Discover the top 10 pickleball shoes for women in 2023 that will help you up your game on the court. Our comprehensive guide provides in-depth reviews, expert advice, and the reasons to buy or avoid each shoe to help you find the perfect pair.
Table of Contents
- ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 (Best Buy)
- K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 (Editor’s Choice)
- Nike Air Zoom Vapor X (Top Pick)
- Adidas Barricade 2018
- Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4
- ASICS Court FF 2
- Babolat Jet Tere
- HEAD Revolt Pro 3.5
- Wilson Rush Pro 3.0
- New Balance Fresh Foam Lav
- Resources
ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 (Best Buy)
The ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 is our Best Buy choice for its exceptional combination of performance, comfort, and affordability. This shoe features the ASICS Trusstic System technology, which provides stability and reduces the overall weight of the shoe. The Gel-Rocket 9 is designed to give you a comfortable and stable fit that lasts throughout long games.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Excellent stability
✅ Superior shock absorption
✅ Durable design
✅ Comfortable fit
✅ Non-marking outsole
✅ Good value for money
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Not the lightest option
⛔ Limited color options
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 (Editor’s Choice)
Our Editor’s Choice, the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2, boasts a lightweight design and excellent performance on the court. The shoe’s Durawrap technology provides enhanced durability, while the Surgelite midsole ensures comfort during extended play. This shoe is ideal for players seeking a balance between style, comfort, and performance.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Lightweight and breathable
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Durawrap technology for durability
✅ Surgelite midsole for comfort
✅ Padded collar and tongue
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Less supportive for aggressive players
⛔ May lack durability compared to higher-priced options
⛔ Limited color choices
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X (Top Pick)
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is our Top Pick for its exceptional performance, support, and responsiveness. The shoe features a Dynamic Fit system that offers a snug and supportive fit, while the Zoom Air unit provides responsive cushioning. This shoe is perfect for players seeking a high-performance shoe that can handle the demands of competitive play.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Dynamic Fit system for a snug and supportive fit
✅ Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning
✅ Lightweight and breathable design
✅ Durable rubber outsole for traction
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Higher price point
⛔ May require a break-in period for some users
⛔ Limited color options
Adidas Barricade 2018
The Adidas Barricade 2018 is known for its excellent support and stability on the court. The shoe’s Adiprene+ technology offers enhanced cushioning and energy return, while the Adiwear 6 outsole provides durability for long-lasting use. Ideal for players who value stability and support in their footwear.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Excellent support and stability
✅ Adiprene+ technology for cushioning and energy return
✅ Durable Adiwear 6 outsole
✅ Comfortable fit
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Slightly heavier than other options
⛔ May require a break-in period
⛔ Limited color options
Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4
The Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 offers a comfortable and stable fit, thanks to its Mizuno Wave technology. The D-Flex Groove enhances agility and flexibility, while the 3D-Solid upper provides excellent durability and support. This shoe is perfect for players who value comfort and stability during extended play.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Mizuno Wave technology for comfort and stability
✅ D-Flex Groove for agility and flexibility
✅ 3D-Solid upper for durability and support
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
✅ Non-marking outsole
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ May not be suitable for wide feet
⛔ Higher price point
⛔ Limited color options
ASICS Court FF 2
The ASICS Court FF 2 is a high-performance shoe that offers excellent support and responsiveness on the court. Its FlyteFoam midsole provides lightweight cushioning, while the Twisstrust system ensures stability during quick movements. This shoe is a great choice for players seeking top-notch performance and comfort.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ FlyteFoam midsole for lightweight cushioning
✅ Twisstrust system for stability
✅ Mono-Sock technology for a snug fit
✅ PGuard toe protector for durability
✅ Non-marking outsole
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Higher price point
⛔ May not be suitable for players with wide feet
⛔ Limited color options
Babolat Jet Tere
The Babolat Jet Tere is a lightweight and agile shoe designed for players seeking speed and responsiveness on the court. Its KPRS-X cushioning system offers shock absorption, while the Michelin outsole provides durability and traction. This shoe is perfect for players who value quick movements and a lightweight feel.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Lightweight and agile
