The Best Pickleball Shoes for Women in 2023
Pickleball is an exciting sport that has taken the world by storm, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. As a woman playing pickleball, you want to ensure you have the right footwear to keep you comfortable and performing at your best. So, what are the best pickleball shoes for women in 2023? This blog post will guide you through the top options, factors to consider, and expert tips to help you make an informed decision and elevate your game.
Key Takeaways
- The best pickleball shoes for women in 2023 offer superior support, cushioning and breathability.
- Consider factors such as traction & grip, comfort & fit, and durability when selecting the right pair of shoes.
- Investing in suitable court footwear can help improve performance and reduce injury risk while playing pickleball.
Top Pickleball Shoes for Women

In 2023, the best pickleball shoes for women include the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10, K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe, and New Balance FuelCell 996v5. Each of these shoes offers a unique blend of features that cater to the specific needs of women pickleball players, ensuring comfort, support, and peak performance on the court.
The ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 is designed with a lightweight mesh upper and a cushioned mid
ASICS Gel-Rocket 10
The ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 is a popular choice for women’s pickleball shoes, offering the following key features:
- Breathable upper
- Integrated heel wrap
- Special grooves in outsoles
- Forefoot GEL technology for impact absorption
- Synthetic leather overlays for enhanced durability
- Custom midsole technology for stability
- Wrap-up outsole with a wider gauge for balanced lateral movements
These features provide excellent support, cushioning, and traction for indoor and outdoor courts.
As a result, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 provides:
- Superior support and comfort
- Specialist insoles and additional cushioning
- An enjoyable playing experience free of discomfort
- Breathable upper to keep your feet cool during play
This shoe is an excellent choice for dedicated pickleball players, especially when playing on a pickleball court or outdoor pickleball courts, as they are the right pickleball shoes for the job.
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe

The K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe is a versatile option for women, providing comfort, stability, and durability for both indoor and outdoor play. Designed specifically for pickleball, the shoe offers more support and stability than a regular tennis shoe, making it a reliable choice for players seeking performance and style.
In addition to its stylish design, the K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe boasts an array of performance-enhancing features that help keep you comfortable and in control on the court. Some of its key features include:
- Supportive construction for stability during quick movements
- Durable materials that can withstand the demands of indoor and outdoor play
- Cushioned insole for added comfort
- Breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool during intense matches
With its focus on support, stability, and durability, this shoe is an ideal choice for women looking to excel in both indoor and outdoor pickleball games.
New Balance FuelCell 996v5
The New Balance FuelCell 996v5 is a lightweight and supportive pickleball shoe for women, designed for optimal performance on various court surfaces. This shoe is most appropriate for hard courts, ensuring you have the right level of support and traction needed for competitive play.
Available in sizes 5-12, the New Balance FuelCell 996v5 offers a comfortable fit that accommodates a range of foot sizes, ensuring you can focus on your game without being distracted by ill-fitting footwear.
With its blend of performance-enhancing features, this shoe is a top choice for women seeking a versatile and reliable option for pickleball.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Women’s Pickleball Shoes

The selection of the perfect pair of pickleball shoes requires consideration of various factors such as:
- Support and stability
- Traction and grip
- Comfort and fit
- Durability and material quality
Court shoes or tennis shoes designed for fast, side-to-side movements, reliable grip, and ankle support are best suited for pickleball. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you are selecting the right shoes to keep you comfortable and performing at your best on the court.
Given the demanding nature of pickleball, which involves rapid lateral movements and side-to-side shifts, appropriate footwear becomes integral to injury prevention and performance optimization. The outsole, for example, is vital for providing grip and traction on court surfaces, ensuring stability and facilitating rapid movements without slipping. Taking these factors into account allows for an informed decision when choosing the ideal pair of women’s pickleball shoes.
Support and Stability
Support and stability are crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring optimal performance in pickleball shoes for women. Some key features to look for include:
- Good arch support to prevent ankle rolls and foot fatigue, especially during long and intense games
- Midsoles and cushioning technologies that are responsive and capable of absorbing impact
- Stability features that provide support during swift directional changes
These features, including a wide toe box, are essential for a well-rounded pickleball shoe.
Prioritizing support and stability when choosing your pickleball shoes can help minimize injury risks and uphold a high level of court performance. This will enable you to focus on improving your skills and enjoying the game, rather than worrying about potential injuries or discomfort.
Traction and Grip
Traction and grip are essential for quick movements and changes in direction on the court. Adequate traction guarantees steadiness and helps prevent slips and falls, particularly in moist or slippery conditions. When selecting pickleball shoes, it is important to opt for shoes with a herringbone or multidirectional tread pattern for superior traction and grip.
Placing emphasis on traction and grip when selecting your pickleball shoes ensures:
- Confident execution of rapid movements
- Sudden direction changes on the court
- Enhanced overall performance
- Reduced injury risks.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are vital for long-lasting wear and preventing blisters or discomfort during play. When selecting women’s pickleball shoes, factors such as cushioning, breathability, and proper sizing should be taken into account for comfort and fit. A slight gap between the toes and the shoe is recommended to allow for unhindered movement, ensuring the optimal fit for pickleball shoes.
Increased flexibility in pickleball shoes allows for greater maneuverability in terms of speed, direction, and sliding, reducing the risk of ankle injury. Breathability is also essential to maintain feet temperature and moisture levels, decreasing the possibility of discomfort and blisters.
Durability and Material Quality
Durability and material quality are important for long-lasting pickleball shoes that can withstand the demands of the sport. When selecting pickleball shoes, factors such as durable materials, reinforced toe caps, and sturdy construction should be taken into consideration.
By investing in durable and high-quality pickleball shoes, you can ensure that your footwear will last through countless games and provide consistent support and performance. This will save you money in the long run and allow you to focus on developing your skills and enjoying the game.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Shoes

The differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes lie primarily in their design and construction. Outdoor pickleball shoes feature a wide and firm construction for stability on outdoor courts, whereas indoor pickleball shoes boast a rubber sole for a softer grip on indoor courts.
In the selection of pickleball shoes, considerations should include the court surface, the required level of support and stability, and the shoe’s comfort and fit.
Understanding the differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes and choosing the suitable pair for your playing environment ensures optimal performance and minimizes injury risks. This will allow you to focus on improving your game and enjoying the sport, whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors.
Budget-Friendly Options

For those on a budget, there are still plenty of affordable yet high-quality options for women’s pickleball shoes. Some of the more budget-friendly options include the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10, K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe, and New Balance FuelCell 996v5. These shoes offer a great balance between quality and performance, as well as support and stability, traction and grip, comfort and fit, and durability and material quality, all at an affordable price.
Considering these budget-friendly options allows you to experience the benefits of appropriate pickleball footwear without stretching your finances. This will allow you to focus on improving your game and enjoying the sport, while also being mindful of your budget.
How to Properly Care for Your Pickleball Shoes

Proper care and maintenance of your pickleball shoes can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain optimal performance. It is suggested to clean pickleball shoes on a regular basis, at least once a week. To ensure their longevity, it is advisable to store your pickleball shoes in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
Additionally, it is recommended to rotate your pickleball shoes when playing to ensure even wear and tear. Proper care for your pickleball shoes maintains their top condition and ensures consistent support and court performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Pickleball Shoes

In purchasing pickleball shoes, avoid common pitfalls like selecting the wrong size, favoring aesthetics over utility, and disregarding the court surface. Wearing inappropriate footwear for pickleball may result in jammed toes, ankle sprains, or slipping on the court.
To avoid these common missteps, focus on:
- Finding the right fit
- Considering the specific requirements of your playing environment
- Ensuring that the shoes provide the necessary support, traction, and stability for pickleball
This will help you make an informed decision and invest in proper footwear that will enhance your performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Why Not Running or Cross-Training Shoes?

Running or cross-training shoes are not suitable for pickleball due to their design for forward motion, while pickleball necessitates rapid, lateral movements and side-to-side shifts. It’s essential to choose the right running shoes for optimal performance and comfort.
Court shoes, on the other hand, prioritize lateral support, traction, and stability, making them the ideal choice for the sport. Investing in a properly designed court shoe for pickleball enables you to enjoy benefits such as rapid sweat absorption, reduced risk of foot allergies and injuries, and enhanced breathability for improved comfort during play.
This will allow you to focus on your game and experience the full benefits of playing pickleball with appropriate footwear.
Expert Tips for Improved Performance

To elevate your pickleball game, consider expert tips such as proper footwork, technique, and choosing the right equipment. Wearing proper pickleball shoes can help reduce the risk of injury and support your performance, allowing you to focus on improving your skills and enjoying the game. The importance of ankle support in pickleball shoes is due to the rapid and frequent lateral movements involved in the sport.
Investing in suitable pickleball footwear and adhering to expert advice on footwork and technique helps elevate your game and lets you fully enjoy the sport. With the right shoes and skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a top pickleball player.
Summary
In conclusion, the best pickleball shoes for women in 2023 include the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10, K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe, and New Balance FuelCell 996v5. When choosing the perfect pair, consider factors such as support and stability, traction and grip, comfort and fit, and durability and material quality. By investing in proper pickleball footwear and following expert advice, you can improve your performance, reduce the risk of injury, and fully enjoy the exciting sport of pickleball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shoes are best for pickleball?
For pickleball, the best type of shoes are those with more focus on lateral support, traction, and stability such as court or tennis shoes. The Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Shoe (Men’s), K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe (Men’s) and Tyrol Drive V Court Shoe all offer excellent features to enhance your reaction time and protect you from injury.
Do you really need court shoes for pickleball?
For casual or infrequent pickleball players, tennis or cross-training shoes can suffice; however, for more serious players looking to get a performance boost and prevent injuries, specialized court shoes are recommended. For flat-ground play, sneakers or tennis shoes are suggested, while specialized pickleball shoes are better suited for harder surfaces like concrete or hardwood courts.
What are the top pickleball shoes for women in 2023?
For top pickleball shoes for women in 2023, the best picks are ASICS Gel-Rocket 10, K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe, and New Balance FuelCell 996v5.
What factors should I consider when choosing women’s pickleball shoes?
When choosing women’s pickleball shoes, consider factors like support and stability, traction and grip, comfort and fit, and durability and material quality for optimal performance.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
Indoor pickleball shoes feature a rubber sole for a softer grip on indoor courts, whereas outdoor pickleball shoes have a wide and firm construction for stability on outdoor courts.