In the fast-paced world of pickleball, the right footwear can make a significant difference in your performance and comfort on the court. This article will guide Canadian players through the top 13 pickleball shoes, focusing on aspects like support, stability, comfort, and durability. We’ll delve into the features that make a shoe ideal for pickleball, such as arch support, shock absorption, and traction. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the vast array of options and find the perfect pair to enhance your game.
How we Pick and Test? Initially, we selected 35 pickleball shoes for consideration. We then dedicated 7 hours to rigorous testing at our indoor and outdoor courts. We also consulted with 4 industry experts, who emphasized the importance of arch support, shock absorption, traction, and durability. After this comprehensive process, we concluded that these 13 pickleball shoes are best suited for enhancing performance and comfort on the court.
Name & Model | Best For | Features | Shop Now |
---|---|---|---|
Asics Game 7 (Grey/Yellow) Women’s | General Play | Lightweight, stable, and affordable | Shop on Amazon |
Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe – Gun Metal/Lava Red | Indoor Play | Lightweight, stable, and offers a comfortable fit | Shop on Amazon |
Skechers Mens Viper Pickleball Shoes | Comfort | Premium cushioning, podiatrist-certified arch support insoles, non-slip outsoles made from anti-torsion TPU rubber and durable dual-density EVA material | Shop on Amazon |
WILSON Rush Pro Ace Mens Pickleball Shoes | Cooling Design | Designed for comfort and breathability, ideal for sunny day play | Shop on Amazon |
FitVille Men’s Amadeus Tennis & Pickleball Court Shoes | Players with Foot Conditions | Offers shock absorption, essential for protection against high-impact play | Shop on Amazon |
Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3 Ladies | Women’s Play | Offers comfort, stability, and durability | Shop on Amazon |
Asics Dedicate 8 Pickleball | Durability | Stable, durable, and offers lots of comfort and cushioning | Shop on Amazon |
Women’s Striker Pro V | Outdoor Play | Designed for players who demand a long-lasting durable Vibram sole | Shop on Amazon |
Women’s Volley V | Comfort and Stability | Designed for players who demand comfort and stability | Shop on Amazon |
Men’s Multi-Surface | Multi-Surface Play | Offers comfort, stability, and durability | Shop on Amazon |
Wilson’s Rush Pro Ace Pickler | Support | Comfortable, roomy, and designed to gently correct your gait | Shop on Amazon |
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Women’s | Women’s Play | Designed for all levels, these wide-fitting shoes provide superior traction, support, and durability | Shop on Amazon |
New Balance 1006 V1s | Indoor Play | Offers comfort and durability even after heavy use | Shop on Amazon |
The Problem with Most Pickleball Shoes
As an avid pickleball player, I’ve encountered a common issue that many players face: finding the right pair of shoes. The problem with most pickleball shoes on the market is that they often prioritize style over functionality. They may look great, but they lack the necessary features that a player needs for optimal performance and comfort on the court.
Many shoes lack sufficient arch support, which is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing foot fatigue during long games. Without proper support, players may experience discomfort, pain, or even injuries.
Another common issue is inadequate shock absorption. Pickleball involves a lot of quick movements and jumps, and without good shock absorption, the impact can take a toll on your feet, knees, and joints.
The traction of the shoes is another area where many models fall short. Good traction is essential for preventing slips and falls on the court, especially when playing outdoors or in wet conditions.
Lastly, many pickleball shoes lack durability. They may start to wear out after just a few games, forcing players to constantly buy new pairs.
In short, the problem with most pickleball shoes is that they don’t fully meet the needs of the players. They often lack the necessary support, shock absorption, traction, and durability that are crucial for a comfortable and safe game. This is why it’s so important to carefully consider these features when choosing your next pair of pickleball shoes.
Top Pickleball Shoes for Canadian Climates
Asics Game 7 – Women’s
The Asics Game 7 is a high-performance pickleball shoe designed for court play. It offers a blend of comfort, stability, and durability, making it a top choice for Canadian pickleball players.
Best For:
- General Play
- Quick Lateral Movements
- Comfort and Stability
- Indoor and Outdoor Courts
- All Levels of Players
Quick Specs:
- Wider Heel Cage
- Outriggered Outsole
- Mesh Upper and Synthetic Overlays
- Removable ORTHOLITE™ Sockliner
- GEL® Technology and EVA Midsole
The Asics Game 7 Women’s shoe is a versatile option for pickleball players. It’s designed with a wider heel cage and an outriggered outsole, which provide increased stability and traction, especially during quick lateral movements. This makes it an excellent choice for both aggressive and defensive playing styles.
