While you may not find a ton of specific men’s pickleball shoes, there are quite a few options you can wear on the court. Consider a few options when deciding on the best men’s pickleball shoes. Check out our previous guide The Best Pickleball Shoes for Men.
The Best Men’s Pickleball Shoes:
Here are some of the best men’s pickleball shoes you can purchase today.
Men’s ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 Shoes
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 Shoes are my top recommendation for the best men’s pickleball shoes simply because of how outstanding they are! The Gel-Rocket shoe is perfect for indoor play due to its grippy rubber outsole. This material is perfect for providing excellent traction on the hardwood that is commonly found in indoor pickleball courts.
However, these shoes are not just excellent because of their traction abilities. The Gel-Rockets are exceptionally flexible and have outstanding comfortability. Believe it or not this is somewhat rare for shoes that are made for the court because they often have stiff soles. With these shoes you’ll be able to have the same level of dexterity and agility as you would if you were wearing no shoes at all!
The Gel-Rocket 8 features Asics’s patented gel cushioning system with focuses on shock absorption. The Gel-Rocket sneakers come in a wide variety of color schemes and designs, which is wonderful because you’ll be able to find an option that will fit your personal style.
Lastly, the ASICS men’s Gel-Rocket 8 is very reasonably priced. Even though it comes in at a mid-range price, it certainly offers more than mid-range performance!
K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express
K-Swiss is definitely the big dog in the premium-quality athletic shoe world. I would like to mention immediately that this shoe does have a wide design which some might not appreciate. However, I found it to be more of a benefit than anything else. The wider base of the shoe provided a better sense of balance and stability while on the court.
What really makes this shoe stand out from the rest is its exceptional level of comfort and this alone can help justify the hefty asking price. The insides are extremely soft and they have incredible ventilation. I was surprised to find that the K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express offers a level of ventilation that is not commonly seen in court shoes.
Another surprise I found with these shoes is even with their larger “footprint”, they are comparatively lightweight. In fact, it’s one of the lightest shoes on this list. This combination is pretty rare for court shoes, which often sacrifice lightness for increased support. Overall, this is one of the best men’s pickleball shoes that you can find today.
Under Armour Men’s Ultimate Turf Trainer
The Under Armour Men’s Ultimate Turf Trainer is a very good-looking shoe. They feature a high rebound insole made from Under Armour’s innovative Super Foam. They come in gray and white as well as black and white. They’re also made with excellent cushioning and the support of this insole makes them extremely comfortable for long pickleball matches on the court and provides the best shock absorption.
The full-length midsole is “Micro-G” which adds to the shoes already high level of stability and comfort. All of this combined gives the shoes a very responsive feel and performance that works wonders for enhancing your dexterity on the court.
The outsole of the shoe is also very lightweight and provides excellent traction for concrete outdoor pickleball courts. This shoe is ideal for outdoor pickleball courts but they can be used indoors as well. In fact, the shoe ways an almost impossibly light 10.6 ounces! That is a very impressive weight for a court shoe, as these types of shoes often suffer from heavier weight due to the need for additional material to pad the toes and sides of the shoes.
Lastly, these are also exceptionally breathable, a combination of mesh materials as well as synthetic leather is used to achieve this level of breathability. In the end, I love these shoes for their outstanding breathability, traction, and comfort for games on an outdoor pickleball court. Frankly, I would consider these shoes a top contender but there are a few things that just make the ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 better.
Everything You Neen to Know About Pickleball Shoes for Men
You might think that any old pair of tennis shoes will do for pickleball. However, the right shoes are critical to preventing injuries and improving your game.
The Importance of the Right Men’s Pickleball Shoes
Court and tennis shoes are made specifically for the lateral moves that are an integral part of pickleball and other court sports, and they help to support you with more bulk in the middle of the shoe. This is so important because when you are moving side to side quickly, you need to keep yourself centered.
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To understand why shoes make such a difference in pickleball, it helps to understand the game. Pickleball involves hitting a plastic ball across a net with a paddle. It can be played in singles or doubles. Pickle-Ball Inc. explains that the sport is played on a badminton-size court measuring 20 by 44 feet. Players can volley or hit after a single bounce.
A game of pickleball moves fast when played right. Similar to tennis, it requires a lot of quick stops and starts. You will have to change directions rapidly and frequently to get to the ball. If you are playing a doubles game with another person, you also have to take care not to get in your teammate’s space.
The rapid stop-and-start movements demanded by pickleball can put an immense strain on your joints, notably your knees and ankles. Older players, in particular, may find that they experience discomfort after a rousing game of pickleball. According to Harvard Health, the joints’ cartilage wears away over time, making you more susceptible to joint pain as you get older.
The right shoes will accommodate the unique stop-and-start nature of pickleball, offering support for joints and reducing the risk of injury. Just what makes the “right” shoe? Read on to find out.
