A good pickleball shoe provides support for your feet and ankles to help prevent injuries. Some important features of a great pair of pickleball shoes include excellent cushioning to absorb impact, stability for feet and ankle’s lateral movements and quick stops and starts, and grippy outsoles to help reduce sliding. Regular shoes or shoes made for walking and running are not recommended for pickleball because they are not suitable for the types of directional movements that playing pickleball requires.
Dr. Cohen recommends the following:
Wilson Rush Pro 4.0 for Women
- Stable
- Explosive
- Exceptional lateral support
- Breathable upper
- Well cushioned midsole
- Accepts orthotics well
Babolat SFX3 All Court Shoe
- True to size
- Excellent for wide feet
- Breathable upper durable layered mesh design
- Active flexion technology reduces stress on pressure points
- Outsole provides excellent traction
- Accepts orthotics well
Tyrol Striker Pro V Court Shoe
- Aerated EVA midsole for great cushioning
- Open-weave nylon upper for ventilation
- Excellent stability from shank, heel counter, and toe guard
- Hard to find in stock and pricey
- Accepts orthotics well
Babalot Jet Mach 3
- Lightweight
- Great support
- Michelin sole resists abrasion
- Durable and flexible
- Accepts orthotics well
K-Swiss Women’s Express Light
- Lightweight
- Great for quick sprints
- Good traction
- Easy pivot and direction change
- Accepts orthotics well
New Balance Fuel Cell 996v6
- Fuel cell foam delivers a propulsive feel
- Good upper durability
- Durable toe guard
- High-wear outsole durability
- Non-marking outsole
- Accepts orthotics well
To learn more about how to avoid foot and ankle injuries while playing pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, check out our Pickleball Injuries on the Rise article.
