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updated: September 23, 2024
edited by Maya Dollarhide

Whether you’re preparing to step onto the pickleball court for the first time or want to take your game up a level, pickleball shoes play an important role in your safety, comfort, and agility on the court. Just as you carefully choose your pickleball paddles, you’ll need to choose the right shoes, too. As pickleball continues its rapid growth in popularity, you have more and more shoes to pick from, but it’s important to know how to choose the right pair for you. Read on for tips from pickleball professionals and check out our picks for the best pickleball shoes for women to get started.

Our top picks for women's pickleball shoes

Best outdoor pickleball shoes for women: Wilson Rush Pro Aces Pickler Women’s Pickleball Shoe

Wilson Rush Pro Aces Pickler Women’s Pickleball Shoe

Wilson Rush Pro Aces Pickler Women’s Pickleball Shoe

With its durable rubber compound sole, this shoe is designed to resist abrasion and maximize traction, ideal for outdoor court use. A rubber overlay drag pad provides additional protection when dragging your foot for enhanced durability, too. Other features like a support chassis to stabilize the foot and a mesh upper for extra breathability help to keep you comfortable during long games.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: OrthoLite foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Mesh
  • Weight: Not disclosed
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5.5-11
  • Price on publish: $99

Pros:

  • Wider toe box for wider feet
  • 4D support chassis helps to stabilize the foot when pivoting
  • Rubber overlay drag pad maximizes durability and protection when dragging your foot
  • OrthoLite foam maximizes cushion and comfort
  • Mesh upper for breathability

Cons:

  • Wider design may not fit narrow feet well
  • Only available in two colors

The bottom line:

This pickleball shoe features a rubber sole that has been designed to provide ideal traction when playing on outdoor courts of different surface types.

Best indoor pickleball shoes for women: New Balance Women’s FuelCell Pickleball Indoor Court Shoe

New Balance Women’s FuelCell Pickleball Indoor Court Shoe

This pickleball shoe features a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern that’s specifically designed for use on indoor court surfaces. The outsole maximizes durability in high-wear areas, and it’s paired with polyurethane leather on the toe tip for extra durability during hard stops and pivots. The synthetic and mesh upper maximizes breathability, while foam helps to keep you comfortable and create a sense of propulsion.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam midsole
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Mesh
  • Weight: 1.54 pounds
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5-12
  • Price on publish: $134.95

Pros:

  • Available in regular and wide sizes
  • Foam provides cushioning and a sense of propulsion
  • Herringbone outsole designed specifically for indoor courts
  • Rubber outsole maximizes durability in high-wear areas
  • Higher midsole topline provides extra stability

Cons:

  • Only available in one color
  • Buyers with narrow feet find the shoes too wide

The bottom line:

This pickleball shoe features a sole that’s designed to perform well on indoor courts, and it’s available in regular and wide sizes for an optimal fit.

Best lightweight pickleball shoes: Skechers Women’s Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pickleball Sneaker

Skechers Women’s Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pickleball Sneaker

Skechers Women’s Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pickleball Sneaker

Weighing just 1.41 pounds, these pickleball sneakers are lightweight but don’t sacrifice stability or support. Their relaxed fit provides extra room in the toe. A padded collar and tongue plus a removable arch support insole help to maximize your comfort. These shoes also feature a rubber outsole that is designed to help maximize traction and stability, so the shoes can be worn not only on the court, but also around the house.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper Material: Synthetic and mesh
  • Weight: 1.41 pounds
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Price on publish: $84.95

Pros:

  • Available in six colors
  • Removable podiatrist-designed arch support insoles for extra comfort
  • Relaxed fit upper for a comfortable fit at the toe
  • Soft padded collar and tongue to maximize comfort
  • Rubber outsole designed for maximum traction, stability, and durability

Cons:

  • Not available in size 10.5
  • Mesh panels in the upper are small

The bottom line:

These shoes weigh just 1.41 pounds, but they’re full of features like removable arch support insoles and a padded collar and tongue for comfort.