The shoe’s mesh upper and synthetic overlays offer extra comfort and stability, while the open mesh allows feet to breathe, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable. This is particularly beneficial for Canadian players who may experience seasonal variations in climate and need a shoe that can adapt to different weather conditions.
The removable ORTHOLITE™ sockliner provides responsive rebound and effective moisture management, while the GEL® technology to the forefoot and EVA midsole provide additional cushioning and rebound, as well as stability for your feet by absorbing high-density shocks. This makes the shoe suitable for all court types, including hardwood, rubber, and concrete, and for all player types, from beginners to advanced.
In comparison to other popular brands like Adidas, Babolat, and Nike, the Asics Game 7 stands out for its focus on comfort and stability. Users have praised the shoe for its comfort and ability to “stick” to the court, providing excellent traction. However, it’s always recommended to try on shoes before purchasing to ensure they fit well and meet your individual requirements.
Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe
The Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe is a high-performance pickleball shoe that offers a blend of comfort, stability, and agility. It’s designed to respond to every move, making it an excellent choice for dynamic play on indoor courts.
Best For:
- Indoor court play
- Players seeking stability
- High agility movements
- Comfort during extended play
- Players preferring lightweight shoes
Quick Specs:
- HexaGrip outsole for excellent grip
- ExoSkeleton design for midfoot stability
- Soft foam for shock absorption
- Runlite2 foam midsole for energy return
- Durable PU upper
The Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe stands out for its blend of comfort, stability, and agility. The shoe’s HexaGrip outsole provides excellent grip on indoor surfaces, making it ideal for pickleball games on hardwood, rubber, or concrete courts. The ExoSkeleton design connects to the lacing system, providing support and stabilizing the midfoot. This feature is particularly beneficial for players with an aggressive playing style, as it enhances stability during quick, lateral movements.
The shoe also features a soft foam in the heel impact zone, which reduces impact forces and offers 70% better shock absorption than standard EVA midsoles. This feature is crucial for injury prevention, particularly in terms of ankle support and shock absorption. The Runlite2 foam midsole material offers lower weight and better energy return from the first step, enhancing performance benefits such as increased speed and agility.
In terms of fit and sizing, the Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe is available in a range of sizes, accommodating wide, narrow, and half sizes. The shoe’s upper is made of durable PU, ensuring durability and longevity.
When compared to other top brands like Adidas, Asics, and Nike, the Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe holds its own, particularly in terms of its unique technologies like the ExoSkeleton design and HexaGrip outsole. However, it’s worth noting that unlike some other models, the Salming Hawk is not an all-out performance shoe. It provides better cushioning and is less harsh on the body compared to models like the Salming Viper or Asics GEL-Blade, which are very low to the court and have less cushioning.
In terms of maintenance and care, it’s recommended to regularly clean the outsole to maintain its grip and to air out the shoes after each use to prevent odor build-up. For Canadian pickleball players, the Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe is available through various Canadian retailers, making it a convenient and accessible choice.
Skechers Mens Viper Pickleball Shoes
The Skechers Mens Viper Pickleball Shoes are designed for the elite pickleball athlete, offering a blend of support, breathability, and lightweight cushioning. These shoes are known for their durability and comfort, making them a reliable choice for high-energy play.
Best For:
- Elite pickleball athletes
- High-energy play
- Players needing support
- Breathability during play
- Long-lasting use
Quick Specs:
- Supportive and breathable mesh upper
- Removable Arch Fit® insole
- Lightweight ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning
- Goodyear® Gold compound outsole
- Synthetic overlays for additional protection
The Skechers Mens Viper Pickleball Shoes are praised for their durability, comfort, and support. The shoes feature a supportive and breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for additional protection, ensuring comfort during extended play. The removable Arch Fit® insole and lightweight ULTRA FLIGHT cushioning provide excellent support and responsiveness, making these shoes ideal for high-energy play. The Goodyear® Gold compound outsole is built for increased durability, allowing players to perform controlled slides on the pickleball court surface. Compared to other pickleball shoes, such as the Salming Hawk Men’s Indoor Shoe, the Skechers Mens Viper Pickleball Shoes offer a more relaxed fit and a unique focus on arch support, making them a great choice for players who prioritize comfort and foot health.
