Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball

I’ve been playing pickleball for a few years now, and it’s one of the most interesting and thrilling sports I’ve ever tried. The adrenaline rush, the camaraderie, the challenge—it’s all there. However, as much as I enjoyed the game, I realized that not all shoes work for pickleball.

I used to wear my usual sneakers on the court, assuming they were enough. However, after a few games, I started noticing the pressure on my feet, ankles, and knees. I also observed that I was slipping and sliding more frequently, losing my balance and edge. I realized that I needed shoes made especially for pickleball to play as comfortably and as well as possible.

Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball
Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball

So I tried a variety of brands and models, and after several attempts, I found the shoes that worked best for me. Shoes that will protect my Achilles and improve my playing. Now, I want to share my findings with you. Based on my personal experience and feedback from other pickleball players, I’ve prepared a list of the top five shoes for men and women. So, without further ado, here are the best shoes to protect your achilles in pickleball court for 2024

5 Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball

So, before you get onto the court, make sure you have the best shoes to protect your achilles in pickleball court. You’ll love the game even more and your feet will thank you for it. The simple things make huge differences on the court, starting from the bottom up!

5 Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball
5 Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball

1. Prince T22 White/Silver Women’s Shoes – Durable Performer

The Prince T22 White/Silver Women’s Pickleball Shoes are the ideal partner for a great balance of comfort, support, and durability on the court. These shoes, made with a long-lasting rubber outsole, are a solid choice for enthusiastic pickleball players. The improved midfoot construction provides stability, which is essential for the fast lateral movements that define the game. Embrace comfort by combining synthetic materials with a breathable mesh design, ensuring your feet stay cool even during the most heated battles.

But that’s not all: the strengthened toe cap is your ally, giving great abrasion protection, which is especially important for players who like to drag their toes while playing. The sensitive midsole absorbs impact, decreasing stress on your feet and, indirectly, your Achilles tendon. The Prince T22 White/Silver Women’s Pickleball Shoes prioritize your foot’s well-being over performance, offering a balance of game excellence and protection every time you go onto the court.

ProsCons
Durable PRC 1000 outsole suitable for long-term useThe toe box may feel too wide for players with narrow feet
Breathable synthetic and mesh fabric constructionSome players might find the shoes slightly heavier compared to other models
Shock Eraser midsole for effective impact absorption
Prince T22 White/Silver Women’s Shoes

Prince T22 White/Silver Women’s Shoes

  • PRC 1000 outsole provides unmatched durability
  • Wishbone shank for increased mid foot stability
Buy on Amazon

2. Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe: Men’s shoe

The Skechers Viper court shoe provides the utmost comfort and performance. Designed for both indoor and outdoor courts, these shoes provide great stability and grip, allowing for rapid, accurate movements throughout games.

The Skechers Viper prioritizes personalized comfort, with a flexible sole that provides mild cushioning and podiatrist-approved arch support. The robust rubber soles and padded tongue prevent blisters, making them appropriate for a variety of activities, including tennis and cross-training. Enjoy a relaxed fit and a wide range of size options to increase your athletic adaptability. The Skechers Viper is a reliable partner for the many expectations of pickleball and beyond.

ProsCons
Podiatrist-certified arch supportUpper isn’t as breathable as other options
Removable insoleBulkier than regular shoes
Good traction
Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe

Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe

  • Skechers Pickleball Shoes
  • Indoor and Outdoor Court Play
  • Medium (D) and Extra Wide Fit (4e)
  • Performance Comfort to Casual Occasions
  • Multi-Purpose
Buy on Amazon

3. Fila Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes

If you’re searching for a pair of women’s pickleball shoes that are sturdy, comfortable, and fashionable, consider FILA’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes. These shoes include a rubber outsole that leaves no scuff marks on the court and a circular pivot spot on the forefoot that allows you to shift directions rapidly. They also include a mesh top to keep your feet cool and fresh.

These shoes are not only practical but also stylish. They come in a variety of colorful, tie-dye colors that will help you stand out on the court. The midsole is cushioned with soft foam, which absorbs the impact of your movements. The toe box is broad and high, so you can play comfortably even if you have bunions or wide feet.

These shoes are also available in men’s sizes at FILA and Amazon.

ProsCons
Comes in bright colorsMay not have enough ankle support for some
Thick midsole absorbs shockMay run small
Wide toe box
Fila Women's Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes

Fila Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes

  • 100% Synthetic
  • Lace-Up closure
  • Length – true to size.
  • Width – Slightly Wide
Buy on Amazon

4. Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes

The Asics Gel-Renma is a great option for pickleball shoes that are both inexpensive and comfortable. They have a unique design that prevents your foot from turning, allowing you to move securely and quickly in any direction.

