So you’re ready to up your game with a new pair of kicks designed specifically for the sport. Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or aspiring to dominate at the local pickleball tournament, the right shoes can make a huge difference in your performance and enjoyment of the game.
The market for pickleball shoes has exploded in recent years, so you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from. We’ve done the research to determine the best pickleball shoes for men and women hitting the courts in 2023 based on factors like comfort, durability, traction, and value.
Whether you prefer the latest lightweight and breathable designs or the proven stability of more traditional court sneakers, we’ve got recommendations to suit your playing style at multiple price points. Ready to step up your pickleball game? Lace up a pair of these performance shoes and get ready to move faster, pivot better, and win more points. Game on!
The Best Pickleball Shoes for Men in 2023
When it comes to the best pickleball shoes for men in 2023, you have a lot of great options. Here are some of the top picks:
The Adidas Barricade Club is designed specifically for pickleball and provides the support and traction you need for quick starts, stops and turns on the court. It has a durable upper, cushioned midsole and a non-marking outsole. At around $90, it hits a good balance of affordability and performance.
For the ultimate in comfort and durability, check out the ASICS Gel Rocket 9. It offers rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning for high-impact protection. The solid rubber outsole is made for both indoor and outdoor courts. Although a bit pricey at $130, your feet will thank you.
If you’re on a budget, the Wilson Rush Pro 2.5 is a great choice at only $60. It’s breathable, flexible and provides good arch support and traction for recreational play. The EVA midsole keeps it lightweight but still cushions your feet during long matches.
For players with flat feet or overpronation, stability shoes like the New Balance MC806 may be better. It has a rollbar to control excess foot movement, along with a low-profile outsole for quick changes in direction. Priced around $100, it could help prevent injury and keep you in the game.
No two feet are the same, so try on different styles to find what feels most comfortable and supportive for you. With the right pair of shoes, you’ll be covering the court with confidence and focusing on your game, not your feet! What more could an avid player ask for?
The Best Pickleball Shoes for Women in 2023
When it comes to the best pickleball shoes for women in 2023, you’ll want a pair that checks all the boxes. Look for:
Lightweight and breathable: Pickleball involves a lot of quick starts, stops and pivots, so you’ll want shoes that won’t weigh you down. Breathable uppers will keep your feet comfortable during long rallies.
Good ankle support: Pickleball shoes provide more ankle support than regular court shoes to prevent injury from sudden twists and turns. Look for a mid- or high-top shoe with stabilizing features.
Non-marking outsole: Pickleball is played on specialized courts, so you need a shoe with a non-marking outsole that won’t scuff or damage the court surface. Rubber is a popular, non-marking material.
Pivot point: The best pickleball shoes have a pivot point, usually in the ball of the foot. This helps with quick changes in direction so you can get to the net or chase down drop shots.
Cushioning: Look for shoes with cushioning, especially in the midsole. This provides shock absorption for your joints when moving side to side or stopping quickly. Gel, foam and air pockets are all good cushioning materials.
You really can’t go wrong with major brands like ASICS, Adidas or Nike that offer shoes specifically for pickleball. Try on multiple pairs to find the right combination of fit, feel and features for your playing style. With the right kicks, you’ll be covering the court and dominating the game in no time!
Best Pickleball Shoes for Low Budget
If you’re on a budget but still want a capable pair of pickleball shoes, there are some great affordable options. shoes under $50
For less than $50, you can get a perfectly suitable pair of pickleball shoes to start with. The adidas Barricade Club is a popular choice around $45. It offers good ankle support and traction for pickleball, with a breathable mesh upper and durable outsole. The ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 is another solid, low-budget option at $45, providing rearfoot gel cushioning and a non-marking outsole for indoor or outdoor courts.
ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 – Around $45, good cushioning and non-marking outsole for indoor/outdoor
adidas Barricade Club – Around $45, offers ankle support, breathable, durable outsole
Shoes under $30
If you want to spend even less, you can find some decent pickleball shoes for under $30. The adidas Adizero Club is a lightweight, flexible shoe for around $25 that works for pickleball. The ASICS Gel-Contend 4 is another option around $30, with a removable sockliner to accommodate orthotics and rearfoot gel for comfort. For the ultra-budget conscious, the Champion Double Dry Pro is a basic, mesh athletic shoe for just $20 that can work for casual pickleball play.
While more affordable pickleball shoes may lack some advanced features of higher-end shoes, they can still provide the basic necessities—decent traction, flexibility, and comfort—for recreational play at a price that won’t break the bank. If you’re just getting started with pickleball or play occasionally, an inexpensive pair of shoes may suit you perfectly well. You can always upgrade to more advanced shoes down the road as your skills and frequency of play improve.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the best pickleball shoes to buy in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner still learning the ropes or a pro looking to gain an edge, now you know which kicks will give you the comfort, support, and performance you need on the court. Remember, your shoes can make or break your game, so invest in a pair that fits well and suits your playing style. Now lace up, get out there, and start improving your dinking and slamming.
The new season awaits, and with the right shoes on your feet, it’s sure to be your best one yet! What are you waiting for? Get shopping and go have fun! The pickleball world is your oyster.
