How much do good pickleball shoes cost?

The price of a high-quality pair of pickleball shoes can vary from around $70 to $150 and up. Beginner to intermediate players should expect to spend somewhere around $100 on a comfortable and responsive shoe. Less expensive sneakers may not be as durable, while more expensive ones may have a long list of additional features that casual players don’t need. The cheapest pair on our list, FitVille’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes , are often available for around $70. And our top overall pick, Acacia Sports’ Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes , was $140 when we published this story.

Do I need special shoes for pickleball?

Yes, according to the pros. What makes pickleball shoes different? Lateral support, which protects against ankle rolls. While your shoes don’t need to be expensive, they should be designed for pickleball, or at least court sports. For example, some tennis shoes may have similar features that make them fine to wear, like Prince’s T22 Tennis Shoe .

What type of shoes are best for pickleball?

Recreational players will likely want a heavier pickleball shoe—one that’s wider, with good support. As you move up in skill level, you may find that you need a lighter pickleball shoe. These allow for quicker movements, but they are less stable and less supportive, so they’re usually recommended for players who are comfortable with navigating the court.

Is there a difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?

At first glance, tennis and pickleball shoes may look similar. But pickleball shoes have been specifically designed for the sport, with better foot drag and stability. “Tennis includes a lot of forward motion,” Dollard says, “whereas pickleball is more side to side.” Pickleball shoes are constructed to support this kind of sideways movement. The shoes also wear differently over time. Dollard explains that tennis players will see their shoes wear out on the inside of their big toes, while pickleball players will see more wear underneath the balls of their feet. Pickleball shoes also have added rubber in places where they tend to wear more heavily.

Can you wear running shoes for pickleball?

No. If you've got bad knees, you try to find running shoes for bad knees , right? Then, essentially, you apply the same rule for pickleball. All of our experts stressed that wearing running shoes on the pickleball court is dangerous because of their lack of lateral support. “You should not be playing in running shoes,” Heilman says. Instead, “look for ‘court’ shoes.” A running shoe’s outsole has a different tread pattern, which may catch the pickleball court’s surface during play, causing you to trip or fall. “The biggest injury in the game comes from tripping while backpedaling, which may happen more often in running shoes,” Heilman explains.

The 12 Best Pickleball Shoes of 2023

The Best Pickleball Shoes — Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja

Pickleball, a mix of tennis, badminton and paddleball, is taking the sports world by storm. While a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, the movements are similar, with quick steps in all directions, sprints, and stops—which can put stress on your ankles, knees and hips. A well-designed pair of pickleball shoes can help protect both your body and your game.

“Pickleball shoes are a different kind of court shoe,” Wayne Dollard, Director and Head Pro at Level Up Pickleball, says. Investing in the right pickleball shoes can protect you against injuries and keep you feeling light on your feet, even after hours of play. Luckily, as with tennis shoes, pickleball players have plenty of shoe options to choose from.

When shopping for pickleball shoes, look for features like non-skid, non-marking soles, good arch support, and breathable mesh to promote airflow. With help from experts, we found the top pickleball shoes on the market with all of these beneficial features, and more:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Acacia Sports Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Men's:

Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Women's:

FILA Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes at Dick's

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Wide Feet:

FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Plantar Fasciitis:

K-Swiss Women's Express Light Pickleball Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Most Supportive:

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler at Holabirdsports.com

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Babolat Women's Jet Tere All Court Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Outdoor:

Tyrol Women’s Drive-V Pro Series Pickleball Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Indoor:

Acacia Sports Hypershot II at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Holabird Sports

Pros

Good heel stability
Non-marking, durable sole
Antimicrobial insole

Cons

Toe box may be too wide for some

Acacia Sports’ Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes are our top overall pick because they have a water-resistant midsole that provides structure to the shoe’s footbed. A thick layer of foam feels comfortable underfoot, while the antimicrobial, silicone insole has a honeycomb-gel structure to absorb shock.

