Best Shoes for Tennis or Pickleball, According to Podiatrists

• Court sports demand quick moves, jumping and shuffling, raising risk of injury with the wrong shoes.
• Podiatrists recommend the ASICS Gel-Resolution X as the top shoe for tennis and pickleball.
• Choose shoes with shock absorption, lateral stability and traction for court play.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a tennis or pickleball match, you know they demand quick bursts and rapid direction changes. Whether you’re sprinting after a shot, shuffling side-to-side or jumping for a serve, your feet are always in motion.

That’s why shoes for these sports call for lateral support, stability and traction to help prevent slips or ankle rolls. So which shoe fits the bill? We asked podiatrists—and they all agreed on the same pick.

Why ASICS Gel-Resolution Is the Best Shoe for Tennis or Pickleball

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To support court sports, podiatrists agree the ASICS Gel-Resolution X is the best shoe for your feet. 

“I recommend the ASICS Gel-Resolution X for tennis and pickleball because they offer a perfect balance of shock absorption, lateral stability and arch support for comfort during high-intensity play,” says Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon.

“The midsole is designed to help resist over-twisting and improve stability during quick transitions,” says Samantha Landau, D.P.M, M.P.H, FFPM, RCPS, a podiatrist and assistant professor of orthopedics and pediatrics at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. “Its wrap-up outsole and outrigger are functional support components that are helpful during side-to-side movements.” 

She also notes that the outsole’s flexion grooves enhance flexibility for freer movement,  while the higher medial collar boosts ankle stability during abrupt directional changes—helping to lower the risk of injury on the court.

Finally, the soles provide grip and traction to help prevent slips, while heel cushioning absorbs the impact of constant running, stopping and starting, says Jodi Schoenhaus, D.P.M., RPhs, FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist.

“[It’s] by far one of the most stable shoes on the market now. I have had patients with a history of ankle sprains or knee problems who swore by it,” she adds. 

What to Look For When Buying Shoes for Tennis or Pickleball 

Before lacing up for your next court match, consider these podiatrist-approved tips for choosing the right shoes:

• Pick a Sport-Specific Shoe: It’s important to choose shoes that are specifically designed for tennis or pickleball—these sports require stability during lateral movements, says Cunha.  
• Try On Two Different Models: Try on two different models at once—one on each foot—and walk around to compare which feels more comfortable. If the shoe doesn’t feel comfortable on your feet, skip it. 
• Look for Cushioning: Look for shoes with durable outsoles and superior cushioning—especially in the heel and forefoot. These features minimize the impact and stress from the repetitive jumping and quick directional changes in both sports, says Cunha. 
• Replace Shoes Often: Don’t hold on to worn-out pairs of shoes. Wearing old shoes with worn-out cushioning and stability is a bad idea, says Schoenhaus. Once the protection is gone, so is the protection for your feet and joints.

Our Expert Take

Before your next tennis or pickleball match, make sure you’re wearing the right shoes. Podiatrists recommend the ASICS Gel-Resolution X for its shock absorption, lateral stability, arch support and midsole design that resists twisting. Its grippy soles prevent slips, while the cushioning protects joints and keeps you stable on the court.

When shopping for new shoes, keep this checklist in mind: choose a sport-specific shoe, try on different models for the best fit, prioritize cushioning and replace worn-out pairs often. With the right shoes, your feet—and your game—will thank you.