The Best Pickleball Shoes Right Now
Why Pickleball Shoes Matter More Than You Think
For a long time, I thought pickleball shoes were unnecessary. I figured regular athletic shoes were good enough, and that dedicated pickleball footwear was mostly marketing. After rolling my ankle more than once and feeling unstable during lateral movement, I realized just how wrong I was.
Pickleball shoes are built specifically for the way we move on court, quick lateral cuts, sudden stops, and constant direction changes. They offer better stability, stronger side support, improved breathability, and outsoles designed to hold up on pickleball courts. Switching to dedicated pickleball shoes was one of the best gear decisions I’ve made.
I’m not a shoe expert, but I’ve spent a lot of time playing in different pairs. In this post, I’m sharing my real-world experience as a consumer. What I liked, what I didn’t, and who I think each shoe is best for. Some of these shoes are older, some are newer, and many were purchased with my own money. My goal here is simply to help you make a more informed decision.
How I’m Evaluating These Shoes
Rather than getting overly technical, I’m judging these shoes based on three main factors: comfort, style, and durability. I’ll also call out the one thing that stood out most to me with each shoe, since that’s often what ends up mattering most once you’re actually on the court.
Head Revolt 4.5 — A Reliable All-Around Pick
The Head Revolt 4.5 was the first pickleball shoe I ever bought, and it’s still one of my favorites. I’ve owned multiple pairs over the years, and I’d buy them again without hesitation.
What makes the Revolt 4.5 stand out is how well rounded it is. It performs well across the board without any major weaknesses. The shoe feels slightly narrow with good interior cushioning, which works well for my narrow feet. Breathability is solid, and the weight feels right in the middle. It’s not super light, but never cumbersome.
Durability has been about what I’d expect. I typically wear through the outsole in around six months, but Head’s warranty process has been easy when that happens. Overall, this is a shoe I’d recommend to players of any skill level.
Comfort: 8/10
Style: 6/10
Durability: 7/10
Selkirk CourtStrike Pro — Comfort and Support Stand Out
The Selkirk CourtStrike Pro is my current go-to shoe, and comfort is the main reason. Right away, the arch support and ankle cushioning stood out, making these feel great during longer sessions on court.
The fit feels fairly neutral. Not too narrow, not too wide, which should work for a lot of players. They’re cushioned without feeling bulky, and the weight lands on the lighter side of the medium range.
Durability has been better than expected so far. While I’ve noticed some wear in areas I don’t usually see first, the outsole has held up well. Overall, these have become a shoe I’m very comfortable recommending.
Comfort: 9/10
Style: 6/10
Durability: 8/10
Winner’s Edge Pickleball Shoes — Built to Last
If durability is your top priority, Winner’s Edge is the standout here. These are, without question, the most durable pickleball shoes I’ve personally played in.
They feature a slightly higher ankle design for added support and a sock-like internal layer that feels similar to a wetsuit material. This construction gives them a more rigid, robust feel, which contributes to both their stability and longevity.
The trade-offs are weight and warmth. These are heavier than most pickleball shoes, and my feet tend to run warmer in them. That said, if you’re hard on shoes and want something that lasts, these are a strong option.
Comfort: 7/10
Style: 7/10
Durability: 10/10
Babolat Jet Tere 2 — Lightweight and Fast
The Babolat Jet Tere 2 is technically a tennis shoe, but it works well for pickleball, especially if you value lightweight footwear.
These are the lightest shoes in this group, and that’s immediately noticeable. They have just enough padding to stay comfortable without adding bulk, which makes them easy to forget you’re even wearing.
Durability is about average, and I do wonder how they’d hold up for players who tend to blow out the sides of their shoes. Still, if speed and lightness are your priorities, this is a great option at a lower price point.
Comfort: 7/10
Style: 5/10
Durability: 6/10
Diadem Court Burst — A Great Option for Wider Feet
The Diadem Court Burst stood out to me primarily because of its width. For my narrow feet, they felt a bit too roomy, but that’s exactly why I think they’ll be a great fit for players with wider feet.
They’re comfortable, breathable, and feel relatively lightweight on court. While I have fewer hours in these compared to some other shoes, they’ve held up well so far.
Style wise, these are one of my favorites. The black and brown colorway and subtle speckle details give them a clean, modern look.
Comfort: 5/10 (for narrow feet)
Style: 8/10
Durability: 7/10
Which Pickleball Shoe Is Right for You?
If you want a reliable, all-around shoe that works for almost anyone, the Head Revolt 4.5 is hard to beat. If comfort and cushioning are your top priorities, the Selkirk CourtStrike Pro stands out. For players who burn through shoes quickly, Winner’s Edge offers unmatched durability. If you want something lightweight and fast, the Babolat Jet Tere 2 is worth a look. And if you have wider feet, the Diadem Court Burst could be a great fit.
No matter which direction you go, the most important thing is that you’re wearing shoes designed for pickleball. The added stability and support make a real difference, not just for performance, but for injury prevention as well.