This pair also has a wide toe box and great heel stability. We like the leather drag guard, which wraps around the shoe to protect it from scratches and scuffs. And the durable soles won’t mark up the court—a requirement for any pair you plan to wear in an official USA Pickleball game.

Acacia Sports is also a favorite shoe brand among the experts we spoke with. However, while this pair has a roomy toe box that some players will appreciate, they may be too wide for wearers with narrow feet.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Nylon, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam, silicone | Weight: Not listed}

Dick's Sporting Goods

Pros

Podiatrist-certified arch support
Removable insole
Good traction

Cons

Upper isn’t as breathable

This supportive pair of sneakers is our recommendation for the best men’s pickleball shoe. Great for both indoor and outdoor play, the Viper features durable rubber soles, great traction, and mesh accents.

Inside the shoe, the Arch Fit insole molds to your foot, with comfortable, podiatrist-approved arch support. But if you need a more customizable fit, we like that you can remove the insole and replace it with your own orthotics.

A padded tongue prevents blisters, making this versatile shoe a solid choice for other activities, from tennis to cross training. While the upper features mesh accents, some wearers note that the stiffer material surrounding the mesh isn’t as breathable. A women’s version is also available.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Lightweight | Weight: 11.7 ounces}

Pickle Ball Central

Pros

Comes in bright colors
Thick midsole absorbs shock
Wide toe box

Cins

May not have enough ankle support

FILA’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes are our top women’s pick because they feature a sturdy, non-marking rubber outsole and a circle pivot area in front that provides support for quick direction changes. They’re also breathable, with a mesh upper that encourages airflow.

We like the shoe’s responsiveness and FILA’s range of bright, tie-dye patterns. The midsole is also padded with plush foam that absorbs shock well. And the toe box is both wide and tall, so wearers with bunions and wide feet can play comfortably.

However, some players have noticed that the shoe doesn’t come up as far on the ankle, meaning it may not offer enough ankle support for some.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Mesh, leather, textile | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 11.8 ounces}

Asics

Pros

Good stability
Extra gel padding
Helps prevent overpronation

Cons

Upper may not feel as breathable

For budget-friendly pickleball shoes that are also comfortable, we recommend this durable pair from Asics. Although they’re not the cheapest pair on our list, we think they combine the best features for most pickleball players in one shoe that’s well under $100.

The Gel-Remna is designed to prevent your foot from twisting, so you feel secure even during fast, lateral movements. These sneakers are supportive, flexible, and offer solid traction, thanks to a non-marking rubber sole and a wrap-around outsole that protects both the shoes and your feet. We like that the sole also features pivot points, allowing for quick direction changes when you need to reach tough shots.

Additional gel padding underneath the balls of your feet help absorb shock. And, the sneakers’ construction helps gently correct overpronation—so if your feet tend to roll outwards when you walk, this may be the right pickleball pair for you. But the upper doesn’t have mesh, like other shoes on our list do, so they may not feel as breathable.

Price at time of publication: $84

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic leather | Outsole: Gum rubber | Cushioning: Foam, gel | Weight: 12.6 ounces}

FitVille

Pros

Anti-odor
Deep, wide heel cup
Budget-friendly

Cons

Upper may feel stiff

Finding a pickleball shoe with enough space and support for wide feet can be difficult. FitVille’s Amadeus Court Shoes only come in wide and extra-wide sizes, so finding the right fit is simple—and they’re more budget-friendly than many of our other top picks.

The insole’s honeycomb structure is covered with soft material, to provide plenty of cushioning and shock absorption. And a deep, wide heel cup offers good stability. Plus, both the insole and the footbed are removable, in case you need to add your own custom orthotics.

Suitable for both tennis and pickleball, the anti-torsion sole is made from durable, non-skid rubber. We like that the midsole is also anti-odor, to prevent unpleasant smells from building up over time. However, some wearers have noticed that the microfiber and mesh upper feels stiff.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Microfiber, mesh | Outsole: EVA rubber | Cushioning: Honeycomb insole | Weight: 11.8 ounces}

K-Swiss

Pros

Stylish design
Lightweight
Moisture-wicking sock liner

Cons

Higher heel collar may be irritating

If plantar fasciitis pain often interrupts your pickleball games, we recommend K-Swiss’s Express Light Shoe. It has superior support, with a plastic chassis that stretches across the midfoot for better stability. And a moisture-wicking sock liner keeps your feet feeling dry and comfortable.

Weighing just 9.8 ounces, this shoe is 2 to 3 ounces lighter than many of our other top picks. The design also includes a drag guard, to extend the Express Light’s lifespan. Although the high heel collar is great for players who need more ankle support, some wearers have found that it can lead to irritation and blisters.

It can be hard to find pickleball shoes in wide sizes, but K-Swiss offers this shoe in a wide width from sizes 5 through 12. Choose from a range of bright or neutral colors that make this shoe just as stylish as it is sleek.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 9.8 ounces}

Wilson

Pros

Helps prevent feet from twisting
Plush, padded midsole

Cons

Only comes in one color

Wilson’s Rush Pro Ace Pickler is comfortable, roomy, and designed to gently correct your gait, making it our top pick for the most supportive pickleball shoe. An asymmetrical chassis helps lock your feet in place, for a more secure fit—this can be especially helpful for pivot movements, when you’re turning quickly. Plus, the heel counter stabilizes your rearfoot, for better control.

The midsole is lined with thick, molded foam that feels soft underfoot. And we like that the thin upper is designed to breathe, to prevent sweaty feet. A rubber drag pad makes this shoe durable enough to wear on and off the court.

Unlike other shoes on our list, the Rush Pro Ace Pickler is only available in white. However, we think the range of supportive features makes up for the lack of colors.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: High-density rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: Not listed}

Amazon

Pros

Breathable mesh upper
Wide toe box
Removable insole

Cons

Not specifically designed for pickleball
May run small

Babolat’s Jet Tere shoe is a favorite of Laurie Coyne, a certified pickleball coach and owner of AquaLane Pickleball in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “The Michelin outsole stands up to months of court play without showing signs of wear and provides plenty of traction,” she says. “The shoes are light and balanced, allowing me to quickly adjust to the fast pace of pickleball. Being able to cover all areas of the court, I need to count on my footwear to get me there, and Babolat allows me to quickly shift direction with stability under foot.”

While the insole is cushioned with plenty of foam, it’s also removable, so you can customize the fit and support. The shoe has other features we love, too, like a breathable mesh upper, a roomy toe box, and reinforced heel support. Lateral movement protection reduces the risk of rolling your ankle, and the bright colors will help you stand out on the court. And weighing in at 9.6 ounces, they’re one of the lightest pairs on our list.

While these sneakers aren’t specifically designed for pickleball, they’re suitable for most court sports (indoors or outdoors). Some wearers note that they tend to run one whole size small, so you may want to order up. But it’s worth it: “They may be the last shoe a pickleball player will need to own,” Coyne adds.

Price at time of publication: $85

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 9.6 ounces}

Holabird Sports

Pros

Breathable mesh upper
Durable toe guard
Good traction

Cons

May run large
Expensive

Outdoor players need a durable shoe with good traction, like Tyrol’s Drive-V Pro Series. Tyrol is favored by experts, including Laurel Heilman, coach and owner of Pickleball Lessons by Laurel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

With torsion control and a lightweight mesh upper, this pair combines breathability and stability for games in warm weather. Although some wearers find that these shoes run a half size large, their wide toe box provides just the right amount of room. A rubber toe guard offers better balance and durability.

