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8 Best Pickleball Shoes (Review) In 2022

Best Choice
asics men's gel-challenger 12 tennis shoes
ASICS Men's Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes
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Best Value
new balance men's 696v3 hard court tennis shoe
New Balance Men's 696v3 Hard Court Tennis Shoe
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Premium Pick
asics men's gel-resolution 7 tennis shoe
ASICS Men's Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe
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By Shoe Hero
Published 13:15 pm
Show contents
Contents
  1. 1. ASICS Men's Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes
  2. 2. Adidas Barricade Classic Bounce Tennis Shoe
  3. 3. ASICS Men's Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe
  4. 4. New Balance Men's 696v3 Hard Court Tennis Shoe
  5. 5. K-Swiss Men's Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoe
  6. 6. Prince Men's T22 Tennis Shoe
  7. 7. HEAD Men's Revolt Pro 3.0 Tennis Shoe
  8. 8. Saucony Men's Grid Stratos 5

There are so many athletic shoes out on the market, but funnily enough, not enough tailored to the needs of pickleball players. Even worse is the fact that you cannot just use any pair of sneakers to comfortably play the game. Altogether, there is no need to settle for something completely unsuited for the bursts of energy involved in pickleball. Sure it’s a hassle to find that perfect pair of shoes but at the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the right information to make it a lot easier. Gone are the days where you have to use running shoes as an alternative. That’s because these options below are the real deal when it comes to the best pickleball shoes out there.

The Best Pickleball Shoe

Best choice

1.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes

asics men's gel-challenger 12 tennis shoes
Key Features

    Made of a combination of fabric and synthetic material

    Uses a Gel technology cushioning system

    Fitted with a removable sock liner

    Lightweight construction

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So, you’ve picked up a new sport and it happens to be pickleball? The first thing you need to acknowledge going in is that a workman is only as good as his tools. So, rather than wearing any old pair of sneakers on that court, get yourself the ASICS Men’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes. There is really no getting it wrong here, everything from form to function is on point. Let’s start with the construction, it comprises both fabric and synthetic material. For the most part of it, the sole is the synthetic component, but do not let this simmer down your excitement about this pair of shoes.

When it comes to the midsole, it is constructed using Solyte midsole material which makes for a lightweight midsole. The great thing about this material is that it proves to be a lot more lightweight than the usual EVA and SpEVA used by this brand. Even more, it makes for better cushioning as well as durability and who doesn’t want that in a pair of athletic shoes?

That’s not all, there is also the incorporation of a rearfoot and forefoot gel technology cushioning system. It goes a long way to absorb as much shock as possible during impact. Taking it up a notch, this cushioning also makes it easy to navigate different terrain and move freely. So, in a nutshell, mobility and comfort are two things you can bank on when it comes to these pickleball shoes. Check out our buying guide with best squash shoes currently available.

Pros

Perfectly sized

They are comfortable

Helps with movement

Cons

Not enough ankle support

Questionable value for money

Not enough options in terms of color

2.
Adidas Barricade Classic Bounce Tennis Shoe

adidas barricade classic bounce tennis shoe
Key Features

    Fitted with a rubber sole

    Upper is made of barricade mesh

    It has bounce cushioning

    Equipped with synthetic layering

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The brand name alone should have you eager to see what this baby has in store for you on the pickleball court. The level of craftsmanship put into the Adidas Barricade Classic Bounce Tennis Shoe is a good enough reason to bark up this tree. The manufacturers here chose to go with an all-synthetic construction which is just as sturdy as it is durable. The attached sole here happens to be made of rubber and that gives you all the balance and stability you need.

Even more, the bounce it offers is ensured to give you all the comfort you need for a highly energized game. The sole is not all there is to the stellar construction of this pair of shoes, get ready to be impressed by the rest. For even more stability and comfort, the upper here is made using barricade mesh with a synthetic layering. This further ensures that this pair of shoes is as breathable as it is comfortable.

