The right pair of shoes can make or break and significantly impacts your pickleball game. With the popularity of pickleball surging among women, regardless of their age, the quest for getting the best pickleball shoes for women has been skyrocketing. Which pair you need can put you in a real dilemma. Hence, I am helping you find the best pair of pickleball shoes with this article.
· Best pickleball shoes for men and women Overall— Acacia Sports Tyler Loong Signature addition
· Best pickleball shoes for indoor court shoe— Adidas Women’s Crazy flight
· Best outdoor pickleball shoes—Tyrol Women’s Drive-V Pro Series
· Best pickleball shoes for wide feet— New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer
· Best budget pickleball shoes—Easy Spirit Women’s Punter Athletic Shoes
· Best lightweight pickleball shoes—Babolat Women Jet Tere All Court Shoes
· Best Sketchers shoes for Pickleball—Skechers Go Train Arch
·Best Shoes for Women Pickleball—K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoes
·Pickleball shoes with big toe-box—New Balance Pickleball Shoes-Unisex
So, let’s get started.
1. Acacia Sports Tyler Loong Signature Edition—Best Overall
Specifications
· Material: Mesh and Nylon
· Outer sole: Rubber
· Cushioning: Rubber
· Closure type: Lace-up
The ACACIA pickleball shoes Ultrashot, Tyler Loong Signature edition, are an outstanding choice for any female pickleball player looking for a high-quality pair of shoes that deliver exceptional performance on the court.
With their stylish design and durable construction, these shoes offer the perfect combination of form and function. It features a breathable mesh upper; these shoes keep your feet airy, cool, and comfortable, even during the most intense matches.
The padded collar and tongue provide additional comfort and support, while the reinforced toe and heel offer added durability and protection.
The outsole of the Ultrashot Pickleball Shoes is made from a non-marking rubber that provides excellent traction and grip on the court, allowing you to make quick cuts and sudden movements with ease.
These pickleball shoes also feature a removable insole, allowing you to customize the fit and feel of the shoe to your liking.
Overall, the ACACIA Ultrashot Pickleball Shoes, Tyler Loong Signature edition, is an exceptional choice for female pickleball players of all levels.
Pros
· Heel stability is good
· Sole is durable
· Antimicrobial insole
Cons
· Toe box might be a little broad for some
2. Adidas Women’s Crazy Flight shoes—Best Pickleball shoes for Indoor courts
Specifications
· Material: Mesh and Nylon
· Outer sole: Rubber
· Cushioning: Foam
· Closure type: Lace-up
If you are planning to buy pickleball shoes for indoor courts, then consider Adidas Women Crazy Flight athlete training shoes. These are versatile and comfortable, which is actually required men's pickleball shoe for training.
The construction of these indoor pickleball shoes is great, made lightweight, and possesses a responsive boost midsole that helps exert exceptional energy during your game—cushioning allows you to perform longer without getting tired with this court- supportive pickleball shoe.
The upper of these shoes is made of breathable mesh that keeps your feet dry and airy. The outsole is made from a durable rubber material that provides excellent grip and traction on a variety of surfaces, making these shoes ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Apart from indoor pickleball courts, these can be used in a variety of different indoor sports as well.
Pros
· Great ankle support and cushioning
· Has a stable base
· Durable (if used and maintained properly)
Cons
· Not a good option as outdoor pickleball shoe
· Might be a little stiff when bought
3. Tyrol Women’s Drive-V Pro Series—Best outdoor pickleball shoes
Specifications
· Midsole: EVA
· Outer sole: Vibram Rubber
· Cushioning: Foam
· Closure type: Lace-up
When playing on an outdoor court, you need durable shoes that have high traction. This is what you should expect from Tyrol’s Drive V Pro series. These shoes are supported and suggested by many pickleball coaches like Laurel in Pittsburgh.
Expect breathability with mesh upper and stability with these shoes because of their lightweight mesh upper and torsion control. These are perfect to wear in warm weather as they will keep your feet dry. Although they are comfortable to wear with a padded insole, you might experience a half-size larger.
The rubber toe guard offers great durability and balance.
Pros
· Has a breathable mesh
· The toe guard is durable
· Possesses impressive traction
Cons
· They might run large
4. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer—Best pickleball shoes for wide feet
Specifications
· Midsole: EVA foam
· Outer sole: Rubber
· Overall material: Leather
· Closure type: Lace-up
If you have a wide toe box, then you should go with New Balance women’s 608 V5 Cross trainers. They, most of the time, run a little wider, giving more room to your toes for a comfortable fit. However, you can always go for a size down to get a snuggle fit.
