Pickleball shoes: court outsole, support and width
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- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball. Best for: All-level players who want a light court shoe. See options on Amazon
- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball 2E (men's) and Wide (women's). Best for: Wide feet. See options on Amazon
- Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 (women's, 172109). Best for: Arch support and a slide-friendly outsole. See options on Amazon
Why pickleball shoes are court shoes
The makers build their pickleball shoes for court play. K-Swiss names a 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis for stability on the Express Light, and Skechers describes the Viper Court Pro 2.0 outsole as built to allow controlled slides on the court surface.
Skechers says the Viper Court Pro 2.0 is also suitable for padel and tennis. If you already own running shoes, keep them for running.
Outsole: what touches the court
K-Swiss lists an Aosta rubber outsole with DragGuard on the Express Light Pickleball for durability. Skechers lists a Goodyear Gold rubber compound on the Viper Court Pro 2.0, built for durability and controlled slides, plus a rubber toe guard on the upper.
Cushioning and support
K-Swiss lists a K-EVA midsole, a CMEVA midsole, a die cut Ortholite X40 sock liner, a synthetic leather upper and a textile collar lining on the Express Light Pickleball.
Skechers lists an Arch Fit EVA insole with podiatrist-certified arch support, which it says is removable, ULTRA GO foam in the midsole, a mesh and synthetic upper, a 1 1/4 inch heel height and a Relaxed Fit for a roomy fit at the toe and forefoot. Skechers says the design has the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
Uppers and breathability
K-Swiss calls the Express Light Pickleball lightweight and breathable, with a synthetic leather upper, a textile collar lining and lace closure. Skechers lists a durable yet breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays and a lace-up front on the Viper Court Pro 2.0, which it says was redesigned for more durability.
Skechers says the removable Arch Fit insole was developed with 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans and helps mold to your foot to reduce shock. If you use your own orthotic, a removable insole makes it easier to swap.
Width and sizing
Width is the biggest fit difference here. K-Swiss sells the Express Light Pickleball in a men's 2E version, in sizes 6.5 to 14 on its site, and a women's wide version, in sizes 5 to 11, both with a more spacious toe box. Skechers says it does not currently offer the Viper Court Pro 2.0 in wide or other widths.
Check the size chart on the listing, and try shoes on with the socks you play in.
If you roll an ankle
MedlinePlus advises rest, keeping weight off the foot and raising it at or above heart level after an ankle sprain. For the first 24 hours, it says to ice every hour while awake, 20 minutes at a time, with a towel between ice and skin, then 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day. Call a provider if you cannot walk or walking is very painful, if pain does not improve with ice, rest and pain medicine, if the ankle does not feel better after 5 to 7 days, if it keeps giving way, or if it turns numb, tingly or cold.
What to look for when you buy
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball
Best for: All-level players who want a light court shoe
K-Swiss lists a K-EVA and CMEVA midsole, a 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis, an Aosta rubber outsole with DragGuard, an Ortholite X40 sock liner, a synthetic leather upper and lace closure.
Watch out: Standard width; see the 2E or wide version for a roomier toe box.
See options on AmazonK-Swiss Express Light Pickleball 2E (men's) and Wide (women's)
Best for: Wide feet
K-Swiss lists the same midsole, chassis and outsole as the standard Express Light, with a more spacious toe box; its site shows men's 2E sizes 6.5 to 14 and women's wide sizes 5 to 11.
Watch out: Wide versions may come in fewer colors; check the size and width on the listing.
See options on AmazonSkechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 (women's, 172109)
Best for: Arch support and a slide-friendly outsole
Skechers lists an Arch Fit EVA insole with podiatrist-certified arch support, ULTRA GO foam, a Goodyear Gold rubber outsole for controlled slides, a rubber toe guard, a 1 1/4 inch heel and the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Watch out: Medium width only, per Skechers.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I wear running shoes for pickleball?
- The makers build pickleball shoes for court play: K-Swiss names a 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis for stability, and Skechers describes an outsole built for controlled slides on the court.
- Are there pickleball shoes for wide feet?
- Yes. K-Swiss sells the Express Light Pickleball in a men's 2E and a women's wide version with a more spacious toe box. Skechers says the Viper Court Pro 2.0 is not offered in wide widths.
- Can I use pickleball shoes for tennis?
- Skechers says the Viper Court Pro 2.0 is also suitable for padel and tennis.
- Do these shoes have removable insoles?
- Skechers says the Viper Court Pro 2.0 Arch Fit insole is removable. K-Swiss lists a die cut Ortholite X40 sock liner on the Express Light Pickleball.
- What should I do for a rolled ankle?
- MedlinePlus advises rest, elevation and ice 20 minutes at a time, and calling a provider if you cannot walk, pain does not improve, or the ankle is not better after 5 to 7 days.
Sources
- Express Light Pickleball (kswiss.com), K-Swiss
- Express Light Pickleball-2E (kswiss.com), K-Swiss
- Express Light Pickleball-Wide (kswiss.com), K-Swiss
- Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 (skechers.com), Skechers
- Ankle sprain - aftercare (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus