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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.
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.
This pickleball shoe features a rubber sole that has been designed to provide ideal traction when playing on outdoor courts of different surface types.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These shoes are available in both regular and wide sizes to ensure a great fit for a variety of players.
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.
These shoes feature a high-density durable rubber outsole and a plastic support chassis for stability, but they weigh just 1.34 pounds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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