Quick answer
Get a court shoe, not a running shoe. For most players the SQAIRZ XRZ ($160) is the top pick. Outdoor players should look at the Babolat Jet Mach 3 for its durable outsole, indoor players at the HEAD Motion Pro for non-marking grip, and players with wide feet at the FitVille Wide ($69.99).
Our picks
| Pick | Best for | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQAIRZ XRZ | Best overall | $160 | Check Amazon |
| Babolat Jet Mach 3 | Best for outdoor courts | $150 | Check Amazon |
| HEAD Motion Pro | Best for indoor courts | $129.99 | Check Amazon |
| Franklin ACV Pro | Best traction | $129.99 | Check Amazon |
| K-Swiss Express Light | Best budget | $104.95 | Check Amazon |
| FitVille Wide | Best for wide feet | $69.99 | Check Amazon |
SQAIRZ XRZ
Pickleheads' top pick for its ankle support, durability and grip.
Best onPlayers on any surface who want one shoe that does everything well.
Watch out forIt is one of the pricier options.
Babolat Jet Mach 3
Its Michelin rubber outsole is built for hard outdoor courts and shows very little wear, even with heavy sliding.
Best onConcrete and asphalt courts that chew through soles.
Watch out forIt is built for outdoor durability, so it is not the lightest shoe here.
HEAD Motion Pro
Its outsole is designed for gym and sport floors, grips well and avoids marking the floor.
Best onGyms and community centers, especially ones that require non-marking soles.
Watch out forUse an outdoor shoe if you mostly play on concrete.
Franklin ACV Pro
A herringbone tread gives strong grip for quick stops and starts.
Best onFast players who change direction hard.
Watch out forAnkle support is weaker than the SQAIRZ.
K-Swiss Express Light
It performs like pricier shoes and holds up well for the cost.
Best onNewer players who want a real court shoe for about $100.
Watch out forIt has less cushioning than the premium picks.
FitVille Wide
Comes in extra-wide sizes up to 4E, with built-in arch support, at a low price.
Best onPlayers whose feet feel squeezed in standard court shoes.
Watch out forIt is built for comfort first, not speed.
Why not running shoes?
Pickleball is mostly quick side-to-side movement. Running shoes are built to move you forward, with soft, tall heels and little side support, so a hard lateral stop can roll your ankle. Court shoes have a lower, wider base and firm sides. Running shoes are fine for your first few games, but switch once you play regularly.
Outdoor vs indoor soles
| Outdoor court shoe | Indoor court shoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole | Hard, thick rubber built to resist wear | Softer gum rubber for grip on smooth floors |
| Marking | Not a concern on concrete | Must be non-marking for most gyms |
| Lasts longer on | Concrete and asphalt | Wood and sport floors |
| Our pick | Babolat Jet Mach 3 | HEAD Motion Pro |
Wearing indoor shoes on concrete wears the soft rubber down fast. If you play both, keep a pair for each.
How to get the fit right
- Try shoes on with the socks you play in.
- Leave about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Your heel should not slip when you take a quick side step.
- Replace your shoes when the tread pattern under the ball of your foot is worn smooth.
How we picked
Our picks draw on Pickleheads' long-running shoe testing, organized by the court you play on. We earn a small commission if you buy through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. The picks were chosen before any links were added. Shoe links open an Amazon search so you can pick your size and width.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play pickleball in running shoes?
You can for a few casual games, but court shoes are safer for regular play because they support quick side-to-side moves.
Are tennis shoes good for pickleball?
Yes. Tennis shoes are court shoes, built for lateral movement, so they work well for pickleball.
What shoes are best for outdoor pickleball?
Look for a hard, durable outsole. The Babolat Jet Mach 3 is a top outdoor pick.
Do I need non-marking shoes for indoor pickleball?
Most gyms require them. The HEAD Motion Pro is designed for indoor floors and avoids leaving marks.