Best Pickleball Shoes 2025: What to Wear on the Court
Footwear matters more in pickleball than most players realize. The right shoes protect your ankles, give you grip for quick lateral movements, and prevent the fatigue that comes from playing hours on hard courts. Here are the best pickleball shoes of 2025 for every budget and playing style.
Why pickleball shoes matter
Pickleball involves constant lateral movement, quick direction changes, and pivoting at the kitchen line. Running shoes are built for forward motion, they don't provide the lateral support or court grip that pickleball demands. Wearing running shoes on a pickleball court significantly increases ankle sprain risk and limits your speed on quick directional changes.
What to look for
The key features: lateral support (wide base, reinforced sides), non-marking rubber outsole with herringbone or similar pattern for grip on hard courts, adequate cushioning for hard court hours, and a low-to-ground profile for stability. Weight matters less than support for most recreational players.
Best overall: New Balance 696v5 ($90–100)
The New Balance 696v5 is the most popular all-around court shoe among recreational pickleball players. Excellent lateral support, durable non-marking outsole, good cushioning, and available in wide widths. A reliable choice for all court surfaces. Frequently recommended by coaches for beginners who want one quality shoe for all sessions.
Best for outdoor courts: K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball ($120)
K-Swiss makes a dedicated pickleball shoe optimized for outdoor hard court surfaces. Heavy-duty outsole for durability, excellent lateral containment, and a lightweight upper that breathes well. More expensive but lasts significantly longer on abrasive outdoor surfaces than general court shoes.
Best budget option: ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 ($55–70)
For players who want a proper court shoe without the premium price tag, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 is volleyball-specific but works perfectly for pickleball. Good grip, adequate lateral support, and light enough for quick movement. A quality entry point for players testing the sport before committing to dedicated gear.
Best for wide feet: Skechers Viper Court ($80)
Skechers entered the pickleball market aggressively, signing top pros and developing court-specific footwear. The Viper Court is particularly good for players with wider feet, it runs generous in width while maintaining court grip. Memory foam insoles add comfort for long sessions. A well-rounded option at a competitive price.
What to avoid
Avoid running shoes (wrong support pattern), cross-training shoes (excessive cushioning, poor lateral grip), basketball shoes (too heavy, too much court elevation), and any shoe without a non-marking sole (you'll leave black streaks on indoor courts). If a shoe salesperson recommends trail running shoes for pickleball, shop elsewhere.
Next steps
Turn the guide into your next session
Move from reading to action: find the right court, join a game, connect with players, and buy only the gear that helps.