Best Pickleball Shoes With Wide Toe Box [Men & Women] 2022

If you’re an avid pickleball player, then you know how important it is to have a good pair of shoes. But if you have wide feet, it can be difficult to find a pair of shoes that fit well and provide the support and stability you need on the court.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best pickleball shoes with wide toe boxes, so you can find a pair that fits your feet and helps you play your best.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight pair of shoes for quick movements or a heavier pair for added stability, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also included a variety of price points, so you can find a pair of shoes that fits your budget.

Take a look at our list of the best pickleball shoes with wide toe boxes and find the perfect pair for your next game.

• Best Women Shoes – Orthofeet Francis No-Tie
• Best Men’s Shoe – K-Swiss Express Light
• Best Tennis Shoe – New Balance 806 V1

How We Pick and Test Wide Width Pickleball Shoes?

We take a lot of pride in finding the best pickleball shoes with a wide toe boxes for our readers. Here’s how we do it: 

• First, we scour the internet for reviews. We read everything we can find about a particular shoe, paying close attention to both the positive and negative reviews. This helps us get a well-rounded idea of what people think about the shoe.
• Next, we narrow down our list of shoes to a few that we think have potential. Then, we reach out to pickleball experts and ask for their opinion. We interview people who have used the shoes and get their feedback.
• Finally, we compile all of our research and write our own review of the best pickleball shoes with wide toe box. We include everything we’ve learned from our research, including what we think are the shoes’ strengths and weaknesses.

Why You Need a Wide Toe Box for Pickleball?

There are two main reasons why a wide toe box is important for pickleball.

First, pickleball is played on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, and even sand. This means that your shoes need to have good traction to prevent you from slipping and losing your footing.

Second, pickleball is a high-impact sport. Every time you make contact with the ball, your feet take a pounding. This can put a lot of strain on your toes and lead to pain or even injuries if your shoes don’t have enough room for them to move.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best pickleball shoes with wide toe boxes on the market.

Top Picks of Pickleball Shoes With Wide Toe Box

Orthofeet Francis No-Tie (Best For Women)

The Orthofeet Francis No Tie Pickleball Shoes are the best pickleball shoe for women, especially for those who play regularly.

The Orthofeet shoes are comfortable and supportive for the wearer. With a wider toe-box, the orthotics help alleviate pressure on the feet and eliminate pain associated with bunions and hammertoes.

The soft, padded insole has no overlays and is removable, so you can clean it easily. This means no irritation.

The stretchy knit material fits your feet perfectly, while the soft, padded tongue gives extra comfort.

The insole and tongue are removable so you can wash them when needed.

The cushioning sole provides stability and comfort. The Rocker pattern helps improve the player’s gait.

The Orthofeet Francis No Tie Pickleball Shoes are the best choice for women pickleball players.

You can get them here at Amazon.

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K-Swiss Express Light (Best For Mens)

We’re testing a few different pairs of shoes for mens pickleball shoes. The best pickleball shoe is designed for comfort, durability, traction, and support.

Our test shows that the K-Swiss Express Light is the best pickleball shoes with wide toe box for men.

It has a durable sole that provides better traction than other shoes. It also offers a wider toe box, which provides a larger surface area for your feet to grip the court.

The Durawrap helps to protect your feet from wearing down and gives you the confidence to play longer. It also has a thick sole that helps to reduce the impact of the ball hitting the court.

In the test, we found that the Aosta 7.0 Rubber Compound had the highest score for traction and durability, while the Durawrap received the highest score for support.

We recommend the K-Swiss Express Light to be your go-to pickleball shoes.

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New Balance 806 V1 (Best Tennis Shoe For Wide Feet)

The New Balance 806 was one of the first pairs of shoes that I ever bought.

I used to play pickleball regularly when I was a kid, and the New Balance 806 is still one of my favorite pairs of tennis shoes.

I’ve worn them to many different places and events since then, and they’ve never failed to give me comfort and stability on the court.

The 806 is actually a model that came out over a decade ago, but the version that I’m reviewing here is the V1 model.

I’ve worn the original version for many years, and I prefer the newer V1 model because it’s much lighter and feels more flexible.

The 806 V1 is designed for men, and it’s made from a 90/10 mixture of leather and synthetic.

It features a traditional herringbone pattern on the outsole, which is great for traction.

There are also mesh panels under the tongue and at the collar for ventilation.

The 806 also features a C-CAP®, which is a type of breathable, moisture-wicking material that helps keep your feet dry.

It also has ABZORB® which is another form of breathable material that keeps your feet cool.

The 806 also has ROLLBAR technology, which is an internal mechanism that helps keep the shoe stable and comfortable on the court.

