As pickleball grows in popularity so do the options for footwear to keep you grounded on the court. Here’s a player’s guide to the right pickleball shoes for stability, comfort and style.
Pickleball is not a sport for flimsy shoes—trust me, I’ve tried. After blowing through a pair of my regular gym shoes, I realized that what works on the treadmill doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to dart around the court, cover the kitchen, and occasionally crash the net.
Pickleball involves quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and frequent changes in direction, which can be tough on your feet and joints. Smart design focuses on providing better support, stability, and durability for these sharp movements.
Call me a pickle nerd but I’m always reading reviews of the latest gear and breakthrough technologies. No, it doesn’t improve my game but it makes me believe there are small advantages that come with making good choices about how you outfit yourself on the court.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned scrolling through review sites and talking to fellow picklers about their favorite shoes, not to mention noticing what my own feet are telling me.
For players like me who like to push the pace, hovering around the baseline before sprinting forward for quick returns, a shoe with serious lateral stability, like the Asics Gel-Resolution 9, offers a reinforced midfoot and a snug fit. Although originally crafted for tennis, it’s earned a place on pickleball courts for its solid control and “locked-in” feel, perfect for players needing support during rapid movements. Asics has been my go-to shoe for the past year or so.
My friend Cris has wide feet, and traditional court shoes don’t always cut it after hours of play. He swears by Acacia’s ProShot and DinkShot lines, with their extra padding and roomy toe boxes. The extra give allow his feet to expand naturally without sacrificing that secure fit. Here’s what’s coming up from Acacia for 2025.
Also for wide feet, Wilson’s Rush Pro Ace gets great reviews and sells for under $100. The Pro Ace combines breathable mesh with a cushioned heel-toe drop for comfort and support on the pickleball court. Stability is built around what Wilson bills as a “4D Support Chassis.” That’s sneaker talk for a symmetrical heel-toe chassis that limits supination (my favorite nation in the world) to help control pivot movements.
My pickleballing brother is prone to hot and sweaty feet, so breathability is a priority. He loves to blab about his Head Motion Pros, with their mesh upper and midfoot cooling system that ensure that air circulates and sweaty “bro foot” (a real medical condition) is minimized. Even on warm days in San Diego, where he lives, or during intense back-to-back games, his Heads help keep his feet dry, giving him the comfort to stay focused on kicking the butts of other 60-year-old dudes.
If you’re playing several times a week or often on rougher surfaces, durability is important. At my always-busy local pickleball courts in Santa Monica, K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme seems to be a favorite. That shoe caters to heavy use with its rugged DragGuard 7.0 outsoles and Durawrap flex uppers. Judging from how many of these I’ve seen, I’d say they are built to last through high-intensity play.
Looks wise, I’m a fan of the New Balance FuelCell 996v6. It’s like a future shoe, providing both aesthetic appeal and high-performance features (super sleek design, durable foam and rubber). With non-marking soles and a wraparound body, they’re as much a fashion statement as they are a reliable court shoe.
And then there are those of us who moonlight in other court sports—paddle tennis, padel—where you need something versatile. For that, Babolat Jet Mach 3 is a great crossover shoe. It’s sturdy and lightweight, with a Michelin sole for quick traction that works whether you’re on a paddle court in Venice Beach or hitting walls in a game of padel. It’s the ultimate shoe for anyone who dabbles in racquet sports, so if you play more than just pickleball, it’s worth considering.
My sister-in-law has been dealing with plantar fasciitis and loves her Kuru Quantum 2. Those shoes target heel and midsole support to alleviate any pain or discomfort. Though a little stiffer than other options, the structure relieves pressure, helping players like her with foot pain enjoy the game more comfortably.
Finally, if style and versatility is your priority—something you can wear on and off the court—Taos Advance combines solid arch and heel support with a retro, suede-and-leather design. I see it popping up on Instagram and I love the look for women (they don’t have a men’s version). It seems like a solid choice for players who go from game to socializing or from court to a night out.
In the end, choosing the right pickleball shoe depends on your specific needs—whether it’s stability for intense play, breathability for longer sessions, or a stylish option for all-day wear. Knowing what you need from a shoe allows you to find one that not only supports your game but enhances your experience on and off the court.
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