Pickleball Union earns a commission on purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you.
The best pickleball shoe we’ve tested is the SQAIRZ XRZ2. It scored 4.75 out of 5 for its toe room, stability and support, and it’s SQAIRZ’s newest model. If you want the most cushioning, get the PB5Star Court 2. For plush comfort under $120, get the Holbrook by Montis. On a budget, the original SQAIRZ XRZ now sells for $139 and still scored 4.5.
Every shoe on this page was worn on court by our testers, most of them by our product tester Drew McCartt, in regular rec play, drills and games. We don’t rank shoes we haven’t played in. The scores below are the ones published in each full review, unchanged.
Our picks at a glance
| Shoe | Best for | Our score | List price* | Full review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQAIRZ XRZ2 | Best overall | 4.75/5 | $159 | Read |
| PB5Star Court 2 | Best cushioning and insole | 4.75/5 | $159 ($149 women’s) | Read |
| Holbrook by Montis | Most comfortable | 4.75/5 | $109 to $119 | Read |
| JOOLA R4LLY | Best breathability | 4.75/5 | $180 | Read |
| Winners Edge P38 Lightning | Best support for big movers | 4.5/5 | $150 | Read |
| Franklin ACV Pro | Best for stability and long wear | 4.45/5 | from $129.99 | Read |
| SQAIRZ XRZ | Best value | 4.5/5 | $139 | Read |
*About prices: these are list prices. Shoe sales are frequent, so check the current price before you buy.
The shoe matters more than you think. When we ask new Pickleball Union subscribers what holds their game back, footwork comes up again and again, and you can’t move well in a shoe that slides, pinches or rolls over.
How we test pickleball shoes
- On court, not in the box. Each shoe is worn through regular rec play, drills and games before we score it.
- The same tester. Most of these shoes were tested by the same player, so the scores compare like for like.
- Scored on what matters on court: lateral stability, traction, cushioning, fit and toe room, comfort and breathability.
- No paid placements in the scores. Some brands here are Pickleball Union partners. Their scores are the same ones published in their reviews.
The best pickleball shoes of 2026
1. Best overall: SQAIRZ XRZ2
✅ Stable midfoot support
✅ Strong lateral balance
✅ Secure court grip
✅ Powerful push-off
Score: 4.75/5 · List price: $159 · Best for: players who want stability, toe room, support and durability
Why we picked it: Drew summed it up as toe room plus stability. It’s the new and improved version of the XRZ, with a reinforced upper, a new toe cap and a Blumaka insole, and it felt a touch more comfortable than the original.
The tradeoff: Drew called it the heaviest shoe he has tested. If you want a light, quick shoe, look at the PB5Star or the JOOLA R4LLY.
Also comes in a women’s version at the same price.
Read our full SQAIRZ XRZ2 review
2. Best cushioning and insole: PB5Star Court 2
- Dynamic Stability Assist™ for quick cuts
- 360° locked-in support
- Lightweight Strobel flex, breathable knit
- Multi-zone tread + high-abrasion grip
- Lace-lock fit with padded collar
Score: 4.75/5 · List price: $159 men’s, $149 women’s · Best for: players who want cushioning and arch support with stable cuts
Why we picked it: Its highly cushioned removable insole is the best Drew has tested, and in his words the shoe looks great and plays even better.
The tradeoff: The upper fabric attracts dirt, and it isn’t quite as flexible or snappy as a few competitors.
Read our full PB5Star Court 2 review
3. Most comfortable: Holbrook by Montis
- Player-designed for performance
- Cushioned, durable, and supportive
- Snug fit with no slippage
- Great value with solid service
Score: 4.75/5 · List price: $109 to $119 · Best for: players who want plush comfort at a lower price
Why we picked it: If you want plush comfort without sacrificing performance, Drew says, the Montis delivers. It’s also the least expensive shoe we’ve scored 4.75.
The tradeoff: On lateral responsiveness and quick push-off, Drew gave a slight edge to the Diadem Court Burst.
Read our full Holbrook by Montis review
4. Best breathability: JOOLA R4LLY
- Carbon-fiber stability shank
- Secure midfoot lockdown
- Responsive Qubit cushioning
- Built for lateral cuts
Score: 4.75/5 · List price: $180 · Best for: players who run hot and want comfort plus stability
Why we picked it: Comfort plus stability without sacrificing breathability, with a roomy toe box and strong lateral support indoors and out.
The tradeoff: Drew’s biggest complaint was the insole. It’s also the most expensive shoe on this list.
Read our full JOOLA R4LLY review
5. Best support for big movers: Winners Edge P38 Lightning
- Max Stability
- Serious Cushioning
- Roomy Toe Box
- Locked-In Fit
- Built to Last
Score: 4.5/5 · List price: $150 · Best for: frequent players, aggressive movers, heavier players and anyone who wants a roomy toe box
Why we picked it: Outstanding lateral support and foot security, with maximum cushioning.
