As a pickleball player, you know that having the right shoes can make a huge difference in your performance. Playing pickleball is fun when you can change direction quickly and effortlessly, without worrying about rolling your ankle. In this article, we will share with you the best pickleball shoes to help you play the game with ease. We’ll also give you a little bit of information about each one so that you can decide which pair is best for you. Let’s get started!
What Are The Best Pickleball Shoes?
- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe: Best overall
- ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoe: Best for indoor courts
- Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoes: Best for competitive players
- Adidas Barricade Club Tennis Shoes: Best lightweight pickleball shoe
- New Balance MC806 Tennis Shoe: Best for ankle and foot protection
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe
Overview
The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe is one of the first shoes made specifically for pickleball. This shoe’s midsole is supported by enhanced EVA foam, giving you a lot of comfort while also guaranteeing that the shoe will hold up against the tough pickleball court.
The outsole is made from a high-density rubber compound with a modified herringbone grip, making it highly durable.The Express Light also includes a durawrap guard on the top of the shoe to protect against toe-dragging, which is a problem many players have.
Breathability is another feature we love about the Express Light. The Ortholite foam’s open-cell construction helps to wick moisture away, keeping your feet cool and dry.
Highlights
- EVA foam arch support through the midsole lends durability and comfort
- Abrasion-resistant Durawrap toe guard protects against wear and tear
- Breathable Ortholite foam helps keep feet cool and dry
Pricing
The K-Swiss Express Light is priced right in the middle of the pack when it comes to pickleball shoes. It is by no means the least expensive option, but it isn’t a budget item either.
Bottom Line
The K-Swiss Express Light is one of the best options on the market, especially if you are looking for a shoe made specifically for pickleball. The combination of durability, comfort, and breathability makes it a great choice for any player.
ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoe
Overview
Indoor pickleball courts largely resemble volleyball courts, so volleyball shoes are a great choice for pickleball as well. The ASICS Gel-Rocket is a great option for those looking for pickleball shoes with foot support.
This shoe has a semi-rigid midsole that provides both comfort and arch support. Among this shoe’s key features are its Forefoot Gel Cushioning System for shock absorption during impact and TRUSSTIC System Technology, which minimizes sole weight while improving structural integrity. This means that the ASICS Gel-Rocket can provide much-needed support without sacrificing comfort for players with plantar fasciitis, bunions, or other foot problems.
On the outside, the outsole and outrigger provide a functional support component during side-to-side movements. And when your feet hit the hard ground, the heel wrap-up expands the contact area for a smoother landing.
Highlights
- Rigid midsole provides support for pickleball players with foot problems
- Forefoot Gel Cushioning System absorbs shock
- TRUSSTIC System Technology minimizes sole weight while improving structural integrity
- Heel wrap-up expands contact area for a smoother landing
Pricing
The ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 is one of the least expensive shoes on our list. This makes it a great option for those on a budget or for those who are just getting started with pickleball.
Bottom Line
The ASICS Gel-Rocket is a great choice for pickleball players looking for support and comfort on indoor pickleball courts. The shoe’s midsole provides rigidity and support while the Forefoot Gel Cushioning System absorbs shock. This is a great shoe to consider if you suffer from foot problems.
Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoes
Overview
If you’re a competitive pickleball player who needs a shoe that can withstand the aggressive movements of the game, then you need a shoe like the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic.
This shoe is designed for speed and agility, with a lightweight upper that provides breathability and support. The midsole is made from responsive cushioning material, and the outsole has a herringbone tread pattern for grip.
The sock-like, two-layered upper of the Adidas Men’s Adizero Ubersonic 4 tennis shoes allows your foot to comfortably fit and change direction with ease. The top half of the shoe is constructed from a single layer that features a sock-like feel and design, while the bottom half is made up of a two-toned Primegreen woven weave.
Highlights
- Lightweight upper provides breathability and support
- Responsive cushioning for energy return
- Sock-like, two-layered upper allows your foot to comfortably fit and change direction with ease
Pricing
The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic is another shoe that is priced right in the middle, though more on the high end. But if you are an experienced pickleball player, you need a show like this to provide support.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic is a great choice for outdoor pickleball players who need a little extra support and durability. The shoe’s two-layered upper provides breathability and support, while the responsive cushioning material gives you the energy return you need to stay competitive.
Adidas Barricade Club Tennis Shoes
Overview
Lightweight and durable are the two words that best describe the Adidas Barricade Club tennis shoes.
Even though the shoes arent too heavy, they’re engineered for outdoor tennis courts. The upper is made of a lightweight, breathable mesh that conforms to your foot.
