What are the best pickleball shoes of 2025

In conquering the court, the shoes really make it all happen. Selecting the best pickleball shoes of 2025 is not about looks but fit, comfort, support, and reliable traction to boost each match. With the rapidly increasing popularity of Pickleball, the companies have also upped their game in design to design shoes for the sport that fulfill the need for running, side-to-side stability, and durability. For every type of player, there is something light for speed and cushioned for regular play. Here in this guide, we will explain the best shoes and why they rank this year.

Why the Right Pickleball Shoes Matter

Unlike running shoes or regular shoes, pickleball shoes should enable fast stops, side-to-side foot movement, and rapid pivoting. An incorrect shoe will decrease performance and can lead to injury, such as an ankle sprain.

• The most important reasons to spend on a pickleball shoe:
• Lateral support for side-to-side action.
• Durable outsoles for indoor or outdoor surfaces.
• Traction and grip to prevent slipping on rapid rallies.

Significant Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting Pickleball Shoes

When buying pickleball shoes, you shouldn’t just consider looks and brand. Wearing the correct shoes significantly affects your performance, endurance, and overall court security. What follows are the specifications that you should possess:

• Non-Marking Sole—Certain indoor courts require non-marking soles to maintain the court surface. These outsoles are constructed not to mark but with improved traction for fast rallies.
• Cushioning—Pickleball involves speedy movements, lots of jumping, and lunging. The midsole’s cushioning quality allows perfect shock absorption. During a match, it protects your knees, hips, and lower back. Use EVA or gel-based cushioning systems for maximum comfort.
• Ankle Support—While running shoes support movement forward, pickleball shoes must provide foot stability in various directions. Shoes with firmer ankle collar support or lateral support panels reduce the risk of rolling your ankle while making a sudden side-to-side movement.
• Breathability—Shoes with breathable mesh fronts or vented side panels allow for temperature regulation and will prevent your feet from overheating. Too much heat and/or sweating can cause blisters and discomfort, especially during outdoor play in the warmer months.
• Reinforced Toe Cap: Toe-dragging is prevalent in Pickleball, particularly when lunging for low balls. A reinforced toe cap or super-durable toe guard allows your shoe (and toes) to wear down better.
• Lightweight Construction—A light shoe will have you moving faster without sacrificing support where it is needed. The modern pickleball shoe design balances a lightweight upper with a supportive, rugged outsole so that you can stay quick on your feet but get the support required for aggressive play on the court.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Shoes

You can play Pickleball indoors or outside on gym-like surfaces, asphalt, or concrete. The surface dictates the shoe design:

Indoor Pickleball shoes:

• Will have non-marking gum rubber soles,
• Will have a softer tread for greater traction on smooth laminate or wood, and,
• They are lightweight with smooth traction inside.

Outdoor Pickleball shoes:

• Will have a firmer and wear-resistant outsole,
• Will have more aggressive tread patterns for rough surfaces, and,
• It will be longer-lasting and less prone to asphalt and concrete wear.

Top Pickleball Shoe Reviews of 2025

Selkirk CourtStrike: A Solid First Step Into Footwear

The initial stab at a pickleball shoe from Selkirk generated excitement and anticipation, and for good reason. Their paddles are fan favorites, so we expected great things from the CourtStrike. After a sweat session, this is my report. For a first attempt, they knocked it out of the park.

The shoe itself is well constructed and sturdy, and, thank the Lord, offers excellent support under and around the ankle. It has a fantastic grip when cutting in and out quickly. The upper is mesh, which is very well ventilated even with longer sessions. The shoe has well-placed reinforcements where you want them (namely, the toebox and around the ankle), so this shoe will endure.

• My only complaint is that it’s a little plain in appearance—not in a bad way, but given Selkirk’s brand, I was hoping for something more flashy.
• The good (and the better):
• Easy, light head
• Easy cushioning and sturdy foot support
• Sturdy traction for sturdy cuts and stops without slipping.
• Tough ankle and toe regions for longevity
• The style is a little dull for a rambunctious brand.