These trainers are cushioned, and flexible and provide excellent traction, owing to a non-marking rubber sole and an outsole that wraps around the shoes and your feet. I also like how the sole includes pivot point circles—a tread pattern that allows you to swivel your foot better when it touches the ground—making it simpler to swap directions when you need to catch tricky shots.

The shoes also include gel cushioning under the balls of the feet to absorb shock. They also include a resin structure in the middle of the outsole, which increases rigidity and inhibits inward rolling, or overpronation, upon landing.

You can also find them in women’s sizes at Amazon and Asics.

ProsCons
Good stabilityUpper isn’t as breathable as other options
Extra gel padding
Helps prevent overpronation
Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes

Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes

  • Synthetic Leather Overlays
  • Help Provide Good Durability
  • Helps Reduce Overall Water Usage by Approx 33%
  • Carbon Emissions by Approx. 45%
  • Trusstic Technology Improves Stability
  • Flex Grooves in the Outsole
Buy on Amazon

5. FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes

If you have broad feet, you understand how difficult it can be to find a pickleball shoe that fits comfortably and provides adequate support. That is why I offer FitVille’s Amadeus Court Shoes, which are particularly built to fit broad and extra-large feet. They are also considerably cheaper than most other solutions on the market. Whether you play tennis or pickleball, you’ll love the anti-torsion sole, which features specific tread technology to improve midfoot stability. Moreover, a durable, non-slip rubber makes up the sole.

The insole has a honeycomb structure coated in a soft material that provides excellent cushioning and stress absorption. The heel cup is deep and broad, which provides additional stability. If you want to use your own custom orthotics, you can remove both the insole and the footbed. Another feature that I enjoy is the anti-odor midsole, which prevents unwanted smells from building over time.

You can also find these shoes in men’s sizes at Amazon and FitVille.

ProsCons
Anti-odorThe upper may feel stiff to some
Deep, wide heel cup
Budget-friendly
FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes

FitVille Women’s Wide Width Amadeus Court Shoes

  • Super Soft Microfiber Upper
  • Breathable Material Keep Your Feet Clean and Cool.
  • Anti-Odor Technology
  • Wide & Extra Wide
Buy on Amazon

What to Look for While Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles in Pickleball

Finding a pair of pickleball shoes that fits both your playing style and the particular court you’re on is just as important as making them look good or feel comfortable. The right footwear can boost your performance, protect you from injuries, and ensure you get the most fun out of the game.

  • Grip: The outsole’s grip is crucial for stability during rapid movements and directional changes, particularly in wet situations. Choose shoes that have excellent grip and, if feasible, pivot points for smoother turns, such as the FILA Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes.
  • Comfort: Prioritise comfort for lengthy play. Ensure that the shoes are neither too tight nor too loose. A large toe box and breathable mesh upper promote comfort, while midsole cushioning prolongs playing time.
  • Support: Look for pickleball shoes that provide ample lateral support for fast direction changes. While many feature less arch support, look for a model, which is known for improving gait and stabilizing heels. Custom orthotics can be added for people who require more arch support.
  • Durability: Because of lateral stress and frequent starts/stops, pick shoes with strong rubber bottoms. Check for reinforced toes and heels with additional rubber protection to avoid wear from toe drags on the court. These features assure long-term use, regardless of how often you play.

Conclusion

Hey there folks! To make your decision easier from choosing the above provided list, I recommend the Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes for men and the Fila Women’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes for women. These are the shoes that I personally prefer and love, and I swear to their quality and performance. They are comfortable, sturdy, breathable, and visually appealing. They fit well and provide adequate support for my feet during all movements. They make me feel confident and ready to play my best.

FAQs

How much do good pickleball shoes cost?

Quality pickleball shoes might cost anywhere from $70 to $150, or even more. If you’re an amateur to intermediate player, budgeting around $100 for a pair is fair, assuring comfort and responsiveness.

Do I need special shoes for pickleball?

Professional players emphasize the value of pickleball-specific shoes because they provide lateral support, which protects against ankle rolls. While it is not required for your shoes to be very expensive, they should preferably be customized for pickleball or, at the absolute least, acceptable for court sports.

What type of shoes are best for pickleball?

For recreational players, a sturdier pickleball shoe with adequate width and support would be beneficial. As your skill level improves, you could consider switching to a lighter shoe that allows for faster movements. It is important to note, however, that lighter shoes tend to be less sturdy and give relatively less support.

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