Wearing a well-designed court shoe is crucial for pickleball. Unlike regular shoes, court shoes are built for the lateral movements, quick pivots, and sudden stops of the game, providing the support and stability needed to prevent injuries like rolled ankles and strained ligaments. A good court shoe is essential for both performance and injury prevention.
I was thrilled when my favorite shoe brand released a pickleball shoe, so I grabbed the OluKai ‘Anau in Mood Indigo/Bright White—size 11 for $140. Marketed as supportive, stable, and comfortable with excellent traction, it delivered on all fronts after 90+ days of play.
But does it meet other key criteria? Let’s find out…
Cool Comfort Upper: Sport-mesh material ensures excellent airflow, keeping your feet cool during play.
Plush Interior: Terry cloth lining adds extra cushioning for all-day comfort.
Sea-Inspired Outsole: Coral reef pattern offers a non-marking grip with a stylish oceanic touch.
Superior Court Traction: Wet Grip Rubber delivers stable, high-traction performance on any surface.
Nuts And Bolts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper | Poly sport-mesh material for breathability. |
| Insole | Terry cloth lining with medium arch support. |
| Midsole | Rigid and thick EVA providing lateral support and cushioning. |
| Outsole | Dense TPU with a unique flat surface, textured “Wet Rubber Grip,” and rounded pivot pad for multi-directional traction. |
| Colors | Four choices, including all white and a fun/funky green and white pattern. |
| Price | $140 |
Game On…Play Testing
First Impressions: Solid and Substantial
Out of the box, the shoe felt solid and heavy—I was a bit skeptical since I typically wear lightweight running shoes or cross-trainers. But, to be honest, I expected some weight due to the form factor of the shoes. It reminded me of a skateboard shoe at first, especially with the dense, flat sole.
This made sense; the styling is Hawaiian-inspired, and OluKai is known for lifestyle shoes that reflect the relaxed but active beach lifestyle. The design is notably a departure from the more sporty, streamlined court shoes on the market, but it does have that cool lifestyle vibe to it.
Fit and Arch Support: Roomy but Comfortable
The lacing is effective, and the tongue padding is sizable and more than adequate. As for the arch, if you need a higher arch, definitely consider proper inserts or a different shoe.
The shoe is true to size but definitely has a wider toe box than expected. However, I soon learned that I prefer that feature for court shoes.
Performance on the Court: Quick and Responsive
Based on the more solid, albeit chunky look and feel of the shoe, I was worried about break-in time and expected some initial discomfort.
Though I was hesitant about the weight of the shoe and its bulky form, I was delighted that neither the weight nor break-in period were factors. In fact, the shoes afforded me quick reactions on the court, and the patterned flat rubber sole provides superb traction.
I felt no rubbing or cramped areas on the foot or lower ankle. While I haven’t used inserts in the shoes, I am considering adding them.
Stability and Cushioning
Stops and starts are fantastic, even with some knee and ankle issues I’ve experienced in the past. These shoes have diminished my concerns as I haven’t experienced slips or missteps that could cause an ankle roll.
As for cushioning, it has been adequate, but I could see how good insole inserts could offer greater support and midsole longevity. Those would add weight, which could be a factor, so that would be a personal choice later on.
Breathability: Warm but Manageable
But let’s address a possible negative factor of the shoe—breathability. The material, form factor, EVA, and terry insert make this shoe quite warm to wear during play.
I am accustomed to sweaty feet, and though my feet are quite warm in these shoes, especially during hot weather, I never experienced slippage or terrible odor after long play sessions. So, breathability is a subjective feature for consumers to consider.
Durability Check: Holding Strong After 3 Months
After more than 3 months of play in the shoe, I am happy to report they have performed very well and have maintained their performance since day one as my go-to court shoe. The sole has worn very well with no noticeable reduction in traction.
This contrasts with running shoes I was using on the court, which would lose their traction after about 60 days of play.
The Final Score
I’d call this a win on style, comfort, and durability. Over the 3 months of consistently wearing the OluKai ‘Anau, I felt they performed well. I believe I can get another 1-3 months of confident play before considering replacement. For $140, I think they are a great value for how well they have delivered what I wanted from a court shoe, with no significant wear and tear.
Is it a good choice for a tournament-level player needing a lighter, more breathable, performance-based shoe? No. But is it a great choice for a consistent social/casual player looking to get as much out of their court shoe as possible? Absolutely!
Comfortable, supportive, long-lasting, and easily wearable to post-play drinks? You bet!
