Discover the best pickleball shoes for women, designed to enhance your lateral movement, provide excellent support, and ensure a reliable grip during those extended matches.
If you’re a woman who has struggled to find the ideal footwear for your pickleball games, you’re not alone. The limited options available often don’t meet the unique demands of this sport, which combines lateral movement, flexibility, durability, comfort, and protection.
That’s why it’s crucial to find the right pair of shoes that offer both support and freedom of movement. When considering your purchase, pay attention to key factors such as outsole construction, ankle support, herringbone pattern, fit, and cushioning.
To simplify your search, I’ve compiled a selection of the best pickleball shoes for women, prioritizing stability, support, and overall comfort. Let’s explore these options further.
Related: Best Pickleball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 2023 (Grippy)
Our Top Picks
EDITOR’S CHOICE
New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Shoes
PREMIUM PICK
ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 13 Shoes
BUDGET PICK
Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z3 Shoes
Best Pickleball Shoes for Women Comparison Table
1. ASICS Women’s Sky Elite FlyteFoam Shoes
2. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z6 Shoes
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 8 Shoes
4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 7 Shoes
5. New Balance Women’s 796 V2 Court Shoe
6. ASICS Upcourt 3 Women’s Shoes
7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z3 Shoes
8. New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Shoes
9. ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 13 Shoes
- Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle
- Moisture management (Ortholite is a registered trademark of ATP Manufacturing LLC)
- Rearfoot and forefoot gel technology cushioning system
Review of the Best Pickleball Shoes for Women Players
1. ASICS Women’s Sky Elite FlyteFoam Shoes
I am starting my list of the best shoes for women with these hugely popular Asics Sky Elite, best known for their ability to provide you with lateral movement. The highlight of the design is its rubber sole and Trusstic technology that works great for stability and support. Moreover, the sock liner and durable construction offer a great combination of breathability and flexibility.
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Similarly, when it comes to construction, these FF MY shoes are made up of a combination of synthetic materials that provides you with a perfect blend of freedom of movement and durability.
These further incorporate a sock liner that absorbs moisture and sweat, allowing you to stand on the court for the longest time. I also really like the narrow fit that keeps your feet in one place, with enhanced support.
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Lastly, for performance, these shoes are equipped with a Trusstic System technology which is great for providing you with improved support from the heel and ankle area. To enhance the traction, the manufacturers have added a rubber outsole that is accompanied by a detailed herringbone pattern. Thereby, you don’t have to worry about achieving grip and traction on outdoor pickleball courts.
Wrapping up, Asics is a leading brand when it comes to sports equipment for its innovative and comfortable pieces. This pair of women’s shoes works absolutely well for pickleball games, all thanks to their ability to support lateral movement, with stability and traction ensured. I really appreciate the inclusion of a narrow fit that keeps your feet stable, with unrivaled moisture-wicking properties.
2. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z6 Shoes
If you have just started indoor pickleball training and want something sturdy yet flexible, these Mizuno Z6 shoes might work well for you. The highlight of this design is the parallel wave shape that provides you with improved stability and shock absorption ability. Moreover, the ankle and heel support is designed to help you with jumps and a suitable grip throughout long matches.
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The first thing you will note about these shoes is their synthetic construction which is accompanied by an inner mesh lining. Hence, you are provided with a perfect combination of durability and breathability.
Additionally, the parallel wave shape is designed to help you with improved shock absorption, so you can freely practice lateral movement which is absolutely important for pickleball matches.
In the end, when it comes to stability, the manufacturers have added full and half sizes as per different feet structures. Here, like other models in the Z Series, these shoes are equipped with a rubber outsole with a detailed herringbone pattern.
Thereby, you don’t have to worry about traction and grip in indoor matches. I have been inquired many times about the key to choosing the best pickleball shoes. The only downside is their narrow fit which might not work for wide feet.
In conclusion, these Mizuno Z6 shoes are specifically designed for indoor pickleball matches, with freedom of movement and stability ensured. These shoes are equipped with a parallel wave shape that helps you with improved shock absorption and lateral movement. In addition, the durable construction and unique herringbone pattern add to their value.
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 8 Shoes
Here comes yet another pair of the best pickleball shoes for women, best known for their suitable fit and padding. I really like them for their comfortable construction that allows you to stand on the field for several hours. In addition, the AHAR+ rubber sole included in the shoe design makes it great for rough and outdoor pickleball matches.
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To begin with, these are equipped with a narrow fit that completely wraps around the mid-foot and toe, so you are provided with stability and security throughout. These further integrate special GEL cushioning that helps you with comfort. Here, you will find that this feature includes heavy and dense midsole padding, making them ultimately supportive for long matches.
