It’s no secret that Katie is a pickleball queen — her cover shoot for In Pickleball magazine only cemented her status. She and Molner first got hooked on the game back in 2021, and they’ve since become avid players.
While pickleball is an amazing way to stay fit no matter your age or skill level, it’s also a social sport that can connect you to people you may not have met otherwise. (Meaning it offers plenty of benefits beyond the cardio and strength-building.) The first step to making it your new hobby is learning how to warm up and play the game, of course, but the next is ensuring you’ve got the right wardrobe and gear.
Aside from your paddle (Katie is partial to the ones from Recess), proper footwear may be the most important piece of equipment. The right shoes help prevent injury, providing your joints with the proper support during gameplay so you don’t go home with achy ankles or knee pain.
Not sure where to start? Here are the best pickleball shoes for maximum support and comfort.
The Best Pickleball Shoes
Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 Shoes
Skechers
This pair is part of a collection created by pro pickleballers Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau, so you know these responsive sneakers are going to up your game. 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 cradle the ankle. Combined with a memory foam insole and built-in arch support, reviewers rave about how comfortable these are for daily play.
HEAD Revolt Pro 4.0 Tennis Shoes

HEAD
According to Redditors, these are some of the best shoes you can get if you’re especially tough on your sneakers. The reinforced uppers keep your foot in place while you pivot and run, and reviewers say the insoles feel custom and are amazing for plantar fasciitis. The heel cup is supportive and snug, and there’s padding around the ankle area to offer support and comfort during gameplay.
On The Roger Clubhouse Tennis Sneaker

Nordstrom
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.
Wilson Pickle Pro Shoes

Wilson
If you have wide feet, then you know the struggle of finding shoes that fit you properly. These have a wider toe box than usual, to give you extra room to move around without compromising stability; and the padded tongue and collar give you an all-around plush feeling. One reviewer said she didn’t need her regular orthotic inserts in these, as the insole gives enough cushion and arch support.
Nike Zoom Challenge

Nike
Basketball shoes have a reputation for being the most stylish sport sneakers, but these give them a run for their 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.
Asics GEL-Renma Pickleball Shoes

Zappos
We’ll admit these aren’t the most glamorous shoes, but sometimes you 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.
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe

Amazon
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.
adidas Adizero Cybersonic Tennis Shoes

adidas
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 key. 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.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2

Amazon
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.
Adidas Solematch Control Tennis Shoe

Amazon
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.