Top 5 Pickleball Shoes

What makes it great:

Comfort is key - but not at the cost of support. While many pickleball-specific shoes prioritize soft, cushy midsoles, they often lack the structure and durability found in traditional tennis footwear. On the flip side, tennis brands entering the pickleball space tend to go too far the other way - creating stiff, rigid shoes that feel heavy on your feet.

That’s where the New Balance CT Rally shines. It offers the plush, cloud-like cushioning that stands out immediately when you step into it, thanks to New Balance’s Fresh Foam X midsole. But unlike softer shoes that break down quickly, the CT Rally adds real stability, long-term support, and hard court durability, making it the ideal crossover choice for pickleball players who want the best of both worlds.

What makes it great:

Right out of the box, the Diadem Court Burst feels broken in - which is rare. This is one of the softest underfoot experiences we've found in any pickleball shoe, thanks to Diadem’s plush midsole foam and knit upper combo. It hugs your foot without feeling tight, and the heel padding keeps things feeling locked in without slipping.

Despite how soft it feels, the shoe still holds its shape well during aggressive lateral movement. The outsole traction is solid, and the knit upper keeps your foot cool during long sessions. It's the kind of shoe you’ll forget you're wearing - until you realize you’re still fresh after back-to-back games.

What makes it great:

If you're tired of shoes that feel like bricks after a couple of games, this is a refreshing switch. The K-Swiss Express Light is one of the lightest shoes we’ve tried - it feels like you're wearing a running shoe, but it actually holds up on the court.

The upper is super breathable (your feet won’t feel like they're cooking mid-match), and there’s just enough support through the midfoot to feel stable without locking you in too tight. Most players say there’s little to no break-in time, and it’s one of those shoes you forget you’re even wearing, in a good way.

What makes it great:

If you’re someone who chews through shoes, the Barricade 13 is your answer. This thing is built like a tank. The sole is super thick and tough - it actually comes with a six-month outsole warranty, which tells you how confident Adidas is in how long it lasts.

It’s definitely on the heavier side, but that tradeoff gives you way more support and stability, especially when you’re making hard side-to-side cuts. The toe box is also reinforced, which is great if you tend to drag your foot or slide a lot. It’s not the lightest ride, but it’ll outlast just about anything else out there.

What makes it great:

Yes, this shoe sounds familiar - and that’s because it’s the wide-fit version of our lightweight pick, the K-Swiss Express Light. Same overall design, same easygoing comfort, just with a little extra room where it matters.

If you’ve got wide feet, this one’s a game-changer. It’s not one of those “kinda wide” shoes - it’s actually built with a wider base and toe box, so you’re not squeezing into something that was never meant for your foot shape. It stays light, breathable, and ready to play straight out of the box.

What makes it great:

There’s a reason you see so many pro players wearing the Jet Mach III - it’s built for speed. This shoe is all about performance: it’s light, springy, and feels super connected to the court. The fit is snug and athletic, almost like a sock, so if you like that locked-in, ready-to-sprint feel, you’ll be into this one.

It doesn’t have the softest cushioning out there, and it runs a little narrow, but for players who like to stay on their toes and move aggressively, it delivers. It’s not for everyone, but for the right foot and play style, it hits.

What shoes are best for pickleball?
Our playtesters recommend the New Balance CT Rally for all-around performance, but comfort, fit, and court surface matter too. See our full guide for category winners.

Can I wear running shoes for pickleball?
We strongly recommend you don't. Running shoes aren’t designed for lateral movement, which is key in pickleball. Court shoes offer more support, grip, durability, and comfort over time.

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
Outdoor shoes typically have more durable outsoles for hard courts, while indoor shoes are made with a soft gum rubber outsole that would wear down quickly on an outdoor (grainy, not basketball floor like) court. If you intend to play both outdoors and indoors, we recommend using an outdoor shoe for both.