The best shoes for pickleball players
A lot of companies have started making pickleball shoes in recent years, which is no surprise given the sport’s incredible growth.
But there are some red flags that consumers need to look out for before pulling the trigger on a new pair of “pickleball shoes.” In many cases, bigger brands have simply repurposed tennis shoes or general athletic shoes and slapped a pickleball label on them.
That’s not what we’re looking for as players.
So if you want shoes that are designed specifically for the unique movements of pickleball and demand high level performance from your kicks, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve tested several shoes from top brands in the pickleball space, sought feedback from pros and high-level amateurs and put together a comprehensive list to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for your game.
This page will be updated regularly as new models are released and we get our hands (er, feet) on the latest and greatest shoes in the sport.
Last updated: May 2026
Check out our other “best of” lists
– The best pickleball paddles on the market right now
– The best pickleball paddles for power players
– The best pickleball paddles for control players
– The best pickleball paddles for spin
– The best pickleball paddles under $200
– The best pickleball paddles under $150
– The best pickleball paddles for beginners
– The best women’s signature pickleball paddles, from a female perspective
– The best bags designed specifically for pickleball
1. DAPS Desi Low pickleball shoe
The DAPS pickleball shoes were released in 2025, and several pro players have switched to them. The DAPS out-perform the big brands in several key metrics, and you don’t just have to take our word for it — they have the data to back it up. They sent the shoe to the Heeluxe Performance Lab, which compared the DAPS to several other well-known shoes in the pickleball space.
The results favored the DAPS in several areas:
-Faster starts
-Quicker stops
-Better energy return
-More energy efficiency
You can find our in-depth review of the shoes here, and read our breakdown of what the shoe experts at Heeluxe had to say about them here.
2. JOOLA FUNKSH1n_PB: R4LLy pickleball shoe
JOOLA FUNKSH1n_PB: R4LLy pickleball shoe
JOOLA's FUNKSH1n_PB: R4LLy is a performance shoe designed top-down for pickleball players by pickleball innovators. Weighing just 350g, R4LLy offers an incredibly light yet stable platform. Every feature is designed to help you move faster, cut sharper, and play longer, all while staying supported from the first serve to match point.
This isn’t just a shoe adapted for the game — this is a pickleball shoe built, tested, and trusted by the best.
3. Diadem Court Burst pickleball shoe
Diadem Court Burst pickleball shoe
Use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for 10% off.
Billed as a highly agile and fast shoe, these kicks also boast impressive stability so that you can get into position before your shots. The upper material not only locks your foot in place with a light 4-way stretch fabric, but wicks sweat and breathes with ease. Diadem added flexible TPU overlays in key areas for toe draggers.
There are men’s and women’s sizes and various colors. Shop the full collection here.
4. Friday x Montis pickleball shoe
Friday Pickleball has teamed up with Montis to make a limited-edition pickleball shoe that combines Friday vibes with top-tier performance. These shoes have durable protection where it matters and come with a 6-month outsole warranty. They also feature breathable mesh and an inner sock structure for additional comfort and stability.
5. UDrippin UD1 pickleball shoes
The UD1 isn’t just a shoe, it’s your foundation for every move that matters. Built for players who cut harder, move quicker and never settle for average, the UD1 blends all-day comfort with unmatched traction and style.
