Looking for outdoor pickleball shoes? Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and outdoor hard courts are often the only options in many communities.
To prevent injury, hold up to aggressive movements, and improve your game, an outdoor shoe is the way to go. All athletic shoes are not created equally. Wearing court shoes or proper footwear on the pickleball court is crucial to upping your game and staying safe!
Whether you are a beginner or an avid player, we have scoured all of the options for you to find the best pickleball shoes for women, men, and kids to play a round of outdoor pickleball.
Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes for Women
When it comes to outdoor pickleball shoe styles for women, there are several great options, though K-Swiss, Sketchers, and ASICS are dominating the market.
Best Overall – K-Swiss Women’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe
The K-Swiss Women’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe is our pick for the best overall option. At first, it may seem stiff, but after a match or two, the synthetic leather around the shoe flexes and bends in all the right places, and the inside cushioning conforms to what your foot needs.
They also have what K-Swiss calls their Durawrap, which increases durability as you drag your toe over and over again. The middle of the shoe is mesh, though, so you don’t have to worry about sweaty, smelly feet either!
This style is on the higher end in terms of pricing, but definitely worth it. There are two colors and half sizes available depending on your needs.
K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
Now the K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe was our top pick for indoor pickleball shoes, though we also like them as outdoor court shoes, too. Though they are not really water-resistant, the bottom of the shoes is durable enough to withstand hard courts while the mesh allows your foot to breathe in the heat.
Speaking of letting your feet breathe, the Express Lights have an Ortholite Sock Liner, which is just a fancy way of saying that the inside of the shoes whisks away all the nasty sweat that is inevitable. These also have the same K-Swiss Durawrap system as the Supremes for extra resistance to wear and tear.
They are available in five colors with wide and half sizing as well.
Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe
The Skechers Viper Court shoe is the product of a collaboration between podiatrists and Goodyear. Yes, you heard that right! More than one-foot doctor partnered with a tire company and produced outdoor shoes for pickleball.
Though that may seem quite odd, the Skechers Viper Court shoe combines plush cushioning for maximum comfort with a custom Goodyear rubber bottom that will withstand any hard court and maintain good stability.
Skechers shoes are the official footwear of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, so even the pros agree this is a good pickleball shoe.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Renm is a high-quality option for pickleball players looking for a court shoe that offers superior comfort and support.
Two highlights of this shoe are the Trusstic System Technology which allows for lateral stability without excessive twisting, and a wrap-up outsole with a wider gauge that provides balance and smooth movements. The flex grooves on the outsole also have optimized positioning for balance with multidirectional movements without sacrificing speed with forward motion.
The upper, which is the outside of the shoe, is a synthetic leather overlay that adds the extra durability required of outdoor court shoes.
Additionally, the shoe has a cushioned midsole that incorporates the ASICS Gel technology, which offers superior shock absorption and helps provide arch support that is molded to your foot. All of this is a fancy way of saying these shoes are designed specifically for what you need on the court to win and feel good while doing it!
It is important to note that the toe box is a bit narrow, so for those with wide feet, these might not be the best pickleball shoes.
Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes for Men
When it comes to shoes for men, many of the options are similar to the available selections for women. Many of the same brands top our list for men as well.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Renma
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Renmas is the men’s version of the Gel-Renmas we highlighted for women, and they are just as good.
They have all the same fancily-worded features as the women’s version, including the ASICS Gel technology, Trusstic System technology, flex grooves, synthetic leather upper, and a wide gauge wrap-up outsole. The main difference is the sizing and a few changes to color options.
FILA Men’s Volley Zone Sneaker
The FILA Men’s Volley Zone Sneaker is a high-performance court shoe that focuses on support and flexibility. You’ll notice strategically placed circles on the bottom of the outsoles that add extra traction areas that make the most contact with the court surface, which is helpful for quick movements.
The upper has stiff support around the toe box and heel to reinforce areas where the foot is prone to injury during lateral movement, while the rest of the upper is mesh for maximum breathability and flexibility.
K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe
The K-Swiss Men’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe is a premium court shoe that is one of our choices for the best indoor pickleball shoe as well as outdoor. Its features lend themselves well to indoor use on indoor courts while still maintaining enough durability, traction, breathability, and support to be used on an outdoor court.
