These Pickleball Shoes Will Have You Acing Your Game

Just like the name implies, these shoes are no-nonsense. A flat sole means you won’t feel off-balance while running to return a shot, and the herringbone tread is extra grippy on courts to aid in quick pivots. Aside from the technical aspects, the shoe itself has a cushy insole to make every step comfortable, and a waterproof coating ensures your feet stay dry even if you get caught playing in a rainstorm. 

Basketball shoes have a reputation for being the most stylish sport sneakers, but these give the category a run for its money. Not only are they stylish, but they’re made for peak performance. Breathable mesh panels keep your feet from getting too sweaty, a padded tongue and ankle area offer comfort and security, and additional rubber in the toe provides extra durability and traction. 

We’ll admit these aren’t the most stylish shoes, but to improve your game, at some point you’ll have to pick function over fashion. Reviewers say these are amazing for pickleball and can last through about six months of daily playing. The slightly arched midsole provides arch support and helps reduce foot twisting and the risk of injury.

Similar to tennis, pickleball requires a lot of quick, lateral movements. To make those moves safely and without sliding around in your shoes, opt for sneakers that fit comfortably snug. These K-Swiss kicks have a structured liner on the outside that’s lightweight and easy to move in, but it keeps the sole of your foot from slipping around. There’s even reinforcement around the toe and heel area to help you grip the court, too. 

Good balance is impossible if your toes are all scrunched up in a too-narrow shoe, which is why the wide toe box on these court shoes are non-negotiable. Reviewers say that this pair from adidas is amazing for both tennis and pickleball, as it’s designed for fast-paced movement on hard courts. Plus, there are “Energy Rods” in the midsole that act like little springs for your feet, helping propel you to the ball with less effort. Just don’t tell your opponents you’ve got a leg up.

If you prefer a sock-like fit in your shoes, this is the pair for you. A fabric upper hugs the curves and shape of your feet while also offering extreme breathability for those who get hot when they hit the courts. Reviewers do warn that these run about a half size small, so consider that before ordering.

Ankle support is just as important as arch and heel support in a court shoe, and reviewers love the slightly higher fit around the achilles tendon in these shoes, which almost cradles the ankle. Combined with a memory foam insole and built-in arch support, reviewers rave about how comfortable these are for daily play. 

Another option for those who need room to wiggle their toes is this model from adidas. Extra cushion on the balls of the feet alleviates pain from pushing off to reach tough shots, while a durable outsole means you won’t wear them down too quickly, even if you play pickleball daily. Even better? These are made from 50 percent recycled materials. 

Consider this a two-for-one shoe. While it looks like it could be a regular old sneaker, it’s actually built to be worn while volleying or serving up the perfect drop shot. It’s made from a durable leather that won’t easily rip or tear with repeated wear, and the insole is soft and supportive for everyday wear. 

Of course tennis legend Roger Federer has his own tennis shoe, and of course it’s made in collaboration with Molner’s favorite running shoe brand. A padded interior helps absorb impact and distribute your weight, helping transform the energy from your heel strike into forward movement without any delay.