The Best Pickle Ball Shoes For Your Game In 2025

Shaylee Collins 02 Aug 2025

Are you stepping onto the pickleball court more often these days? It's a fun game, truly, and getting the right gear makes a big difference. One piece of equipment that often gets overlooked, but is actually super important, is your footwear. So, picking the proper shoes can really change how you play and how comfortable you feel.

You see, pickleball puts unique demands on your feet. There's a lot of quick, side-to-side motion, sudden stops, and fast starts. Your regular running shoes, or even some casual sneakers, just aren't built for that kind of action, you know? They might feel okay for a little while, but they won't give you the support you need, and that could lead to discomfort or worse.

That's why finding good pickle ball shoes is a pretty big deal. These shoes are made specifically for the court, offering features that help you move better and stay safe. We've gone through a lot of options to bring you the top picks for 2025, with insights from folks who really know their stuff. Keep reading to find out more.

Why Special Pickle Ball Shoes Matter
What Makes Pickle Ball Shoes Different?
How We Found the Best Pickle Ball Shoes
Top Pickle Ball Shoe Rankings for 2025
Important Details Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickle Ball Shoes

Why Special Pickle Ball Shoes Matter

Playing pickleball involves a lot of quick, short bursts of movement, very different from, say, running in a straight line. Your feet need to feel secure and stable, so, that's where specific pickle ball shoes come into play. They are designed to give you the grip and support you need to perform those quick changes in direction without slipping or feeling unsteady. It's almost like having a special tool for a special job.

Without the right footwear, you might find yourself struggling to keep up with the pace of the game, or even worse, risking a twisted ankle. A good pair of pickle ball shoes can help you feel more confident in your movements, allowing you to focus on the game itself rather than worrying about your footing. They just make everything a little bit smoother, you know?

Plus, comfort is a huge part of it. If your feet hurt, you won't enjoy playing as much, and that's a shame. Pickleball shoes are made to keep your feet happy through long matches, which is pretty important when you're out there having fun. They really do make a difference in your overall experience.

What Makes Pickle Ball Shoes Different?

Many people wonder if they can just wear their tennis shoes for pickleball, and that's a fair question. However, there are some key distinctions. Pickleball shoes are, in fact, extra wide and more spacious than tennis shoes, to allow for better movement and comfort when playing the game. This extra room lets your foot spread out a bit during those quick stops and starts, which is very helpful.

Tennis shoes often have a more stiff feel to them, which works for the longer, linear movements in tennis. Pickleball, on the other hand, calls for more flexibility and a different kind of support for all those lateral shuffles. So, the design of pickle ball shoes accounts for these unique movements, offering a blend of support and give. It's a subtle but important difference, really.

The sole of a pickleball shoe also tends to be designed for the specific court surfaces you'll encounter, providing excellent grip without being too sticky. This helps you pivot and push off without getting stuck, which is quite useful. They are built for the game's particular demands, and that's why they stand apart from other athletic shoes.

How We Found the Best Pickle Ball Shoes

Finding the very best pickle ball shoes for you takes some serious looking, and we really put in the work. With help from three experts—two pickleball coaches and one U.S. Open pickleball gold medal recipient—we reviewed dozens of pickleball shoes from top brands to find the very best. Their practical knowledge was, in a way, invaluable to our search.

We looked at brands like Wilson, Asics, Adidas, and more, to find the best pickle ball shoes right now. The Women's Health team, for instance, consulted these three experts and tested 20 pairs to narrow down the six best for every type of player. This hands-on approach helped us see what really worked on the court, you know?

All of the shoes featured on this list excel in key aspects like comfort, stability, and grip. Simply put, these are the best pickle ball shoes on the market that our experts recommend most. We regularly update this page to feature the highest-performing options, so you're always getting current information, which is pretty neat.

Top Pickle Ball Shoe Rankings for 2025

We've put together our pickleball shoe rankings of 2025, based on extensive testing and expert advice. These rankings consider everything from how well the shoes support your feet to how long they last. We aim to give you a clear picture of what's available and what might work best for your game, so, it's a helpful guide.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for years, there's a shoe on this list that can help you move better and feel more comfortable on the court. We've thought about different playing styles and foot shapes, trying to cover a lot of ground. You'll find options that are really popular and well-regarded by players.

Keep reading to learn which shoes for pickleball experts recommend most, including some important details to look out for before hitting "add to cart." These recommendations come from people who spend a lot of time on the court, so, their insights are very practical. They know what players truly need.

Pickle Ball Shoes for Wide Feet

For players with wider feet, finding comfortable shoes can sometimes be a challenge, honestly. Many standard athletic shoes just don't offer enough room, leading to pinching or discomfort during play. Here, we have reviewed the best men's and women's pickle ball shoes for wide feet, which is a common request.