✅ KPRS-X cushioning system for shock absorption
✅ Michelin outsole for durability and traction
✅ Comfortable fit
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Less supportive for aggressive players
⛔ May lack durability compared to higher-priced options
⛔ Limited color choices
HEAD Revolt Pro 3.5
The HEAD Revolt Pro 3.5 offers a blend of comfort, stability, and durability on the court. Its Tri-NRG technology provides shock absorption and energy return, while the Drift Defense system offers additional protection in high-wear areas. This shoe is ideal for players who value a combination of comfort and performance.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Tri-NRG technology for shock absorption and energy return
✅ Drift Defense system for added protection in high-wear areas
✅ Comfortable and supportive fit
✅ Durable design
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ Slightly heavier than other options
⛔ May require a break-in period for some users
⛔ Limited color options
Wilson Rush Pro 3.0
The Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 is designed for players seeking a balance of comfort, support, and durability. Its 4D Support Chassis technology provides stability during lateral movements, while the Sensifeel 2.0 upper ensures a comfortable fit. This shoe is perfect for players who value a combination of performance and comfort on the court.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ 4D Support Chassis for stability during lateral movements
✅ Sensifeel 2.0 upper for a comfortable fit
✅ Durable design
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
✅ Non-marking outsole
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ May not be suitable for players with wide feet
⛔ Slightly heavier than other options
⛔ Limited color choices
New Balance Fresh Foam Lav
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav offers a comfortable and supportive fit, thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole and Kinetic Stitch upper. The Ndurance outsole provides durability and traction on a variety of court surfaces. This shoe is perfect for players seeking comfort and support during extended play.
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Fresh Foam midsole for comfort and support
✅ Kinetic Stitch upper for a snug fit
✅ Ndurance outsole for durability and traction
✅ Suitable for various court surfaces
✅ Non-marking outsole
Reasons to Avoid:
⛔ May not be suitable for players with wide feet
⛔ Higher price point
⛔ Limited color options
Resources
- ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 Official Website
- K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 Official Website
- Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Official Website
- Adidas Barricade 2018 Official Website
- Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 Official Website
- ASICS Court FF 2 Official Website
- Babolat Jet Tere Official Website
- HEAD Revolt Pro 3.5 Official Website
- Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 Official Website
- New Balance Fresh Foam Lav Official Website
FAQ
Q1: What factors should I consider when choosing pickleball shoes?
A1: When choosing pickleball shoes, consider factors such as support, stability, cushioning, breathability, weight, durability, and traction. Additionally, take into account your playing style and foot shape to ensure the best fit.
Q2: Are there specific shoes designed for pickleball?
A2: While some brands offer shoes specifically designed for pickleball, many players use tennis or court shoes, as they share similar requirements in terms of support, stability, and traction on the court.
Q3: Can I use running shoes for pickleball?
A3: It’s not recommended to use running shoes for pickleball, as they’re designed for forward movement and lack the lateral support and stability needed for the side-to-side movements in pickleball.
Q4: How often should I replace my pickleball shoes?
A4: The frequency of replacement depends on factors such as your playing frequency, intensity, and the shoe’s durability. As a general rule, consider replacing your shoes when you notice a decrease in cushioning, support, or traction.
Q5: Is it necessary to wear specific shoes for indoor and outdoor pickleball courts?
A5: While some shoes are designed for both indoor and outdoor courts, it’s essential to choose shoes with appropriate outsoles for the court surface you play on most often. Indoor courts typically require non-marking outsoles, while outdoor courts may need more durable and grippy outsoles.
Q6: Can I use men’s shoes if I am a woman, or vice versa?
A6: While it’s possible to use men’s shoes if you’re a woman or women’s shoes if you’re a man, it’s essential to consider the differences in foot shape, width, and arch support. It’s best to try on the shoes and ensure a comfortable and supportive fit before purchasing.
Q7: How can I ensure the best fit for my pickleball shoes?
A7: To ensure the best fit, try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening when your feet have expanded, and wear the socks you typically wear during play. Make sure there’s enough room for your toes to move freely, and the shoes provide a snug fit around your heel and midfoot.