Best Inexpensive Shoes For Pickleball

In 2021 I decided to try a couple of different brands of shoes for pickleball that was inexpensive or under $100.  My first impression was that they were made from poor quality material, but after wearing them around the house for a few days I decided they were “good enough” for what you get.

I have tried each of these shoes on at least one outing, and overall think that they are decent shoes. The sizing is somewhat different than my regular tennis shoes so I recommend you try them on in a store if you can.  I have a high arch so the sizing I list below is what fits me, but may not work for you.

My Recommendations For Budget Pickleball Shoes

Best Men Picks

Last update on 2023-06-09 at 21:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

New Balance Men’s 623 V3

Last update on 2023-06-09 at 23:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The New Balance Men’s 623 V3 is a good choice for pickleball players who are looking for an inexpensive shoe that provides good cushioning and support. The 10 mm drop provides good stability and the EVA foam footbed provides excellent cushioning.

The IMEVA foam midsole is firm yet flexible, making it a good choice for players who need good support but don’t want a stiff shoe. The only downside to this shoe is that the toe section does not extend high enough on the shoe, which can be a problem for players with wide feet.

Overall, the New Balance Men’s 623 V3 is a great choice for pickleball players who are looking for a good value.

Benefits:

• Good cushioning
• Good support
• Flexible yet supportive midsole
• Good value

Drawbacks:

• Toe box may be too narrow for some
• Not enough coverage at the toe

How It Performs in Our Test:

The New Balance Men’s 623 V3 performed well in our test, providing good cushioning and support. The shoe was also flexible and comfortable to wear.

Who Should Buy This:

The New Balance Men’s 623 V3 is a great choice for pickleball players who are looking for an inexpensive shoe that provides good cushioning and support.

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Under Armour Charged Engage

Last update on 2023-06-09 at 21:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Under Armour Charged Engage is one of the best budget shoes for pickleball. It is made with charged cushioning technology which makes it extremely comfortable and lightweight. The traction is also amazing, making it perfect for those who play on different types of surfaces.

Another great thing about this shoe is that it has a 3D silk-screen print on the outer material which protects your feet from getting injured.

The only downside of this shoe is that it runs a bit small and you might have to size up. But other than that, it is an excellent choice for those who are looking for good quality, budget-friendly pickleball shoe.

Benefits:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Traction is great
• 3D silk-screen print protects your feet

Drawbacks:

• Runs a bit small

How It Performs in Our Test:

During our test, the Under Armour Charged Engage was extremely comfortable and lightweight. The traction was also great, making it perfect for those who play on different types of surfaces. The only downside is that it runs a bit small and you might have to size up.

Who Should Buy This:

If you are looking for a budget-friendly pickleball shoe that is still of great quality, then the Under Armour Charged Engage is a perfect choice for you.

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Best Women Picks

Last update on 2023-06-09 at 21:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ryka Hydro Sport Aqua

Last update on 2023-06-10 at 16:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ryka Hydro Sport Aqua is our budget pickleball shoe. It’s a great choice for water fitness and outdoor water activities. The shoe has a multi-port drainage system that keeps your feet dry during intense workouts.

The built-in support under the midfoot provides excellent stability and comfort. The shoe is also made for women’s feet, so it provides a great fit.

The only downside of the Ryka Hydro Sport Aqua is that the shoe strings are a bit short. But overall, this is an excellent pickleball shoe for the price.

Benefits:

• Multi-port drainage system for dry feet
• Built-in support for stability and comfort
• Great fit for women’s feet

Drawbacks:

• Shoestrings might be too short for some

How It Performs in Our Test:

The Ryka Hydro Sports Aqua performed well in our test. The shoe was comfortable and provided good support. The drainage system worked well, keeping our feet dry during intense workouts.

Who Should Buy This:

If you are looking for a budget pickleball shoe, the Ryka Hydro Sports Aqua is a great choice. It is also a good choice for water fitness and outdoor activities.