The tradeoff: It’s less breathable than many top shoes.
Read our full Winners Edge P38 Lightning review
6. Best for stability and long wear: Franklin ACV Pro
- Roomy forefoot fit
- Secure heel lockdown
- Flexible forefoot grooves
- Built for quick court cuts
Score: 4.45/5 · List price: from $129.99 · Best for: players who want a stable shoe that lasts
Why we picked it: Lateral stability is the standout, and it’s built for long wear. Paul tested this one, and its score was later updated from 4.31 to 4.45.
The tradeoff: The laces are too slick.
Read our full Franklin ACV Pro review
7. Best value: SQAIRZ XRZ
Score: 4.5/5 · List price: $139 · Best for: players who want SQAIRZ toe room and stability for less
Why we picked it: Drew called it the first court shoe he’s worn that felt game-ready on day one. Now that the XRZ2 is out, the original sells for $139, $20 less than the new model.
The tradeoff: The upper fabric attracts dirt easily, and the XRZ2 is a little more comfortable.
Read our full SQAIRZ XRZ review
Other shoes we tested
| Shoe | Our score | Why it is not a top pick |
|---|---|---|
| Diadem Court Burst | 5/5 | Scored on an initial fit and wear test of the 2024 model, before durability testing |
| Diadem Court Flo | 4.25/5 | Good value at $114.95, but less quick than the Court Burst. Best for rec players and solo drills |
| Babolat Jet Mach | 4.25/5 | Excellent traction and good for wider feet, but not as snug or springy as the Diadems |
| OluKai ‘Anau | 4/5 | Fantastic stops and starts, but it runs warm. A good choice for social players |
How to choose a pickleball shoe
Court shoes, not running shoes
Pickleball is side to side. Running shoes are built to roll you forward, so their soft, high heels can roll over on a lateral cut. A court shoe has a flatter, wider base and support on the sides. Tennis shoes work too. More: pickleball shoes vs running shoes and pickleball shoes vs tennis shoes.
Indoor vs outdoor
Outdoor courts are rough and wear down soles fast, so look for a durable outsole with a herringbone or modified herringbone tread. Indoor wood or sport floors reward grip and a softer gum sole. If you play outdoors several times a week, see the most durable pickleball shoes.
Fit and toe room
Your feet swell and slide forward when you stop hard. Leave about a thumb’s width at the toe and look for a heel that doesn’t lift. If you have wide feet, start with the SQAIRZ XRZ2, the original XRZ or the Winners Edge P38. Common errors: pickleball shoe fit mistakes.
Support and your ankles
If you’ve rolled an ankle before, prioritize lateral support over light weight. How to choose pickleball shoes for ankle support covers what to look for.
Read your old shoes
The wear on your old pair tells you what to buy next. Pickleball shoe wear patterns and pronation and supination explain how. Signs you’re in the wrong pickleball shoes include sore arches, toe blisters and sliding on stops.
Insoles
A good insole can rescue an otherwise great shoe. Many of our shoe reviews pair the shoe with CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO insoles, from a Pickleball Union partner, and each review notes when the stock insole falls short.
Best pickleball shoes for women
The SQAIRZ XRZ2, PB5Star Court 2 and JOOLA R4LLY all come in women’s versions, and the PB5Star women’s model lists for $149. For more women’s picks, see our best pickleball shoes for women guide.
Drills, strategy and gear tested by our team, from the Pickleball Union newsletter.
Pickleball shoe FAQs
What are the best pickleball shoes in 2026?
From our testing, the SQAIRZ XRZ2 (4.75/5) is the best overall. The PB5Star Court 2 has the best cushioning, the Holbrook by Montis is the most comfortable, and the original SQAIRZ XRZ is the best value at $139.
What are the most comfortable pickleball shoes?
The Holbrook by Montis. Our tester called it plush comfort without sacrificing performance, and it scored 4.75/5. The PB5Star Court 2 has the best insole we’ve tested.
Can you wear running shoes for pickleball?
It’s not a good idea. Running shoes are built for forward motion, and their soft, raised heels can roll on side-to-side cuts. Wear a court shoe.
Can you wear tennis shoes for pickleball?
Yes. Tennis shoes are built for the same side-to-side movement, so they work well for pickleball.
What pickleball shoes are best for wide feet?
The SQAIRZ XRZ2 and the original XRZ, both known for toe room, and the Winners Edge P38 Lightning, which has a roomy toe box.
Do you need different shoes for indoor and outdoor pickleball?
Not necessarily. Most court shoes work on both. Outdoor courts wear soles faster, so if you mostly play outside, prioritize a durable outsole.
How do you know when to replace pickleball shoes?
When the tread is worn smooth where you push off, the cushioning feels flat, or you start sliding on stops. Our shoe wear patterns guide shows what to look for.