The Adidas Barricade Club tennis shoes have an ADIPRENE+ cushioning system in the forefoot and heel for maximum comfort and extra bounce. The outsole is made of non-marking rubber and features a herringbone pattern for traction on all surfaces.
Highlights
- Lightweight and durable
- Engineered for outdoor tennis courts, but great on any terrain
- ADIPRENE+ cushioning system for maximum comfort and extra bounce
Pricing
The Adidas Barricade Club is the most expensive shoe on our list, thanks to its engineering. However, it is worth the extra cost, especially considering its features.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Barricade Club is the best choice for pickleball players who need a lightweight and durable shoe. The shoes are engineered for outdoor tennis courts but work great on any terrain. The ADIPRENE+ cushioning system provides maximum comfort and extra bounce, while the non-marking rubber outsole gives you traction on any kind of terrain.
New Balance MC806 Tennis Shoe
Overview
The New Balance Men’s MC806 D Width Tennis Shoe is a standard tennis style from one of the most trustworthy names in sports. The MC806 is equipped with a non-marking herringbone outsole with NDurance technology to provide maximum traction and durability and a 10mm drop from sole to heel.
It is also fitted with a rear foot movement minimizer and Lightning Dry finish that keeps your feet agile and dry. Underneath, ABZORB technology in the midfoot provides cushioning and compression resistance.
Highlights
- Non-marking herringbone outsole with NDurance technology for maximum traction and durability
- Rear foot movement minimizer keeps your feet agile and dry
- ABZORB technology in the midfoot provides cushioning and compression resistance
Pricing
The New Balance Men’s MC806 D Width Tennis Shoe is another middle-priced shoe, but it is on the lower end. This makes it a great choice for beginner and intermediate players who need good-quality shoes without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line
The New Balance Men’s MC806 D Width Tennis Shoe is a great choice for pickleball players looking for a reliable brand. The shoes are equipped with a non-marking herringbone outsole with NDurance technology for maximum traction and durability, while the midfoot allows for compression resistance and outstanding cushioning.
FAQ
What kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball?
Ideally, you’ll want to wear shoes specifically designed for pickleball like the K-Swiss Express Light. While there aren’t too many pickleball-specific shoes, the best substitutes are tennis shoes for outdoor courts and volleyball shoes for indoor courts.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
Indoor gym courts are generally made of wood, which is more slippery than outdoor courts. Volleyball shoes are excellent for this type of surface due to their soles that grip that floor well.
Outdoor courts are either asphalt or concrete, very similar if not identical to tennis courts. If you play on outdoor courts, you’ll want durable tennis shoes which are designed to withstand the wear and tear of the court.
Can you wear tennis shoes for pickleball?
Yes! Tennis shoes are fantastic for outdoor pickleball courts, which are very similar to tennis courts. You’ll want to opt for volleyball shoes when playing on indoor courts.
Can you wear running shoes for pickleball?
No! Running shoes are not designed for indoor or outdoor pickleball courts. In pickleball, you must be able to change direction quickly on a specific surface type. You are much more likely to trip or roll an ankle with running shoes on a pickleball court.
Do I really need two pairs of pickleball shoes?
It depends on how often you play! Because the court surface is very different on indoor vs. outdoor courts, it make sense to have two pairs of pickleball shoes. To make things easier, you can purchase a pickleball bag to carry your extra shoes, paddels, and balls.
What is the difference between a partial herringbone tread pattern vs. full herringbone?
A partial (or modified) herringbone tread pattern describes the outsole of most pickleball shoes and court shoes. A full herringbone tread pattern is designed for clay tennis courts, so be sure to avoid them when choosing pickleball shoes!
How long do pickleball shoes last?
Pickleball shoes tend to last a minimum of 6 months if you’re playing consistently, 3 times per week.
How to clean pickleball shoes
- Do not machine wash
- Use a soft-bristled brush to remove excess dirt
- Use a damp, warm cloth with mild detergent to clean the outer material
- Pat dry then let air-dry at room temperature
Final Thoughts
Pickleball court shoes are designed to help elevate your game. With the right pair, you can quickly change the direction and maintain your balance. Similar to tennis and volleyball shoes, the best pickleball shoes are suited for the court you are playing on. In this article, we share five of the best shoes on the market that are perfect for any player. Our top picks include the New Balance Men’s MC806 D Width Tennis Shoe, which is equipped with a non-marking herringbone outsole with NDurance technology for maximum traction and durability.
Happy pickleballing! 🙂