Best budget pickleball shoes: FILA Women’s Double Bounce 3 Pickleball Shoes

FILA Women’s Double Bounce 3 Pickleball Shoes

While these shoes are some of the most affordable on our list, they’re full of features. The rubber sole features a forefoot circle pivot area to help you quickly change direction, while the midfoot shank adds stability. A foam midsole absorbs impacts and provides cushion. The shoes are available in two bright and eye-catching color options that will stand out on the court.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Synthetic and mesh
  • Weight: Not disclosed
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 6-11
  • Price on publish: $69.99

Pros:

  • Forefoot circle pivot area on the sole supports quick pivots
  • Midfoot shank provides extra stability and structure to the shoe
  • Foam midsole helps to absorb impacts and provides cushion
  • Toe cap adds stability and durability
  • Mesh panels for breathable, comfortable wear

Cons:

  • Mesh panels in the upper are small
  • Limited colors

The bottom line:

These shoes are affordably priced but are full of important features like a midfoot shank for extra stability and a rubber sole designed to help you quickly change direction.

Most durable pickleball shoes: Nike Zoom Challenge

Nike Zoom Challenge

Nike Zoom Challenge

These shoes feature a high abrasion rubber sole for extra traction and durability, and it’s paired with extra rubber in the toe for durability throughout quick stops and turns. While the upper has lots of mesh for breathability, a synthetic overlay creates extra support and stability for heel security. A padded heel and soft collar help to maximize comfort and absorb shock.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Mesh and synthetic
  • Weight: Not disclosed
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5-12
  • Price on publish: $120

Pros:

  • Midfoot plastic plate provides support for quick direction changes
  • High abrasion rubber sole to maximize traction and extra rubber in the toe
  • Upper features mesh and a synthetic overlay for extra support
  • Soft foam in the heel for shock absorption and comfort
  • Wide shoe base provides stability

Cons:

  • Weight isn’t disclosed
  • No wide size options

The bottom line:

These shoes are equipped with a high abrasion rubber sole and extra rubber in the toe, making them a durable choice for pickleball practice and games.

Best pickleball shoes for wide feet: FitVille Wide Women’s Pickleball Shoes

FitVille Wide Women’s Pickleball Shoes

FitVille Wide Women’s Pickleball Shoes

These pickleball shoes are available in sizes 6 to 11, including half sizes, and every size is available in a regular and a wide width. The shoes feature a foam insole that delivers arch support while helping to absorb shock, and the rubber outsole helps to create grip and stability as you play.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material:Leather and mesh
  • Weight: 1.73 pounds
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 6-11
  • Price on publish: $64.99

Pros:

  • Insole provides arch support for comfort
  • Every size is available
  • Outsole helps to maximize grip and stability
  • Foam insole absorbs shock to keep you comfortable
  • Mesh upper is breathable to keep you cool

Cons:

  • Little variation between the three available colors
  • Slightly heavier than other shoes

The bottom line:

These shoes are available in both regular and wide sizes to ensure a great fit for a variety of players.

Most lightweight pickleball shoes: K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe

K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe

K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe

Weighing just 1.34 pounds, these pickleball shoes are lightweight yet still offer stability and durability. They feature a plastic support chassis for stability, and a sock liner helps to minimize the effects of sweat on the shoes. These shoes also feature a high-density rubber outsole that’s paired with a design to minimize toe dragging and wear and tear on the heel.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Not specified
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Synthetic, mesh
  • Weight: 1.34 pounds
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Price on publish: $99.95

Pros:

  • 180-degree plastic support chassis adds midfoot stability
  • High-density rubber outsole for durability
  • Dragguard in the toe and heel areas increases their abrasion resistance
  • Durawrap upper helps to prevent extra toe dragging
  • Includes a sock liner to help keep feet cool and minimize sweat impacts on the shoes

Cons:

  • Only available in one color
  • Not available in size 10.5

The bottom line:

These shoes feature a high-density durable rubber outsole and a plastic support chassis for stability, but they weigh just 1.34 pounds.