Another thing I really like about these shoes is their solid rubber sole that provides you with a strong foundation all along. For this, the manufacturers have added an AHAR+ (ASICS High Abrasion Resistance Rubber) which is absolutely remarkable in providing you with stability and comfort. Also, the unique tread pattern helps you with needed traction and grip.
Wrapping up, if you are looking for something durable and supportive to facilitate long outdoor pickleball matches, this pair of Women Gel-Resolution 8 from Asics might work well for you.
These are equipped with a solid rubber base and dense gel padding, providing you with comfort and stability. In addition, the narrow fit helps you in maintaining a supportive and stable position all along.
4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 7 Shoes
Similarly, these Asics women’s shoes are one of my favorites for their combination of durable construction and comfortable padding. These further have a solid rubber base that helps you in standing on the court for the longest time possible. In addition, the narrow fit and flexible construction allows you to achieve freedom of movement through the training sessions.
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The first thing to note about these shoes is their leather construction which helps you with durability and improved lateral movement. Here, another thing to appreciate is the Trusstic support function which is not completely stiff and allows freedom of movement. The rubber sole further aids you with the needed stability and can absorb impact ideally from heavy feet.
Likewise, these incorporate a 10mm heel drop that keeps you an inch higher than normal, so you can easily get improved support. For comfort, the manufacturers have added their own unique Gel cushioning which is dense from the midsole area, providing you with unrivaled stability and support.
Finally, the insoles are equipped with superior arch support. Selecting the best pickleball shoes for men is slightly tricky but you have to make the right choice to have the best enjoyable and adventurous experience of the game
In conclusion, these Asics Gel-Dedicate 7 are undoubtedly the best pickleball shoes for women, with a unique fit and dense padding. This pair of outdoor shoes is best known for their durable leather construction and rubber soles that provide you with needed stability and support. Similarly, the elevated heel drop and dense midsole help you in achieving comfort and arch support through long matches.
5. New Balance Women’s 796 V2 Court Shoe
These women’s pickleball shoes from New Balance are a great choice for anyone in search of support and comfort for indoor matches and training sessions. The highlight of the design is its FandomFit function which provides you with flexibility and comfort all along. Similarly, the unique tread pattern and put-together construction make it worthy of your money.
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First of all, these shoes possess a thick synthetic layer of leather that provides you with a perfect blend of durability and flexibility. These further include an inner mesh lining, helping you with breathability by keeping the sweat and moisture absorbed. Similarly, the dense cushioning from the midsole keeps the support and stability intact, even for long matches and heavy feet.
Lastly, another thing I really like about these shoes is the herringbone pattern that is designed to provide you with increased traction and grip.
Here, the manufacturers have kept the heel elevated, so you have an improved grip and fairly easy lateral movements. Finally, the fact that each of these shoes only weighs 8 ounces makes them easy for newcomers.
Final thoughts, if your primary concern lies with durability and comfort, these New Balance Women’s shoes are a great way to facilitate routine training sessions. It is worth mentioning that this pair has dense cushioning and inner mesh lining that helps you with comfort and breathability. In addition, the comprehensive and put-together herringbone pattern gives these shoes an edge over others.
6. ASICS Upcourt 3 Women’s Shoes
This is another quality pair of pickleball women’s shoes from Asics, all credit to the breathable and well-organized construction that serves you well. These shoes are equipped with a customizable fit and dense cushioning, providing you with improved stability and support. Moreover, the mounted design and heel drop work well for indoor courts, with a suitable grip ensured.
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To start with, these shoes are made up of synthetic leather accompanied by an inner mesh lining that is durable and breathability. Here, I also really like the fact that this pair comes in whole and half sizes, so you can choose the desired appropriate fit for the entire process. All in all, the fit includes a narrow design that keeps the feet in one place during long matches.
In the end, when it comes to comfort, these further incorporate deep cushioning which is dense at the midsole and heel area, so you are able to achieve the needed support.
Here, these also have a high heel drop that works well for indoor matches. For traction, these Asics shoes have a detailed herringbone pattern with an improved grip.
In essence, these Asics Upcourt ones are by far the best shoes for women at a reasonable price, with a superior grip and comfort ensured. This pair of shoes is equipped with mounted arch support and a suitable narrow fit that facilitates you well. Moreover, the dense cushioning and ankle support allow you to achieve improved lateral movement throughout long sessions.
7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z3 Shoes
If you want something reasonable to facilitate routine pickleball training matches, I would highly recommend you consider these Mizuno Z6 shoes. These are hugely popular among players for the fact that they provide you with superior lateral movement and flexibility. Likewise, I really like them for their different size options and aesthetic appeal which makes them of great value.
