Are you looking for new pickleball shoes to amp up your game? You can find thousands of options in the market, but what are the best pickleball shoes for men?
In the market for a good pair of pickleball shoes? It can be tough to know where to start with all the different brands and styles floating around with varying features and specifications.
While you can find several top quality pickleball shoes, the best pickleball shoes for men include Asics Gel Resolution 7, Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Men, Adidas Ultraboost 22 HEAT.DRY, Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2, and Nike Metcon 4.
You want a shoe that provides good traction. This will help you keep your footing on the court and make quick starts and stops. Second, you want a shoe with plenty of support. Since pickleball is played on various surfaces - including concrete, asphalt, and grass - it's vital to have a shoe that can offer cushioning and shock absorption.
As pickleball enthusiasts, we have played in several shoes over the last decade, and know all about the best pickleball shoes. This guide will help make your decision easier.
What Types of Shoes are Best for Pickleball?
Three main types of shoes are famous for pickleball: tennis shoes, running shoes, and cross-training shoes. A few different styles might be best suited for pickleball within each category.
Tennis Shoes
Tennis shoes are the most popular type of shoe for pickleball. They provide good traction and support, and they're specifically designed for playing on hard courts. Some of the best tennis shoes for pickleball include the Asics Gel Resolution 7, Wilson Kaos Comp 2.0, and Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Men.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are also a good option for pickleball. They're usually lighter weight than tennis shoes, which can be an advantage on the court. And they often have more cushioning, which can help reduce the impact on your joints. Some of the best running shoes for pickleball include the Adidas Ultraboost 22 HEAT.DRY, Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo, and Brooks Glycerin 16.
Cross-Training Shoes
Cross-training shoes are a good option if you want a versatile shoe enough to wear for different activities. They typically have good traction and support, like tennis shoes, but they're often lighter and more comfortable than tennis shoes. Some of the best cross-training shoes for pickleball include the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8 Flexweave, Nike Metcon 4, and Under Armour Charged Assert 8.
No matter what type of shoe you choose, it's important to make sure it fits well and is comfortable. Pickleball is a game that requires a lot of quick movements, so you need a shoe that won't slip or rub against your foot and cause blisters. You also want a shoe that provides good support and cushioning to reduce the impact on your joints. And finally, you want a shoe with good traction to make quick starts and stops without slipping.
Best Pickleball Shoes in the Market
Here are our top picks for the best pickleball shoes for men:
Asics Gel Resolution 7
Asics Gel Resolution 7 is a top-quality trainer shoe with great features and excellent value for money. It is packed with technology to help improve your game. Asics has a SpEVA 45 technology that offers a great bouncing ability to the shoes. Gel-Resolution 7 also has an excellent herringbone outsole that helps traction and stability on different court surfaces.
A Forefoot GEL Cushioning also helps reduce impact during your pickleball game. If you're looking for a shoe that will help you take your game to the next level, the Asics Gel Resolution 7 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Excellent features and performance
- Comfortable and supportive
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Some users find them slightly narrow
- Not everyone likes the aesthetics
Overall, the Asics Gel Resolution 7 is a great pickleball shoe that offers excellent value for money.
You can buy the Asics Gel Resolution 7 from Asics online store for $99.95.
Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Men
The Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Men is a top-of-the-range tennis shoe that has been designed for serious players. It offers superb comfort, support, and stability and is packed with cutting-edge features to help you perform at your very best on the court. Let's take a closer look at what this shoe has to offer.
Upper: The upper of the Propulse Fury is made from premium quality materials and benefits from an advanced construction that provides excellent levels of breathability and comfort. It also includes a reinforced toe area to protect against wear and tear.
Midsole: The shoe's midsole features Babolat's innovative 'Dynamicushioning' technology, which provides excellent shock absorption and energy return. This means that you can enjoy a more comfortable ride, even during long matches.
Outsole: The outsole of the Propulse Fury is made from tough, durable materials and includes a herringbone tread pattern for maximum grip on all court surfaces. It also benefits from the strategic placement of 'Xtrafore' pads in high-wear areas to help prolong the shoe's life.
Bottom line: The Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Men is a top-of-the-range tennis shoe that offers superb comfort, support, and stability. It is packed with cutting-edge features to help you perform at your very best on the court.
Pros
- Excellent traction and stability on all court surfaces.
- Extremely comfortable – can be worn for hours without discomfort.
- Excellent support around the ankle and heel areas.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shoes feel heavy and clunky on the feet.
- The shoes may be too narrow for some users, causing discomfort.
