The pickleball craze shows no sign of slowing down, and stepping onto the court with one of the best pickleball shoes for women can make all the difference in your game! Never heard of pickleball? No problem. Three men in Washington State created the racket/paddle sport in 1965. Fast forward nearly 60 years, and now, more than 36 million Americans are playing the game.
How does the sport work? Two or four players hit a hollow plastic ball over a 36-inch-high net with solid paddles. It’s a cross between tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It’s a big hit with the over-55 crowd because it’s easy to play, fun, and provides a great workout. Researchers from North Carolina State University found that a small group of older individuals (age 65 and older) reached their recommended weekly dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by playing pickleball.
It’s common for pickleball players to suffer injuries on the court, so doctors recommend wearing supportive shoes with good arches, comfy padding, and grippy soles. Also, you shouldn’t wear running shoes because they’re designed for forward motion, not the side-to-side motion in pickleball.
There is an overflow of choices when it comes to suiting up for a match. But which pairs stand out above the rest? StudyFinds did the research, and we have compiled a list of the top five best women’s pickleball shoes, according to the experts. Do you play in a shoe you love but don’t see it on the list? Let us know about it in the comments below.
The List: Best Women’s Pickleball Shoes, Per Sports Experts
1. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe
You’ll most likely see this shoe on every pickleball court in America. It’s the best-selling pickleball shoe on Amazon because of its comfort. Racket Royalty says the shoe also provides “awesome support for those lateral movements” and is “one of the most stylish designs on the market right now.”
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, Very Well Fit recommends the K-Swiss Express Light Shoe for its “superior support, with a plastic chassis that stretches across the midfoot for better stability.” If you have a wide foot, K-Swiss also offers the shoe in hard-to-find wide widths.
Can’t stand the smell of your pickleball shoes after a while? Style Craze says don’t worry, “The quick-drying light shoes absorb sweat quickly and keep your feet odor-free. The heel line guard, crafted from interlocking fibers, guarantees an enhanced grip on the socks, amplifying control and stability while significantly reducing instances of heel slips.”
2. Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickleball Shoe
Looking for the most supportive shoe? Look no further than Wilson’s Rush Pro Ace Pickler. According to Very Well Fit the shoe is “comfortable, roomy, and designed to gently correct your gait, making it our top pick for the most supportive pickleball shoe. An asymmetrical chassis helps lock your feet in place, for a more secure fit—this can be especially helpful for pivot movements when you’re turning quickly. Plus, the heel counter stabilizes your rearfoot, for better control.”
If you need excellent rebound and cushioning, Good Housekeeping gives these shoes high marks saying they’re “supportive and stable, giving you more control over every move you make on the court.”
Racket Royalty calls these shoes a “best value” especially if you like to keep your shoes for a long time. “Wilson is a household name in racket sports, so you know these are shoes you’ll have for years to come. You’ll probably still be playing in these shoes in 2030.”
3. Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe
These pickleball shoes provide such exceptional support they are certified by podiatrists. First For Women says the shoes are “great for all players, but especially for beginners.” For more advanced players, you may consider the Viper Court Pro which has more support and is made with a different compound to control slides.
Skechers are synonymous with comfort and this pickleball shoe is no exception. According to Racket Royalty, “If you’ve ever walked or run in a pair of Skechers, you know it feels just like walking on a cloud. This pair is no different! In terms of support, comfort, and breathability, the Women’s Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes are the clear winner here.” The shoes come in a few different color combinations as well.
Women’s Health Magazine loved the Viper Court Pro. “If you want to feel like a star on both the indoor and outdoor courts, these shoes will have you bouncing around like it’s nothing.” Fitness editor Jennifer Nied says “These were so grippy and gave me amazing traction on the court. I felt like a pro even as a total beginner.”
4. Fila Volley Zone Pickleball Shoe
These vibrant-colored shoes will get you noticed on the courts. “They feature a sturdy, non-marking rubber outsole and a circle pivot area in front that provides support for quick direction changes. They’re also breathable, with a mesh upper that encourages airflow,” according to Very Well Fit. “We like the shoe’s responsiveness and FILA’s range of bright, tie-dye patterns. The midsole is also padded with plush foam that absorbs shock well. The toe box is both wide and tall, so wearers with bunions and wide feet can play comfortably.
Women’s Health Magazine writes, “The herringbone pattern of the rubber outsole of this pickleball shoe from Fila gives added traction and durability to a super supportive and comfortable pick.”
The FILA Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes for Women are the best overall for outdoor play, according to The Pickleball Source. The shoe features responsive midsole cushioning and targeted pivot areas that will boost your pickleball game.”
5. Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoe
If you’re looking for a good outdoor court shoe, Good Housekeeping says, “The Gel-Renma is a nice and sturdy shoe that has enough bounce to help you move agilely around the court. With this pair, you’ll get all of the support you need — the shoes have flex-grooved soles and a special TRUSTIC technology that’s meant to limit twisting at the knees and ankles. The shoes also have ASIC’s signature GEL tech that claims to minimize the strain you feel when you make quick, hard movements.”
Racket Royalty likes that the upper of the shoe is crafted from synthetic leather. “This is incredibly durable while still allowing for good ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry even during the most intense matches. It also helps in reducing the likelihood of blisters and other discomforts associated with sweat and heat.”
Other Asics shoes getting high marks: the Gel-Contend 8 and the Gel-Dedicate 8 pickleball shoes.
You also may like:
- Best Pickleball Paddles
- Best Pickleball Shoes for Men
- Best Women’s Tennis Players
- Best Walking Shoes for Women
Sources:
- Oprah Daily
- Women’s Health
- First For Women
- Good Housekeeping
- Style Craze
- Racket Royalty
- Very Well Fit
- The Pickleball Source
- Best Products Reviews
- Prevention Magazine
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.