We like the padded insole, which feels comfortable even after hours of play. But all of these player-preferred features add up, making this shoe more expensive than most others on our list.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Nylon mesh | Outsole: Vibram rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 12.6 ounces}

Amazon

Pros

Plush, padded midsole
Wide toe box

Cons

Unisex sizing

With a wide toe box and plenty of cushioning, Acacia Sports’ Hypershot II is our top pick for indoor play. Its non-marking, contoured rubber soles offer excellent grip and control. And a protective toe guard provides extra support during lateral movements.

Memory foam in the midsole feels comfortable underfoot and helps absorb shock. We like the midsole’s honeycomb structure, which improves airflow to keep your feet cool. Elevated heels help with control and balance, so you can make even tough shots.

Note that this shoe is available in unisex sizing, which may make it difficult to find the right fit. Acacia Sports recommends ordering one size down for women’s sizing.

Price at time of publication: $96

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Leather | Outsole: Gum rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: Not listed}

Amazon

Pros

Good shock absorption
Good ankle support
Breathable mesh upper

Cons

Heavy
Not specifically designed for pickleball

If your pickleball shoes aren’t comfortable, you won’t want to wear them—no matter how stylish or supportive they are. For a shoe that’s truly easy to wear, we recommend Prince’s T22 Tennis Shoe.

The midsole has a heel insert that’s designed to absorb shock, while an additional forefoot insert helps evenly distribute the impact from running and diving. And like other shoes on our list, the upper contains breathable mesh to prevent your feet from overheating.

Wearers note that this pair has good ankle support—so if you’re a player who worries about rolling your ankles, these may be the sneakers for you. However, they’re tennis shoes, meaning they aren’t specifically designed for pickleball. It’s also worth noting that, at almost 14 ounces, all of the extra support and stability makes these shoes weigh more than most others on our list.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 13.8 ounces}

Total Pickleball

Pros

Good stability
Good traction
Anti-abrasion toe cap

Cons

May not have enough arch support for some

Lotto is another of Heilman’s favorite pickleball brands. Their Mirage 300 SPD shoes are our pick for durable sneakers that will last for many games to come. Foam in the midsole cushions every step and helps absorb shock while you play.

Anti-torsion control offers great stability to protect your feet and ankles. We like that the rubber outsole won’t mark up indoor courts, but still has enough traction for outdoor play.

Comfortable, responsive, the Mirage 300 has an anti-abrasion toe cap and a tightly-woven upper that’s sturdy enough to hold up to regular use. Just note that it doesn’t have as much arch support as other shoes on our list do.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: 12.6 ounces}

How We Selected the Best Pickleball Shoes

To find the best pickleball shoes, we first spoke with Laurie Coyne, a certified pickleball coach and owner of AquaLane Pickleball in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Laurel Heilman, coach and owner of Pickleball Lessons by Laurel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Wayne Dollard, Director and Head Pro at Level Up Pickleball. Their expert advice helped us narrow down which features every pair of pickleball shoes should have.

Then, we researched over 40 pairs of sneakers from top, trusted athletic brands. We compared price, cushioning, support, design, style, and more to narrow down our list to the top pickleball shoes on the market today.

What to Look For in Pickleball Shoes

Traction

Traction refers to how well a shoe’s outsole creates friction between the shoe and the floor. It can also include how well the outsole performs in wet or damp conditions. Traction is important because it helps prevent slipping and sliding, whether you’re playing indoors or out. It also helps you feel secure during sudden starts, stops, and direction changes in a pickleball game.

Some shoes, like FILA’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes, also have pivot points, to make these kinds of sharp movements easier. Look for a pickleball shoe with plenty of traction, so you can play confidently and injury-free.

Comfort

Your pickleball shoes should feel comfortable, even after hours of play. When trying your new shoes on, make sure they’re not so tight that the laces are digging into the tops of your feet, or so loose that your feet are sliding around inside. A shoe’s weight can also affect how comfortable it feels—but this is largely up to personal preference. (Dollard, for instance, prefers heavier shoes over lighter ones.)