What Makes for Great Pickleball Shoes
Technically, there is no such thing as a pickleball shoe. That means you have to find shoes designed for other purposes. Tennis shoes are an ideal option, because tennis mimics many of the movements seen in pickleball. It likewise requires players to stop, start, and change direction frequently. This stresses muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints, and tennis shoes are designed accordingly.
When selecting the best pickleball shoes for men, here are some characteristics to look out for:
- Shock absorption to reduce the impact on joints.
- Traction to prevent slips and falls.
- Ankle support for added stability.
- Moisture-wicking material to keep feet dry.
- Venting to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup (and related odor).
- Scuff-proof sole if you plant to play on indoor courts.
Last but not least, don’t dismiss the importance of style! You want a pair of pickleball shoes that you like the look of and enjoy wearing. As the above guide to some of the best pickleball shoes for men makes clear, there’s no shortage of options regarding color and design. You don’t have to settle for a shoe you don’t find aesthetically appealing.
How to Care for Pickleball Shoes
Once you’ve found a great pair of pickleball shoes, you want your investment to last. Proper maintenance will ensure longevity. First, keep shoes dry to avoid moisture buildup, which can result in mold and mildew growth — not to mention bad odors.
If the shoes do get wet, place them upside down on some dry newspaper to dry out. Better yet, set them in the sun for faster drying. Sprinkling some baby powder inside will also help absorb added moisture and give the inside of your shoes a pleasant smell.
To keep your pickleball shoes looking their best, use a shoe cleaner like Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner, which comes recommended by the professionals at GQ Magazine. It’s formulated to keep the sneaker fabric intact while removing stains. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush for cleaning. You can get laces white again by soaking them in warm water with bleach.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Pickleball Shoes
To get the most out of your pickleball shoes, you have to take care of them as described above. Additionally, always wear socks with your shoes. This prevents sweaty feet and blisters. It also keeps moisture and bacteria from building up in the shoe.
Additionally, you want to ensure a proper fit for your shoes. If they are too big, you will slip and slide inside of them. If they are too small, they will be uncomfortable. Tennis Express provides pointers on how to best lace your shoes for an ideal fit and even has guidelines on lacing for different foot types, such as high arches versus wide feet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Shoes for Men
Now you know why the right pickleball shoes are so important and have an idea of what to look for in a great shoe. You may still have some lingering questions about pickleball footwear, however. Read on for responses to the most common queries.
What makes a good pickleball shoe?
A great pickleball shoe will offer shock absorption, ankle support, traction, and comfort. Good shoes will also be made of moisture-wicking material, preventing sweaty feet and odors. Venting can further help prevent dampness and improve long-term wearability.
Are there pickleball shoes?
There’s no shoe explicitly designed for pickleball. You will have to select your pickleball shoes from other athletic footwear options. Tennis shoes are the best choice because the two sports involve similar physical actions. For those with weak ankles, volleyball shoes (which have a higher profile) are also an option.
How often should you replace pickleball shoes?
This depends on how often you play. If you play once a month, you won’t have to replace the shoes as quickly as you would have to if you played daily. If the traction of the shoe’s sole is worn down or you’re noticing foot or joint pain after playing, it’s time for new shoes.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know about the best men’s pickleball shoes, hopefully, any questions you had were answered, and you’re now closer to figuring out the right pickleball shoes for you.
When it comes down to it, the type of sole, show weight, ankle construction, and all the other features is not the most critical factor in picking out your shoes as most believe. Each thing has its benefits and drawbacks. The bottom line? Buy whatever shoes feel right for you and are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. I understand if you already have a specific brand in mind; but in the end, it should all come down to shoes that feel right.
It’s crucial for you to wear comfortable and supportive shoes; this is because the game is going to be much more enjoyable this way. Pickleball is quickly becoming the most popular sport in the country, and it’s a fun activity to pass the time or even grow to play professionally! Take your time and ask questions when picking out your shoes to be sure you get it right!
Looking for more? Here are some other articles I put together:
- The Best Pro Pickleball Paddles
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Paddles
- The Best Pickleball Paddles for Women
- Composite vs. Graphite Pickleball Paddles
- Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners
- Pickleball Strategy – Advanced
- What Is the 2 Bounce Rule in Pickleball?
- What is the Double Bounce Rule in Pickleball?
- Pickleball vs. Tennis, What is the Difference?
- The Best Women’s Pickleball Shoes
- The Best HEAD Pickleball Paddles
- Pickleball Serving Rules, Techniques, & Strategies
- Pickleball Volley Rules
- What is a Fault in Pickleball?
- Best Pickleball Paddle in 2021
- Men’s Pickleball Shorts
- Engage Pickleball vs. Onix Pickleball
- The Best Pickleball Shoes for Men
- Onix Pickleball