The tread is designed for perfect lateral movement and a comfortable fit with great support overall and in the middle especially. They are soft, and you can wear them for extended periods of time without getting tired.
The only thing that could be trouble for these pickleball court shoes is its material which is leather. However, it makes it a bit more of durable shoe but will compromise its breathability. Hence, they are an ideal match for indoor and cold-weather pickleball shoes.
Pros
· It allows a comfortable fit
· The construction is durable
· Traction is great
· Offers a variety of colors
Cons
· Heavier but good for recreational players
· Sometimes, it may run small
· Breathability is limited
5. Easy Spirit Women’s Punter shoes-- Best budget pickleball shoes
Specifications
· Midsole: EVA foam
· Outer sole: Rubber
· Overall material: Leather
· Closure type: Lace-up
The Easy Spirit Women's Punter Athletic Shoe is a reliable and comfortable choice for women seeking a versatile athletic shoes for their active lifestyle. Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, these shoes are made to provide comfort on the court.
One of the key advantages of the Easy Spirit Punter Athletic Shoe is its exceptional cushioning. The shoe features a padded collar and tongue, providing optimal support and comfort throughout the day.
The cushioned insole might not be as good for shock absorption as other listed products. These shoes also boast a durable and breathable leather upper, which promotes airflow and helps keep your feet cool and dry. The lace-up closure ensures a secure and customized fit, while the rubber outsole delivers reliable traction on various surfaces.
Furthermore, the Easy Spirit Punter Athletic Shoe's timeless and versatile design makes it suitable for both athletic activities and casual everyday wear. Whether you are playing pickleball, hitting the gym, going for a walk, or running errands, these shoes provide comfort and style likewise.
Pros
· Durable construction
· Good option for women with narrow feet
· Comfortable cushioning
· Breathable design with versatile properties
· Secure fit
Cons
· Color option is limited
· Lack of arch support
· Slightly narrow fit
· The shock absorption is less
6. Babolat Women’s shoes—Best Lightweight Pickleball shoes
Specifications
· Midsole: EVA foam
· Outer sole: Rubber
· Overall material: Leather
· Closure type: Lace-up
If you want something that meets your fast pace in pickleball, then consider Babolat’s Jet Tera, which is also recommended by certified pickleball coaches.
The construction is excellently balanced yet maintained lightweight for easy movement; the outsole is durable and also removable. With that, you will get great traction to adjust quickly and shift direction with ease to the pace of the pickleball game.
The insoles are cushioned with foam which is also removable, which will allow getting the custom fit to the player, while the breathable mesh keeps your feet dry. If your feet are narrow but with wide toes, Babolat will give a snuggle fit anyways.
Further, your ankles are protected from twisting and turning with the great lateral movement of these shoes. Hence, these can be used for indoor and outdoor courts likewise.
Pros
· Has a wider toe box has a wide toe box
· Comes with a removable insole
· The upper mesh is breathable
Cons
· They may run small
7.Skechers Go Train Arch | Best Skechers Shoes for Pickleball
Specifications
· Material: Rubber
· Outer sole: Compound Outsole
· Cushioning: breathable mesh
· Closure type: Zipper
Sketchers Viper Court Pro is another good option that you can consider for pickleball. These women pickleball shoes are designed for both outdoor and indoor courts, keeping the requirements of athletes in mind.
They are ultra-lightweight with extra cushioning that makes the movement easy, back and forth. The compound outsole creates enhanced traction with durability and stability. You can expect an elevated arch support with the one-and-one-quarter-inch heel.
The shape of these shoes is podiatrist; Sketchers have put a lot of time into building these shoes to meet all the comfort levels. The toe box is made to be very roomy, and the breathable mesh keeps your feet dry even during intense play.
Furthermore, these shoes prevent ankle twists and leg cramps. No wonder they are the best pickleball shoes for women.
Pros
· Snuggles right due to its true size
· Secures your feet properly for a stable fit
· Elevated arch with one-and-one-quarter-inch heel
Cons
· A little stiff for some
· Make it take a while to break in your feet
8.K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball shoes |
Specifications
· Material: Rubber
· Outer sole: Rubber Outsole
· Cushioning: breathable mesh
· Closure type: Zipper
These women shoes for pickleball game are for those who have plantar fasciitis (heel pain and inflamed tissues across your foot bottom). If your physician has allowed that condition, this is the perfect choice for you due to their lightweight construction.
K-Swiss, this design is constructed specifically for women suffering from planter fasciitis and offers a 180-degree support chassis to improve midfoot stability.
