A Good Pair of Pickleball Shoes Can Help Improve Your Game. Here Are Our Top Picks.

ProsUnder $100Classic court stylingRubber drag padLocked-in heel designSecure lacingConsNot many colors availableShoe can feel heavy for someThe Rush Pro Ace Pickleball is designed for both indoor and outdoor court surfaces and has a 4D Support Chassis for controlled pivot movements and stability. When we tested it out, The Pickler held tough through all the wear and tear.The rubber drag pad has helped protect tearing on the end of the toe box, and the cushioned midsole helps keep high foot arches comfortable. The Pickler even has a rebound-like effect when making fast-twitch movements, which makes sense because of how close in construction the shoe is to Pro Ace Tennis Shoe—Wilson's top-selling model for tennis. The rebound of the shoe alone isn't going to make you a better player, but we do believe it helps promote staying on your toes more during play, especially when it comes to getting into a firefight against opponents.The performance on this shoe is superb, and the style promises a clean look that's suitable for wearing in a country club environment. The comfort of the shoe—namely the supportive arch and cushioned padding around the tongue and ankle—became the final selling point to deem these the best pickleball shoes overall in 2026.Read More: Best Pickleball PaddlesWeight12 ozUpperLayered Sensifeel techOutsoleHigh-density Duralast rubberCushioningR-DST+ foam with responsive bounceProsAffordableGreat stabilityQuite comfyConsMay be too narrow for someLong term durability is lackingIf you’re getting into pickleball for the first time, you don’t want to spend close to $200 just to find out it isn't for you. A great affordable pickleball shoe can help you there—it’s also a great option for those who simply like to budget, too. Enter the second iteration of the Asics Gel-Renma pickleball shoes. A stellar shoe for under $100.Loaded with similar tech and materials you’ll find in Asics pro-level models, this pair uses a synthetic leather overlay for solid durability as well as its signature Trusstic tech, which helps to enhance stability. To help create a shoe that’s well-balanced for all directional movements, it uses a wrap-up outsole with flex grooves for increased flexibility, and a wider gauge. As Winn notes, "Asics has skyrocketed to the top over the last few years," and this pair is one affordable, high-performance pair.Read More: Best Walking ShoesWeight13.5 ozUpperSynthetic leatherOutsoleTrusstic tech systemCushioningGEL cushioning systemAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowPros180-degree Plantar Arch Support ChassisEasy to purchaseSupportive DURAWRAP coverSeveral colors availableSecure lacing that doesn't loosen up during playConsMajor sizing can sell out fastMay be too snug for someYou might be surprised to find K-Swiss at the top of the pickleball shoe market, but the brand has quietly been creating trusted game-ready models for all types of price points. We've come to find the Express Light as one of the top supportive and strong pickleball shoes money can buy.Two main features of this shoe stood out when testing: the 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis and the DURAWRAP cover to help combat toe dragging. The support chassis worked great at providing a secure feeling while playing, giving ample support for high arches and preventing feet from twisting and rolling inside the shoe—even when they go hot and sweaty. The DURAWRAP cover is the outsole material used to combat abrasion and toe-dragging. The cover is definitely hard alright, and so it's nice to know you have this strong outer shell over the cushioned mesh that feels oh-so-good on the feet.The shoes do fit quite snugly, so consider potentially going up a half size on this shoe. The design is unique, and fun with multiple colorways. It's not the fastest shoe, but it provides great durability and support. This is a well-balanced model you can play outside in for long periods of time.Read more: Best Moisture-Wicking ShirtsWeight12.7 ozUpperDURAWRAPOutsoleAÖSTA 7.0 rubber compoundCushioningEVA foamProsLightweightGreat for aggressive playersGoodyear Gold solesExcellent durabilityAffordable considering their performanceRubber toe guardConsMay be too low cut for someLonger break-in periodRuns smallIf you’re looking for one lightweight, serious pair of pickleball shoes that can also handle the wear and tear of aggressive game play, the second version of the Viper Courts are definitely the way to go.This go around features a revamped upper that makes them even more durable than the previous gen, while remaining just as breathable and potentially even more comfortable (at least popular opinion says, according to reviewers).These low tops feature quite the supportive feel with their EVA insoles and responsive foam in the midsoles that are topped off with Goodyear Gold compound soles that can take all the quick cuts and bursts you’ll find yourself doing every game. Plus, they’re versatile enough for the other two big racket sports of tennis and Padel.Weight12 ozUpperMesh technology with synthetic overlaysOutsoleGoodyear Gold compoundCushioningArch Fit EVA insole and ULTRA GO foamAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLong lastingBest for stabilityFan favorite brandAlso great for tennis playersGreat shock absorptionConsOn the snug sideLacks traction on aggressive cutsNew Balance takes the cake when it comes to shoes for those in need of a little extra stability. Both instructors we talked to agree that New Balance always delivers on comfort, support, and above all, stability. Between the precise underfoot cushioning, superior durability, or the FuelCell foam, the elements all come together to form a thoughtful design."They're well-made, so they last a long time and are very comfortable," Winn says. Armstrong also adds, "Looking around and asking a few of our senior players, [the New Balances] seem to be a fan favorite." At the end of the day, comfort and stability are the leading factors in selecting a shoe for seniors, both of which this shoe excels in, according to Armstrong.Weight12.7 ozUpperSynthetic and meshOutsoleNDurance rubberCushioningFuelCell foamProsComfortably cushionedBreathableSolid offering close to $100Babolat doesn't just make stellar tennis racquets; the brand's tennis shoes are in a league of its own. With a soft upper and ventilated mesh, the SFX 4 delivers comfort and breathability in each wear. Babolat doubles down on the comfort with an OrthoLite insole that molds to the shape of your foot. A premium cushioning system absorbs shock in landings, which is super important for comfort and keeping your knees feeling good after a match. The shape and composition of the materials in the sole are segmented into nine key pressure points to deliver maximum responsiveness.Armstrong also recommends these shoes for beginners. "In my experience, beginners need to look for something that may not require a huge investment, but also provides all the benefits needed to play tennis comfortably and safely," he says. "Generally, the shoes that are in a new player's price range and then feel the best, are the best shoes for them."Weight13.6 oz.UpperVentilated mesh upperOutsoleMichelin rubber outsolesCushioningEVA foam and Pro Shield molded forefootAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSuper stylishVery comfortableQuite affordableWide toe boxGood lateral traction and supportConsLonger break in periodHard to keep cleanPickleball is a social event and if you want a pair that can go from the courts to drinks afterwards, these Pickle Pro is our choice for sure. With their modern design and streamlined look, you could probably toss on a pair of slacks while wearing these and get away with it. I have worn them out in public running errands multiple times already and have even gotten several compliments on them, they’re that sharp.Aesthetics aside, these shoes can still hold their own on the courts thanks to their solid design. For starters, these are darn comfortable with their OrthoLite foam midsoles that make them quite plush for a pair of pickleball shoes. Comfy as they are, they are quite tough too, which stems from the Duralast high-density soles that grips well on all court surfaces, but, it does mean they take a bit to break in from my experience. While I wouldn’t necessarily choose them for ultra competitive games, for a stylish and casual game, these are an absolute winner.Weight12.3 ozUpperMesh with synthetic overlaysOutsoleDuralast solesCushioningOrthoLite EVA foamProsSecure midfootMade partially from recycled materials Stylish aestheticsGreat for tennis, tooThe Barricade is a go-to for all training sessions and matches for players who prioritize comfort. When shopping for shoes, Armstrong says, "Players have different criteria as to what makes a shoe great. Personally, I want something that is durable, supportive but not too bulky, and comfortable." Armstrong, who teaches/plays almost every day of the week, needs something that feels good on his notoriously aching Achilles tendon. Adidas makes this pair that does all of this, and are even a favorite of Armstrong's father (who tore his Achilles a few years ago) because of their unrivaled comfort.Wonder why? It might have something to do with the shoe's foam Geofit Sensepods to securely lock in the heel, a cushioned Bounce midsole, and asymmetrical laces to help guard against the effects of foot drag. There's also a sustainability component, with 50 percent of the yarn in the upper being recycled.Weight13.2 ozUpperMesh upper with ADITUFF shieldOutsoleLighttraxion outsoleCushioningREPETITOR midsole with dual-density foamAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Courtesy of Villeroy & BochProsExcellent flexibilitySuper responsive shoe, ideal for quick cutsGreat tractionMinimal break-in period6-month sole warrantyConsMixed reviews on arch supportNearly $130Some reviews mention being snug while others say wideIf your the type of player who loves to chase down every shot, you’re going to need a shoe that can keep up. That means you’re going to want a pair that flexes and moves with your natural foot strike, allowing you to stay light on the balls of your feet. One of the best in the game right now that allows just those types of movement patterns are the CourtStrike Pro 2.0s from Selkirk.Thanks to their 3D printing, you get a secure shoe with excellent lateral stability and a super responsive EVA midsole that helps to drastically improve you're reaction time. This allows you to stay explosive and react at will.This 2.0 model features better, more durable rubber, extra material protection along the bottom of the laces for increased longevity, and multiple layered cushioning for a springier step. If you’re on a budget, you may want to opt for another pair on our list, but if you want one of the most versatile pairs around, just get these.Weight13.3 ozUpperEngineered mesh and TPUOutsoleRubber compositionCushioningFoam insole and EVA PureFoam midsoleJeff Turbett is a fitness and wellness writer who's based in Miami, FL. His work has been featured in The Manual and FightCamp. Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.