Best Pickleball Shoes (2023)
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having proper footwear can make a big difference when you play pickleball.
Make sure to select dedicated pickleball shoes to get the most out of your pickleball game. Sure, you could wear running shoes, volleyball shoes, or regular tennis shoes to save some money, but they won’t do much to help improve agility or performance like pickleball shoes will.
Plus, looking good on the court is always a bonus – pick one with a stylish design and color you love!
What are the Best Shoes for Pickleball?
The best pickleball shoes should provide cushioning to protect your feet from hard surfaces, stability for quick side-to-side movements, and durability to withstand long hours on the pickleball court. They should also be lightweight enough for easy maneuverability and breathable to keep your feet cool during intense games.
A court shoe specifically designed for pickleball provides the traction, support, and breathability you need to keep going on the court. These court shoes are made with a slightly wider sole, a big plus when doing all that pivoting and rapid movement pickleball requires.
In this blog post, we will review some of the best pickleball shoes available in 2023, for both indoor and outdoor play, discussing their features and benefits so that you can find the perfect pair for your needs!
Head Revolt Pro 4.0 – Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes for Men
Overview
The Head Revolt Pro 4.0 men’s pickleball shoe is an ideal choice for playing on outdoor courts. It’s lightweight and has a very supportive midsole which will give you great cushioning for hours of very comfortable play.
The breathable upper shoe gives you some great ventilation and also features an exterior that emphasizes protection against wear and tear.
Another great feature of this shoe is its extremely grippy outsole, which means superior traction when running and pivoting in quick directions.
Features
- Sizing: True to size
- Heel Width: Standard (77mm)
- Midsole Width: Slightly Wide (93mm)
- Toe Box Width: Standard (95mm)
- Attached Tongue: No
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Weight: 14.2 oz.
- Outsole Guarantee: Yes
Price
$99
Scott’s Take
Customers have praised the Revolt Pro 4.0 for its durability, stability, and modern look. If you’re hard on your shoes but you also want a durable option that still looks good, this is going to be a good shoe for you!
There’s going to be a little bit of a break-in period for these shoes, so plan to practice in them a few games before any serious competition. On the other hand, they should really last quite a while without wearing out, which is probably why Head has a 6-month guarantee on the outsole.
If you know you’re going to be playing on an outdoor court a lot, the durability of this shoe is what makes the Head Revolt Pro 4.0 a great outdoor pickleball choice!
K-Swiss Express Light – Best Indoor Pickleball Shoes for Men
Overview
The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoe for men is the perfect choice for indoor pickleball play. This lightweight shoe provides superior traction and its great shock absorption helps reduce foot fatigue for those games that are more than just casual.
The breathable upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable while you’re playing, which is really important if you’re going to be playing indoors for long hours. The cushioning midsole supports your foot nicely as you abruptly change direction during long volleys. Plus, the stylish dark blue and white color option looks great!
Features
- Sizing: True to size
- Heel Width: Slightly Narrow (68mm)
- Midsole Width: Slightly Narrow (77mm)
- Toe Box Width: Standard (97mm)
- Attached Tongue: No
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
Price
$99.95
Scott’s Take
Customers have given the shoe high ratings for its comfort, stability, breathability, and performance. The price point is also reasonable, for a high-quality shoe that averages 5-star reviews, making it an affordable option even for those looking to get into the sport.
These shoes will give you great support and won’t take much time at all to break in. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this shoe offers great value for the money you’ll spend.
Tyrol Striker Pro V – Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes for Women
Overview
The Striker Pro V Pickleball shoe is the ultimate outdoor pickleball shoe for women! Designed with a breathable mesh upper and protective toe cap, it’s a comfortable pickleball-specific shoe that provides superior traction for your game.
Its cushioning system makes sure you stay light on your feet, helping to maximize agility during rallies. That combined with its durable rubber outsole makes it perfect for use on hard court surfaces. The mid-cut collar adds extra ankle support while the secure lace system keeps your feet snugly in place.
Last of all, the wide toe box allows for maximum comfort and flexibility!
Features
- Sizing: If you’re in between sizes go with the smaller size
- Heel Width: Slightly Wide (69mm)
- Midsole Width: Slightly Wide (80mm)
- Toe Box Width: Wide (94mm)
- Attached Tongue: No
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Weight: 13.2 oz.
Price
$150
Scott’s Take
If you’re an advanced pickleball player and in the market for a shoe made specifically for outdoor courts, this is the shoe for you. But, you’re definitely at a higher price point with these shoes, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for casual beginners.
It has rave reviews from customers and offers superior durability and performance on all your court adventures. Not only is it comfortable and supportive, but it also looks great too! The contemporary design stands out from other shoes on the market with its bold colors and sleek silhouette.
So if you’re looking for a shoe that’ll give you optimal performance during pickleball play along with superior longevity, then don’t hesitate to check out the Tyrol Striker Pro V today!
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 – Best Indoor Pickleball Shoes for Women
Overview
The K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 women’s pickleball shoes are a great option for indoor pickleball. These lightweight shoes feature a synthetic upper for breathability and an outsole designed for maximum grip on any court surface.
These shoes have a Surgelite midsole for flexible, durable cushioning. Surgelite is part of K-Swiss’ premium cushioning system, Surge.
Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, these shoes will give you the support that you need to move quickly and comfortably around the court. With its superior performance and stylish look, the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 is a great option, especially for those who tend to play indoor more often than outdoor.