Best pickleball shoes for advanced players: Skechers Viper Court Pro

Skechers Viper Court Pro

Skechers Viper Court Pro

The Skechers Viper Court Pro are specifically designed for elite pickleball athletes. The rubber compound outsole supports controlled movements and pivots, while the breathable mesh upper is paired with synthetic overlays for extra protection. The relaxed fit gives you more room at the toe and forefoot, and it’s paired with an arch insole system to provide extra comfort. That insole molds to your foot for shock absorption and weight dispersion while you play.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Synthetic overlays with mesh
  • Weight: Not specified
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Price on Publish: $115

Pros:

  • Removable insole molds to your foot for increased weight dispersion
  • Rubber compound outsole is designed for durability and controlled movements
  • Arch insole system features podiatrist-certified arch support for comfort
  • Relaxed fit provides a roomy, comfortable fit
  • Breathable mesh upper to help keep feet cool

Cons:

  • Not available in wide sizes
  • Weight not specified

The bottom line:

Designed for elite pickleball players, this shoe features a rubber compound outsole to help you stop and pivot, a relaxed fit for increased comfort, and an arch insole system for extra support.

Best design pickleball shoes: K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme

K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme

K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme

The K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme features a Durawrap flex upper that consists of mesh and a synthetic overlay. That upper is designed to flex with your foot for comfortable wear. A foam midsole provides extra cushioning and helps to return energy while you run, while a foam sock liner wicks sweat to help keep your feet dry. The rubber outsole adds durability and provides traction in the areas where you need it to support quick movements and direction changes.

Specifications

  • Cushioning: Foam
  • Closure type: Lace up
  • Upper material: Synthetic, mesh
  • Weight: Not specified
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Price on publish: $119.95

Pros:

  • Plush design around ankles helps to add support
  • Foam sock liner wicks sweat to help your feet stay dry
  • Rubber outsole maximizes traction and provides durability
  • Foam midsole adds cushioning and returns energy as you run
  • Available in three colors

Cons:

  • Weight isn’t specified
  • Only available in one width

The bottom line:

This pickleball shoe features an upper designed to flex with your foot, and it’s paired with a foam midsole and plush design around the ankles for maximum comfort.

What to consider when buying pickleball shoes for women

After your pickleball paddle, a good pair of shoes is the next-most-important purchase for this sport. Catherine Parenteau, professional pickleball player and Skechers brand ambassador, explains that there are several important qualities to look for in pickleball shoes. “A quality pair of pickleball shoes should be comfortable, durable, lightweight, and allow you to focus on your game,” she says. As you shop for pickleball shoes, look for these qualities:

Comfort

When you’re spending many hours training and playing, you absolutely need a comfortable pair of shoes. Look for features like shock-absorbing materials in the sole and extra padding around the laces for extra comfort. Parenteau notes shoes with a relaxed fit offer plenty of space in the toe area, which can help to maximize comfort as you play.

Support

Shoes that provide you with the right amount of support will also be more comfortable. Hawley Lane Shoes recommends looking for shoes that provide adequate arch support and ankle stability, which will not only improve your comfort, but which can help to prevent injuries.

Durability

Your pickleball shoes will see a lot of wear and tear. Look for shoes made of durable materials that are designed to last. Since many pickleball shoes can cost $100 or more, choosing a more durable shoe can help ensure you get maximum use out of your investment.

Stability

“I think it is important to choose a shoe that locks your foot into place so that you feel stable on the court,” says Parenteau. For example, shoes like the Skechers Viper Court Pro feature a rubber outsole to maximize stability and traction on the court.

Sole design

Pickleball Touring Professional and Director of Pickleball Instruction at Palmetto Dunes, Sarah Ansboury, explains that the outsole design plays an important role in how pickleball shoes perform. Pickleball players need to move in every direction, so look for court shoes, which can contribute to your safety and your overall performance. “Court shoes typically have a smooth sole,” she says. Avoid cross trainers, which have “nibs” that can stick to the court, potentially causing you to trip and fall.

Fit

It’s essential that your pickleball shoes fit you well. Some brands run narrower, and some brands offer wide sizes. Ansboury explains that your pickleball shoe size probably isn’t the same as your standard shoe size, so before you order shoes, it’s a good idea to go to a sports store where you can be fitted for a pickleball shoe.

