Rule the Pickleball Court With These 50 Must-Haves, From Paddles to Athleisure

Whether you're a pickleball pro or you're hoping to hit the court in 2023, it's no secret that the game is all anyone can talk about at the gym. Rules aside, a good game of pickleball isn't complete without a few essentials. But if you're looking to start playing (or expand your current pickleball gear collection), sifting through hundreds of options can feel overwhelming.

The best pickleball equipment is durable, stylish, and budget-friendly. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to find gear that fits the bill. Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods have high-quality paddles, balls, nets, and bags, while brands like Athleta, Outdoor Voices, and lululemon offer sweat-wicking athleisure you can wear on and off the court.

Below, we've rounded up the best pickleball must-haves on the market:

Paddles

Paddletek Phoenix G6 Pickleball Paddle, $70; dickssportinggoods.com

First, in order to play pickleball, you'll need a paddle. Fiberglass paddles are a common (and sturdy) option. Others are made from aluminum, wood, graphite, or carbon fiber. We like Paddletek's Phoenix G6 Pickleball Paddle for its mid-range price point and sleek, stylish design. A grippy handle makes it easy to smash your next serve.

Other Pickleball Paddles:

• JOYAIRE Pickleball Paddles Set of 2, $50; amazon.com
• Bison Graphite Pickleball Paddles, $60; amazon.com
• Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle, $90; dickssportinggoods.com
• Amazin' Aces Signature Pickleball Paddle, $38; amazon.com
• JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle, $60; amazon.com
• niupipo Pickleball Paddles, $60; amazon.com

Shoes

K-Swiss Women's Express Light 2 Pickleball Shoes, $105; dickssportinggoods.com

A great pickleball shoe needs a lightweight, breathable upper to promote airflow and a sole with plenty of traction. Our top pick is the Express Light 2 from K-Swiss, which comes in a fun, bright blue. The foam midsole feels plush underfoot, while the interior sockliner provides extra cushioning. A men's version in red and black is also available.

Other Pickleball Shoes:

• Skechers Women's Viper Court Pickleball Shoes, $90; dickssportinggoods.com (Men's version also available)
• Hoka Clifton 8, $140; zappos.com
• Asics' Men's Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes, $100; amazon.com (Women's version also available)
• Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 Pickleball Shoes, $125; zappos.com
• FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes, $140; amazon.com
• Diadora Women's Trofeo AG Pickleball Shoes, $95; dickssportinggoods.com

Apparel

lululemon Align High-Rise Short 6", $58-$74; lululemon.com

Searching for clothes that can take you from pickleball to post-workout brunch? We love lululemon's Align High-Rise Short 6" because, like many of the brand's high-quality leggings, they're made from soft, sweat-wicking Nulu fabric. Available in a wide range of inseam lengths and colors, there's something for every player. For other comfortable, functional activewear pieces, we like Athleta, Outdoor Voices, Girlfriend Collective, and Free People.

Other Pickleball Apparel:

• Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Bra, $46; girlfriend.com
• Outdoor Voices Powerhouse Dress, $100; outdoorvoices.com
• lululemon Pace Rival Mid-Rise Skirt Long, $78; lululemon.com
• Athleta Ultimate Train Top, $69; athleta.com
• FP Movement One More Serve Onesie, $128; freepeople.com
• Athleta Run With It 14" Skort, $59; athleta.com
• lululemon Track That Mid-Rise Lined Short 5", $68; lululemon.com

Bags and Backpacks

Oliver Thomas Kitchen Sink Pickleball Tote, $150; dickssportinggoods.com

New and veteran players alike need a pickleball bag that's both chic and functional. Our top pick is Oliver Thomas' Kitchen Sink Pickleball Tote, which has adjustable, removable straps, a water bottle holder, three pockets, and even room for your laptop for those after-work games. Available in three modern patterns, this lightweight tote can hold all of your gear, and then some.

Other Pickleball Bags and Backpacks:

• Athletico City Tennis Bag, $30; amazon.com
• JOOLA Tour Elite Pickleball Bag, $140; dickssportinggoods.com
• Mangrove Pickleball Bag, $29; amazon.com
• Pik'le'Ball Pickleball Tote, $50; amazon.com
• Monarch Premium Pickleball Touring Bag, $70; dickssportinggoods.com
• Ytonet Tennis Sling Backpack, $29; amazon.com

Balls

Monarch Outdoor Pickleballs 3-Pack, $12; dickssportinggoods.com

Once you've found your go-to paddle, you'll need at least a few pickleballs. We like Monarch's Outdoor Picklsballs 3-Pack, which comes in a bright pink or yellow that's easy to spot. Players note that they bounce nicely and are budget-friendly compared to other top brands.

Other Pickleball Balls:

• Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs, $35; amazon.com
• PCKL Optic Speed Pickleballs, $14-$15; amazon.com
• Vvinca Pickleballs 6 Pack, $15; amazon.com
• Tourna Strike Outdoor Pickleballs (12 Pack), $15; amazon.com
• Wilson Tru 32 Pickleballs Balls 2 Pack, $16; amazon.com

Nets

Rally Portable Pickleball Net System, $200; amazon.com

For backyard games, a reliable net is crucial. Rally's Portable Pickleball Net System is easy to transport and comes with a carrying case for simple storage. It's regulation size (22 feet by 36 inches) and snaps together in minutes. The steel frame is tough enough to last, while wide legs and a center support keep the net stable, even in windy weather.

Other Pickleball Nets:

• A11N Portable Pickleball Net System, $130; amazon.com
• Wilson Portable Pickleball Net System, $189; dickssportinggoods.com
  
• Boulder Badminton Pickleball Net, $80; amazon.com
• Monarch Official Pickleball Net, $160; dickssportinggoods.com
• Franklin Sports Pickleball Nets, $180; amazon.com
  
• Onix Pickleball 2-in-1 Regulation-Size Portable Net, $158; amazon.com
• GAMMA Portable Pickleball Net, $180; dickssportinggoods.com
  

Accessories

Tourna Hipster Ball Band, $19; amazon.com

Once you've got the basics covered, it might be worth investing in a few accessories to make playing even more fun. Tourna's Hipster Ball Band is made to layer on top of shorts and skirts when your pockets are full (or nonexistent). It can hold two balls at a time, so you can stay focused on improving your aim—not on chasing balls across the court.

Other Pickleball Accessories:

• Pickleball Tourna Grip 2 Pack, $4; amazon.com
• PickleUpper Pickleball Ball Retriever, $15; amazon.com
• JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Cover, $20; amazon.com
• Hot Glove Mitt, $15; pickleballcentral.com
• Tourna Pickleball Ballport Mini, $30; dickssportinggoods.com
• Franklin Sports Pickleball Court Marker Kit, $25; amazon.com