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Firstly, when it comes to construction, these shoes are made up of a mixture of cotton and leather which adds to the flexibility. Further, the parallel wave plate included in the design allows you to freely achieve smooth lateral movement. In addition, the manufacturers have added a low-top shaft that is great for improved stability and support.
Another thing that makes them remarkable in support is their highly mounted ankle and heel area, so you can easily achieve the right bounce level. Here, the detailed herringbone pattern provides you with the needed traction on outdoor courts.
Finally, I absolutely loved the cushioning density as it can absorb quite some shock while keeping the shoe light which is great for pickleball games.
Final thoughts, these shoes from Mizuno are undoubtedly a budget-friendly choice for players to facilitate their practice sessions. I really like them for their ability to provide you with superior lateral movement and flexibility. Moreover, the arch support and dense cushioning facilitate you well with support and stability. All in all, the aesthetic appeal adds to their value.
8. New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Shoes
Here comes another comfortable pair of shoes from New Balance, best known for their flexible and well-cushioned design. I really like the fact that manufacturers have added different sizes, so anyone from narrow to heavy feet can find a suitable fit for a supportive experience. Moreover, the subtle yet aesthetic design makes them great for anyone who likes to make a statement on the court.
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The first thing you will notice about these shoes is their synthetic leather construction which is a perfect blend of durability and flexibility. Another thing worth noting is the inner mesh lining that helps you in keeping the sweat and moisture away. Here, these shoes further include relatively mounted heels and solid sidewalls for a suitable fit, however, people with heavy feet can feel uncomfortable in this fit.
In the end, when it comes to comfort, these shoes are equipped with dense cushioning that is concentrated on the midsole and ankle area.
This helps you in achieving the right ankle support and stability on the field. Here, you will also find the small and closely designed herringbone pattern that offers a suitable grip and improved traction on outdoor courts.
Wrapping up, these New Balance women’s shoes are a suitable alternative for outdoor pickleball shoes, all credit to their durable and comprehensive design. These are equipped with a mounted design that provides you with the right ankle support and stability. In addition, if you are someone with wide and heavy feet, the manufacturers have included a variety of sizes, so you can choose the right one.
9. ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 13 Shoes
Last but not least in this list of the best pickleball shoes for women is the Asics Gel-Challenger 13, popular for its flexible yet solid construction. The highlight of this design is the PGuard function that keeps your feet in place, providing you with improved stability and support. In addition, the Gel cushioning offers superior arch support and a high ankle position.
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First of all, these are made up of synthetic leather which is light yet flexible enough to help you with lateral movement. These further include a layer of breathable mesh that keeps you away from moisture and sweat. Here, the gel cushioning is kept dense from the midsole and heel area, helping you with comfort and support all along the long pickleball matches.
Likewise, for improved stability, the manufacturers have added a Wingwall technology that provides you with a solid sidewall.
This feature also helps you with a high ankle profile, so you can achieve superior stability. Here, the PGuard is designed to keep your toes in one place, providing you with a unique and narrow fit.
Final thoughts, these Asics Gel-Cushioned 13 shoes are a great choice for outdoor pickleball matches, all thanks to their PGuard feature and elevated heel support.
These incorporate durable leather construction and rubber soles, both of which are absolutely remarkable in providing you with stability and support. Similarly, the high ankle position and sturdy walls keep your feet secured during training sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Are running shoes okay for pickleball?
No, if you are a professional and want a quality pair of shoes for pickleball training matches or tournaments, running shoes are not worth it. This is because they are not for achieving free lateral movement. During pickleball games, the player is required to move in different directions with flexibility which is not the case with running shoes. These alternatives are only for going straight in one line.
Is there a difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?
Well, there is no apparent difference between these two other than the fact that pickleball shoes can feel a bit heavy. If you are planning to choose tennis shoes for pickleball matches, all you need is a little bit of practice. However, make sure that your desired pair of shoes is equipped with fairly decent cushioning from the ankle and heel area, not to mention, a detailed traction pattern.
Final Thoughts on Best Pickleball Shoes for Women
In the end, if you are a woman and often face the issue of not finding the perfect shoe match for pickleball games, you are not alone as there are only limited options available. However, a little bit of research on fit, lateral movement, stability, support, and cushioning can help you find the right pair of shoes for yourself. Finally, here are some of my favorites from the list;
Finally, I hope you soon will find the best pickleball shoes for women with the help of this comprehensive review guide.
Oliver Parker is a recognized authority in the world of pickleball, renowned for his in-depth knowledge of paddles and shoes. With years of expertise on and off the court, he provides invaluable guidance for players of all levels. As a seasoned player, Oliver has not only honed his skills on the court but also conducted rigorous testing of equipment, providing readers with meticulously researched reviews and recommendations.