Best Shoes for Outdoor Pickleball: Top Picks for 2023

When it comes to playing outdoor pickleball, having the right shoes can make all the difference. 

Not only do you want a shoe that provides ample support and cushioning, but you also want one that can handle the elements. 

After all, playing on an outdoor court means dealing with potential rain, wind, and even mud. So what qualities should you look for in an outdoor pickleball shoe? 

Let’s dive in and explore the top features to keep in mind when searching for the best shoes for outdoor pickleball.

Best Shoes for Outdoor Pickleball

We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top shoes for outdoor pickleball. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, having the right footwear can make all the difference in your game. 

From durable soles to breathable materials, these shoes will keep you comfortable and supported on the court. Check out our list below to find the perfect pair for your next match.

1. ASICS Men’s Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

If you’re looking for a reliable pair of shoes for outdoor pickleball, we highly recommend the ASICS Men’s Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes.

We recently had the opportunity to test out these shoes, and we were impressed with their overall performance. 

The synthetic leather overlays provide excellent durability, which is important for outdoor pickleball where you may encounter rough surfaces. 

The TRUSSTIC technology improves stability, making it easier to maintain your balance during intense games.

One of the standout features of these shoes is the wrap-up outsole and wider gauge, which creates smoother and more balanced movements.

This is especially important for pickleball, where you need to be able to move quickly and change direction on a dime.

While the shoes may feel a bit stiff when you first start wearing them, they will break in over time and become more comfortable. 

Be sure to check the size chart before making a purchase, as some customers have complained that the sizing runs a little small. The shoes can also feel a little narrow, so players with wider feet might want to look elsewhere.

Pros

• The synthetic leather overlays provide excellent durability, ensuring that these shoes will last for a long time.
• The TRUSSTIC technology improves stability, making it easier to maintain your balance during intense games.
• The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge create smoother and more balanced movements, allowing you to move around the court with ease.

Cons

• The shoes may feel a bit stiff when you first start wearing them, but they will break in over time.
• Some users have reported that the sizing is a bit off, so it’s important to double-check the sizing chart before making a purchase.
• The shoes may not be suitable for players with wider feet, as they can feel a bit narrow.

2. K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe

If you are looking for a durable and comfortable shoe for outdoor pickleball, K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe is a great option.

We recently tried K-Swiss Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe and were impressed with its durability and stability. 

The AOSTA 7.0 RUBBER COMPOUND provides excellent durability, which is important for outdoor pickleball.

The DURAWRAP also offers an extra layer of protection against excessive toe-dragging, which is a common issue in pickleball.

The 180 PSC technology enhances mid-foot stability, which is crucial for quick lateral movements on the court. 

However, the shoe is not very breathable, which might be an issue for some players. The heel cushioning might also not be enough for players who need extra support in this area.

Pros

• The AOSTA 7.0 RUBBER COMPOUND provides durability from heel-to-toe.
• The DURAWRAP offers an extra line of defense against excessive toe-dragging.
• The 180 PSC enhances mid-foot stability.

Cons

• The shoe is not very breathable.
• The heel cushioning might not be enough for some players.
• The shoe might feel a bit tight for some players.

3. ASICS Women’s Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

One of the things we like about these shoes is the synthetic leather overlays. They provide excellent durability, which is essential for outdoor pickleball. We’ve been playing with them for a while now, and they still look like new.

Another thing we appreciate about these shoes is the TRUSSTIC technology. It helps improve stability, which is crucial for pickleball players. We’ve noticed that it’s easier to move around on the court with these shoes.

The flex grooves in the outsole are also a nice touch. They improve flexibility, which is essential for quick movements. We’ve noticed that we can change direction more easily with these shoes.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some users have reported that the shoes are a little narrow in the toe area.

They might be a bit heavy for some players, too. Additionally, the shoes might take some time to break in, and they could feel stiff at first.

Pros

• The synthetic leather overlays make the shoes durable and long-lasting.
• The TRUSSTIC technology provides stability, making it easier to move around on the court.
• The flex grooves in the outsole improve flexibility, which is essential for quick movements.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the shoes are a little narrow in the toe area.
• They might be a bit heavy for some players.
• The shoes might take some time to break in, and they could feel stiff at first.

4. Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes

We highly recommend the Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support Sneaker 9.5 White/Black for anyone looking for comfortable and supportive shoes for outdoor pickleball.

We have used these shoes for several outdoor pickleball games and found them to be incredibly comfortable and supportive. 

The Skechers Arch Fit insole system offers excellent arch support, and the ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning provides a responsive and lightweight feel.

The Goodyear Performance Outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability, and durability, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor court play.

The relaxed fit and breathable athletic mesh upper ensure a comfortable and cooling effect during workouts.

The insole, however, is glued in and quite thin, so they may not be comfortable for those who prefer more substantial insoles. 

The shoe’s throat design also does not hug the feet as well as some others, which may be uncomfortable for some wearers. Finally, those with extremely wide feet might feel uncomfortable in the shoes.

