How to Choose the Best Pickleball Shoes (5 Top Brands)

Pickleball shoes look a lot like regular sneakers or running shoes but are designed to deliver the best performance on the pickleball court.

Whether you’re drawn to the seamless slip-on convenience of the Skechers Viper Court Elite, the wide and welcoming fit of the Wilson Pro Ace Pickler, the durable and stylish HEAD Revolt Pro 4.5, or the lightweight comfort of the K-Swiss Express Light, this guide aims to serve you the best picks of the lot.

5 Best Pickleball Shoe Brands and Models

1. Skechers

When it comes to making a splash on the pickleball court, Skechers is a brand that’s quickly becoming synonymous with comfort, innovation, and style.

With features like advanced cushioning technologies, breathable materials, and designs that prioritize stability and support, Skechers pickleball shoes are crafted for players who demand performance without sacrificing comfort. And the Viper Court Elite are the perfect example of that.

Let’s talk about the Skechers Viper Court Elite for men. Picture this: a shoe so comfy and stable, it’s like it knows exactly what you need on the pickleball court. With its genius hands-free slip-on design (because who has time for laces, right?), this shoe is all about getting you in the game faster.

Plus, its killer cushioning and top-notch stability features mean you can play your heart out and still feel like you’re walking on clouds. Whether you’re serving, volleying, or dashing around, the Viper Court Elite has got your back… or, well, your feet.

2. Fila

Fila emerges as a brand that blends heritage sports style with contemporary performance needs. Known for its rich legacy in creating athletic wear that stands the test of time, Fila extends this tradition to the pickleball court, offering shoes that are as stylish as they are functional.

The Fila Volley Zone is built to move as you do, offering up some serious support and cushioning to keep those impacts from slowing you down. Plus, those pivot points? They’re like traction superstars, keeping you grounded and going strong, game after game.

Made with a cool combo of leather, mesh, and synthetic materials, the Volley Zone keeps things breathable up top. Inside, there’s a cushy, removable EVA sock liner, while the outsole rocks a non-marking herringbone pattern that’s as durable as it is stylish. And let’s not forget the TPU shank in the midfoot for that extra bit of stability when you’re making those quick moves.

3. Wilson

In the fast-paced world of pickleball, Wilson stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality. Known for their legendary status in racquet sports, Wilson brings the same level of expertise and craftsmanship to their pickleball shoes.

Engineered for peak performance, these shoes are designed with the player in mind, offering superior support, durability, and comfort on the court.

The Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler is a game-changer for those of us needing a bit more room to move. This shoe doesn’t just give your feet space; it wraps them in comfort and stability, making sure you stay grounded without feeling restricted, especially during those crucial power shots or nail-biting net defenses.

Thanks to its 4D Support Chassis, you won’t be twisting and turning in ways that could lead to slips or injuries. And with Sensifeel tech, your feet can breathe easy while staying secure in their sturdy home.

4. K-Swiss

K-Swiss, a brand synonymous with tennis heritage, has skillfully extended its expertise into the world of pickleball, offering players a blend of classic style and modern performance.

Imagine slipping on a pair of shoes so light, you almost forget they’re there, but with all the support your game demands. These bad boys come packed with a support chassis and EVA material in the midsole, making sure your feet stay comfy and twist-free while you’re dominating the court. Plus, with Durawrap and drag guards, you can say goodbye to those annoying wear spots that usually show up way too soon.

And let’s not overlook the comfort factor—the breathable sock liner keeps your feet dry and cool, no matter how intense the match gets. Worried about slipping? The heel grip lining’s got you covered, ensuring you stay locked in and ready to move. Whether you’re playing on hard court or clay, the herringbone tread has your back on any surface.

5. Head

Head, a name that resonates with power and precision in the sports world, has carved out a significant niche in the pickleball arena.

The brand’s focus on incorporating advanced technologies and materials ensures that their footwear not only enhances performance but also prioritizes the player’s comfort and safety on the court.

These aren’t just any shoes; they’re built tough for tough players. With a durable mesh upper, your feet will breathe easy, keeping you cool as you make those quick, sharp moves. Thanks to a smart combo of a PU molded chassis, TPU heel counter, and snug lacing, you’ll feel locked in and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.

But it’s not all about the tough exterior. Inside, the triple-density foam midsole cradles your feet, balancing cushioning, quick response, and arch support to keep you focused and on your toes. And for those of us who really put our shoes through their paces, the hybrid outsole with its specialized tread zones ensures we get the grip we need, exactly where we need it, pushing our traction (and our game) to the limit.

Also, check our guide on the best pickleball shoes for women.

What kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball?

A big question beginners have is this: do pickleball players need a pair of pickleball shoes to play the game?

There is nothing in the rules of pickleball that states you need any specific shoes to play pickleball. Any pair of reasonable-quality athletic shoes with a rubber sole can be used to play the game.

However, it is strongly recommended that you pick up a pair of pickleball shoes due to the type of movement pickleball requires. The game causes a lot of lateral movement (moving from side-to-side), as well as plenty of forward and back lunging. A running shoe is only designed to move well in a straight, forward line.

