As an experienced and passionate pickleball and sports fanatic, I know firsthand how the correct sport-specific footwear can assist you on the pickleball court. In this post, I provide an honest review of the best court pickleball shoes in 2023 and identify the top options for all pickleball players after personally testing each pair out.
After reading this post, you will know the top 4 best court Pickleball shoes that have been analyzed and tested at length by different players of all levels. I’ll also reveal each shoe’s specifications, pros and cons, price tag, and who they are suitable for in the world of pickleball.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy Pickleball Shoes
| Website | Site Link | Brands Stocked |
| Amazon | Amazon Pickleball Shoes | ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno, Babolat, Adidas, Under Armour, Wilson, Salomon |
| Zappos | Zappos Pickleball Shoes | ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno, Babolat, Adidas, Under Armour, Wilson, Salomon |
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | Dick’s Pickleball Shoes | ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno, Babolat, Adidas, Under Armour, Wilson |
| Tennis Warehouse | Tennis Warehouse Pickleball | ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno, Babolat, Adidas, Under Armour, Wilson |
Summary Of The Best Court Pickleball Shoes For 2023
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes – Best Overall
- Skechers Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pickleball – Best For Arch Support
- K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Best Lightweight Option
- Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickleball – Best Budget Friendly Option
ASICS Men’s Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes – Best Overall
Specs:
- Upper: Open Mesh design – Synthetic leather overlays and PU Film
- Midsole: TRUSSTIC Technology – EVA midsole foam with GEL technology cushioning
- Outsole: Non-marking Rubber outsole
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Excellent price tag
- Durable and breathable mesh Upper
- Soft inside cushioning
- Contains a wide base
- Ideal for other court sports
Cons:
- Some users mentioned fit problems
- Very short laces
- Not many color options
I find the ASICS Men’s Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes are our overall best court pickleball shoes in 2023 owing to their outstanding breathability, durability, stability, and excellent price tag. In my experience, this shoe is the ideal option for pickleball players who frequently find themselves on the court, be it pickleball or any other court sport.
I felt the efficiency of the TRUSSTIC™ technology in the midsole that helped me generate exceptional stability and control on the pickleball court, especially during rapid movement changes. I also relished the new tooling feature that combines an EVA midsole foam with GEL® technology cushioning in the forefoot to enhance shock absorption and reduce the impact on my joints.
Finally, they come at a very competitive cost and the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding. My only gripe is the lack of color options available, which is not a problem for me but may be for our fashion-conscious pickleball enthusiasts.
Skechers Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pro Pickleball – Best for Arch Support
Specs:
- Upper: Mesh and printed synthetic Upper
- Midsole: Patented Skecher Arch Fit
- Insole: Removable ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning
- Outsole: Goodyear performance Outsole
- Width: Medium and Extra-wide
Pros:
- Podiatrist-certified Arch Support
- Removable insole molds your foot
- Goodyear Performance outsole provides outstanding traction
- Super comfortable fit
- Short break-in period
Cons:
- Users mention lack of durability
- There are cheaper pickleball shoes on the market
The Skechers Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pro Pickleball shoes are well-renowned for their podiatrist-designed shape, bagging the prize of the best court pickleball shoe for arch support. I welcomed the patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system, offering podiatrist-certified arch support constructed using approximately 20 years of data capture.
When I first purchased these pickleball shoes, I noticed the insole was removable, which helped mold my foot to minimize shock on heavy impact and enhance weight dispersion. Moreover, they feature ultra-lightweight, responsive ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning that further delivers exceptional shock absorption.
I relished the breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays that provided additional support and kept my feet cool during long and intense games. They come in white/multi, grey/orange, and black/red colors, with the grey and orange combination my favorite. Finally, they are also suitable for pickleball players who play tennis, badminton, and volleyball, as well as running or at the gym.
