We’ve said it before, and it’s worth repeating: your court shoes are just as important as your paddle—maybe more so when it comes to comfort, safety, and staying quick on your feet. And if you’re not wearing actual court shoes—ideally ones designed for pickleball—it’s time to seriously rethink your footwear game.
So when we saw that one of the world’s oldest sports gear brands teamed up with Michelin to design a sleek, high-tech pickleball shoe, we were all in. Babolat (that’s bob-o-lah, by the way), the 150-year-old French company known for racquet sports, recently dropped the Jet Mach Pickleball shoe. We’ve been testing it out over the last few weeks, and spoiler: vintage meets modern in a pretty impressive way.
Final verdict? A solid 4.25 out of 5 balls for performance, comfort, and value. Here’s why it might be worth lacing up.
Light & Fast: Built for quick, agile movement.
Soft Landings: Cushioned heel for smooth transitions.
Supportive Fit: Matryx EVO upper for comfort and stability.
Grippy Sole: Michelin rubber for traction and durability.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight (Size 12) | 13.7 oz per shoe |
| Color Options | 1 (Chartreuse with Navy) |
| Heel Drop | 10mm |
| Price | $149 |
Video Review
Nuts And Bolts
- Upper – Matryx EVO woven fabric with aramide and polyamide
- Insole – OrthoLite molded composition foam
- Midsole/Heel – KPRS-X-2 EVA
- Midsole Arch Outer– rigid molded composite with ventilation port
- Toe Guard – flexible rubber
- Sole – Michelin Premium rubber – composite
First Impressions
I expected a jolt of neon before even opening the box—but wow, this shoe doesn’t hold back. The upper and laces are drenched in bright chartreuse, balanced by a navy sole. It’s bold—maybe too bold for some—but I was into it.
The upper features Babolat’s Matryx EVO woven material with a subtle jacquard pattern and hints of navy thread. The tongue is attached, nicely padded, and a bit longer than average. Inside, the Ortholite insole offers modest arch support—something to note if you typically need a higher arch.
In hand, the shoes felt sturdy but impressively light. The outsole extends slightly at the heel and forefoot, giving it a stable base, while the tread—no surprise here—resembles a lugged tire pattern, thanks to the Michelin design.
Fit was true to size—neither too narrow and nor too wide—and paired comfortably with my usual thin, cushioned DarnTough brand socks. A mile walk? No rubbing, no hot spots, and solid cushioning throughout.
Game On: Play Testing
I took the Jet Machs out for their first spin on an indoor court. After a light warm-up and a couple of games, they started to settle in nicely. Naturally, I found myself comparing them to my go-to pair, the Diadem Court Burst—but more on that later.
Lateral and forward movement felt solid. No toe jamming, no forward sliding—though there was a slight bit of foot movement during fast side steps. The cushioning was right where it should be: supportive without being squishy. Push-off from both heel and toe felt smooth and responsive. Traction was excellent, and the shoe’s flexibility was impressive straight out of the box. I felt fast, balanced, and court-ready. After 90 minutes, no soreness, no pressure points—just good play.
Over several more indoor and outdoor rec sessions, the Jet Machs kept delivering. Comfortable, light, and with decent energy return—though not quite as snug or springy as the Diadems. After 5 weeks, they’re still going strong with no visible wear. Solid performance in every category.
Babolat Jet Mach vs. Diadem Court Burst
The Diadem Court Burst has earned its reputation—it’s been called the best pickleball-specific shoe of 2024, and I’d agree. It’s been my go-to for a reason. But with the launch of the Babolat Jet Mach, it made sense to put them head-to-head.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Category | Babolat Jet Mach | Diadem Court Burst | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13.45 oz (Size 12) – noticeably lighter | Heavier by 2.5 oz | Jet Mach |
| Stability & Support | Good, but less foot-cradling support | Excellent stability and arch support | Court Burst |
| Lacing & Tongue | Padded and comfortable | Padded with a better fit and feel | Court Burst |
| Outsole Traction | Great grip and flexibility | Equally strong grip and responsiveness | Tie |
| Breathability | Well-ventilated woven upper | Slightly better airflow | Court Burst |
| Style & Colors | Sleek design, one color option | Great look, more color variety | Court Burst |
| Price | $150 | $150 | Tie |
If weight is your top priority, the Jet Mach delivers a noticeably lighter ride. But when it comes to overall support, comfort, and customization, the Court Burst still leads the pack.
That said, both are excellent court shoes—and you can’t go wrong with either at the $150 price point.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Styling | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 (1 color option) |
| Fit | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ |
| Cushioning | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¾ |
| Lateral Support | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Response | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ |
| Traction | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Breathability | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ |
| Price Point | 🎾🎾🎾¾ |
| Overall | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¼ |
I couldn’t find any real flaws with the Jet Mach—it performed well and held up across multiple sessions. That said, my rating also considers price, and at $150, the Diadem Court Burst still edges it out overall, especially if highlighter-level chartreuse isn’t your vibe. However, please note that Babolat makes some other models and colors of court shoes, including the Jet Mach 3,
That said, if you have a wider foot, don’t need much arch support, and prefer a lighter shoe, the Jet Mach could be a great fit. You can always swap in a higher-arched insole for extra support, but keep in mind that adds to the cost and weight.
Also worth noting: Diadem just dropped a new pickleball-specific shoe, the Court Flo, which comes in at a lower price and promises all-day comfort both on and off the court. We’ll be reviewing that one soon—stay tuned!
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
