Pickleball is a sport unlike any other. Because you will be doing a lot of quick, lateral, and high-impact movement, you'll want to consider the following in your next pair of pickleball shoes:
- Traction
- Support
- Lightweight
- Durability (backed by a 6-month sole warranty)
- Shoe fit
- Comfort
- Abrasion-resistant rubber outsole (CourtStrike 3.0) and InfiniGrip™ multi-surface grip for traction
- Added protective overlays and a new mesh weave upper provide support and durability in high-wear areas while keeping the shoe lightweight
- A multi-layer cushioning system with premium midsole foam (EVA PureFoam) helps support all-day comfort on the court
- An ergonomic heel cockpit that cradles the rear of your foot supports great fit and stability
The Legacy Pro is designed for players who want a pickleball shoe that performs on and off the court. It comes with a proprietary InfiniGrip™ multi-surface grip system on the outsole for ultimate performance on the court and is also backed by our 6-month outsole warranty.
Our most frequently asked questions
Do I need pickleball-specific shoes?
Pickleball shoes are designed for the short, multidirectional movements, stops, and lateral changes that make the sport of pickleball unique. The best pickleball shoes provide a stable court platform, lateral support, and multidirectional traction.
Traditional hard-court tennis shoes can also work, but running shoes are not recommended because they are primarily designed for forward movement rather than repeated side-to-side cuts.
Learn more about pickleball-specific shoes.
Can I wear tennis shoes or running shoes for pickleball?
While you can technically wear running shoes to play pickleball, there are some reasons you may want to consider wearing pickleball-specific shoes.
Running shoes are made for runners, meaning that they are built to give you structure on the sides while also supporting your movement in a forward motion. Pickleball is a sport where you will be doing a lot of side-to-side movement, as well as regularly stepping forward and back.
Tennis shoes that were developed for the sport of tennis are an alternative to dedicated pickleball shoes, but standard sneakers are not recommended for play.
The best pickleball shoes are built to support the movement of pickleball. Running shoes and sneakers do not have the proper structure in place to prevent you from common foot and ankle injuries.
Do I need different shoes for indoor vs. outdoor pickleball?
Pickleball takes place on both indoor and outdoor courts, and Selkirk has accounted for both. Our abrasion-resistant rubber outsole will give you the maximum grip on almost all playing surfaces such as gym floors or acrylic surfaces (the surface of most official pickleball courts).
What is the difference between CourtStrike Pro, CourtStrike, and Legacy Pro?
CourtStrike is Selkirk’s balanced all-around performance shoe, combining cushioning, lateral support, and multidirectional traction. CourtStrike Pro adds performance-focused stability and support for aggressive movement. Legacy Pro is best for players who want a shoe they can wear on-court and to the office without sacrificing performance. The best choice depends on your preferred fit, playing style, and outsole priorities.
How should men’s pickleball shoes fit?
Pickleball shoes should feel secure through the heel and midfoot without slipping during stops or lateral movement. The toe box should leave enough room for your toes to spread naturally without pressing against the front or sides. When testing the fit, try lateral shuffles and controlled stops rather than evaluating the shoes only while standing or walking.
Read the pickleball shoe fit guide.
How long should pickleball shoes last?
Shoe lifespan depends on playing frequency, session length, movement style, body weight, and court surface. Selkirk’s general estimates are approximately one year for weekly play, four to six months for twice-weekly play, and two to three months for playing three to five times per week. Consider replacing your shoes when the tread becomes smooth, the midsole is exposed, holes develop, or cushioning and lateral support noticeably decline.
Learn how long pickleball shoes should last.
Finding the best pickleball shoe for you
As pickleball’s popularity continues to grow, more brands will release pickleball-specific shoes — making it easier to find one that is perfect for you. There are enough out there now that you should try out some pickleball shoes, as well as some tennis shoes, to see what works for you. But take injury prevention seriously and do not use shoes for pickleball that may cause a fall or twisted ankle (or worse). The best pickleball shoes will be the ones you don’t have to think about while you are out on the pickleball court, so you can focus on your game.