K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Best Lightweight Option
Specs:
- Upper: DURAWRAP Upper
- Midsole: K-EVA Cushioning
- Outsole: Aosta 7.0 rubber compound with herringbone pattern
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Pantar Support Chassis enhances stability
- Super comfortable
- Very breathable shoes
- More durable than other shoes
Cons:
- Users mentioned fit problems
- Higher price tag than other options
The K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe is a high-performance court shoe specifically designed for pickleball, taking the top spot for the best lightweight court pickleball shoe in 2023. After testing our best lightweight pickleball shoe, I noticed the lightweight mesh and Ortholite sock liner provided fantastic breathability and comfort, keeping my feet dry and cozy throughout my multiple Saturday league games. Furthermore, I appreciated the DURAWRAP Upper and AOSTA 7.0 rubber compound outsole that added extra support and durability during intense league games.
However, after only using them for a couple of weeks, it remains to be seen how durable the overall shoe really is, as many buyers have mentioned wear and tear after a few months. Another standout feature I relished is the high-traction herringbone tread, which provided ample stability and grip, allowing quick transitions and rapid movement changes on the pickleball court.
The shoe also possesses a non-marking design, support chassis technology, and a cushioned EVA material, further enhancing my comfort and stability. The K-Swiss Extra light shoe is available in multiple sizes and colors to suit new and frequent pickleball players. However, some users have noted that the sizes may run a bit small, so keep this in mind and check the foot size chart before purchasing your shoes.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Specs:
- Upper: Synthetic Upper
- Midsole: Lightweight and Flexible R-DST+ Midsole foam
- Insole: Classic EVA insole
- Outsole: Aosta 7.0 Rubber compound with herringbone pattern
- Width: Wide Fit
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Stylish design
- Excellent durability
- Comfortable shoes
Cons:
- Only two color options
- Some users mention fit problems
- Longer break-in period than other shoes
Our final best court pickleball shoes is the Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Shoe, beating its competitors as the best budget-friendly option for our pickleball enthusiasts. It is made with a textile and synthetic upper, providing a solid dose of breathability to my feet during matches, but less than I have experienced with other pickleball shoes. I appreciated the removable cushioned insole, a round-toe silhouette, and foam padding around the ankle collar that delivers exceptional support and a cozy fit.
Finally, the Wilson Rush Pro Ace pickleball shoe comes in two different color options, the ebony, white, and Wilson red, which I prefer over the white, stormy weather, and classic blue option. As a reputable court shoe brand, these shoes suit beginners and pickleball players who don’t play frequent and intense matches.
FAQs: Best Court Pickleball Shoes
Do you really need court shoes for pickleball?
Absolutely. Court shoes for pickleball are specifically designed to deliver the support, stability, comfort, and traction needed for the dynamic movements of the pickleball game. They offer us pickleball enthusiasts features like non-marking soles and advanced cushioning to enhance our performance and protect us against injuries.
What are the best court shoes for pickleball?
Based on my wealth of pickleball playing experience, the ASICS Gel-Game 9, Skechers Go Train Arch Fit Viper, K-Swiss Express Light, and Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler are exceptional options to consider. Other excellent pickleball court shoes include the New Balance Fuelcell 996v5 Pickleball shoes, the Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball shoes, and the Fitville Women’s Wide Court Pickleball Shoes.
Are pickleball shoes the same as court shoes?
Pickleball shoes are a specific type of court shoe. However, they are specially designed to meet the demands of the pickleball sport. They offer similar features to other court shoes, such as non-marking soles, advanced cushioning, and lateral support to accommodate the unique movements of the pickleball game.
Final Thoughts
When we are shopping for our best court shoes for pickleball, my extensive sports experience has taught me that it’s not just about the brand, style, or price tag. Sports shoes are personal and there are different ranges for a host of unique reasons, with each brand listed bringing something specific to the table..
Now that you know about our best court pickleball shoes in 2023, you have the correct information to make better-informed decisions regarding your next pickleball shoe purchase. As we are all unique and are built in different shapes and sizes, a pickleball shoe that works for your buddy may not work for you.