The Surge 7.0 is a cushioning system that is lightweight and a bit bouncy for maximum energy return. The Durawrap Flex is a light and durable material that wraps the shoe, offering protection without sacrificing flexibility, ensuring there’s no break-in period. Extra durability and support are added to the high-wear areas like the toe box and heel with the K-Swiss Dragguard 7.0 material.
These are the best shoes if you are looking for both indoor shoes and outdoor shoes that are light and responsive.
Skechers Men’s Viper Court
The Skechers Men’s Viper Court Pickleball Shoes are again similar to the women’s option. They have Goodyear rubber outsoles and the patented Skechers Arch Fit Insole System developed by podiatrists and over 20 years of foot scan data.
Though most of the shoe is on the stiffer side for maximum support, the collar and tongue are padded and soft for comfort.
If you have wider feet, you’ll be pleased to know that these shoes for men come in an extra wide-fit version as well, all the way up to size 14 wide. There are seven color options, too.
Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes for Youth
Outdoor pickleball shoe designs for youth are a bit limited, though the court shoes we’ve chosen are more versatile, so you can save money and purchase only one pair for all of the courts sports the kids insist on playing!
Best Overall – New Balance 574 V1 Lace-up Sneaker
The New Balance 574 V1 Lace-up Sneaker has a retro look, and while it is not technically a dedicated outdoor pickleball shoe, they are quite versatile and will work for everyday wear and a competitive match.
Inside the shoe is foam, so it provides plenty of cushioning and absorbs shock to protect a child’s growing bones and joints. The bottom of the shoes has a great grip and a non-marking rubber, so they can be used for indoor and outdoor courts. There is also a reinforcement around the heel cup, top of the foot, and around the toes to keep the foot stable.
With dozens of colors, sizing from Infants all the way to Big Kids, half sizing, and moderate pricing, you can’t go wrong with the New Balance 574 V1.
Babolat Junior ProPulse All Court Tennis Shoe
The Babolat Junior ProPulse All-Court Tennis Shoe is designed for the rigorous movements of tennis and therefore is a fantastic option for other racket sports like a pickleball game!
Some of the great features of the shoe include a safety belt across the top of the foot for confidence and stability with movement in any direction. The heel also has an added foam insert and tube system that protects the heel from strong impacts. Goodyear has also gotten in on the action in the development of these shoes creating a specialized rubber for the bottom that aids in grip and durability on outdoor surfaces.
The Junior ProPulse All-Court Tennis Shoes come in 4 styles and only Big Kid sizes, though there are half sizes for better fits.
Wilson Unisex-Child KAOS Junior Ql Tennis Shoe
Speed, flexibility, easy laces, and making a statement are what the Wilson Unisex-Child KAOS Junior Ql Tennis Shoe is known for.
The heel has a rebounding system, and the outside of the shoe flexes anywhere you need it to while still maintaining stiffness for support around the toe box and heel for safety. The bottom of the shoes is made from a Duralast rubber which is essentially a high-density compound that has been designed to resist abrasion and increase traction.
The top highlight of these shoes is the Quicklace System. The Quicklace System is a patented lace design that allows you to tighten and loosen with one pull. No more loose laces in the middle of a game!
These stylish shoes are a proper pair of footwear for dedicated youth pickleball players.
FILA Unisex-Child Axilus Jr Sneaker
The FILA Unisex-Child Axilus Jr Sneaker is another retro look and tennis shoe that works well for outdoor and indoor pickleball players alike.
They have a good amount of cushioning for shock absorption, a molded cage around the toe box and heel for support, extra reinforcement around the arch area for balance and a stable feeling, and an anti-slide nylon lining that keeps the foot from sliding around with slippy socks.
The FILA Axilus Jr Sneaker comes in Little Kid and Big Kid sizes with half sizes available to match any child’s foot length and four colors, including tie-dye to choose from.
Buying Guide
When looking at proper footwear and court shoes for pickleball and other sports that are similar, there are a few important factors to consider. Let’s talk about what to look for in an outdoor pickleball shoe, whether it’s for men, women, or youth.
