Best Shoes for Pickleball 2024
There is a good chance you are here because you have joined the mass following of Pickleball that has occurred over the last four years. The fastest growing sport in America has some similarities to other racquet sports like Tennis & Padel which require their own shoes! Selecting shoes in a new sport can be overwhelming so we made it easy here with Pickleball Paradise's top picks for the Best Shoes for Pickleball!
Paradise Picks
Keep in mind that though these are our recommendations for the best pickleball shoes, you should find the shoe that fits your foot and unique situation. The options below are marquee performance pickleball shoes available in Men's & Women's styles. Investing in higher quality shoes should be a serious consideration if you are playing pickleball frequently, as it can help improve your game as well as keep you injury-free. We are listing 5 of the Best Shoes for Pickleball 2024!
The True Performer
Diadora has become a brand I feel very confident in recommending. The Diadora B Icon 2 AG, or in short the B Icon's. This shoe is built for pure speed and for quick side to side cuts. For a shoe with great speed, these have phenomenal containment and lateral support thanks to the higher heel counter. Many speed performance shoes can be stiff without offering much cushion, but the B Icon has a more plush feel.
One of the most important things this shoe has is its cutout under the toe bed, which allows for really good bending. This is great for getting low on those dink fests! The Diadora B Icon 2 AG is great for the true performance players in pickleball as well as people that want a true speedy shoe.
A Fan Favorite
Many pro pickleball players have grown accustomed to wearing Babolat shoes, none of them as popular as the Babolat Jet Mach 3s, worn by top player, Ben Johns. This shoe is a light-weight, stability, speed monster. It comes in regular width as well as wide, which has helped this shoe become one of the most purchased pickleball shoes on the market. The Jet Mach sole screams speed and they feel like an extension of your foot. The durability is really solid on the outsoles of these as well.
The aggressive flange on the shoe allows for supreme side to side movement and stability for a lightweight sneaker. This shoe has been at the top of pickleball now for about 3 years and it doesn't seem to be going away. I recommend the Babolat Jet Mach 3 for 3.5 and up players who want a fast, lightweight and stable shoe in multiple widths.
Support to the Max
Currently one of the best shoes on the market for Pickleball or Tennis, the Asics Gel Resolution 9 is the pinnacle of supportive court shoes. Offering DYNAWALL along the outside of the shoe provides supreme containment, preventing many foot/ankle injuries commonly suffered. This shoe weighs in at 15 oz. for a Men's size 10.5, but plays much faster than that. The FLEXION FIT aka the rubber that surrounds the upper of the shoe provides more stability, durability and flexibility within this maximalist shoe.
The price you pay for this shoe is well worth it as it checks all the necessary boxes to be a high performance shoe. On top of all this, the shoe is downright comfortable. Any pickler looking for a super stable, plush, and durable shoe look no further than the Asics Gel Resolution 9.
Quick Comfort
The name of the game here is comfort and the New Balance 996 v5 are manufactured as more of a minimalist sneaker. That being said, there is not a ton of containment, so if you have an ankle rolling history...I am not sure this would be the best shoe for you. FuelCell is some of the plushiest foam on the market and makes this shoe comfortable immediately. Another pro is the 996s are quite responsive and the outsole has great reaction to quick side to side movements.
Like all New Balance shoes, the 996s come in multiple widths. These shoes are not only fit for comfort and aggressive movement but for style. These are the most appealing shoes on the list in my opinion and come in many colors. Someone who is seeking a quick, comfortable and stylish shoe will love the New Balance 996 v5.
Easy on the Wallet
Another brand with quite the fan base in pickleball is K Swiss. The Express Light is a a shoe that provides great support and durability for those who have foot problems. Specifically plantar support, thanks to its 180 degree thermal plastic plantar support chassis in the mid foot. Preventing you from torqueing your foot in odd directions. This has been a dominant player for years because of its breathability and flex-fit which is nice when you are taking so many fast aggressive steps.
The shoe boasts a DURAWRAP which is the rubber around the toe box that prevents those big toe holes you'd get from a regular running shoe on a hard court. The K Swiss Express Light is a lightweight, supportive, and durable shoe great for beginners up to the competitive picklers at an incredible price.
Honorable Mentions:
Adidas Barricade 2023
Fila Volley Burst
Head Revolt Pro 4.0
Nike Zoom Vapor 11
Wilson Rush Pro Ace WIDE
These are all great options that just missed our top 5 list, remember that even though we rated these shoes highly its important you find the shoe that fits YOU and YOUR preferences!
Conclusion
As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge, it's important to find the right footwear that suits your game and offers the necessary support and comfort. We've provided our top picks that include great brands like Asics, Babolat, Diadora, K Swiss and New Balance for our list of the Best Shoes for Pickleball in 2023 from Tennis-Point. Finding the shoe that fits you best will not only enhance your performance but also ensure an enjoyable and injury-free experience on the pickleball court.