Features
- Sizing: True to size
- Width: Generous medium
- Arch: Low
- Break-in time: None
- Weight: 10.8 ounces (size 8.5)
- Durability Guarantee: No
- Surface: All Court
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- Rubber Outsole
- CMEVA Midsole
- Molded Ortholite x40 Sock Liner
- Lace Closure
Price
$99.95
Scott’s Take
These shoes don’t require a break-in period, so you can get right to playing your best game. Customer feedback and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with many players noting that the shoes are comfortable and supportive, providing great stability on the court.
Customers also love the secure fit and flexible sole that makes it easy to move quickly around the court. K-Swiss also makes this shoe in 10 different colors, which is a big plus if you’re like me and you’re picky about what your shoes look like.
Heavy testing has found them to be durable, making them an ideal choice if you’re looking for a reliable shoe for pickleball that will last a while. K-Swiss does a great job with their pickleball shoes. All in all, the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 women’s pickleball shoes are some of the best shoes for indoor pickleball!
Conclusion
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport, so having the best pickleball shoes is essential because they will provide comfort, stability and maneuverability. Choosing the best pair of pickleball shoes will not only protect your feet and help prevent injury, but it can also increase your performance by providing traction when playing on various court surfaces.
At the end of the day, the shoes that you pick should leave you feeling confident and ready to play. With properly fitting and comfortable shoes, you’ll be able to move with ease on the court, hit strong shots, and make quick adjustments as needed.
So don’t just wear any old tennis shoe. At the very least choose a shoe designed for both tennis and pickleball or even better a dedicated pickleball shoe!
A great pair of shoes can bring some style to your game! So when you go shopping for the best pickleball shoes remember – confidence, comfort and fashion are king!
With so many different styles and options available, selecting the best pickleball shoes for your game can seem overwhelming. Hopefully this information will help you to find the pair that best suits your needs.
Check out this additional post, if you’d like to read about other pickleball accessories that can help you master the game.
FAQ
What makes a sneaker good for pickleball?
The best pickleball shoe should be lightweight and offer cushioning, good arch support and proper ventilation. It should also fit perfectly so that you have maximum support with minimal interference during movements. Just as important, it should be durable enough to last through several games of pickleball against tough opponents!
Is there a difference between regular tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?
The short answer is yes. While pickleball and tennis both require similar footwork, the differences in the courts, balls, paddles and gameplay make them two distinct sports. Pickleball shoes are specifically designed to meet the needs of pickleball players and provide superior lateral support, traction and cushioning compared to traditional tennis shoes.
When it comes to features, there are several things that set pickleball shoes apart from tennis shoes. Most notably, pickleball shoes are typically lighter than their tennis counterparts as they use lightweight materials such as synthetic mesh or microfiber leather for breathability and flexibility.
Additionally, many models feature extra cushioning in the heel area for shock absorption during quick lateral movements on the court. Stabilizing technology helps with balance and agility, while rubber outsoles provide excellent grip to help you stay on your feet.
So, if you’re going to wear tennis shoes for pickleball, you don’t want to choose just any casual pair. Look for a shoe specifically designed for both tennis and pickleball to maximize your performance and minimize potential injury. There are a lot of vendors out there that make a hybrid (tennis/pickleball) shoe.
Are running shoes OK for pickleball?
No, running shoes are not suitable for pickleball as they are focused on forward motion. Although running shoes may provide cushioning and stability, they usually lack traction and lateral support needed for the quick movements typical of pickleball. Additionally, the outsoles on running shoes are often too soft to provide enough grip on court surfaces.
When choosing a pair of pickleball shoes, look for styles made specifically for this sport that offer features like flexible uppers, breathable mesh panels, good shock absorption and excellent lateral support. Many brands also include extra cushioning in the heel area to reduce foot fatigue during long games. Moreover, select models feature lightweight EVA midsoles or foam-based insoles that provide added energy return while you move around the court.
Is there a difference between indoor pickleball shoes and outdoor pickleball shoes?
The answer is yes. While both types of shoes have the same basic features, like cushioning and stability, there are some differences between them that can make one type better suited for a certain surface than the other. So, if you’re more than a casual beginner you may want to consider shoes specific to the type of court you usually play on.
For indoor pickleball courts, it’s important to choose a shoe with lightweight material for play on hardwood and smooth surfaces. Breathability is also key since indoor courts tend to get warm and stuffy due to limited ventilation. Shoes made with mesh uppers or breathable fabrics help keep your feet cool during intense games. Indoor court shoes have an outsole that is a softer and stickier rubber so it gives a better grip on slick gym floors compared to regular tennis shoes.
Outdoor pickleball courts usually require a heavier and more durable shoe in order to withstand wear and tear caused by rough surfaces. Look for shoes with reinforced toe caps and soles that can withstand the elements. Traction is also important when playing on outdoor courts as you need to be able to quickly change direction without slipping or losing your balance. You may want to consider a shoe with aggressive tread patterns or multi-directional grips to ensure maximum grip and control on the court.
How often should you replace pickleball shoes?
Depending on how often you’re playing pickleball or if you typically play on an outdoor court, your shoes may need to be replaced every 3-4 months – or even more frequently if you’re playing at a competitive level. To keep yourself in the game, be sure to check the tread on your shoes from time to time and replace them when they start wearing down significantly.
If your shoes start slipping while you play, it’s definitely time for a new pair! So whatever level of pickler you are, make sure to pay attention to the condition of your shoes and be prepared to pick up some new ones now and then.
