What Shoes Are Best for Pickleball?

July 15, 2025

On the pickleball court, your footwork is just as important as your paddle skills. Without the right shoes, you’re one wrong step away from slipping, sliding, or rolling an ankle. Beginner players are often left with the question, “What shoes are best for pickleball?” Let’s break it down.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best pickleball shoes for indoor and outdoor courts and how to choose the perfect pair for your playing surface. With expert recommendations from PickleRage, you’ll find pickleball-specific shoes that improve grip, enhance performance, and reduce injury risks—so you can stay on the court longer and play at your peak.

Want to elevate your game? PickleRage offers state-of-the-art indoor courts around the US, perfect for year-round play with players of all skill levels. Contact us to join the PickleRage community today!

Why You Need Specific Shoes for Pickleball

Pickleball requires fast lateral movements, quick pivots, and explosive speed. If you’re not wearing the right shoes, you’re increasing your risk of rolled ankles and knee injuries that could keep you off the courts for weeks.

Unlike running shoes, which are designed for forward motion, pickleball shoes provide lateral stability, superior grip, and cushioning to keep you balanced, absorb impact, and help you react quickly to opponents’ shots.

What To Look For In Your Pickleball Shoes

The best pickleball shoes will keep you steady, agile, and comfortable. Here’s what to consider when choosing your perfect pair:

Support & Stability

Pickleball involves constant side-to-side movements and quick stops, which stress the ankles and knees. The right pickleball shoes should have:

Reinforced sidewalls for stability

Structured midsoles for balance
Ankle support to prevent rolling injuries

Traction & Grip

Whether you’re playing pickleball on an indoor or outdoor court, grip is key. A good pair of pickleball shoes will have:

Non-marking rubber outsoles for indoor courts

Specialized tread patterns for strong traction
Durable outsoles to prevent slipping

Cushioning & Comfort

Long rallies and extended pickleball play sessions can take a toll on your feet, so comfort is key. Look for pickleball shoes with:

Shock-absorbing midsoles to protect joints

Extra cushioning in the heel for comfort
Breathable materials to keep feet cool

Durability & Materials

Pickleball involves frequent starts, stops, and dragging movements, which can be tough on shoes. High-quality court shoes are made with:

Reinforced toe caps for durability
Breathable uppers to reduce sweat buildup
Strong rubber outsoles that last longer

What Types of Shoes Can You Use For Pickleball?

Not all athletic shoes are designed to handle pickleball’s quick lateral movements. Here are the best footwear options for indoor and outdoor pickleball play:

Indoor & Outdoor Court Shoes

Designed for pickleball or other racquet sports, court shoes provide the best combination of grip, support, and durability. Indoor court shoes have softer, non-marking rubber soles to maximize traction on gym floors, while outdoor models feature tougher outsoles that withstand rougher surfaces like asphalt or concrete.

Here are two top choices for indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes:

HEAD Motion Pro (indoor play): Features specialized “Hybrasion+” technology to maximize traction on smooth indoor courts, giving you better grip and stability.
Babolat Jet Mach 3 (outdoor play): Features Michelin rubber soles for superior durability and grip on hard outdoor courts, preventing wear and tear.

Tennis Shoes

Since tennis and pickleball share similar movement patterns, many players opt for tennis shoes to improve their game. Tennis shoes feature lateral support, cushioning, and durable soles for quick pivots and directional changes.

The following tennis shoes perform well during outdoor pickleball games:

ASICS Gel-Resolution 9: Provides excellent arch support and stability, making it a top choice for players who need extra foot protection during intense matches. View Product
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes: These shoes are lightweight for maximum agility and comfort, ensuring smooth movement on the court.

Why To Avoid Running Shoes

Running shoes are great for straight-ahead motion, but they lack the lateral stability needed for fast-paced pickleball games. Without reinforced side support, your foot is more likely to roll during quick side-to-side movements, increasing the risk of injury. Plus, the higher, softer soles of running shoes can make you feel unsteady on the court, leading to slips and slower reaction times.

Choosing The Right Shoes Based on Court Type: Indoor vs. Outdoor Shoes

Indoor and outdoor pickleball courts have different playing surfaces, and choosing the right shoes for each environment can help you maximize traction, stability, and overall performance.

Here are some key features to look for in indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes:

Indoor court shoes:

Non-marking rubber soles: Provide excellent traction without scuffing floors.
Breathable materials: Keep feet cool and comfortable.
Lateral support: Enables quick side-to-side movements without slipping.
Softer outsoles: Maximizes traction on polished surfaces.

Outdoor court shoes:

Durable rubber outsoles: They withstand wear and tear on rough surfaces.
Tougher tread patterns: Improve grip on outdoor courts.
Reinforced toe guards: Prevent damage from frequent stops and pivots.
Shock-absorbing midsoles: Reduce joint impact from playing on harder surfaces.

Maintaining Your Pickleball Shoes: How To Make Them Last

A good pair of pickleball shoes is an investment in your game, and taking care of them can extend their lifespan and keep them performing at their best.

Follow these guidelines to keep your pickleball shoes in top condition for as long as possible:

Rotate your shoes: If you play frequently, alternate between pairs to extend their lifespan.
Clean them regularly: Wipe off dirt, dust, and debris after each game to prevent buildup that can break down the shoe materials.
Only wear them on the court: Avoid using your pickleball shoes for everyday activities to preserve their traction and cushioning.
Store them properly: Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup and odors.
Air them out after playing: Remove the insoles and let them dry to prevent odor and bacteria growth.
Use shoe inserts: Quality insoles can help maintain the structure of your shoes and provide extra support as they age.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Pickleball Shoes

Picking the wrong pickleball shoes can cause discomfort, poor traction, or injuries on the court. Avoid these common mistakes when choosing pickleball shoes to maximize performance and foot protection:

Wearing running shoes: Running shoes lack the lateral support needed for quick side-to-side movements, increasing your risk of injury.
Choosing the wrong sole for your court type: Indoor shoes won’t hold up well outdoors, and outdoor shoes may not grip indoor courts effectively.
Buying the wrong fit: Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, while shoes that are too loose can cause instability on the court.
Ignoring durability: Opting for cheap shoes may save money upfront, but they’ll wear out quickly, forcing you to replace them sooner.
Skipping arch or ankle support: If you have high arches, flat feet, or weak ankles, choosing shoes with proper support can prevent pain and long-term injuries.
Choosing style over function: A cool-looking shoe won’t help if it doesn’t offer the right stability, comfort, and traction for pickleball.

Become A Member at PickleRage & Play Pickleball All Year Round!

Ready to put your new pickleball shoes to the test? At PickleRage, our state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled indoor courts are the perfect environment to refine your skills all year round. With premium amenities and a thriving community of players of all ages and skill levels, you’ll always have great competition as you improve your game.

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