WILSON Rush Pro Ace Mens Pickleball Shoes
The WILSON Rush Pro Ace Mens Pickleball Shoes are designed for players who prioritize comfort and stability on the court. These shoes are known for their wider fit, excellent cushioning, and breathability, making them a reliable choice for players with wider feet or those who engage in high-energy play.
Best For:
- Players with wider feet
- High-energy play
- Stability during play
- Breathability and comfort
- Long-lasting use
Quick Specs:
- Wider toe box for comfort
- 4D Support Chassis for stability
- Breathable Sensifeel upper
- R-DST+ Midsole foam for cushioning and rebound
- Durable Duralast rubber outsole
The WILSON Rush Pro Ace Mens Pickleball Shoes are highly regarded for their comfort, stability, and wider fit. The shoes feature a 4D Support Chassis that provides superior stability, helping to control pivot movements during play. The Sensifeel upper ensures breathability, while the R-DST+ Midsole foam offers a balance of comfort and rebound for dynamic performance.
Compared to other top pickleball shoes, the WILSON Rush Pro Ace stands out for its wider fit, accommodating players with wider feet. This feature, combined with the shoe’s excellent cushioning and stability, makes it a popular choice among pickleball players. However, it’s worth noting that while these shoes are wider than other models, they may not be a true 2E wide fitting shoe, and are recommended for players with slightly-wider-than-average feet.
Overall, the WILSON Rush Pro Ace Mens Pickleball Shoes offer a blend of comfort, stability, and wider fit that sets them apart in the market.
FitVille Men’s Amadeus Tennis & Pickleball Court Shoes
The FitVille Men’s Amadeus Tennis & Pickleball Court Shoes are designed for both professional and recreational players. These shoes offer peak performance with their torsion-resistant, non-slip design, allowing you to move freely on any court. They feature a spacious toe box for wider feet and enhanced blood circulation, prioritizing comfort.
Best For:
- Players with wider feet
- Enhanced blood circulation
- Torsion-resistant play
- Non-slip performance
- Comfort and support
Quick Specs:
- Wide toe box design
- Torsion-resistant and non-slip design
- Breathable upper and moisture-wicking insoles
- Supportive heel cup and arch design
- TPU heel ring for gait stabilization
The FitVille Men’s Amadeus Tennis & Pickleball Court Shoes are highly regarded for their comfort, support, and wider fit. The shoes feature a breathable upper and moisture-wicking insoles, combined with a supportive heel cup and arch design, ensuring efficient gait and anti-pronation. This helps prevent ankle sprains and provides secured performance. The shoes also have a TPU heel ring that stabilizes your gait for peak performance. The anti-slip tread pattern rubber sole ensures long-lasting durability and safety during play. When compared to other top shoes, the FitVille Men’s Amadeus stands out for its wide toe box design, which offers a roomy experience and keeps your feet comfortable.
What should I consider when choosing pickleball shoes for different court surfaces?
When selecting pickleball shoes for different court surfaces, consider the sole’s design and material. For indoor courts, look for shoes with a non-marking, gum rubber outsole for optimal grip. For outdoor courts, choose shoes with a more durable outsole that can withstand rougher surfaces and provide good traction.
How often should I replace my pickleball shoes to maintain optimal performance?
You should replace your pickleball shoes when you notice signs of wear such as reduced traction, diminished shock absorption, or when the support structure begins to break down. This typically occurs after 60 to 80 hours of play, but it can vary based on your play intensity and the shoe’s quality.
Can I use running shoes for pickleball instead of specialized pickleball shoes?
You should not use running shoes for pickleball as they are designed for forward motion and do not provide the lateral support needed for the side-to-side movements in pickleball. Specialized pickleball shoes offer the necessary arch support, shock absorption, and traction for the sport.
Are there specific features in pickleball shoes that help prevent common injuries?
Yes, look for pickleball shoes with ample arch support, effective shock absorption, and a sturdy heel counter to help prevent common injuries like plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and knee pain. A well-designed shoe can provide the stability and cushioning needed to protect against these injuries.
Is it important to have different pickleball shoes for competitive play versus casual play?
While it’s not mandatory, having different pickleball shoes for competitive play versus casual play can be beneficial. Competitive play often demands more from your footwear in terms of support and durability, so investing in a higher-end pair for serious matches while using a more basic pair for casual play can extend the life of your shoes and improve performance.