be supportive and comfortable. Almost all testers agreed that these shoes were a bit rigid and heavy at first but found them quite comfortable once broken in. While they might be a little pricier, they are considered a worthwhile investment for dedicated players.

Size availability: 7.5-14 | Colors: 1 (Red & Black) | Materials: Mesh, nylon, silicon, leather | Functionalities: Tread around the contour of the shoe, flexible material

The “TYLER” Signature Edition Pro Shoes from Acacia Sport offer superb support and durability. Their lightness, combined with superior grip, enhances traction and movement. The unique PlusLace technology, featuring an extra eyelet, gives a snug fit at the foot’s top, letting you loosen the lower laces to minimize pressure at the heel.

These shoes come with a wide toe box that effectively limits foot movement, providing stability, without cramping your toes. One user shared that they felt stiff in the beginning, resembling cycling shoes, but comfort levels improved with usage. However, they come only in a single color, limiting matching options with your favorite skort or skirt.

Available sizes: 6-15 | Colors: 5 | Materials: Rubber, mesh | Features: Midsole design technology, full-length outsole, heel for stability

The shoes, designed majorly for pickleball, incorporate patented technology ensuring support and stability. Without naming the techniques, these shoes boast a flexible upper for ease of movement and a durable outsole in the heel and toe spaces. With gel technology utilized in the rearfoot and forefoot, impact absorption is significantly improved. Additionally, there are three unique shoe tech types enhancing durability and stability.

Many users have praised the shoes for their snug fit and support. Various testers found them very comforting yet encompassing. One user shared their initial fears about their toes getting squashed at the shoe’s tip, which turned out not to be a problem. However, people with wider feet may find them too narrow.

Available sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 5 | Materials: Synthetic leather, rubber | Features: CMEVA Midsole, Molded Rubber Outsole

Made by K-Swiss, these lightweight pickleball shoes can enhance agility on the court. As the sport demands a lot of swift movements, sudden reactions, and quick sprints, being light on your feet proves to be a boon. The EVA sock liner made of rubber-like material lends flexibility, helping you navigate across the court comfortably.

The superior shoe grip that extends over the toes from the outsole is especially commendable. A tester remarked how great the shoe grip was, enabling them to pivot rapidly, halt, run, and switch directions very smoothly. Nonetheless, wear and tear were visible after six months of use, particularly at the toe area, but this was due to prolonged hours of intense play.

Available sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 3 | Materials: Mesh, rubber | Features: Midsole support, low cut, lightweight

If you are looking to wear the same pair of shoes for both pickleball and tennis, these shoes from Nike can serve the purpose. With their lightness and breathability, these shoes were well-received. We also found that the cushioning is adequate, but not excessive.

During trials, our tester felt that the shoe soles didn't grip as well when compared with other shoes but were still satisfactory for their requirements. They appreciated the stretchy internal sleeve that held the foot in position, as it gave a snug fit without causing discomfort to the foot's top. They did point out that after a few months of usage, wearing out of the sole was visible, with their frequency of play being about three times a week for 1-2 hours.

Available sizes: 8-13 | Colors: 3 | Materials: Rubber, mesh | Features: Removable insole, lightweight cushioning, Goodyear rubber outsole

For those not in favor of lace-up pickleball shoes, these Slip-ins from Skechers offer a good alternative. The design easily withstands quick movements on the court, and we felt that the shoes provided excellent support and responded well to our movements. The Goodyear rubber outsole gave excellent grip, mentioned explicitly by our tester. Comparatively, these shoes felt more durable than other Sketcher’s pickleball shoes.

We particularly liked the removable Arch Fit insole, beneficial for those with a falling arch. Though the slip-in design is straightforward, the shoes can feel quite snug overall. However, our tester was not bothered by this, stating that the snug fit made them feel more secure while moving sideways.

Available sizes: 7-13 | Colors: 3 | Materials: Mesh, rubber | Features: Arch support, removable insole, Goodyear rubber outsole

With the Skechers Viper Court Pro Pickleball Shoes, you won’t have to worry about slipping and sliding during pickleball games. These pickleball sneakers are made with rubber outsoles from Goodyear, you know, the company that makes car tires. With a tire-like grip, these shoes keep you upright even after those last-minute dives. We like that it provides an excellent grip and solid ground stability on the court. What we find unique about this shoe is that it offers a comfortable design for those with semi-wide feet. 

Our tester had great things to say about the grip, stating, “I think this grip on these is superb. The Goodyear rubber is phenomenal on indoor gyms and hard courts. The rubber, in combination with the size of the footbed, makes me feel really grounded on the court, but when needing to hop or jump for a spike, it does so with ease.” One thing to note is that these pickleball shoes have an upper mesh that might be prone to wear and tear. 

Available sizes: 7-14 | Colors: 3 | Materials: Rubber and mesh | Heel to toe drop: 9 mm | Features: Wide toe box, midsole foam

A little bounce goes a long way in a game that requires you to get around the court quickly and make fast recoveries. The midsole of the Wilson Rush Pro Ace is built with specialized foam that offers cushion and rebound to help achieve that bounce. We particularly liked the cushioning under the ball of the foot, which felt springy and allowed for quick movements. We also appreciated the grip, which allows you to change directions quickly without fumbling or falling over. 

The bounce may make pickleball’s sudden movements a bit easier on the joints, too. The one downside of this pair is the lack of color options. 

Shannon Ullman is a health and wellness writer. She’s been getting into pickleball over the past three years, and thinks she’s finally getting better at it. She started playing pickleball in trail running shoes, because that’s all she had, but over the past three months, Shannon has been using Skechers Viper Court Elite, one of our picks on this list. “These have dramatically helped my game, especially as I started playing indoors at my local community center,” she shares. “The players here are much more seasoned than me, but I feel like I can keep up since the shoes have a grip that keeps me from fumbling over my own feet.”

Shannon collaborated with Shape editors and testers on their insights after testing dozens of pickleball shoes over a period of several weeks. She also interviewed podiatrist Dr. Bruce Pinker for this story to explain the ins and outs of pickleball shoes and what someone should look for when making a purchase.