It possesses the Durawrap technology to prevent excessive toe-dragging and minimizes the risk of leg and foot injuries. The breathable upper mesh and sock liner keep your feet dry and airy, ensuring comfort even in tough games—it also prevents blisters.
The high heel prevents abrasion, which helps to make your shoes durable for more games. However, consulting your physical to get yourself approval to play is recommended.
Pros
· Support in design
· Prevents toe-dragging dura wrap technology
· Available in different colors
· It has a sock liner that improves the ventilation
Cons
· They have a strong smell right coming out of the shoebox
· In some cases, they might run small compared to the other brands
9.New Balance Pickleball Shoes-Unisex | Pickleball shoes with big toe-box
Specifications
· Material: Synthetic/Mesh construction
· Outer sole: Rubber Outsole
· Cushioning: breathable mesh
· Closure type: Zipper
New Balance does not require much introduction as they are known for their high quality in budget; this will not skimp out on durable material. It has a mesh upper, so your feet stay cool, and has no-sew construction.
These shoes are easy to slip on and off and keep your feet secure and stable with lace, which is specifically good for those who have wide feet. The rubber outsole makes it durable and supports your feet in the court.
The outsole has a herringbone pattern that offers great grip and traction to lateral movements in every direction with stability with every step.
Furthermore, it prevents injury or rolled ankles with the midsoles paired with a hardwearing NDurance rubber outer sole for superior comfort and traction.
Pros
· Good option for hard courts
· It has an eight-millimeter heel that minimizes stress on the rear foot
· Snuggles ideally with the lace-up closure
Cons
· They are a little stiff in the beginning
***
However, you have to keep in mind that,
What pickleball shoes you need will vary based on the surface of the court, and you have to be vigilant and picky if buying them for the first time.
Can I use tennis shoes for pickleball? What’s the difference?
Pickleball and tennis are two different games with their unique guidelines and rules. However, the only similarity you can relate to is their court material. Like tennis, pickleball can also be played on indoor and outdoor courts.
For Indoor Courts
The indoor courts are usually made of hard and polished wood that can easily scuffed. Always remember that when buying indoor shoes, you need to get shoes with thinner and softer outsoles with excellent traction so you can move quickly.
Hence, you can use indoor tennis shoes, indoor squash shoes, or indoor volleyball shoes for pickleball games.
For Outdoor Court
The outdoor courts have an abrasive texture or grit on the surface; thus, you must look for durable shoes that will only wear out for a while. Usually, outdoor shoes are heavier and hold up for a long time. The thick outsole with a herringbone pattern helps to get the best traction on a tough surface.
Hence, it is suggested that if you are playing on an outdoor court, ensure that your shoes are designed for outdoor and hard courts.
Remember, that
For whichever court you will get shoes, ensure that lateral movement is top-notch, and tennis shoes are undoubtedly great for this.
Tennis shoes that must not be used for pickleball
Although tennis shoes can be used in the pickleball courts, not all are suitable, such as clay shoes or grass shoes. Indoor and outdoor are just the two categories, which means you only need softer outsole shoes or hard surface outdoor surface shoes.
Wearing inappropriate shoes wears out soon, leading to foot, knee, ankle, and even leg injuries. Other than that, it will also damage the court surface.
Frequently Asked Questions | Best Pickleball Shoes
Can I wear volleyball shoes for pickleball?
Yes, you can wear volleyball shoes for pickleball. However, it is not recommended as it is not a good option. Pickleball shoes have a flat sole and are made with a low-to-the-ground floor for quick movements, starting and stopping with lateral movements.
What makes a shoe a pickleball shoe?
The pickleball shoes are designed and built with multi-directional movement to give the player more support and stability with lateral stability. Pickleball shoes are durable, especially if you are playing in outdoor courts.
Are pickleball and badminton shoes the same?
It is clear that court shoes are the best option for Pickleball; however, regarding the gameplay, the surface and movement patterns are different for both sports. Hence, their shoes are not similar and are made according to the requirements of each of them.
Pickleball is usually played on hard and solid surfaces like asphalt or concrete. This means there are more lateral movements and frequent position-changing with slow and fast movements. That is why these shoes feature
· Durability
· Stability
· Cushioning, and
· Grip
On the contrary, badminton is played on a wooden or synthetic surface that needs fast-paced movements, agility, and jumping. So, the construction of these shoes involves
· Lightweight
· Shock-absorbing feature
· Grip, and
· Ankle support
Thus, badminton and pickleball shoes are not the same.
What kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball?
