The 8 Best Pickleball Shoes Of 2024, Tested By Pickleball Experts And Editors
The Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes came out on top.
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Although pickleball is all fun and games, you might not realize that wearing pickleball-specific shoes could help level up your win record and lower your risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions. Curious about what makes these shoes special? The Women's Health team consulted three experts to uncover the differences between pickleball shoes and regular sneakers. We also tested eight pairs ourselves to see if they live up to the hype.
"Investing in specific pickleball shoes can reduce the risk of injury as well as improve your performance," says physical therapist Kristin Lettenberger, DPT, CSCS, at Bespoke Treatments in New York City. "Just like we use running shoes for running and weightlifting shoes for weightlifting, pickleball shoes are designed to keep you safe on the court."
Unlike tennis shoes, pickleball shoes offer more traction and grip, making last-minute direction changes easier. When it comes to finding the best option, Lettenberger says you should opt for pickleball shoes that accommodate quick, lateral movements. She adds that they should also have solid ankle support, as pickleball movements are so unpredictable. But, most of all, they should feel comfortable on your feet, especially if you like to hit the court for more than an hour. Running shoes, cross trainers, or walking shoes aren't able to support side-to-side movements and sliding, so wearing those on the court could lead to injury, Lettenberger notes.
What to consider
Materials and durability
Pickleball shoes typically undergo a solid amount of wear and tear, which is why yours should be made out of durable materials that last a while. Letternberger says that your pickleball shoes should typically allow for 60 hours of play per pair. This is only equal to about three or four months. With that said, you'll want to look for rubber soles, as they don't dull down quickly and they offer long-lasting traction, says Letternberger. In terms of upper materials, mesh and leather are popular options that offer breathability and support on the court.
Cushioning and support
Cushioning and support are the two most important aspects to look for in a pickleball shoe as they'll make sure you feel comfortable during the game. Some options on this list, like the Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Women's Pickleball Shoe, offer lighter cushioning for those of you that prefer a close-to-the-ground feel. Others, like the Nike Women's Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2, have a more responsive feel if you like a bit more bounce in your game. Out of all the options on this list, though, the Sketchers Viper Court Pro came out on top for most supportive pickleball shoe.
How we chose
For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Lily Wohlner, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated pickleball shoes. Our team consulted two pickleball experts and John Thompson, Men's Health's senior gear and commerce editor, who provided shoe recommendations and tips on what to look for in the best pickleball shoes for women. We then narrowed the list down to these eight tennis shoes for women, evaluating them on comfort, materials, support, durability, and style.
Whether you're a pickleball pro or just stepping into "the kitchen" for the first time, rest assured there's an option on the below list that will help you master the game. All you need now is your favorite tennis skirt.
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health. Outside of topics related to lifestyle, relationships, and dating, she also loves covering fitness and style. In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights at the gym, reading mystery and romance novels, watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz, and wandering around the West Village in New York City. In addition to Women's Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
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