Well-built court shoes have a strong rubber outsole with plenty of cushioning to help with those lateral movements.

As well as this outsole protection, a good pickleball shoe:

• Gives great support to the whole foot
• Is breathable (often through a mesh upper section)
• Has good arch support
• Has plenty of shock absorption

Any court shoe designed for a racquet game should work equally well for pickleball, as all have the same amount of lateral movement. Tennis shoes, those designed for racquetball or badminton, or even indoor volleyball shoes should work for your pickleball games.

Make sure also to check out our guide on finding the best ankle support shoes.

How to choose the best pickleball shoes: 5 Key questions

There are a few key qualities the best pickleball shoes will have. Deciding which shoes to buy ultimately comes down to what you are looking for as a priority.

1. Are you playing indoor or outdoor? 

This affects the materials used in the shoe you choose since the court surfaces for indoor and outdoor pickleball are different.

So make sure to choose a model that’s right for the type of surface you play on and try not to use indoor shoes on outdoor courts.

2. Are you playing singles or doubles? 

If you play mainly singles and need to dart about a lot, you might want something lightweight (like the K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe).

Singles players are also likely to move more side to side, and, therefore, might require less gel cushioning on the forefoot or toe box than doubles players.

3. How important is comfort? 

If comfort is your key priority, that’ll affect the shoes you choose. For example, perhaps you have pre-existing injuries and need to minimize your risk of injury and cushion against impact.

In this case, you might look for a more robust cushioning system in your new pair of shoes, or something with high shock absorption through the midfoot. A perfect example of shoes with these qualities are the Sketchers Viper Court Elite.

4. What’s your budget? 

If you have a decent budget to get started, buy the most durable model of shoes you can. Outdoor shoes are probably your best bet.

If you’re on a tighter budget, there are budget pickleball shoes options and we recommend the Fila Volley Zone.

5. What custom requirements do you have? 

Do you wear a sock liner? Do you need a certain type of insole, or the ability to fit removable inserts into your shoes? If you have weak joints, you might need more ankle support. If you have wide feet, you might need a specific model to make sure you’re comfortable.

No two pickleball players are alike, so make sure you find the shoe that’s right for you.

Indoor court vs. outdoor court shoes

Outdoor Court Shoes

Shoes designed to be used on outdoor courts or hard courts tend to have thicker rubber soles and midsoles, and be heavier than running shoes. This is because these court surfaces cause much more abrasion and toe dragging on the shoe than indoor courts. Due to their thickness, they might be harder to break in.

Outdoor pickleball shoes often have a herringbone pattern on their rubber sole. This is specifically designed for grip on outdoor courts and hard courts.

Indoor Court Shoes

Indoor pickleball shoes tend to be softer and smoother than shoes designed for outdoor courts. This means the manufacturers can afford to have a thinner rubber sole, as the shoes will wear out less quickly.

Indoor courts are also more slippery than their outdoor counterparts. As a result, they have a thinner and softer rubber outsole for greater traction, especially when turning. Make sure to get indoor pickleball shoes with sufficient ankle support, as sliding can be common on slippery indoor court surfaces.

Check out the table below for a direct comparison between indoor and outdoor court pickleball shoes.

Feature	Indoor Court Shoes	Outdoor Court Shoes
Sole Type	Non-marking, gum rubber soles for better grip on wooden or synthetic floors.	Thicker, more durable soles with herringbone or similar patterns for traction on concrete or asphalt.
Cushioning	Light to moderate, focusing on flexibility and speed.	Often more cushioned to absorb harder impacts on rough surfaces.
Material	May feature more mesh or breathable materials to keep feet cool.	Typically made with more durable materials to withstand wear and tear from outdoor courts.
Weight	Generally lighter to facilitate quick movements and agility.	Can be heavier due to reinforced materials and additional cushioning.
Ventilation	High emphasis on breathability to manage indoor heat.	Balanced between durability and breathability to handle varying outdoor conditions.
Durability	Designed for the less abrasive indoor court surface; focus on grip and flexibility.	Enhanced durability to resist damage from rougher outdoor court surfaces.

Can I wear one type of shoes on the other court?

There is nothing stopping you from having a single pair of pickleball shoes that you use on both courts. However, there are a few downsides to this method:

• If you are using indoor court shoes on an outdoor court, they will likely wear away and need to be replaced much more quickly.
• If you are using outdoor pickleball shoes on an indoor court, you have to be careful that they are non-marking. The owner of the court won’t be happy if you scuff up their court surface! Outdoor shoes will also have much less traction on indoor surfaces.

Budget pickleball shoes vs. premium pickleball shoes

Budget pickleball shoes are cheaper but tend to wear out quickly. It’s possible that you might end up buying three pairs of pickleball shoes in the time a premium pair might have lasted, costing you more over time.

Budget shoes have more technology: 

• Advanced cushioning systems
• Getter rubber outsoles
• More supported toe boxes
• Thicker rubber outsoles
• Better shock absorption

If you can afford premium pickleball shoes and are committed to the game, it’s worth the expense. However, if you are new to the game, budget shoes can be a good stopgap option while you try it out.

One way of prolonging the life of budget pickleball shoes is to make sure you properly clean and store them.