The 6 Best Shoes for Playing Pickleball

Asics has always been a go-to for top-of-the-line tennis shoes, so it's to no surprise that its pickleball shoes live up to the brand's rep. These shoes top the court in stability and flexibility, helping keep you secure and safe through multi-directional movements. The low-profile and grippy outsole help you make those movements in the first place.

The other thing that makes these worth recommending is you get some creature comforts for under $100 Insoles and forefoot gel technology increase comfort while reducing the impact of abrupt landings. There's extra material around the toe box going to near to the ball of the foot

Everything that On puts into the Cloudsurfer 2 to make it one of our favorite cross trainers—stability, responsiveness, and just enough bounce—makes it a great pickleball shoe. The Roger Pro 2 (made for Mr. Federer, worn on-court by Ben Shelton) is a high-performance tennis shoe, so you get all the benefits (and price tag) that comes with that.

The shoe is supportive, with internal half-bootie construction and molded heel counter to improve foot lockdown, but it also looks good. If this were tennis, I'd tell you to never wear your court shoes when you're not playing, but pickleball is a less serious undertaking for most. If you want to wear court shoes off-court, this is the pair to do it with.

The upper is also more abrasion resistant than most on this list. Since pickleball is played on concrete, not grass or clay, that's a big plus.

Wilson has been innovating in the court sport space since 1913, and we are happy to see that it's taken its high-quality construction and classic silhouettes to pickleball. Taking specifically into account the lateral movements of the sport, this shoe uses a contoured fit that follows the shape of your foot to keep you secure stable.

Okay, so pickleball is your life. You play in three leagues, you have your own paddle, balls, and bag that you don't leave home without, and you lay awake in bed at night thinking about how you shouldn't have stepped into the kitchen on that one play. These are your shoes. They are lightweight and loaded with features that deliver the traction and control needed for quick sprints and sharp turns.

For those who want a pickleball shoe that also doubles as a tennis one (or vice versa), you might want to consider this pick from New Balance. The brand's beloved Fresh Foam X midsole gives premium cushioning, and an engineered tongue creates lockdown through the midfoot.

Don't sleep on K-Swiss's pickleball shoes. These have stability at the forefront of their design, ready to handle short lateral moves as well as forward and backward movements. Perhaps the best part of this shoe, however, is its sweat-reducing properties. A unique open-cell structure of OrthoLite foam manages moisture, making sure that you don't overheat when wearing these.

Finding the best pickleball shoes requires a blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here are some key factors to consider.

Grip. Traction is critical for support and stability, so you will need shoes with exceptional traction to handle those swift lateral movements and dynamic shifts. Specifically, a herringbone pattern sole often provides the best grip on indoor and outdoor courts.

Support and cushioning. The right shoe should cradle your feet and absorb impact during long matches. Look for EVA midsoles and reinforced toe areas, ensuring comfort and durability where you need it most.

Durability.