As mentioned, pickleball shoes are generally designed to be more spacious than tennis shoes, which is a good starting point for those needing extra width. We've identified specific models that go even further, providing ample room without sacrificing support or stability. These options help ensure your feet feel good, even during long matches, you know?

Look for brands that specifically mention wide-fit options or have a reputation for a more generous fit. Our experts, including Casey Burchill, D.P.M., have highlighted certain models that truly excel in this area. It's about finding that perfect balance of space and snugness, so your foot feels secure but not cramped.

Indoor Versus Outdoor Pickle Ball Shoes

The type of court you play on can actually influence the kind of pickle ball shoes you should choose. Today, we review the best pickleball shoes for both women and men in 2025, and we go over both indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes at various price points. The surface makes a difference, really.

Indoor courts, often made of gym flooring, require shoes with non-marking soles that offer good grip on smoother surfaces. These soles are usually a bit softer and designed to prevent slips without leaving scuff marks. They provide that quick, agile feel you need for indoor play, which is pretty important.

Outdoor courts, which can be asphalt or concrete, are much rougher and demand a more durable sole. Outdoor pickle ball shoes often have tougher outsoles that can withstand the abrasive surfaces and provide consistent traction in different weather conditions. They are built to last longer on those tougher grounds, so, that's something to consider.

Pickle Ball Shoes for Women and Men

It's important to note that while many pickle ball shoes are designed as unisex, some brands offer specific models tailored for women's and men's feet. These differences often relate to fit, width, and sometimes even color options. We've considered both types of shoes in our reviews for 2025, so you have plenty of choices.

The women's health team, for instance, specifically tested models for women, helping to narrow down the six best for every type of player. This means considering factors like arch support and heel fit, which can sometimes vary between men's and women's designs. It's about finding what feels right for your unique foot shape, you know?

Ultimately, the best pickle ball shoes for you will be the ones that feel most comfortable and supportive, regardless of whether they're labeled for men or women. It's always a good idea to try them on if you can, to get a real feel for how they fit your foot. Shop pickleball shoes at Dick's Sporting Goods today, or other trusted retailers, to find your perfect pair.

Important Details Before You Buy

Before you make a choice, there are a few things you should really think about. You'll want to consider the type of court you play on most often, as this affects the sole of the shoe. Also, think about your foot shape; if you have wide feet, you'll definitely want to look for shoes designed to accommodate that. It's almost like buying any other specialized gear, you know?

Support and cushioning are also key. Good pickle ball shoes should provide ample support around the ankle and midfoot to prevent twists and turns. Cushioning helps absorb impact, which is great for your joints, especially during longer games. You want a shoe that feels stable but also comfortable enough to wear for hours, which is pretty important.

Read reviews from other players, and if possible, try on a few different pairs. What feels good to one person might not feel the same to another, so, personal comfort is very important. Keep reading to learn which shoes for pickleball experts recommend most, including some important details to look out for before hitting "add to cart." Casey Burchill, D.P.M., a foot expert, emphasizes the need for proper fit and support. Learn more about USA Pickleball and the game on their site, and you can also find more specific shoe recommendations on this page here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickle Ball Shoes

Are pickleball shoes different from tennis shoes?

Yes, they are, in fact, quite different in some key ways. Pickleball shoes are often wider and more spacious in the toe area, allowing for better lateral movement and comfort during the game's quick side-to-side actions. Tennis shoes, on the other hand, typically have a more stiff build, designed for the longer, forward and backward movements common in tennis. This difference in design helps support the specific demands of each sport, so, it's not just a marketing thing.

What should I look for in pickleball shoes?

When picking out pickle ball shoes, you should really focus on a few main things. Look for good lateral support, which helps keep your foot stable during quick side-to-side moves. Cushioning is also important for comfort and absorbing impact. The sole should offer excellent grip for the court surface you play on most, whether it's indoor or outdoor. And, of course, the fit should feel comfortable and secure, especially if you have wide feet. It's about finding a balance of these features, you know?

Which brands make good pickleball shoes?

Many reputable sports brands are now making excellent pickle ball shoes. Based on our reviews and expert opinions, brands like Wilson, Asics, and Adidas are consistently strong performers. There are also other specialized brands, like K. (as mentioned by our experts), that offer great options, especially for specific needs like wide feet. It's worth exploring these brands to see their latest models for 2025, as they really do focus on quality and performance.

So, choosing the right pickle ball shoes can really make a difference in your game, offering comfort, support, and better movement. Our experts, including coaches and a U.S. Open gold medalist, have helped us review and test many options to bring you the best for 2025. Whether you need something for wide feet, indoor courts, or just a great all-around shoe, there's a perfect pair waiting for you. Take your time to find the ones that feel right, and get ready to enjoy your pickleball matches even more. You can always learn more about pickleball on our site, which is pretty helpful for new players.

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