Wilson Pickle Pro: Light, Stylish, and Court-Ready

If we were issuing style awards, the Wilson Pickle Pro would take the prize hands down! The clean white upper trimmed with subdued green stitching brings Wimbledon to mind – an elegant, spare interlude with a dash of dazzle. The sole downside to its pretty finish is my penchant for toe dragging 

• I normally scuff my shoes up pretty well! But seriously, they do look quite good after they are broken in.
• On the performance front, this was the lightest shoe I tested (and plays that way, too). From the box, it felt like it was already broken in, with no stiff spots or annoying rubs.
• Just a very light, glove-like fit which allowed me to concentrate on the game and not my feet.
• If you prefer lighter shoes, I would recommend these vs. the KSwiss.
• With that, below is how the Wilson Pickle Pro became part of my rotation: The lightest of the bunch, you would never even notice you’re wearing shoes when you wear it! No break-in was required; it was play-ready right out of the box. The Breathable mesh upper is cool and dry on your foot. It has a fantastic grip following weeks of use, and the tread barely wears out. It has an excellent appearance reminiscent of Wimbledon. It is terrific for doubles and singles in performance. It’s a fantastic all-around shoe!

Nike GP Pro: Better Than Expected, But Not Quite There

I’ll be honest; I hesitated about trying these out. Big brands will just toss their football hat in the pickleball ring with a reengineered tennis shoe and say goodbye, but the Nike GP Pros did stand out. They had a good build, and the traction was sound in singles and doubles. I felt stable with hard stops and side-to-side, which is what I’m most worried about.

That said, the fit was not perfect for me. My foot kept slipping forward into the toe box during hard braking, and my toes were informed of it before a few games. Perhaps I would only have had to drop half a size, but my wider foot would have also made the tighter toe box even worse because it did feel a bit tight right out of the box.

• Where the GP Pro succeeds, and also fails:
• Solid grip and side-to-side stability; won’t slip on sudden stops
• The strengthened toe was well-constructed during toe-dragging
• A very bright blue/orange color is a welcome relief from the lackluster  
• The toe box is too constricting for wide feet, causing pressure while playing

Foot slides forward under braking, causing discomfort — sizing may be an issue

New Balance 996v6: Built Like a Tank, But Slips on the Finish Line

I entered the 996v6 with realistic expectations. New Balance has built a good reputation for support, and you’re seeing their shoes on all the courts — and you can see why. I liked the construction on the ankle region very much, providing a locked-in feel to reassure players not to roll an ankle. The fit was generally super secure, and the mesh upper was doing its job regarding breathability.

• They even put some rubber through the toe box — a consideration for draggers like me. But you can probably guess what will come; the grip underfoot is not quite there. The outsole is slightly slippery, and I slipped on hard, aggressive singles points. The tread pattern looks quality but is designed for appearance rather than providing grip when courts are designed for tennis. Ideally, this would have been the reason for a 4 or 5-star rating on these shoes, so it is a bit of a disappointment.
• Where the 996v6 shines (and falters):
• Excellent lateral and ankle support, feels ‘battle-ready’
• Excellent mesh upper that will keep your feet cool and dry
• Excellent toe drag protection with reinforced rubber on the front of the shoe
• Very noticeable break-in, especially on the sides
• Traction is the negative, smooth on hard stops while playing singles

The K-Swiss Supreme: My Current Favorite Pickleball Shoe

My favorite pickleball shoe is the K Swiss Supremes. If you prefer a supportive shoe that will not collapse to a hard stop or lateral lunge, it is very hard to beat the K-Swiss Supreme. I prefer a little weight in my footwear, especially when playing aggressively on court. I feel comfortable in my footwear when a shoe feels sturdy.

• They have just the right traction. I don’t slide and slither all over the court, even when trying to push off hard/fast playing singles and returning to the middle. The life is excellent, too. I’ve been scuffing my toes crazy for a month, and the rubber remains fine. They appear to have lots of life left in them.
• Why I’m holding out for the K-Swiss Supreme
• A few different arrangements of the lace loop allow you to adjust the snugness to fit you like a glove at your ankle, and I like that feeling of adjustment.
• A strengthened toe box is rigid against any toe-dragging without wearing down.
• Excellent grip, no slipping, even on singles played at a blistering speed
• Supportive immediately, no break-in needed
• True to size with lots of wiggle room for wider feet

How to Get the Right Fit for Your Playing Style

Regardless of how well-made pickleball shoes are, they won’t perform properly if they do not fit your feet well. Comfort and stability start with the proper size, shape, and fit. These are tips for making sure that your new shoes will be helpful to you:

• Do game-day socks when you’re going to be shoe-trying on. The socks will change the fit of a shoe, so try them on with your actual socks or socks you’re going to play in. You want enough room in the toe box when you put on the shoe.
• You must have enough room to wriggle your toes comfortably without cramping or pinching. A little added toe box space allows the shoe to breathe, prevents blisters, and keeps your feet from becoming exhausted throughout an extended practice or game. Fit the heel exactly.
• Your heel should sit snugly in the back of the shoe, and you want the shoe to wrap around your heel nicely without rubbing excessively. A locked heel is comfortable, provides stability and balance, decreases the risk of blisters, and allows you to take off the court confidently.
• Laterally stable. To test while trying on a shoe, attempt to make sudden movements while moving side to side. If your foot moves inside the shoe, it won’t offer sufficient lateral support for Pickleball. Try shopping in the evening. When your feet have been on them all day, they will be larger.
• If you buy your shoes in the afternoon, they will be fine when your foot is swollen to the maximum size. However, it will feel like rolling an ankle after a long, laid-out game.

Pickleball Shoe Features You Must Never Overlook

When picking the best shoes for Pickleball, there are some features that players must never overlook. A good-quality pair must have proper in-court grip on indoor and outdoor courts so that players can move quickly and safely for a point. Comfort is also a critical factor, and a soft insole for comfort avoids fatigue in lengthy matches. Durability is also a factor, and synthetic leather overlays for durability keep shoes playing and looking good for more prolonged durations after intense competition or play. Support is also a significant contributor, with the cushioning around the ankle reducing the risk of injury while helping balance. Such essential features all contribute to creating a durable shoe and providing the player with safety, comfort, and confidence.

Best Pickleball Shoes for Men vs. Women

The best men’s and women’s pickleball shoes will have most of the same performance characteristics, but with minimal differences that affect your choice. Men’s shoes prioritize ruggedness and durability, like a stiffer construction with a denser outsole to absorb more power. Women’s shoes are lighter weight and higher flexibility to allow for quicker lateral movement and easier transition in rally play. Most manufacturers design men’s and women’s pickleball shoes with a broad toe box to fit wide or narrow foot shapes for comfort. Women may like pickleball shoes designed to be fashionable and durable. Ultimately, comfort, stability, and whether they run true to size are the best ways of comparing pickleball shoes to play the game.

Style Meets Performance: Are Pickleball Shoes Acceptable Casual Wear?

Pickleball is now a lifestyle, not a sport. Players look off the court, and it’s the ubiquitous question: Can a pickleball shoe be dressed for life? The answer is embracing comfort in performance, style, and enhanced comfort. New shoes are more functional than ever, meshing sporty details with clean, fashionable designs for life off the court. Whether you’re practicing, running errands, or meeting with friends, the right pair has the same functionality and style. This piece will discuss how pickleball shoes merge strength, support, and style to enter the casual shoe market.

Tips on Care and Maintenance of Shoes to Last Longer

Take care of your shoes so they can help you in many pickleball games. Clean your shoes after every game. During play, dust and dirt accumulate on the gum rubber outsole’s traction; thus, the traction will be sharper while being kept clean regularly. With or without a good grip, you will want your shoes to air dry without exposure to direct heat. Exposing them to direct heat will soften the synthetic leather utilized to provide durability to the shoes. Rotating shoes is a good step to limit wear and tear. Quality shoes will mostly have a supremely cushioned and soft insole, which will help extend the shoe’s lifespan. Regular players must also check the stitch at the top of the shoe where it meets the soles often, since this will also indicate wear that needs mending. Hence, you will turn good shoes into good footwear to withstand many games by taking due care.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Overall, there is an amazing selection of shoes. I was nitpicking at most of these selections—that’s a good indication! That indicates brands are taking pickleball footwear seriously. But just like any footwear review, it will always come down to a player’s preference and how his feet “feel” in each shoe.

• I prefer more solid and heavier shoes with plenty of traction to allow for more forceful movements, and I believe the K-Swiss Supreme is that shoe. If support and longevity are your biggest priorities, that’s your shoe.
• That said, however, the Wilson Pickle Pro is the nearest second because it provides you with traditional, light, dainty, cheap, and traditionally styled clothing, perfect for Wimbledon.
• Selkirk’s CourtStrike deserves credit too. It’s a fine first out from a brand highly regarded in the paddle community for many decades. Granted, the appearance can be more over-the-top, but the play receives all the proper checks.
• The Nike GP Pro and New Balance 996v6 are almost last on my list, but not quite. Both have positives (support and aesthetics, respectively), but fell short in enough categories that were important to me, including traction and fit.
• Lastly, the best shoe for you is the one that comfortably fits your game and foot. Hopefully, this helped narrow it down a bit.

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