Weight

Agility and quick movements are key to successfully playing pickleball, and heavy shoes can weigh you down. Look for shoes that are lightweight, yet still offer the stability you need during an intense game. While walking shoes may feel comfortable, they may be too heavy for play—and while running shoes may be lightweight, they may not offer the right stability.

Breathability

Hawley Lane Shoes recommends looking for shoes with a breathable design, which can help to keep you comfortable during hotter weather. Mesh and synthetic uppers can help to maximize airflow for a more breathable shoe.

Style

Finally, have some fun exploring different pickleball shoe styles and looks. As pickleball becomes even more popular, you’ll find shoes are available in more colors and styles. For the best results, look for shoes in colors that reflect the clothes colors you’ll most often wear on the court.

How to maintain and clean pickleball shoes

Ansboury notes that good socks are vital in caring for both your feet and your shoes. She encourages athletes who sweat heavily to change their socks multiple times throughout the day. Additionally, Ansboury doesn’t wear her pickleball shoes anywhere but on the court, which helps to minimize wear and tear.

Parenteau considers how easily a pair of shoes can be cleaned when selecting her shoes. “As a professional pickleball player, I wear the shoes more than the average player, so it is essential to find a pair you can easily throw into the washing machine,” she says.

To maintain your shoes, use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt from the outsoles, taking out the laces and insoles, and surface cleaning pickleball shoes with a mix of mild laundry detergent or dish soap and warm water. You can also use shoe cleaners designed for the material your shoes are made of for a more thorough cleaning to get rid of stubborn stains. After cleaning, wipe the shoes with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture while retaining their shape.

You can deodorize pickleball shoes by sprinkling baking soda inside the shoes or using a shoe deodorizer spray.

How we selected the best pickleball shoes for women

To choose the best pickleball shoes for women, I considered the features valued most by professional pickleball players. I looked for shoes with features designed to maximize comfort, such as shock absorbing materials, and also chose shoes that were designed to support athletes as they turned, accelerated, and stopped.

I also considered the materials used in each shoe’s construction and how they contribute to the shoe’s durability, breathability, and overall comfort. I tried to include shoes with soles designed to provide appropriate traction for various court surfaces. Finally, I considered the size availability of each shoe, as well as its overall style and appearance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What type of shoe is best for pickleball?

“You should invest in a pickleball-specific shoe,” recommends Parenteau. “I wear the Skechers Viper Court Pro shoe and it features all the necessary comfort and performance features you want in a pickleball shoe—superior comfort, enhanced traction and durability, and support. They look great, too.”

What are the best court shoes for pickleball women?

There is no one single best pair of court shoes for pickleball that will work for all women. Instead, look for shoes that feature a durable sole, have breathable construction, a supportive design, and a comfortable fit. The best shoes for you will partially depend on your foot shape, so you may need to try some different brands and models to tell which shoe works best.

Are tennis shoes and pickleball shoes the same?

Parenteau explains that there are some key differences between tennis shoes for women and pickleball shoes. “I used to play tennis, and the footwear I wore then is different from what is appropriate for the pickleball court,” she says. “For pickleball, you need footwear that can accommodate side-to-side and forward movements. Compared to tennis, pickleball consists of quicker and shorter bursts of movement, so having a lighter weight shoe is something that is definitely beneficial,” she says.

Can I use pickleball shoes for other sports?

“You definitely can!” says Parenteau. “Personally, I always use my pickleball shoes for any off court training I do because my training involves much of the same movements I use in pickleball.”

What are the best pickleball shoes for women with bunions?

According to The Bunion Institute, bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe. Whether you’re looking for pickleball shoes or running shoes for women, the best shoe for bunions will feature a wide toe box, good arch support, and a cushioned footbed to maximize your comfort. Choosing a wider pickleball shoe can help to avoid putting extra pressure on your toe joints, and breathable uppers allow shoes to flex and stretch to accommodate your foot shape.

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.

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