Outdoor Pickleball Shoe vs. Indoor Pickleball Shoe
The main difference between outdoor pickleball shoes and indoor pickleball shoes is the sole or the bottom of the shoe. For outdoor styles, the sole is often thicker and able to hold up to the wear and tear of rougher outdoor court surfaces. Indoor styles often have a thinner sole for agility and increased grip for slippery gym floors. Indoor court shoes are typically non-marking as well.
However, when it comes to court shoes, most can be used both indoors and outdoors if you are just looking to play casually and you aren’t too concerned with peak performance.
Fit
Fit is one of the most important things to look for in court shoes regardless of your sport, but especially with pickleball. This is because a proper fit helps prevent injuries and helps you with faster, confident movements. If a shoe is too big, your foot will slide around, potentially causing you to roll your ankle, among other injuries, though if it is too tight, you’ll have uncomfortable rubbing that makes painful blisters inevitable.
Always look at reviews when shopping online in order to see how they truly fit and ensure you leave room for when feet swell during gameplay.
Durability
Durability is crucial to outdoor pickleball shoes in particular because you’ll be dragging your toe and digging the soles of the shoe into rougher, more abrasive surfaces than what indoor pickleball court shoes are exposed to. The bottom of the shoes should have thick rubber designed to withstand wear and tear.
A good tip we have found to see if a shoe is durable for outdoor pickleball is to look for extra reinforcement around areas that typically wear the fastest, like the toe and the heel. It is also important to always keep your court shoes dry and store them out of the sun so they don’t wear faster than they should. If you need to wash them, use a mild soap and leave them to air dry.
Color
Color may seem like a superficial factor to consider with an outdoor pickleball shoe, though it actually can make a difference. Darker colors absorb heat from the sun making your feet hot and sweaty, while lighter colors reflect the sun keeping your feet cooler.
However, keep in mind that fit should always be prioritized over color, even though color is definitely the fun part of pickleball shoe shopping!
Price
Like with all things, price always matters. After all, your selection has to fit within your budget! We have featured shoes in multiple price ranges, so you are sure to find something that meets your needs.
When it comes to court shoes, cheaper isn’t always better, but the best shoe does not always have to come with the highest price tag either. It’s best to look at the value you are getting for your money rather than the price tag alone when purchasing a new pair of court shoes.
FAQs
What shoes should I wear for outdoor pickleball?
You should wear specialized outdoor footwear designed for outdoor pickleball, though tennis shoes with ankle support, stable soles, traction, and high durability will work, too. We recommend avoiding running shoes as running shoes are typically only designed for the foot to move in one direction versus the multidirectional movements required while playing pickleball. However, if they are all you have to wear, running shoes will work for a quick game as long as you are careful.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
Yes, there is a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes. Outdoor pickleball shoe designs have thicker, more durable soles that can withstand harder, rougher courts and extra cushioning for protecting the joints during outdoor play on harder surfaces, while indoor pickleball shoes focus on traction for slippery courts. However, if you don’t have multiple pairs, many styles are versatile enough to work for both.
Are tennis shoes and pickleball shoes the same?
No, tennis shoes and pickleball shoes are not the same, though they can both be worn to play pickleball. Shoes for pickleball have increased attention to ankle support for safe lateral movements, thick soles for more stability, and cushioning for abrupt landings. Tennis shoes often have features that pay attention to the same things, which is why they are essentially interchangeable.
What is the difference between pickleball shoes and court shoes?
The difference between pickleball and court shoes is often the features in the design that specifically support traction and quick lateral movement. Both can be worn to play pickleball, but having pickleball shoes allows you to take advantage of construction specifically engineered to the movements of the sport versus a more general design.
Can I wear basketball shoes to play pickleball?
Though basketball shoes often have the necessary ankle support for lateral stability, the high ankle profile can also take away the flexibility that is crucial while playing pickleball. If basketball shoes are all you have to play pickleball, then go ahead and hit the courts!
Key Takeaways
- The key features of outdoor pickleball shoe designs include reducing extra weight and providing durability, traction, and support.
- Outdoor pickleball shoes have a thicker sole to protect the feet from hard courts while still providing flexibility.
- Fit, durability, color, and price are all things to consider when purchasing pickleball court shoes.
- Ultimately, the right court shoes for you depends on your personal preferences.