The saying “where the rubber meets the road” couldn’t be more true when it comes to pickleball court shoes. Luckily, shoes today have come a long way, designed to handle the demands of quick lateral movements, sharp stops, toe drags, and those explosive leaps for sideline dinks and drives.
After testing and enjoying brands like Diadem, K-Swiss, and Asics over the past year, I was eager to try something new, particularly a more budget-friendly option. Acacia Sports kept showing up on my radar (mostly through social media), so I decided to give their Acacia ProShot pickleball shoes a try.
After six weeks of solid testing, I have to say, I’m disappointed. Compared to my go-to Diadem Court Burst, the ProShots fell short. Overall, I’m giving them a 2 out of 5 balls rating.
Support & Durability: Durable nylon upper with ankle and arch support.
Comfort & Balance: Wide toe box and elevated heels for balance and control.
Shock Absorption: Gel insoles provide some cushioning and odor control.
Quick Movements: Non-marking outsole with drag guards for lateral agility.
By the Numbers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 (true to fit for me) |
| Weight | 13.1 oz per shoe (as tested) |
| Colors | 2 options: Royal Blue and Black |
| Price | $80-129.99 |
Nuts and Bolts
- Upper flyknit honeycomb ballistic nylon with rubber side guards
Insole silica gel anti-microbial with silicone heel insert and foam midsole insert - Midsole water resistant ARK-Technology EVA foam
- Outsole non-marking ant-wear gum rubber, mid texture pattern, with elevated heel; molded/structured midsole
- Arch – moderate to medium high
- Tongue – premium padding, secured to lacing
- Fit – gender neutral, wide fitting
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the shoes felt solid and well-built, without being too heavy. The styling was decent, though a bit on the chunky side, and the bright royal blue color was almost blinding. The padding inside and the sole looked substantial, and the ballistic nylon upper seemed durable. After switching into my favorite no-show pickleball socks, I slipped them on.
The fit was spot on—even after tying the laces, there was just enough room around my toes, with no pinching or tightness. They definitely passed the fit test.
However, my first few steps felt clunky, and the cushioning I was used to was noticeably missing. I also heard a bit of a slap as my forefoot hit the ground. I decided to take them for a walk around the block.
While the fit stayed comfortable after 15 minutes, the lack of cushioning really stood out. It felt like wearing cheap running shoes without proper padding.
Game On… Play Testing
First Try: Hot Day, Hot Feet
My first run with these shoes was outdoors on a hot day. They handled lateral movement, quick stops, and starts like a champ—no foot sliding, and the grip from the rubber sole was solid. The shoes felt stable and comfortable at first. However, after about 30 minutes, I noticed my feet were getting unusually warm. Another half hour later, and they were roasting.
It felt like the shoes just weren’t breathing, which isn’t typical for my feet with any of my athletic shoes. Plus, the lack of cushioning really started to show—both the balls and heels of my feet were aching.
Second Try: Indoor Play—Same Story
I have to admit, I was hesitant to wear them again, but I wanted to give them a fair shot. This time, I played indoors on a sport court surface. The fit was still good, but I began to feel a slight lateral roll in my ankle during play.
After 90 minutes, my feet were sweaty and overheated again. The cushioning was only marginally better on the softer surface, but still not enough.
Final Verdict: A Dealbreaker
Two weeks later, I tried them for some pitching machine drills, hoping for better results. Unfortunately, it was the same story: lack of cushioning, ankle instability, and hot feet. After just 30 minutes, I noticed the rubber side guard on both shoes had started peeling off.
The adhesive had delaminated from the upper material, which was disappointing after only 3 hours of total use.
This was the final straw—these shoes didn’t perform well, and their durability was questionable at best.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Styling | 3.5 |
| Fit | 4 |
| Cushioning | 2 |
| Lateral Support | 3.5 |
| Response | 2 |
| Breathability | 1.5 |
| Price Point | 3 |
| Durability | 2 |
| Overall | 2 |
I had high hopes for this lower-priced shoe from Acacia Sports, a solid 25-year-old company that specializes in just three sports—pickleball, broomball, and curling. But unfortunately, I can’t recommend the Acacia ProShot based on my experience. Other reviews have been pretty underwhelming as well. While the Acacia Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro shoe at $109.99 might be a better choice, I’d still be hesitant to take the risk.
If you’re looking for something under $110, the Asics Gel-Dedicate 8 at $60.31 or the K-Swiss Express Light at $104.95 are both excellent options that have performed really well. And if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Diadem Court Burst (full review here) at $150 is my top pick.
Pickle on, my friends, pickle on!