Taking this all up a notch is the fact that it is fitted with abrasion-resistant components, and you really want that in a pair of athletic shoes. The addition of abrasion-resistant Adituff wraps in the toe and forefoot area ensures that foot drag is a thing of the past. All in all, this pair of shoes were made for the pickleball court.

Pros

Made using breathable material

True to size

Great value for money

Cons

Durability is a concern

Quality control

Hard to break-in

Premium Pick

3.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe

asics men's gel-resolution 7 tennis shoe
Key Features

    Synthetic material and mesh construction

    Fitted with a rubber sole

    Equipped with a lightweight midsole

    It has a PGuard toe protector

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Seeing as this is not the first appearance of this brand name on our list, they really must be doing something right. Just as it is with other products from them, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe is quite well thought out. A star quality here is the Impact Guidance System Technology (I.G.S). This is a special design, solely implemented by ASICS that makes use of linked componentry to ensure that the position of your feet is as natural as can be.

Altogether, every movement from your heel-strike to toe-off will be executed with the utmost comfort when this pair of shoes is in the picture.

Coupled with this unmatchable comfort is another component meant to take it up a notch. It comes in the form of a rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning system. With this in place, all impact, as well as toe-off phases, is adequately absorbed. This, in turn, ensures that your mobility is not limited no matter the terrain and style you use to play.

That’s not all you have to look forward to here, thanks to the use of a trusstic system technology, a lot of deadweight is dropped. All in all, the attached sole unit here is a lot lighter while still ensuring the shoes are sturdy. This is a very well-built article of footwear that is sure to take your pickleball game to the next level.

Pros

Durability is guaranteed

Superior design

Comfortable fit

Cons

Not enough support for the ankles

Quality control is a concern

A bit too narrow

Best Price

4.
New Balance Men’s 696v3 Hard Court Tennis Shoe

new balance men's 696v3 hard court tennis shoe
Key Features

    Made of a blend of leather and synthetic material

    Fitted with a rubber sole

    It sports an athletic design

    Perforated on the forefoot

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Alright, it’s a pair of shoes from New Balance, need we say more? We don’t need to but we are going to anyway. A lot of the components here are quite new and improved, so expect nothing less than a heightened experience with the New Balance Men’s 696v3 Hard Court Tennis Shoe. The general design here features a sturdy combination leather and mesh upper which is as lightweight as they come.

With help from new and improved components like the herringbone outsole pattern, you are guaranteed enhanced performance out on the court. All in all, this leads to a whole lot of traction while you’re on the move. So whether it’s lateral movement or pivoting, you have it in the bag. There’s also the intricate perforation detail in the forefoot area which makes for enhanced breathability and all-around comfort.

Here’s the icing on the top, there is also the addition of a REVlite midsole to the overall design. What it does is to provide a sort of lightweight cushioning for you, so no matter how much you turn up the heat, comfort is guaranteed. Here’s something you should note, this particular model is best suited for hard courts. Enjoy a wider range of movement, and a lot more confidence with these babies gracing your feet, that’s the New Balance guarantee.

Pros

Great value for money

Lightweight construction

Great bottom grip

Cons

Not an accurate fit

Quality control

The heel is too low cut

5.
K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoe

k-swiss men's hypercourt express 2 tennis shoe
Key Features

    Fitted with a leather outsole

    Equipped with a synthetic leather upper

    Sockliner made from molded EVA

    Has a textile collar lining

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If you’re not on this bandwagon, then you’re really missing out when it comes to pickleball shoes. Everything from the construction to the functionality of the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoe is top-notch. This is a new and improved version, so there are some really hot points to get into here. What the makers of this product did here was to make it a lot lighter. For that reason, they added a Surgelite midsole technology to the mix. Altogether, this ensures that it is not just lighter, but it’s also quite comfortable and breathable. On top of all of that, it fits like a glove so you don’t have to worry about going up or downsize while ordering a pair.