- The shoes may wear down quickly if used on hard court surfaces.
You can get the Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Men from Babolat’s online store for $129.
Adidas Ultraboost 22 HEAT.DRY
When it comes to pickleball shoes, Adidas is a brand that needs no introduction. The Ultraboost 22 HEAT.DRY shoes are the latest offering from the company, and they come with a host of features that make them perfect for the sport.
First and foremost, the shoes have a heat-drying technology that helps keep your feet dry and comfortable during play. The shoes also come with a boost sole that provides superior cushioning and energy return - perfect for those long games. In terms of specifications, the shoes have a synthetic upper that is breathable and comfortable, and they also come with a molded TPU heel counter for added support.
Overall, the Adidas Ultraboost 22 HEAT.DRY shoes are a great option for pickleball players of all levels, and they are sure to help you up your game.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and support
- The heat-reflective upper helps keep feet cool
- Durable Continental rubber outsole
Cons
- Some users may find the fit too snug
- More expensive than previous versions
You can get the Adidas Ultraboost 22 HEAT.DRY from Adidas online store for $129.
Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2
The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 is a high-performance running shoe that has been designed to provide athletes with the ultimate in speed, comfort, and style. This updated version of the popular Pegasus Turbo features an all-new Flywire upper that offers a more secure fit. At the same time, the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provides responsive cushioning. The result is a shoe that will help you reach your personal best.
Nike has also included several other key features in the Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2. These include a higher stack height in the forefoot for added cushioning and an improved outsole design that offers better traction and durability. If you're looking for a shoe that can help you take your performance to the next level, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 is definitely worth considering.
Overall, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 is a great option for athletes looking for high-performance running shoes. It offers a comfortable fit, responsive cushioning, and plenty of other features that will help you improve your speed and performance.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great for a variety of activities
- Breathable design helps keep your feet cool and dry
Cons
- Some users report that the shoes feel too narrow
- Others find that the shoes lack support and stability
You can get the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 from Nike’s online store for $86.97
Nike Metcon 4
Nike Metcon 4s are some of the best pickleball shoes on the market. They're comfortable, they have great traction, and they offer a lot of support. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line pickleball shoe, the Nike Metcon 4 is a great option.
Nike Metcon 4s are designed for high-intensity workouts. They have a thick, durable sole that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The sole is also textured to provide good traction on the court. The shoes have a breathable mesh upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry. The Metcon 4 also has a flywire lacing system that provides a snug, secure fit.
The Nike Metcon 4 is a great choice for pickleball players who want a shoe that can handle anything they throw at it. If you're looking for a durable, comfortable, and supportive pickleball shoe, the Nike Metcon 4 should be at the top of your list.
However, they're not perfect – there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of before you make your purchase.
Here's a quick rundown of the Nike Metcon 4 pros and cons:
Pros
- Stable and supportive – ideal for lifting weights or doing explosive movements
- Breathable and comfortable – thanks to the Flywire cables and mesh upper
- Durable – can stand up to lots of abuse
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than some other cross-training shoes
- Not as cushioned as some other shoes
So, there you have it – a few things to keep in mind if you're thinking about buying the Nike Metcon 4.
You can get the Nike Metcon 4 from Nike’s online store for $120.
How to Choose the Right Pair of Pickleball Shoes
The right footwear can make all the difference in pickleball. Pickleball shoes need to offer good traction and support and be comfortable enough to wear for long periods. With so many brands and styles of pickleball shoes, it can be hard to know where to start when choosing a pair. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for pickleball shoes:
Traction
Look for shoes with good traction that will help you move around the court quickly and confidently.
Support
Choose shoes that offer good support and stability, especially if you have any foot or ankle issues.
Comfort
Ensure the shoes you select are comfortable and won't cause any blisters or discomfort when worn for long periods.
Brand
There are many different brands of pickleball shoes on the market, so do some research to find a brand that you trust, and that offers good quality products.
Price
Pickleball shoes can range from fairly priced to expensive. Make sure to set a budget before shopping to know how much you're willing to spend on a new pair of shoes.
Keep these things in mind when shopping for pickleball shoes, and you'll be sure to find the perfect pair for your needs.
About THE AUTHOR
Michael Stevens
Since initially playing at the collegiate level, I have amassed several decades of experience playing racquetball, tennis, and pickleball. I have played thousands of matches and games, and won medals and awards in multiple tourantments. I am constantly improving my game and enjoy mentoring and coaching other players in strategy and technique. I have authored dozens of articles on the sport.
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