A lot of players don't immediately realize, but your shoes are one of the most important pieces of your pickleball game.
If you don't get on the court with some of the best pickleball shoes, then you're not setting yourself up for immediate success.
This sounds a bit extreme, but I see far too many people playing pickleball in running shoes and other shoes that don't give nearly enough support for them.
Not only are you unable to move the same way you would be able to in court shoes (you just won't have the same support), you're also not protecting yourself from injuries and keeping yourself as safe as you possibly can be while playing.
Pro players know this and that's why they choose the best shoes for longevity while allowing them to have the best mobility and success on the court.
This list breaks down the top ten pickleball shoes and court shoes for pickleball that will immediately set you up for success, regardless of any specific needs you might have coming in.
I break down the best pickleball shoes from the best overall option to the best option for people with wide feet, all the way to the best option for added ankle support (that aren't basketball shoes).
What are your go-to pickleball shoes?
Top Ten Pickleball Shoes And Court Shoes
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number One: SKETCHERS Go Train Arch Fit Viper Court Pro
The Best Overall Pickleball Shoes
PROS
CONS
Coming in at number one on our list of the best pickleball shoes and court shoes for pickleball are our Sketchers Go Train Viper Court Pros.
Sponsorship or not, shoes are something that athletes (especially at the very highest level of the game) take very seriously.
Shoes can make or break a game, and also in some cases a career if they're helping to prevent injury and keep you at the top of your game for longer.
That said, The Sketchers Go Train Vipers are the choice of top players like Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau who continue to make it to the top of the podium each tournament.
If you're looking for the best overall option that is a no-brainer choice, then look no further.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Two: K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe
The Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
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Coming in at number two among our top ten pickleball shoes and court shoes for pickleball are our K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes.
These are actually my preferred pick at the moment as I make my way through testing all of the top choices. I love the Sketchers as well, but I only get around 3 months or so of play time in each pair being that I'm playing so much, and I am currently loving the K-Swiss shoes.
These are an easy choice for anyone looking to grab the best pair of pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Three: Babolat Jet Tere All Court Tennis Shoes
The Best Lightweight Pickleball Shoes
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Coming in at number three on our list of the best pickleball shoes are the Babolat Jet Tere All Court Tennis Shoes.
These shoes are going to be our best lightweight options, coming in at a great price and overall shoe.
While they're not specifically made for pickleball, they are amazing tennis court shoes, and anyone who may be looking for a lightweight option under $100 will be able to have an easy choice with these.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Four: FitVille Wide Width Court Shoes
The Best Pickleball Shoes For Wide Feet
PROS
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Coming in at number four among our top ten pickleball shoes are our FitVille Pickleball Shoes that are specifically made for players with wide feet.
I know quite a few players that specifically want shoes for wider feet, and these not only cater to the wide and x-wide size, but they also add extra arch support for plantar fasciitis and come in at an incredible price point.
These might not be the best option for ALL players, but they do hit a specific niche in the market that I'm sure many people are looking for while reading this list.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Five: ASICS Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes
The Best Budget Option Pickleball Shoes
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Coming in at number five among our top ten pickleball shoes are going to be our best budget pickleball shoes: The ASICS Gel-Renma.
These were actually the first pair of court shoes I have ever owned, and they were the ones that convinced me to never wear another pair of running shoes on the court ever again.
They have great support and come in at an awesome price point, while also giving very plain minimalistic style options for those of you who prefer to just grab a white or black shoe to make it easier and simple.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Six: Fila Volley Zone
The Most Unique Aesthetic Pickleball Shoe Option
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Coming in at number six among on our list of the best pickleball shoes are our most unique aesthetic option: The Fila Volley Zone Sneakers.
We have brands like Sketchers, ASICS and K-Swiss that will bring in some vibrant colors and have you standing out on the court - but Fila makes a really fun option that brings your pickleballs right to your feet.
They come in both black, vibrant salmon and even electric blue (with the pickleball variation), and can be picked up for a really great price - while still keeping everything we want in a court shoe.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Seven: adidas Gamecourt Tennis Shoe
The Best Breathable Pickleball Shoes
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Coming in at number seven among our top ten pickleball shoes are going to be our best breathable options: The adidas Gamecourt Tennis Shoes.
These have multiple different variations now, with the adidas Gamecourt 2 shoes being out as well - but I personally loved my regular models.
The only thing I definitely need to point out is that while other court shoes lasted me 3+ months, these began to get wear and tear on them before the end of the first month (keep in mind, I'm also playing A LOT of pickleball).
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Eight: ON The Roger
The Best Pickleball Shoes For Off The Court Style
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Coming in at number eight on our list of the best pickleball shoes is going to be the highest priced court shoe on our entire list: The Roger's by ON Running.
I personally love my ON Running shoes, and I know there are tons of other people out there that love them as well - so when I heard of the collaboration with Federer I was super intrigued.
I personally think they're priced extremely high, but these are still awesome shoes if you want something that's extremely sleek and stylish for both on and off the court - while still getting all the parts of a court shoe you'll need to put in some hours here and there.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Nine: Mizuno Wave Momentum
The Best Pickleball Shoes For Ankle Support
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Coming in at number nine among our top ten pickleball shoes are going to be the best option for ankle support: The Mizuno Wave Momentum.
Let me just start right out by telling you that these are actually volleyball shoes.
I know a lot of players who want extra ankle support so they go and try to find high top basketball shoes, but what I've found is that volleyball shoes (especially these) are actually a much better option in most cases.
These come in at a bit higher price point than some of the other options on the list, but they will last you a while and give you great extra ankle support if that's something you are looking for.
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
Number Ten: Crocs
The Best Pickleball Shoes For In Between Matches And Getting To And From The Court
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Coming in at number ten among our top ten pickleball shoes are a must have for any pickleball player (even if Chris Olson at Pickleball Studio hasn't come around to them yet): Crocs.
Okay, first and foremost: PLEASE do not wear these while playing.
These are a unique and fun addition to the list because so many players slip these on before and after matches (and even sometimes between them).
I personally have quite a few pairs, and definitely have them on before and after pickleball, almost immediately as I finish and pull off my tightly tied court shoes.
Do you wear Crocs before/after you play pickleball?
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball
The Top Ten Pickleball Shoes and Court Shoes for Pickleball (Recap Of The Above List):
- Sketchers Go Train Viper Courts - Best Overall Option
- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe - Best For Plantar Fasciitis
- Babolat Jet Tere Tennis Shoes - Best Lightweight Option
- FitVille Wide Width Court Shoes - Best For Wide Feet
- ASICS Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoe - Best Budget Option
- Fila Volley Zone Court Shoe - Best Unique Design Option
- adidas Gamecourt Tennis Shoes - Best Breathable Option
- ON Running The Roger Shoes - Best For On and Off The Court Style
- Mizuno Wave Momentum Shoes - Best For Ankle Support
- Crocs - Best For Before And After Pickleball Matches
These best pickleball shoes should contain a match for nearly every player and every need out there. Some of them overlap needs, like the K-Swiss being great for plantar fasciitis, but also coming in light, slim and well priced - and the FitVille coming in wide, but also giving extra support for plantar fasciitis as well.
You'll have to read through some of these best options and make the best decision for your specific needs - and don't forget to obviously grab your Crocs for in between (and before and after) your matches.
Have you always played with court shoes or were you someone who start with running shoes? What is your preferred pickleball shoe now?