They also added a Durawrap Flex which makes for a lot more support where it counts. You’ll also like the fact that there is virtually no break-in period involved here. Just take these right out of the box and you are good to go. That’s not all, there’s also a new and improved upper design that is practically the first thing you’ll notice. It delivers a new kind of freshness and an all-around contemporary look that will go a long way to enhance your confidence. All of this simply scratches the surface, there’s a whole lot more to gain here.

Pros

Durable construction

Good value for money

Comfortable fit

Cons

It’s a bit too stiff

Hard to break-in

Uncomfortable

6.
Prince Men’s T22 Tennis Shoe

prince men's t22 tennis shoe
Key Features

    Fitted with a mesh upper

    It has an injected wYshbone TPU shank

    Fitted with two different sets of colored laces

    Well-ventilated design

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If you’re going for something in the T series, it might as well be the T22. Even better is the fact that they have had quite some practice when it comes to making shoes. In fact, the Prince Men’s T22 Tennis Shoe is built on the solid foundation of the T series with the heightened performance you’d expect from the T10. In a nutshell, this pair of pickleball shoes offers nothing less than maximum comfort on different fronts. In terms of construction, the shoe itself is fitted with a mesh upper that is as sturdy and breathable as they come. But that’s not the only point it scores, there’s also a whole lot of durability and support on the table.

In addition to this, the attached TPU forefoot straps here ensure that the feet are properly locked in. Even more, this feature adds a truckload of support and stability in the forefoot. Then there’s the injected wYshbone TPU shank, if that’s not well-thought-out, then nothing else is. This component goes a long way to make sure your feet are stable while you’re pivoting and even during lateral movement. If you’re all about that style, then you’ll like this pair of shoes a whole lot. It comes with two sets of different colored laces so you can spice it up when you want to.

Pros

Offers optimum support

Incredibly comfortable

Good value for money

Cons

Inadequate fit

Quality control is an issue

Durability is a concern

7.
HEAD Men’s Revolt Pro 3.0 Tennis Shoe

head men's revolt pro 3.0 tennis shoe
Key Features

    Lightweight construction

    Equipped with a 4D PU shell

    Has a contoured fit

    It has solid arch support

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There’s a handful of new and improved products on this list. That’s mostly because we are dedicated to only bringing you the very best. That’s one of the many reasons the HEAD Men’s Revolt Pro 3.0 Tennis Shoe is such a viable choice. So, more than ever, this model can be held to the highest standards. First and foremost, this is an extremely lightweight pair of shoes that is equally more stable than its predecessors. Sure you don’t get that trademark wideness its predecessors sported, but that’s a small price to pay for what’s to come.

This product is equipped with a whole new upper that rectifies a major problem featured in past models. Thanks to this, it no longer has any stretching problems.

It offers a lightweight and stability you can’t really find with other brands. Even more, the breathability here is off the charts, so you can count on that unbridled comfort most brands promise but cannot deliver. Since it’s not all about comfort, you’ll be pleased to know that durability is equally on the table. With the 4D PU shell among other components, you’ll be shredding it on the court for quite some time.

Pros

Great for both wide and narrow feet

Easy to break-in

Good value for money

Cons

Soles are a bit stiff

Not quite flexible

Cushioning isn’t soft enough

8.
Saucony Men’s Grid Stratos 5

saucony men's grid stratos 5
Key Features

    Made of mesh and synthetic material

    Has a lace-up closure

    Fitted with a rubber outsole

    Lightweight construction

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It may be last on this list, but it is in no way the least. Best believe that the Saucony Men’s Grid Stratos 5 earned its place on this list. If you’re looking for a functional pair of pickleball shoes that are equally stylish, this is a sure bet. All in all, the shoes are made using a synthetic textile material and mesh. The lace-up closure here does not only speak to the functionality these shoes offer, but they also portray that stylishness we’ve been on about. For more aesthetic appeal, there’s the addition of the brand logo which flanks the tongue and the side. You see, if you’re sporting a pair of Saucony sneakers, best believe that you want everyone to know.

