Asics pickleball shoes have a lot to offer at a great price. This reputable sports brand boasts models designed and tested by real pickleball athletes. Good traction, support, and shock absorption are just a few of the many qualities to keep in mind when looking for your next pair of shoes. We’ve tested out Asics pickleball shoes, and we’re here to tell you how they stack up.
Asics Women’s Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoe
Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoe for Women is a sturdy shoe designed for outdoor courts. As the name implies, this model has gel technology which enhances comfort and protects feet from impact. Not only is the Gel-Renma shoe comfortable, but it’s also flexible and supportive at the same time. This shoe is designed to keep the foot from twisting, and we definitely felt snug support on the sides of our feet. If you have a tendency to twist your ankle, definitely go for this pickleball shoe.
If breathability is important to you, we have to be honest. This shoe is not a winner in this category. Many pickleball shoe options feature breathable mesh to keep feet dry, but the synthetic material of this shoe definitely does not have an airy feel. The upside is that this material, along with the model’s sturdy outsole, makes it extra durable.
When shopping around for pickleball footwear, you’re probably quick to consider price and features like weight and durability. Ever considered your shoes’ environmental friendliness? We love that Asics puts an emphasis on sustainability by sourcing materials ethically and aiming to reduce its carbon footprint. For example, the Gel-Renma uses a solution-dying process for the shoe’s sockliner. This reduces carbon emissions and uses way less water in the manufacturing process. This wins major bonus points for Asics if you ask us!
Pros
- TRUSSTIC technology provides great stability
- Durable material
- Wrap up outsole and wider gauge for balanced movements
- Removable insoles
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Material is not breathable
- Runs narrow in the toe box
- It could be too inflexible for some players
Asics Men’s Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoe
Asics also makes their Gel-Renma Pickleball shoe for men. This shoe is reasonably priced, and we found it to have some great qualities! Notably, this shoe’s supportive fit is top-notch and will reduce the risk of spraining your ankle. We also love the cushioned feel and shock absorption thanks to Gel-Renma’s signature gel technology.
Another important feature is the shoe’s synthetic leather overlay, making this model an extra durable choice for pickleball. We also want to give a special mention to the outsoles that not only offer great traction but are also super durable too.
While it’s true that the sturdy synthetic material of this shoe has its perks, we did find that it lacks breathability — something to consider if you have a problem with sweaty feet. Another potential downside of this shoe is that some players complain that the fit is too narrow.
Our conclusion? Avoid the Gel-Renma if you have particularly wide feet or if breathability is really important to you. Otherwise, this model is a high-quality, lower-price option that offers tons of durability and support.
Pros
- Trusstic technology provides stability
- Durable material
- Wrap up outsole and wider gauge for balanced movements
- Removable insoles
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Synthetic material is not breathable
- Runs narrow in the toe box
- It could be too inflexible for some players
Buying guide
If you play any sport seriously, we’re sure you already know how crucial it is to wear quality athletic shoes. When it comes to pickleball, it’s important to consider the support, shock absorption, traction, and weight. These essential characteristics will help you protect your feet, move quickly and comfortably, and overall, play your very best game!
Support
Pickleball requires fast movements and changes of direction, not unlike tennis. This is why it’s very important to find a shoe that provides strong support to your foot. Look for footwear with sturdy sides and ankle support which will not only be more comfortable but will also keep you from hurting yourself.
Asics absolutely get an A+ in this category. This shoe is made with sturdy materials, and the fit is incredibly snug and supportive.
Shock absorption
Definitely look for a pickleball shoe with significant shock absorption. Your feet and knees take a lot of impact during games, so it’s important to try and reduce this as much as possible for both your comfort and safety.
Asics uses gel technology to reduce shock — safe and comfortable!
Traction
Footwear with great traction will help you move quickly without slipping around the court, an obvious necessity for pickleball! The best pickleball shoes will be made with durable rubber that won’t leave marks on the court.
We found Asics to be great in terms of traction. The outsoles seem really sturdy, and the tread pattern of multi-directional flex grooves grips the court and makes it easy to pivot and move around quickly.
Weight
Clunky footwear is a disaster for pickleball play. Ideally, pickleball footwear should be super lightweight because it helps you move quickly and easily.
Asics are great for many reasons, like their support, traction, and durability, which we found to be exceptional. However, they are not the most lightweight shoes for pickleball on the market.
FAQs
Is Asics good for pickleball?
Asics has a lot going for them. They make great shoes but may not be ideal for all players because of their narrow fit and lack of breathability, but they are great for players looking for robust support and good durability.
Is there a difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes?
Pickleball shoes and tennis shoes are similar, and many court shoes are designed for both sports. Those designed specifically for pickleball tend to be extra flexible and lightweight.
What shoes should I wear for pickleball?
For playing pickleball, you should wear footwear that is supportive, lightweight, and flexible. It’s also important that they have good treads and some level of shock absorption. The one type of shoe you want to avoid when you play pickleball is running shoes.
What shoes should I wear for outdoor pickleball?
For outdoor pickleball, make sure your footwear is designed for use on outdoor courts. The outsoles should be extra durable and have a larger tread pattern for optimal grip.
Key Takeaways
- Asics offers athletic footwear called the Gel-Renma, that is designed specifically for pickleball.
- Asics puts an emphasis on sustainability in their material choice and manufacturing.
- Gel-Renma is a reasonably priced shoe available for both men and women that offers great support and durability.
- Players with wide feet may find the Gel-Renma uncomfortable as they have a narrow fit.