In the game of Pickleball, you’re ankles are always in for a hard day of work. Outdoor pickleball courts especially can be notoriously uneven and uncomfortable for your ankles. That’s why it’s super important to make sure your ankles are supported every time you step on the pickleball court. Ankles can get easily rolled and strained, so we did research on 100s of pairs of pickleball shoes and found the best ones for your ankle support. Here they are:
Best Pickleball Shoes for Ankle Support – Quick Overview (for men and women)
| Shoe | Category | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 ASICS Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes | Best for Indoor Pickleball | Affordability Fantastic for Indoor play Comfort and ankle support | Run a bit narrow per customer reviews Will wear quickly on outdoor courts | Mens Womens |
 New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X Lav V2 Hard Court Tennis Shoes | Best for Outdoor Pickleball | Durable for outdoor play Lateral stability Premium materials | Expensive Take some time to break in | Mens Womens |
 Fitville Wide Width Pickleball Shoes | Best for Wide Feet | For wide feet Made for pickleball specifically Affordable | Not great for narrow feet | Mens Womens |
 Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support | Best for Arch support | Arch Support Reasonable price Multiple width options | May be uncomfortable at first / take some time to break in | Men Women |
Why is ankle support important in Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that puts your ankles in a compromised position quite often. Like tennis or badminton, there is a lot of quick, reactive movement in all directions. Lateral movements especially are impactful on the ankles. AndtThe fact that most pickleball is outdoor pickleball means that the surface that pickleball players are playing on might not be even, as you could be playing on a less-than-ideal concrete surface. This being said, its best to invest in court shoes that will be able to handle all court surfaces and a myriad of weird lateral movements that your feet will be making, as opposed to your run-of-the-mill running shoes which might not be as supportive.
What makes a pair of shoes good for ankle support?
Shoes that have excellent stability and support in the heel make for ankle-supportive shoes. You’ll also want some shoes that have a slightly higher collar/top than normal to stabilize the bottom half of your ankle, but leave enough air to allow for increased mobility. You want the height of the collar to be of medium height, below a basketball shoe but higher than a running shoe.
Best overall for indoor play – ASICS Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes (Mens / Womens)
These are one of the best pairs of court shoes made for Pickleball by one of the most trusted shoe brands in the racket sports world, ASICS. More importantly, these shoes are made with supporting the ankle in mind.
These features include an auxiliary leather sole, synthetic leather overlays for durability, a solution dye sock liner that reduces water usage by 33% and carbon emissions by 45%, TRUSSTIC technology for stability, a wrap-up outsole and wider gauge for balanced movements, and flex grooves in the outsole for improved flexibility.
The only couple of negative things to mention are that these are definitely made of indoor court play, but can still be worn and perform well on outdoor courts. They might just wear more rapidly. Also, most customers have reported that in terms of fit, they are good overall but the toe box is narrow and feels tight. Other than that, most customers praise these shoes for their support, comfort, cushioning, and suitability for protecting your ankles and pickleball.
Pros
- Affordability
- Fantastic for Indoor play
- Comfort and ankle support
Cons:
- Run a bit narrow per customer reviews
- Will wear quickly on outdoor courts
Check Price:
Best Overall for Outdoor play – New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X Lav V2 Hard Court Tennis Shoes (Mens / Womens)
If you’re looking for sneakers that offer top-notch ankle support during your outdoor pickleball games, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V2 is a fantastic choice. These shoes are designed to enhance your on-court performance with their durable construction and functional features.
The FRESH FOAMx midsole ensures precise cushioning with each stride, keeping your ankles protected from impact. The FitWeave upper and mesh collar provides a comfortable fit, while the heel counter offers the necessary support to keep you focused on your game. With features like the PROBANK lateral stability, REVlite midsole, and Ndurance outsole, these sneakers deliver exceptional traction, durability, and protection against wear and tear. Your ankles will thank you for choosing these sneakers for your outdoor pickleball sessions.
The only negative report we saw repeatedly from customers was that the Foam Xs took some time to break in. But after a while, they are comfortable and provided good cushioning and support. Most wearers of this shoe praise the sneaker as highly comfortable, well-fitting, durable, and having great traction for outdoor pickleball.
Pros
- Durable for outdoor play
- Lateral stability
- Premium materials
Cons
- Expensive
- Take some time to break in
Price
Best for Wide Feet – Fitville Wide Width Pickleball Shoes (Mens / Womens)
Fitville make great shoes for pickleball players. These in particular are for those who need extra ankle support and have wide feet. They have a suede and fabric upper with a rubber sole, giving you a solid and stable fit. The new design is simple and straightforward, great for everyday sports and leisure.
The mesh and soft microfiber upper keep your feet cool and fresh. Plus, these shoes are made for wider feet, so your toes have room to move and you’ll feel comfortable all day long. The honeycomb insole and Ortholite material provide cushioning and support, reducing the strain on your ankles.
The dual-density EVA outsoles and anti-torsion TPU rubber absorb shocks and help you move with agility on any surface. They’re also non-slip, so you can play without worries.
Reviews of this shoe said that they met their wide-size fit needs and gave them the foot support they needed for pickleball. These shoes are super comfortable right from the start, no breaking-in required. They felt great and provided the support they were looking for, making their pickleball experience awesome. Also, at a price point under $75, these are extremely affordable.
Pros
- For wide feet
- Made for pickleball specifically
- Affordable
Cons
- Not great if you have narrow feet
Price
Best for Arch Support – Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support (Men / Women)
The Skechers Pickleball Shoes are an excellent choice for those seeking arch support along with ankle support. What sets these shoes apart is the Skechers Arch Fit insole system, certified by podiatrists for excellent arch support. They are versatile enough for various athletic activities, including tennis, and badminton, and even make for good running shoes.
Additionally, with Goodyear rubber outsoles, these shoes offer enhanced traction on both indoor and outdoor courts. They come in a medium (D) and extra-wide (4E) fit in case you prefer these to the wide-fit pickleball shoes we mentioned in the previous section.
The breathable athletic mesh upper provides a cooling effect during intense play and these shoes feature a roomy fit at the toe and forefoot, along with a soft collar for supreme comfort.
Reviews from customers confirm the value of these shoes. They are reasonably priced and comfortable, making them a popular choice among pickleball players. One reviewer mentioned the initial discomfort during the first wear but found subsequent uses to be pain-free. With their attractive price point and satisfactory performance, these shoes are definitely worth considering for pickleball and other activities.
Pros:
- Arch Support
- Reasonable price
- Multiple width options
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable at first / take some time to break in
Price: