Pickleball shoes are an often neglected part of sports equipment. Yet, you don’t have to be a pro player to get the right footwear. Whether you’re playing pickleball for fun or training for tournaments, the best pickleball shoes for men can protect your feet and boost your game.
Indoor Pickleball Shoes
Best Overall Indoor Pickleball Shoes for Men
K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
Specifically designed for pickleball, the K-Swiss Men’s Express shoe is the best choice for frequent indoor play. The brand crammed a variety of technologies into these shoes, all designed to increase your comfort and balance on the court.
One of the greatest highlights is the 80-degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis developed to enhance mid-foot support. This support reduces the risk of ankle sprains by enhancing your stability on rigid surfaces.
A high-density outsole and a guard against excessive toe dragging are other highlights. The shoe is perfect for rigid or clay courts, although outdoor use could wear it out quickly.
The upper is a combination of mesh and rubber. Although the rubber isn’t the most resistant out there, it holds up well enough for the price. The materials are breathable, and the comfort is further increased by the open-cell structure sock liner that absorbs heat and moisture. Overall, you can’t go wrong with this shoe if you mostly play indoors.
Specifications
- Upper material: Mesh and rubber
- Sole material: Rubber
- Toe guard
- Good grip on hard and clay surfaces
- Sizes: 7 to 10.5
- Available in standard and wide sizes
Best Budget Pickleball Shoes for Men
Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Pickleball Shoes
The Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic pickleball shoe is an indoor/outdoor shoe and an excellent option for players on a budget. Similar to the K-Swiss, it has a mesh upper, although combined with synthetic leather rather than rubber.
You won’t get the same toe guards, but the arch support is outstanding. In true Skechers fashion, the shoe can help maintain stability and comes with a thick collar developed to protect your ankles. The Arch Fit insole cushion is podiatrist-certified and removable.
The anti-slip outsole is made of Goodyear rubber and designed to last. The only downside is the weight. These soles are heavy, but you’ll get good traction on slippery courts. The toe box is also quite narrow, considering they are made for medium and wide feet. That said, if you don’t mind these, you’ll get quality shoes at a bargain.
Specifications
- Upper material: Mesh and synthetic leather
- Sole material: Goodyear rubber
- Good traction on all surfaces
- Sizes: 7 to 10.5
- Podiatrist-certified Arch Fit support
Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes for Men
Fila Volley Zone Mens Pickleball Shoe
A burst of color on the court, the Fila Volley Zone is the best outdoor pickleball shoe. They come in a bright yellow that can set a good mood regardless of the weather. Performance on outdoor courts is also superlative; this footwear is perfect for pickleball, tennis, and other outdoor sports.
For traction and durability, they come with a herringbone rubber outsole. The energized EVA midsole provides adequate cushioning, while plenty of support in the ankle area can stabilize your steps to prevent sprains and other injuries.
Light and breathable, these shoes are made of a combination of mesh and synthetic leather. The toe and heel areas are reinforced, but you won’t get a rigid toe guard. Another downside is the width, that’s on the narrow side.
Unlike Skechers and K-Swiss, these Fila shoes come in standard width only. The toe box offers limited space, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have wider feet. Apart from that, the price won’t break the bank, and the shoes are built to last.
Specifications
- Upper material: Mesh and synthetic leather
- Sole material: Rubber
- The herringbone pattern on the sole enhances traction
- Ideal for all outdoor courts
- Sizes: 7 to 13
Best Pickleball Shoes for Clay Courts
Adidas Men’s Barricade Clay Tennis Shoe
Perfect for men with larger feet, these tennis shoes are a great choice for pickleball, too. Like Fila, they come in a bright, attractive color – albeit they’re teal rather than yellow. However, the greatest advantage is the size that goes up to a US14.
As you can expect from Adidas, the shoe is ultra-comfortable. It offers good arch and ankle support, as well as adequate traction on outdoor surfaces. Just keep in mind that it’s specifically built for clay courts, so the performance might drop on other court materials.
The only downside is the thinner cushioning on the top inner side of the shoe. It might not provide the right support for all people, so you might end up feeling fatigued, or you might not get enough lateral stability.
Specifications
- Upper material: Mesh
- Sole material: Rubber
- Herringbone pattern on soles
- Ideal for clay courts
- Size: 7 to 14
Best Budget Outdoor Pickleball Shoe
ASICS Men’s Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes
An affordable pair of proper footwear for America’s fastest-growing sport, the ASICS Gel-Renma won’t disappoint. They are ideal to use on all outdoor courts and also provide excellent traction on acrylic and other indoor surfaces.
While more rigid than mesh, the synthetic leather upper boosts durability. Mesh inserts on the side add breathability, and a moisture-wicking sock liner keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
Performance-wise, you can expect rubber soles, excellent arch support, and semi-rigid ankle collars. The raised sole on the shoe’s tip also provides some toe protection, preventing drag injury. These shoes come in four stylish colors.
Specifications
- Upper material: Synthetic leather and mesh
- Sole material: Rubber
- Flex grooves in the outsole improve flexibility
- Size: 7 to 13
- Proprietary TRUSSIC technology boosts stability
Men’s Pickleball Shoe Buying Guide
With pickleball’s rise in popularity, more and more sportswear brands have introduced dedicated pickleball shoe lines. However, not all pickleball court shoes were created equal. Here are a few things to check before buying.
Materials
One of the most important things to check in pickleball shoes is the quality of the materials. Synthetic leather is a popular contender, but sturdy mesh might be a better choice if you’re playing indoors. Most pickleball shoes have rubber soles, but make sure they are developed for the type of court you’re playing onto (indoors or outdoors).
Comfort
The way you feel in the shoes can make or break your game on the court. Make sure the shoes you buy are wide enough to accommodate you comfortably. If you’re feeling too snug in a standard size, opt for a wide shoe. Also, consider breathability, regardless of the material the shoe is made of. Mesh is the most breathable, but some treatments can trap moisture inside.
Support
Arch and ankle support are essential in shoes designed for performance. Consider pre-existing conditions, such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis, before investing in any pair.
Skechers, for instance, offer adequate arch support and sufficient cushioning to reduce the risks of plantar fasciitis, thanks to their memory foam insoles. Other brands may use different cushioning systems and might be a better choice for other issues.
Traction
Lastly, consider traction. The sole should be developed for the surface you’re playing onto, which is why you should get specific indoor or outdoor shoes based on your court preference. If you play both indoors and outdoors, a herringbone pattern is your best bet.
FAQs
What kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball?
Pickleball shoes are the best choice for this sport, but you can also wear court or tennis shoes. As long as the footwear provides stability for controlled pivot movements and a bouncy rebound, they’re a good choice.
Is there a difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?
No, the only difference is between indoor and outdoor pickleball or tennis shoes. Footwear designed for indoor courts typically has stickier soles that provide better traction on slippery gym floors. Although some pickleball shoes do have more cushioning toward the toe.
Can I wear tennis shoes for pickleball?
Yes, you can wear tennis shoes for pickleball. You can wear other court shoes as well, including volleyball or basketball shoes. Running shoes might be a common alternative, but they might fail to deliver adequate traction and stability on court surfaces.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
The main difference is in the type of materials. Indoor shoes usually have mesh uppers and more flexible and stickier soles. Outdoor shoes for pickleball have thicker soles that provide better cushioning and treated mesh or synthetic/genuine leather uppers.
Key Takeaways
- Men’s shoes for pickleball are developed for indoor and outdoor use, the former providing improved traction and balance on acrylic courts.
- While specific pickleball shoes exist, you can replace them with tennis or different court footwear.
- K-Swiss manufactures the best indoor pickleball shoe. Other worthy options include Skechers.
- If you need outdoor court shoes, you can’t go wrong with Fila, Adidas, or ASICS.