Every sport is played with specially designed equipment for it. Pickleball may be a new sport for you, but it has been in existence for many years now. International tournaments and championship events are held now and then.
If you are considering playing pickleball, other than the paddles, there are special pickleball shoes that you have to get.
Due to the surface pickleball is played on, many people wonder if you can use tennis shoes to play pickleball. There are differences in how both games are played. Even though you can’t play pickleball using a tennis racket, you play pickleball using tennis shoes.
Continue reading to find out how to choose pickleball shoes and the best pickleball shoes on the market.
See also: Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles To Quickly Improve Your Game.
Differences Between Pickleball Shoes And Tennis Shoes
Generally, tennis and court shoes are excellent for playing pickleball because they are slightly designed for the same purpose, including comfort, optimal support, and durability.
For these reasons, many players use tennis shoes while playing pickleball. However, just like the surface, these two sports are played, the materials in the shoes of both sports are also somewhat similar.
Many brands produce tennis shoes and brand them as pickleball shoes. However, there is a slight difference in cushioning and comfort in the shoes.
So, can you use tennis shoes for pickleball? Tennis shoes are an excellent option for pickleball, particularly if you want to play outdoors. Even though you can still use your indoor court shoes for outdoor play, they may tear up the rubber.
When choosing the perfect shoes for pickleball, look for a court or tennis shoe with enhanced comfort, ankle support, extra grip, rubber soles, and a tread pattern promoting quick lateral movements.
If you are looking to get pickleball shoes or upgrade your existing pickleball shoes keep reading. Below we have discussed the best top options of pickleball shoes that you can choose from.
These are the specially designed pickleball shoes that every player should have in their collection.
See also: Can You Use Basketball Shoes To Play Tennis? (Here’s the truth!)
The Two Types Of Shoes For Pickleball Are Court Shoes And Tennis Shoes
The two best types of shoes for pickleball are court shoes and tennis shoes because they offer you the grip, stability, and structure you need to effectively and efficiently play pickleball.
The table below contains the characteristics of the two types of shoes for pickleball: court shoes and tennis shoes.
| Definition | Characteristics | |
| Court shoes | – Court shoes are generally athletic shoes designed for indoor court use. – They are the best option for most pickleball players. | – They have rubber on the sole – They offer stability on the sides. – They bend at the toe box rather than in the middle. – Court shoes are specifically designed for indoor court use. – They are less bulkier than tennis shoes. |
| Tennis shoes | – Tennis shoes are also excellent for playing pickleball, mainly outdoors. – Even though you can use your indoor court shoes for outdoor play, they may tear up the rubber. Therefore, tennis shoes are a better option for playing pickleball outdoors. | – Tennis shoes come with a flat sole and do not have any rubber. – Tennis shoes are bulkier and heavier than most other shoes. – They generally have solid stability on the sides. – Tennis shoes bend at the toe box, not in the middle. |
Best Pickleball Shoes
If you are having fun playing pickleball as a beginner and want to excel in this sport further, it would be best if you get pickleball shoes.
Here is a list of the best pickleball shoes that you can choose from. Consider the one that you think would suit your style of play.
1- K-Swiss Pickleball Shoes
One of the best quality pickleball shoes that you will find, these K-Swiss pickleball shoes are perfect for you to get. Having a rubber sole makes it extremely comfortable for you to have constant lateral movements during the game.
The rubber sole is made by using AOSTA 7.0 rubber compound, which is the best material you can find on the market. Additionally, due to excessive toe dragging in the game, these shoes are equipped with DURAWRAP, which provides an extra line of defense and doesn’t compromise the comfort level.
K-Swiss has spent an immense effort, time, and cost on the end of these shoes. Every factor that can have an impact on your game is tackled perfectly. For example, they have included a 180 PSC plantar in these shoes to provide better plantar support and improve foot stability.
If you want to know more about these shoes, below is a link that you should check.
K-Swiss Pickleball Shoe For Men
K-Swiss Pickleball Shoe For Women
2- ASICS Pickleball Shoes
Perfect pickleball shoes that you can get as a gift for anyone. Durable, and comfortable, ASICS Pickleball Shoes are engineered with perfection.
Offering optimum ankle support and the outsoles are designed to lower drag during the lateral movements you have to make during pickleball games. One of the best features of ASICS Pickleball Shoes is the non-marking rubber soles, making them perfect for indoor court games.
Most indoor pickleball courts are made of wood or fiberglass, and you wouldn’t want to leave drag marks on the floor. Therefore, ASICS Pickleball Shoes will ensure that the ground remains undamaged during constant movements.
ASICS Pickleball Shoes For Men
ASICS Pickleball Shoes For Women
3- K-Swiss Pickleball Shoes
K-Swiss is one of the oldest and leading pickleball shoe manufacturers globally. Many brands that sell tennis shoes are pickleball shoes, but K-Swiss is one of the brands with a designated research and development department for this category of shoes.
Made from 100% synthetic material, no natural or animal elements are used to make these shoes. So you wouldn’t have to worry about hurting the environment when using these shoes.
One of the best features included in every K-Swiss pickleball shoe is the ortholite sock liner. The unique open-cell structure of the sock liner is created by foam that helps in moisture management and keeps it away. This provides a drier feel during pickleball games and leaves no unhealthy odor in the shoes.
K-Swiss Pickleball Shoes For Women
K-Swiss Pickleball Shoes For Men
4- WILSON Pickleball Shoes
Wilson is the top brand name that you will hear in the sports industry. It is known for its high-quality, top-of-the-line durable products. Be it of any sport, and you will find Wilson equipment the best ones. Specially designed for women, these Wilson pickleball shoes are what you should get for your partner.
The best feature of this shoe is the 4D design support chassis to control pivot movements during aggressive games. Providing comfort and relaxed foot movement, these shoes have the best stability.
Engineered with top-quality mesh material, the shoes are extremely breathable, making them comfortable for you to play during pickleball games. To keep these shoes women-specific, Wilson has made them using long and asymmetrical sides and a specially designed heel counter to prevent any pressure on the ankle.
Using Endofit technology in these shoes, Wilson has done a great job by providing women with extreme comfort levels, arch support, and stability. Try these shoes on outdoor courts, and you will experience a unique feel.
WILSON Pickleball Shoes For Women
WILSON Pickleball Shoes For Men
5- Fila Pickleball Shoes
Fila is one of the best sports manufacturers worldwide. You can find Fila products anywhere in the world. Fila pickleball shoes will provide the comfort, durability, and stability you need when playing pickleball.
Their rubber sole offers comfortable lateral movements that you need to make during pickleball games. Make sure you choose the right size to ensure you don’t have any issues during the game.
Fila has done a great job by adding Herringbone rubber sole technology in these shoes to offer remarkable traction and stability. In addition, the forefoot pivot area is a round shape that provides additional support and prevents pressure from affecting your foot.
The brand has added energized EVA midsole technology for extra cushioning to provide comfort during aggressive. This ensures that your feet remain in the same position during constant lateral movements.
Fila Pickleball Shoes For Men
Fila Pickleball Shoes For Women
Final Thoughts
That was your complete guide for the best pickleball shoes you are looking for. These are the best options you can invest in and would feel any dissonance.
Every shoe mentioned in the options above is of the best brands you will find in the market. In addition, they are highly rated and made using top-of-the-line technology.