Lifestyle

What Shoes Should I Wear While Playing Pickleball?

Jul 21, 2023

Have you heard of pickleball? It’s only the latest sports craze, even though it’s been around for quite a while. It merges tennis, badminton and paddle ball on a space smaller than a tennis court. That means quick movements in all directions, sprinting, stopping and then turning on a dime. While some recreational players may slip on basic everyday sneaks for this popular activity, we recommend pickleball shoes that best support your knees, ankles and hips during those quick, strategic maneuvers. 


A well-designed pair of pickleball shoes for women or men can not only protect your body, but it can also up your game. So to help you select the best shoes for pickleball, we’re breaking down a few of our faves available in-stores or online at Hibbett | City Gear.

Best Pickleball Shoes

When you’re picking out pickleball shoes (say that five times fast), keep an eye out for non-marking, non-skid soles, a breathable mesh upper to encourage optimal airflow and good arch support. Here are some pickleball shoe options to consider:

Man playing picklebal

Nike Zoom HyperAce 2

A durable design crafted for hardcourt surfaces, the Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 features a Zoom Air unit for lightweight cushioning as well as a TPU cage that conforms to your foot for a supportive fit and feel. This pickleball shoe keeps you light and fast on your feet, so you can make the stops, twists and turns needed to dominate the court. A breathable upper also keeps your feet cool and dry when the game gets going, and the heel cage offers enhanced support and stability where you need it most.

adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA

These kicks feature a Boost midsole that provides responsive cushioning and total comfort when you’re on the court. The adidas Primeknit upper delivers multiple zones of targeted support for an optimal fit, and a Continental Rubber outsole keeps your footing secure when you’re changing directions to chase down the ball. Plus, the Three Stripes constructed the adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA’s upper using a high-performance yarn that contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic — reimagined plastic waste sourced from remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines — making it good for your game as well as the environment.

Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3

With its soft, stretchy UA IntelliKnit upper and a molded midfoot panel, the Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 provides a super-breathable, sock-like fit and feel with the added bonus of plush but structured interior cushioning — just the right mix for a game of pickleball. Plus, the external heel counter offers stabilized support and the SpeedForm 2.0 sockliner provides the right amount of underfoot assist. Add in the responsive UA HOVR cushioning to reduce impact and return energy, and you have a shoe that is ready to hit the court as much as you are.

Get your game on — your pickleball game, that is. Stop into a Hibbett | City Gear store or shop online to find the best pickleball shoes around. Whether you’re searching for pickleball shoes for women or men, we’ve got the options you need to hit the court in supportive style and comfort. We’ve also got pickleball equipment, from rackets to balls, you need to get started!

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