Pickleball Shoe Buying Guide

Choosing a Pickleball Shoe

Pickleball is an active, physical game, and your feet bear the brunt of the abuse. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re just stepping on to the court for the first time, choosing a pickleball shoe is an essential part of the game. There’s no shortage of playing styles and outdoor & indoor courts in pickleball, and thus no shortage of various pickleball shoes. From popular Nike pickleball shoes and Adidas pickleball shoes to reliable, high-performance Asics pickleball shoes … the best pickleball shoe for your unique needs is out there, but you’ll need to do your research. Here you’ll find a helpful guide for selecting pickleball shoes that will provide superior support and comfort on whichever court you play.

Pickleball Shoes vs. Other Athletic Shoes

Think twice before throwing on a pair of old running shoes before you hit the court. Running shoes are typically lighter and designed for a runner’s forward motion. Pickleball shoes, on the other hand, are all about providing optimal support for the rigorous lateral movements of pickleball. You also want to ensure a lightweight yet sturdy design that will keep you moving freely and quickly.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

When choosing the best pickleball shoe, your local pickleball court plays a big factor. Just like pickleball balls, there are shoes that are designed specifically for indoor & outdoor:

Hard Courts: Hard courts can be punishing on your shoes, and your shoes can be punishing on the court as well! Hard-court pickleball shoes typically are non-marking to avoid scuffing the surface. Their construction prioritizes shock absorption and cushioning to provide you with comfort and support on the harder surface. Many pickleball shoes offer six-month durability wear guarantees on the outsole.

 

All Courts: Today, most brands — like Nike, Adidas, Asics, and Babolat — offer all-court pickleball shoes that are designed to handle the subtleties of all three court types. If you aren’t looking for one specific surface type, these multi-purpose shoes may be your best bet.

Playing Style

Do you stick to the baseline? Or do you like to volley near the kitchen? Your style of play is an important factor in determining the best pickleball shoes for you. Players that move around the court will want a durable sole, superior cushioning, and strong lateral support for the continuous side-to-side movements. If you find yourself frequently charging the kitchen after a pickleball serve, you’ll instead want a durable toecap and improved flexibility for the balls of your feet.

Foot Type

The more you learn about your foot type, the better prepared you’ll be to find shoes with features you need to perform your best and avoid injury on the court. There are three foot types and several ways to determine which is yours:

Pronated: Players with pronated feet will notice excessive shoe wear on the inside area near the balls of the feet. If you step in water with your bare feet and leave a mark on the ground, you’ll see that the whole impression of your foot appears with little or no visible space. If you are among the 60% of the population with pronated feet, you’ll want to find shoes with superior lateral support to prevent injury to your knees or ankles.

Supinated: If your shoes are worn down on the outside of the heel and forefoot, you likely have supinated feet. Your wet feet test would reveal a large empty space in the center arch area of the foot mark. Players will want to invest in shoes that provide greater flexibility and shock absorption, plus added space for the heel.

Ideal: Players with even shoe wear and a balanced/neutral foot mark in the wet test have an ideal foot type that is suitable for most pickleball shoes.

Brands

So you’ve figured out what type of shoe to buy, but which shoe brand is best? There are tons of great brands to choose from, including Nike, Adidas, Asics, Babolat, Diadora, Head, and more -- all offer many varieties and features plus advanced, cutting-edge technology that is engineered from the latest athletic research.

	Adidas Pickleball Shoes	Asics Pickleball Shoes	Babolat Pickleball Shoes	Diadora Pickleball Shoes
Wilson Pickleball Shoes	Lotto Pickleball Shoes	Head Pickleball Shoes	K-Swiss Pickleball Shoes
New Balance Pickleball Shoes	Prince Pickleball Shoes	Yonex Pickleball Shoes

Shoe Size Conversion

Because the foot is three-dimensional, any two-dimensional measuring tool, such as a ruler , can only approximate your true shoe size. Please also keep in mind the manufacturers use different lasts to construct their shoes, and sizing may vary accordingly. Make sure you are standing, wearing the socks or stockings you will wear with your new shoes. Using one of the following charts, convert your inches measurement to your U.S. shoe size or Euro shoe size.