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s the fact that these shoes are not just a pretty face. The patented Heel GRID system ensures that there’s an adequate heel strike cushioning available for your comfort. This is coupled with a sturdy rubber outsole that is not just for comfort, but it’s also for stability and support. All in all, with a pair of these babies, you can perform at your best while out on the court.

Pros

Incredibly comfortable

Great shock absorption

Breathable construction

Cons

Quality control

Not good value for money

Inadequate fit

Pickleball Shoe Buying Guide

Your pickleball gear would not be considered complete without the right set of shoes. Whether you play the game for recreational purposes or you are a professional player, the importance of getting the right shoes cannot be overemphasized. Now, while there may be very few shoes out there specifically designed for the sport, if you know what to look for, there are many that work just fine. Check out our buying guide for ultimate frisbee cleats in case you're interested in more unusual sports footwear.

The guide below details features to look for in Pickleball shoes to help narrow down your search on your next purchase.

playing pickleball

Features To Look For In Pickleball Shoes

Breathability - The breathability of the material used is an essential feature that you should not compromise for anything in pickleball shoes. This characteristic is even more critical for those who spend long hours on the court, whether indoor or outdoor. A breathable pair of shoes facilitates proper feet ventilation, which in turn boosts your confidence and improves the quality of your game.

Sweaty feet, on the other hand, are a potential hazard waiting to happen, they should have no place on your court. Another reason why you should consider getting a pair with good airflow is your foot health, especially long term. Shoes with little or no airflow are a breeding ground for odor-causing microorganisms, and these can have adverse effects on both your confidence and your health.

Comfort - No matter how much you love the game, there is a limit to how well you can play if your shoes are not comfortable. Pickleball puts a lot of stress on your feet, so you want to improve your odds with as much comfort as you can afford. Try to opt for quality shoes within your budget range that fit right, not too tight or too loose.

In essence, you want something sturdy enough to support the vulnerable parts of your feet, like the ankle, heel, arch, etc. Attributes like weight and sole material may vary based on factors like size and personal preference, but comfort and good support should be non-negotiable.

Grip - The sole of a good pair of pickleball shoes should be made using materials that provide a good grip on the court. The most common one used in making court shoe outsoles is rubber because of its durability, ease of purchase, good grip, among other benefits. However, the surface of the court determines, to a large extent, the kind of sole to go for, therefore what works for an indoor court may not be right outdoors.

Indoor court floors are often smooth-surfaced and slippery since they use wood or something similar; therefore, shoes with natural gum rubber sole would grip perfectly. However, outdoor floor surfaces are rougher and will wear soft rubber out more quickly, hence reinforced synthetic rubber soles would be a better fit.

pickleball sneakers

Shock Absorption - Shock absorption in shoes, much like in cars, absorbs and reduces the force delivered to other parts on impact. Since quick movements, such as running and jumping are characteristic of pickleball, it is imperative to prepare for them by getting the right shoes. Technology such as wave, gel, and pads may vary according to brand, but they all serve the same purpose; to minimize damage caused by sudden impact.

Besides their primary purpose, these innovative features also provide comfort and maximum stability while minimizing your chances of getting severe injuries. However, it is necessary to note that not all shoes with excellent shock absorbency are adequate. For instance, running shoes are designed to absorb shock well, but they lack the needed support for pickleball and should be avoided.

Style - Your style should also come into play when it comes to pickleball shoes. While style as regards fashion sense goes without saying, your playing style is another ballgame entirely. In case you are not yet familiar with the sport, there are different styles of playing pickleball. Driving shots from the baseline is one way, and a serve-and-volley style is another.

The former is a power play that involves more side-to-side movements; thus, shoes that offer lateral support would be the right fit for it. On the other hand, the latter is a control game that literally keeps you on your toes more, hence shoes with reinforced toe caps would be best suited for it.

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