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FILA Double Bounce

Last update on 2023-06-09 at 20:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These pickleball shoes are a FILA product that is affordable and has a herringbone rubber outsole. This outsole provides extra traction and durability to the forefoot, while also having a circle pivot area. The midfoot shank is made out of TPU for added stability and the EVA midsole is energized for extra cushioning.

These shoes are ideal for those who play pickleball and other similar sports, as they provide the necessary grip and comfort for quick movements and prolonged wear. Additionally, the extra cushioning in the midsole will help protect your feet from impact.

Overall, the FILA Double Bounce pickleball shoes are a great option for those looking for an affordable, yet durable and comfortable shoe.

Benefits:

• affordable
• durable
• comfortable
• good grip and traction
• extra cushioning in the midsole

Drawbacks:

• none found

How It Performs in Our Test:

During our test, the shoes performed well and provided good grip and comfort.

Who Should Buy This:

If you are looking for an affordable, yet durable and comfortable pickleball shoe, then the FILA Double Bounce is a great option.

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Why Should You Buy An Inexpensive Pickleball Shoe?

There are several reasons to buy an inexpensive pickleball shoe. Here are some of the top reasons:

1) You need to replace your older pickleball shoes and don’t want to spend a lot of money.  A new pair of pickleball shoes is one place where I’ve always told people not to skimp on quality since there is such a huge difference in the comfort and performance of higher end shoes. You can still find some good shoes in your price range, so don’t give up hope.

2) You are starting out playing pickleball and want to try out a few different types of shoes before you invest more money into your game. It is very normal for players to end up owning many pairs of tennis shoes since playing tennis seems to be one of the sports that people try to see if they like it.  Or, you may play on some outdoor courts or use them for another sport like beach volleyball.  These shoes are good for those situations too.

3) You don’t want to spend more than $100 bucks on your first pair of pickleball shoes. If the above reasons don’t apply to your situation, then I’d recommend looking at higher quality shoes since you will be hurting the performance of your game if you are wearing uncomfortable shoes.

What Are The Advantages Of Playing A Budget Pickleball Shoe?

The advantage of playing with inexpensive pickleball shoes is that they are usually very lightweight.  This can be really important for older players since their feet aren’t what they used to be.  You’ll definitely notice the difference compared to an old sneaker or tennis shoe, especially if you like to play aggressive, fast paced games.

If you are trying to decide between a budget pickleball shoe or an inexpensive tennis shoe, I’d always recommend the pickleball shoe. Although the performance will be somewhat different, there are some good ones out there and most of them have felt pretty comfortable so far.  Don’t feel like you need to spend $100 or more just to have a good pair of pickleball shoes.

What To Look For When Buying An Inexpensive Pickleball Shoe?

When looking for an affordable pickleball shoe, here are some things to consider:

Comfort – If you are just starting out with pickleball, then comfort is king.  You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a shoe that hurts your feet after just a few games.

Quality – The quality of the material doesn’t need to be top notch (see the shoes I recommend above), but it should be decent.  The shoes shouldn’t come apart, the stitching shouldn’t be coming off, etc.

Performance – The performance of your shoe won’t be as good as a higher end pickleball shoe, but it should still be pretty good overall. You’ll have an easier time moving around in these types of shoes. At this price range, the shoes are usually pretty thin to help with being lightweight.

Price – All of these factors will influence the price you pay for your pickleball shoe.  I always recommend that people try to get a good value for their money.

Shoe Construction – Be sure and look at the construction of the shoe (tongue, seams, etc.) before buying any pickleball shoe. It is also best to try it on first to make sure you feel comfortable in them.

Conclusion

For most players, an inexpensive pickleball shoe will be fine for practicing or playing on smooth, indoor courts.  Be sure and check out my list of the top shoes you can buy under $100 if this is where you want to spend your money.

Remember, don’t buy a shoe that hurts your feet.  If they feel good on the court and you like playing with them, then I’d consider it a great value since most pickleball shoes are priced over $100 these days!