Best pickleball shoe? In my opinion, is not even a pickleball shoe...
May 2024 • Dan Lawson
Now for a controversial take on a non-controversial topic -- pickleball shoes. I've gotta say, the best pickleball shoes that aren’t actually pickleball shoes are...drumroll please...basketball shoes. I'll lay it out for you. But first, welcome to the enlightened side of footwear, where we prioritize not looking like we raided grandma’s orthopedic closet.
So as I said, the so-called “best pickleball shoes” out there are actually basketball shoes, no question about it. Why? Because nothing screams agility, lateral movement, and all-around swagger like a sleek pair of kicks designed for court combat.
Here’s my take on why basketball shoes reign supreme:
1. Support & Stability
Pickleball shoes, as much as they try, often fall flat (literally and figuratively) in the support department. Basketball shoes, on the other hand, are engineered for quick cuts, jumps, and rapid direction changes. Your ankles will thank you when you’re chasing down a perfectly placed dink without rolling into next week.
Some of my overall favorites are:
- Nike Giannis Immortality 3 (11.9oz): These have an unreal grip and ankle support that makes chasing down those fast dropshots feel like you’re gliding. These are my personal go to kicks for the courts.
- Nike G.T. Cut 3 (11.8oz): For a little more cushion with tons of stability, you’re locked in—plus, the ability to climb for those overhead smashes is fully supported in these.
2. Lateral Movement
Pickleball is a lateral game—side-to-side is your bread and butter. Basketball shoes are designed for exactly that. They lock down your feet in a way pickleball shoes only wish they could, allowing you to sprint for that shot without feeling like your foot might break free from your sole.
Best Lateral Movement Kicks:
- Nike LeBron NXXT GEN (13.1oz): Lightweight, breathable, and the kind of shoe that makes you feel like you’re moving on clouds. They grip the court like a F1 driver.
3. (Pickle)ballin' on a budget
And last but not least, let's talk about budget. Because let's be honest, if you're playing a few hours a day, then you're putting some mileage on your shoes and that adds up on the wallet output. Here's a great shoe that plays well on outdoor courts and fits the bill for my needs regarding lateral movement as well as cost-effectiveness.
Stylish (yet functional) Picks:
- Nike Air Max Impact 4 (12.1oz): Solid style and surprisingly good court performance. Plus you can snag em for less than $90.
The argument I've heard against using basketball shoes is weight. But of the shoes I listed above they all fall in a very similar range to standard pickleball shoes out there. Here are some examples (all measured in a mens size 9):
Skechers Viper Court Smash - 12.3oz
Babolat Jet Mach 3 - 11.5oz
Fila Volley Zone - 12.5oz
Wilson Rush Pro - 12.4oz
As you can see, the weights are pretty comparable and you'll find that the durability is just about the same as well.
In short: if you want to play pickleball and look like you don't belong at a podiatry seminar, do yourself a favor—go basketball. Anything else? Eh, that’s just settling. And let’s be real, a slick pair of basketball shoes paired with the right pickleball apparel (Good Get anyone?!) just feels right.
