Does anyone else remember the clunky Skechers shoes of the 90s? When it comes to pickleball, clunky obviously isn’t going to cut it, but it turns out Skechers shoes have evolved a ton since then. The brand now offers two sleek pickleball models for both men and women. Here’s our honest review of Skechers pickleball shoes.
Skechers Pickleball Shoes For Women
Skechers Women’s Viper Court
Skechers Viper Court Pickleball shoes are the brand’s first model designed specifically for pickleball. There’s a lot to love about the Viper Court, including sturdy arch support and breathable material that keeps feet nice and dry. Several color options also mean you’ll be able to find a look you love, whether you prefer classic white or bright colors. Most impressively, these shoes are super comfortable right out of the box — no break-in period required.
Something to be aware of is that the fit with the Skechers Viper Court shoe is roomy in both the toe area and the heel. If you have a narrow foot, you probably want to stay away from these shoes as they risk slipping off your heel as you play.
Pros
- Great Arch Support
- Durable Outsoles
- Removable Insole
- Keeps Feet Dry
- Comfort cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons
- Loose in the heel area
- Less stability
Skechers Women’s Viper Court Pro
Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Pro is the second and most recent pickleball shoe released by Skechers. This shoe improves on certain aspects of the original Viper Court model. We found the fit to be way more structured, so there’s no heel slipping during games.
The Pro model doesn’t feel as cushiony as the original Viper Court, but we still found these shoes to be comfy and lightweight. This model also offers a lot of stability, so it would be a great choice if you are prone to twisting your ankle. Available in several different colors, we really love the electric blue model for its fun patterned outsole.
Unless you have a particularly wide foot, you’ll find that this shoe offers a comfortable molded fit and tons of stability. While a bit pricey, we think the quality matches the price — totally worth it for serious pickleball players!
Pros
- Great Arch Support
- Keeps Feet Dry
- Removable Insoles
- Durable Outsoles
- Extra Supportive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Less Cushioned Feel
- Pricey
Skechers Pickleball Shoes For Men
Skechers Men’s Viper Court
Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes are one of the most comfortable pairs of pickleball shoes we’ve ever tried. They are highly cushioned and do a great job of absorbing shock. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts, the soles are extra durable and hold up well even after months of consistent play.
Just be warned: this model has a very roomy fit, especially around the toes. While not for everyone, it can be great for people who need extra toe space. If you suffer from certain conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, or Morton’s Neuroma, it’s definitely worth trying these shoes!
Pros
- Arch supports
- Durable Outsoles
- Removable Insole
- Keeps Feet Dry
- Comfortable cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacks ankle support
- Too Roomy for Some
Skechers Men’s Viper Court Pro
The Viper Court Pickleball Pro is Skechers’ top-of-the-line pickleball shoe for men. Compared to the original Viper Court model, we found this pair to be stiffer. While not quite as comfortable right out of the box, the stiffness does, however, offer a lot of support and stability for the foot. This shoe will be a great choice if you have a tendency to roll your ankle.
Other aspects of the Viper Court Pro that we love are its sleek design, strong arch support, and super lightweight design. It’s a high-quality shoe that we recommend for advanced players who are looking for more support.
Pros
- Extra Supportive
- Keeps Feet Dry
- Lightweight
- Removable Insole
- Durable Outsole
Cons
- Pricey
- Stiff
Buying guide
If you want to play well and feel comfortable on the pickleball court, it is important to look for pickleball shoes that provide strong support, good traction, and shock absorption.
Support
Supportive shoes are crucial for pickleball since the sport requires fast lateral movements. All Skechers shoes provide a level of stability for the foot, but we found the Viper Court Pro model to be extra supportive.
Shock absorption
To protect yourself from injury, make sure your pickleball shoes have enough cushioning in the soles to absorb shock. The Skechers original Viper Court model is our top pick when it comes to shock absorption.
Traction
Pickleball shoes without traction would be, well, utterly worthless. Traction allows you to move quickly and easily on the court without slipping. We found the traction of Skechers shoes to be excellent!
FAQs
Does Skechers make a pickleball shoe?
Yes! Skechers makes shoes specifically for pickleball that are comfortable and durable.
What kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball?
To play your best, feel comfortable, and protect yourself from injury, make sure you wear shoes with great traction, ankle support, and cushioning.
Is there a difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?
Pickleball and tennis shoes are pretty similar, and you can definitely get away with wearing tennis shoes for pickleball. However, shoes designed specifically for pickleball tend to be even more lightweight and flexible.
Key Takeaways
- In recent years, Skechers has released two different pickleball shoe models for both men and women.
- Skechers pickleball shoes are a solid choice for players based on their level of comfort and durability.
- The original Viper Court model is impressively comfortable right out of the box.
- The Viper Court Pro is the higher caliber model, constructed with Goodyear rubber outsoles and offering more support.