When it comes to pickleball shoes, you need to get either tennis shoes or court shoes. This is because tennis and indoor court shoes have similar and even require more foot movement to get every shot.
Hence, the right pickleball shoes. Ensure that apart from the comfort of your shoes, they must possess
· Great ankle support
· Comfort
· Rubber soles
· Quick lateral movements, and
· Tread pattern conductive
With all these qualities, you must also check the court surface and wear the shoes accordingly.
Aamna Ayub
How to select Pickleball shoes? Factors to consider the Pickleball shoes
When choosing the right two shoes on the market, you need to give a quick check the elements.
1. Comfort
One of the key features is comfort while wearing a light pickleball shoe. Always look for pickleball shoes with ample cushioning and support to ensure immense comfort during intense matches. A padded collar, tongue, and cushioned insole can provide additional comfort and reduce fatigue.
2. Stability and Support
For pickleball, the best shoes are the ones that offer excellent stability and lateral support. Consider features like reinforced toe caps and sturdy outsoles that prevent your feet from rolling during side-to-side movements and allow more stability after hitting the shot.
3. Traction
Good traction is crucial for quick shifts in direction, changes, and preventing slips on the various court surfaces. It is important to get shoes with great traction for pickleball. Also, the ones with non-marking rubber outsoles provide a reliable grip on various surfaces.
4. Breathability
The breathability of your shoes is important to keep your feet dry during an intense game. Hence, you need to choose shoes with breathable uppers. Prefer shoes with the materials such as mesh or perforated materials. Proper ventilation keeps your feet cool and dry, reducing the risk of discomfort or blisters.
5. Durability
Pickleball can be demanding on shoes due to more movements, so prioritize durability. Look for shoes with quality construction, reinforced areas, and durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the game.
6. Fit
Proper fit is essential for optimal performance and comfort. Ensure the shoes have a snug fit with enough room in the toe box to prevent discomfort or blisters. Consider your foot shape and width when selecting a shoe.
7. Weight
Lightweight shoes can enhance agility and quick movements specific pickleball shoes. Look for shoes that strike a balance between lightweight design and durability, ensuring they can withstand the demands of pickleball.
8. Arch Support
Consider your foot's arch type when choosing pickleball shoes. If you have high arches or require additional support, select top pickleball shoes with built-in arch support or opt for models that allow for the use of custom orthotic inserts.
9. Style and Design
While not a performance factor, style and design are personal preferences. Choose shoes that make you feel confident and match your individual style on and off the court.
10. Price
Set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. There are quality pickleball shoes available at various price points, so find a balance between your budget and desired features.
Here is a quick tip for buying pickleball shoes
After evaluating your pair on the following parameters, whenever getting your pickleball shoes, here is a tip
If you are a beginner or a recreational player, getting heavier pickleball shoes with a wide toe box is recommended due to the support and better grip. However, with the improvement and increase in level, you need to switch to lighter shoes to get quick movements.
Nonetheless, you also have to keep in mind that the lighter shoes will not be much durable and stable.
Aamna Ayub
Can I wear running shoes for pickleball?
While it is technically possible to wear running shoes for pickleball, it is generally not recommended. Running shoes and pickleball shoes are designed with different purposes in mind, and each of find pickleball shoes has specific features tailored to their respective sports.
Running shoes are designed to provide cushioning and support for forward motion and impact absorption during repetitive linear movements. However, they may not offer the necessary lateral stability, traction, and durability required for the quick multidirectional movements and lateral shifts involved in pickleball.
Pickleball shoes, on the other hand, are specifically designed to provide stability, support, and grip on the court. They often have non-marking rubber outsoles that offer excellent traction and allow for quick lateral movements. Pickleball shoes also tend to have reinforced areas to withstand the specific demands of the sport.
Wearing running shoes for pickleball may compromise your performance and increase the risk of injuries, as they may lack the necessary features for optimal to play pickleball. It is advisable to invest in a pair of pickleball-specific shoes to ensure you have the right footwear designed for the unique demands of the sport.
However, if you are really looking for an alternative, you can consider tennis shoe instead of going for running or ordinary athletic shoes.
Aamna Ayub
In conclusion for the best pickleball shoes
In conclusion, finding the best pickleball shoes for your women's pickleball shoes is an important investment in your game and overall comfort on the court. Prioritizing factors that I have mentioned to find the best pair. Remember that personal preferences and individual foot characteristics play a significant role in the decision-making process.
Don't hesitate to seek advice and always explore customer reviews to gain insights into specific models and brands for tennis shoes and pickleball shoes.