Regardless of the shoe’s weight, a roomy toe box is necessary for hours of play, as shoes that are too narrow can pinch your feet. Also, look for a breathable upper made from mesh that will allow air to circulate. Thick, foam cushioning in the midsole can help extend your playing time, too.

Support

Pickleball shoes are known for providing great lateral support, which is necessary for all of those direction changes. But they also generally have lower arch support. As a result, some players will choose to add their own custom orthotics, insoles for flat fees, or any specific concerns. Your shoes should support your entire foot, including your arch, Dollard explains. Wilson’s Rush Pro Ace Pickler is our top pick for the most supportive pickleball shoe because it corrects your gait while stabilizing your heels.

Fit

Ideally, your shoes should fit right out of the box, so you can head straight to the court. Look for shoes that feel good on your feet. Wiggle your toes and shift your feet side to side in the shoes. If it feels like your toes are touching the end of the shoe or like your feet are sliding around, try a smaller size or a different brand. Each shoe manufacturer has a custom feel, so it’s important to find the one that fits you the best.

Durability

Pickleball shoes get a lot of wear and tear. Even if you don’t play regularly, the lateral motion and fast starts and stops mean your shoes are constantly working for you. Look for a pair with thick, sturdy, rubber soles. Check the toes and heels to see if they have additional rubber that wraps around the shoe to protect against toe drags across the court. These features will help extend the life of your shoes, no matter how often you pick up your paddle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do good pickleball shoes cost?

The price of a high-quality pair of pickleball shoes can vary from around $70 to $150 and up. Beginner to intermediate players should expect to spend somewhere around $100 on a comfortable and responsive shoe. Less expensive sneakers may not be as durable, while more expensive ones may have a long list of additional features that casual players don’t need. The cheapest pair on our list, FitVille’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes, are often available for around $70. And our top overall pick, Acacia Sports’ Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro Shoes, was $140 when we published this story.
Do I need special shoes for pickleball?

Yes, according to the pros. What makes pickleball shoes different? Lateral support, which protects against ankle rolls. While your shoes don’t need to be expensive, they should be designed for pickleball, or at least court sports. For example, some tennis shoes may have similar features that make them fine to wear, like Prince’s T22 Tennis Shoe.
What type of shoes are best for pickleball?

Recreational players will likely want a heavier pickleball shoe—one that’s wider, with good support. As you move up in skill level, you may find that you need a lighter pickleball shoe. These allow for quicker movements, but they are less stable and less supportive, so they’re usually recommended for players who are comfortable with navigating the court.
Is there a difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?

At first glance, tennis and pickleball shoes may look similar. But pickleball shoes have been specifically designed for the sport, with better foot drag and stability. “Tennis includes a lot of forward motion,” Dollard says, “whereas pickleball is more side to side.” Pickleball shoes are constructed to support this kind of sideways movement.
The shoes also wear differently over time. Dollard explains that tennis players will see their shoes wear out on the inside of their big toes, while pickleball players will see more wear underneath the balls of their feet. Pickleball shoes also have added rubber in places where they tend to wear more heavily.
Can you wear running shoes for pickleball?

No. If you've got bad knees, you try to find running shoes for bad knees, right? Then, essentially, you apply the same rule for pickleball. All of our experts stressed that wearing running shoes on the pickleball court is dangerous because of their lack of lateral support. “You should not be playing in running shoes,” Heilman says. Instead, “look for ‘court’ shoes.” A running shoe’s outsole has a different tread pattern, which may catch the pickleball court’s surface during play, causing you to trip or fall. “The biggest injury in the game comes from tripping while backpedaling, which may happen more often in running shoes,” Heilman explains.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, is a fitness writer and certified group fitness instructor who enjoys hitting the pickleball courts on a regular basis. Since gear is an essential component of the game, she endeavors to seek guidance from experts and to provide recommendations for products that are reliable, dependable and generally well reviewed by those who have tried them.

7 Best Tennis Shoes For Women, Tested by a Tennis Player