The 7 Best Pickleball Shoes Make Me Feel Like a Pro

Whether you’re a propelled ball player or dazzling sports, shoe choice is important. The correct pair keeps your feet lighter, making it easy to return a speedy serve.

Especially for beginners, I think it’s attractive to wear shoes you already own. However, it is dangerous to play pickle balls with footwear designed for other activities. Bert Bennetta certified pickleball master trainer and co-founder of Always Picklin’ tells Self. “I think the fastest way to get a pickleball injured is to play with running shoes,” he says. “During recreational play, I completely broke my feet and broke my running shoes. There’s too much left and right movement in the shoes without lateral support.”

To ensure even sports more Popular brands are releasing pickleball-specific shoes. So how do you choose the right pair? I interviewed the coach and tested some shoes for myself so you don’t need to. I’ll take a picture of the following favorites:

Our Top Picks

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These comfortable and slippery sneakers were made for the court.

Most Comfortable: Baborat Jet Mach 3

Josh GartmanCityPickle’s coaching and curriculum director, gives Babolat Jet Mach 3 the ultimate mark of approval. He wears it himself. “As an advanced player who needs support during a rapid change in direction, these shoes provide exactly what I need, or are incredibly lightweight,” he says. “They make me feel agile and quick on the court.

Of all the shoes I tested for this story, these were the most comfortable out of the box. The upper felt less rigid compared to the other pairs. And the midsole is not too soft, so I felt it was stable and responsive every time I increased the speed.

The only catch? They are not the “most durable option,” says Gartman, so you may need to replace them more frequently.

Lightest: K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe

If you are high on finding lightweight styles in your list of priorities, Express Light definitely belongs to the radar. True to their names, they are just over half a pound. When I let them slide, I quickly noticed the extra pep in my steps. They didn’t pull me down at all.

Gartman fans, they point out that it is “breathable, comfortable and priced.” Bennett warns that they are not the most supportive pickle ball shoes, saying the fit can be too wide for some. However, he added, “The outsole is suitable for hard courts and other courts would think it’s fine.”

Best Arch Support: Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0

When I tried out these sneakers, I quickly noticed their solid arch support. That’s part of what helped Viper Court Pro 2.0 win the American Podiatrist Association (APMA). Signs of acceptanceThis is awarded to the shoes that a podiatrist panel agrees that it is good for your feet. My pickleball partner, who tried out the boys’ version of the shoes, has flat feet and appreciates the midsole even more than me. Even if you wear custom braces, these shoes can work for you. The insole is removable so you can slide it yourself inside.

Gartman loves the Viper Court Pro 2.0 being comfortable and lightweight. Additionally, “Goodyear soles make these shoes arguably some of the most durable on the market,” he says. The biggest drawback, he explains, is that there is no lateral support that most other picks on this list have.

Perfect for outdoor courts: Diadem Court Burst

“The Diadem Court Burst is a premium shoe,” says Bennett. “It’s a much harder court-specific thing. The surface of the indoor wood court can be slippery.” The toe guards are strengthened, and could really be rewarded during the match. “Toe dragging is common in pickleballs, so shoes need to use extra reinforcements in the toe area to prevent premature wear,” says Bennett. (Toe drag refers to dragging the toes on the back when you reach to hit the ball.) “A durable toe cap extends the life of your shoe, especially for players who slip into the shot or frequently rush,” he adds.

I love that they also have a high heel counter (the back of the ankles). With these on, my feet felt fully supported and there was no extra space in the shoes. Includes toe box. Too much Lots of space for your toes to breathe.