The Best Shoes for Pickleball: A Podiatrist’s Perspective Gotham Footcare

As a footcare specialist, I can recommend the best shoes for different activities, including pickleball, based on factors like comfort and support. By Dr. Miguel Cunha, Founder of Gotham Footcare, New York City

Pickleball is everywhere these days. I see patients who picked up a paddle for the first time during the pandemic and now play several times a week. It’s fast-paced, it’s social, and it’s easier on the body than tennis. But with that surge in popularity, I’m also seeing a wave of injuries that could have been avoided with one simple adjustment: wearing the right shoes.

Too often, players show up to the court in running sneakers or whatever pair happens to be lying around in the closet. That works for your first few games, maybe, but over time, the wrong footwear can wreak havoc on your feet, ankles, and knees. Pickleball isn’t running. It’s stop-and-go, side-to-side, with sudden bursts of speed and quick pivots. Without proper support, the sport can be brutal on the body.

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Why Shoes Make or Break Your Game

Think of it this way: running shoes are built like arrows. They’re designed to move you forward, cushion each stride, and keep you in motion along a straight path. Pickleball shoes, on the other hand, are built like anchors. They grip, stabilize, and protect against rolling when you’re lunging sideways or backing up for a lob.

When players come to me with pickleball injuries, I usually see the same patterns:

• Ankle sprains from rolling outward during a pivot.
• Heel pain or plantar fasciitis from repetitive pounding without enough support.
• Achilles tendon issues caused by abrupt starts and stops.
• Stress fractures in the metatarsals when impact is absorbed by bone instead of shoe cushioning.

These injuries aren’t random. They’re the direct result of shoes that weren’t built for the game.

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What to Look for in a Pickleball Shoe

When I fit patients for pickleball shoes, I talk about five essentials:

1. Lateral support. Look for sturdy sidewalls and midsoles that don’t collapse when you shift.
2. Durability. Outsoles should handle both indoor wood and outdoor asphalt courts.
3. Cushioning. Enough padding to absorb shock, especially if you have heel or knee problems.
4. Breathability. A lightweight mesh upper makes a world of difference when you’re playing in summer heat.
5. Fit. A snug heel, room in the toe box, and width options for players who need them.

And here’s my standing advice: replace your shoes every 60 to 70 hours of play. By the time a shoe looks worn out on the outside, its support system on the inside has usually given up. That’s when injuries creep in.

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My Top Picks for Pickleball

There isn’t one “perfect” shoe for everyone. The right pair depends on how you play, your foot type, and even your budget. That said, here are some of the models I consistently recommend:

🏆 Best Overall: Nike Zoom Challenge Pickleball Shoe

Nike finally released a shoe designed specifically for pickleball, and it shows. It has responsive cushioning, excellent side support, and enough breathability to keep your feet comfortable through long rallies. If you’re serious about the sport, this is a smart investment.

💲 Best Value: Adidas GameCourt 2.0

Not everyone wants to spend top dollar on their first pair of pickleball shoes. The GameCourt 2.0 is lightweight, supportive, and easy on the wallet. It’s a great entry shoe that won’t compromise your feet.

☁️ Best Lightweight: K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe

One of the earliest shoes built specifically for pickleball, the Express Light remains a favorite. It’s airy, supportive, and comes in wide sizes—a big deal for players with broader feet.

🦾 Best Stability: Asics Gel-Resolution X

Technically a tennis shoe, but don’t let that stop you. The Gel-Resolution X is built like a fortress, with Asics’ signature GEL cushioning to soften impact. If you’ve struggled with heel or joint pain, this shoe is worth a try.

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Beyond Shoes: Staying Healthy on the Court

Footwear is the first line of defense, but not the only one. To keep pickleball players healthy, I also recommend:

• Stretch before you play. A few minutes of calf stretches and ankle rolls reduce injury risk dramatically.
• Strengthen support muscles. Simple exercises like calf raises and balance drills make your ankles more resilient.
• Use orthotics if needed. Custom or quality over-the-counter inserts help people with flat feet, high arches, or plantar fasciitis.
• Rotate pairs. If you play often, having two pairs to rotate gives shoes time to recover between games.

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Common Mistakes I See on the Court

Patients often confess that they “just grabbed whatever sneakers were handy.” That’s mistake number one. Here are the other big ones:

• Playing in running shoes — they’re built for straight-line movement, not lateral stress.
• Relying on worn-out sneakers — midsoles lose their bounce long before the tread is gone.
• Ignoring fit — too tight causes blisters, too loose causes instability.
• Choosing style over substance — flashy colors don’t matter if the shoe can’t support your game.

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A Final Word of Advice

Pickleball is more than a trend; it’s a sport many will enjoy well into their 70s and 80s. But the wrong shoes can turn that joy into months of recovery for a stress fracture or chronic heel pain.

As I tell my patients: Pickleball is a lifetime sport. Protect your feet, and it will stay that way.

So, before you step on the court, ask yourself—are your shoes helping you play, or putting you at risk?

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About the Author

Dr. Miguel Cunha is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. He specializes in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Cunha has been featured in Forbes, Glamour, Today, NBC News, Prevention, and Eating Well as a nationally recognized footwear and foot health expert.