Pros

• The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support offers unmatched comfort and reduced shock.
• The Goodyear Performance Outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability, and durability, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor court play.
• The relaxed fit and breathable athletic mesh upper ensure a comfortable and cooling effect during workouts.

Cons

• The insole is glued in and very thin, which may not be suitable for those who prefer thicker insoles.
• The design of the shoe’s throat does not hug the feet as well as some other shoes, which may cause discomfort for some users.
• The shoes may not be suitable for those with very wide feet.

5. Skechers Women’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes

The Skechers Women’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support Sneakers 8 in White/Lavender are a great pair of shoes for outdoor pickleball if you are looking for comfort and support.

We found the Skechers Women’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support Sneakers 8 White/Lavender to be a great choice for anyone looking for comfortable and supportive shoes for their outdoor pickleball games. 

The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support offers unmatched comfort and reduces shock, making it perfect for long games.

The Goodyear Performance Outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability, and durability, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor court play.

The relaxed fit and breathable athletic mesh upper provide a cooling effect and a comfortable workout.

The shoes may feel a little narrow across the midfoot for some people, but they are adjustable with an adjustable lace-up front. 

The heels may slip a little for some users, but it’s not a big issue. The toe box may be a little tight for some people, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Pros

• The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support offers unmatched comfort and reduces shock.
• The Goodyear Performance Outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability, and durability, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor court play.
• The relaxed fit and breathable athletic mesh upper provide a cooling effect and a comfortable workout.

Cons

• The shoes may feel a little narrow across the midfoot for some people.
• The heels may slip a little for some users.
• The toe box may be a little tight for some people.

6. K-Swiss Women’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe

The K-Swiss Women’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe is a fantastic option if you are a serious player in search of a lightweight, responsive shoe with extra comfort features.

We recently tested out the K-Swiss Women’s Pickleball Supreme Shoe and were pleased with its performance. 

The shoe felt light and responsive, making it easy to move around the court. The 180 PSC technology provided added stability, which helped us maintain our balance during quick movements.

The Durawrap Flex Upper was also a nice touch, providing protection and flex without the need for a break-in period. We were able to wear the shoes right out of the box without any discomfort.

The Surge 7.0 midsole provides maximum energy return, which helps us move faster and more efficiently. We felt like we were able to cover more ground on the court than we could with our previous shoes.

We also noticed that the toe box was a little too roomy for average feet, which could be an issue for those who have narrower feet. Finally, the shoe did not have enough cushioning for players who needed extra support.

Pros

• The 180 PSC technology enhances midfoot stability, making it easier to move around the court.
• The Durawrap Flex Upper provides protection and flex without the need for a break-in period.
• The Surge 7.0 midsole provides maximum energy return, helping you to move faster and more efficiently.

Cons

• The shoe may rub against your ankles, causing blisters.
• The toe box may feel a little wide for some players.
• The shoe does not have enough cushioning for players who need extra support.

7. Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes

Our team tried these shoes and found them to be comfortable and supportive. The Arch Fit insole system and relaxed fit make them ideal for pickleball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, walking, running, treadmill, workouts, training, gym, lifting, multi-sport exercise, and casual occasions. 

The Goodyear Performance Outsole provides excellent traction, stability, and durability on indoor and outdoor courts. The breathable athletic mesh upper keeps your feet cool during intense activities.

However, the shoes may not be the best option for people with narrow feet, as they tend to have a relaxed fit. Some users may also experience inconsistent sizing, and the shoes may not last long for everyone.

Pros

• The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system provides certified arch support and helps reduce shock.
• The Goodyear Performance Outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability, and durability.
• The relaxed fit and breathable athletic mesh upper provide comfort and a cooling effect.

Cons

• The shoes may not be suitable for people with narrow feet.
• The sizing may be inconsistent.
• The shoes may not last long for some users.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best shoes for outdoor pickleball, there are a few key features to keep in mind. We recommend considering the following:

Comfort

Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing shoes for outdoor pickleball.

Look for shoes that provide ample cushioning and support, especially in the heel and midfoot areas.

Shoes with breathable uppers can also help keep your feet cool and dry during long matches.

Traction

Traction is another important consideration, as it can help prevent slips and falls on the court.

Look for shoes with non-marking rubber outsoles that provide good grip on a variety of surfaces.

Shoes with herringbone or hexagonal patterns on the outsole tend to provide the best traction for pickleball.

Durability

Pickleball can be tough on shoes, so it’s important to choose a pair that can withstand frequent use.

Look for shoes with durable materials, such as leather or synthetic leather uppers, and reinforced stitching. Shoes with rubber toe caps or overlays can also help protect against wear and tear.

Fit

A good fit is essential for comfort and performance on the court. Look for shoes that fit snugly but not too tightly, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes.

Shoes with adjustable lacing systems or straps can help you achieve a customized fit.

Weight

Finally, consider the weight of the shoes. Lightweight shoes can help you move quickly and easily on the court, but they may not provide as much cushioning or support as heavier shoes.

Ultimately, the best shoe for you will depend on your individual preferences and playing style.

READ MORE:

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