I personally prefer the 806 V1 model to the original 806, and I think it’s worth checking out if you’re interested in buying a pair of tennis shoes.

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What is a Wide Toe Box?

A wide toe box means the shoe has more room for your feet and toes to sit side by side. This provides more comfort and allows you to move your feet more naturally on the pickleball court. Many shoes with narrow toe boxes can actually cause pain, which will lead to performance issues during pickleball.

Wearing the wrong shoes can cause problems with your form while running, jumping, serving, and other movements on the court. If you have pain in your feet or feel uncomfortable while playing, then you might consider trying several different brands until you find the right fit for your foot width. I’ve done this myself, and I’m surprised how much comfort these shoes have brought to my pickleball game.

What Does a Wide Toe Box Have to Do with Pickleball?

In pickleball, you have to move quickly from side to side. You also need strong toes when digging the ball out of the corners and smashing it back at your opponent. A shoe with a wide toe box will allow your foot to sit in a natural position in order for you to do all of these things in a more comfortable way.

For these reasons, a wide toe box is required for the best pickleball shoes. I’ve done quite a bit of research and testing myself in order to find shoes that fit me well with standard width or a wider toe box. This is important because it allows you to move more naturally on the court without pain from the shoe being too tight.

There are two brands that have been recommended to me by previous pickleball players who I’ve trained with: Adidas and Asics. Both of these brands make several different models for both men and women. However, the model (Adidas Performance Men’s Barricade Team 3 Tennis Shoe) I’m referring to in this article is the best one I’ve found so far. It has a wide toe box and it’s very durable.

What to Look Before Buying Best Pickleball Shoes with Wide Toe Box?

There are a few things you should look for when purchasing your shoes. Make sure to check the following: 

1. The width of the toe box. Some shoes have a narrow toe box, which can cause discomfort and even blisters. Look for a shoe with a wide toe box to avoid these issues. 
2. The material of the shoe. You want a shoe that is breathable and will wick away sweat. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials, as they will make your feet sweat more. 
3. The arch support. Some shoes have little to no arch support, which can be painful for those with high arches. Make sure the shoe you choose has good arch support to avoid pain. 
4. The sole. The sole of the shoe should be grippy, but not too soft. A too-soft sole will wear down quickly, and a too-grippy sole will be difficult to move in. Look for a happy medium to get the most out of your shoes.

FAQs

What are the best pickleball shoes with wide toe box?

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s feet are different and what works for one person may not work for another. However, some widely-recommended shoes for pickleball that have a wide toe box include the Francis No-Tie, K-Swiss Express Light, and New Balance 806 V1.

Why do I need a wide toe box in my pickleball shoes?

A wide toe box is important for pickleball shoes because it allows your toes to spread out and grip the floor properly, which is important for making quick starts and stops on the court. Additionally, a wide toe box helps to prevent bunions and other foot problems that can occur when your toes are cramped up in a too-narrow shoe.

How do I know if I need a wide toe box?

If you have wide feet, it is likely that you will need a wide toe box. However, you can also measure your feet to be sure. To do this, simply trace your foot on a piece of paper and then measure the width of the tracing at the widest point. If the width is greater than 4.5 inches, then you will need a wide toe box.

What are some other features to look for in pickleball shoes?

In addition to a wide toe box, you’ll also want to make sure your pickleball shoes have good arch support and a cushioned sole to absorb impact. You’ll also want to choose a shoe that’s lightweight and has good traction to help you move around the court quickly.

What are the benefits of a wide toe box in a pickleball shoe?

A wide toe box allows for greater comfort and flexibility in the forefoot, which is important for pickleball players who often make quick movements and changes in direction. Additionally, a wider toe box can help prevent bunions and other foot problems.

Do I need to wear special socks with my pickleball shoes?

No, you don’t need to wear special socks with your pickleball shoes, but it can help to choose a pair of socks that are comfortable and provide good support. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing cotton socks as they can absorb sweat and become uncomfortable. Instead, opt for a pair of moisture-wicking socks made from a synthetic material.

How often should I replace my pickleball shoes?

How often you need to replace your pickleball shoes will depend on how often you play and the condition of the shoes. However, most experts recommend replacing your shoes every 6-12 months if you play frequently. If you only play occasionally, you may be able to get away with replacing your shoes every 1-2 years.

Can I wear my pickleball shoes for other activities?

Yes, you can wear your pickleball shoes for other activities, but you may want to consider getting a second pair of shoes if you play other sports or do a lot of walking or running. This is because pickleball shoes are designed specifically for the sport and may not be as comfortable or supportive for other activities.

Where can I buy pickleball shoes?

Pickleball shoes are available at many sporting goods stores as well as online. When shopping for pickleball shoes, it’s important to make sure you choose a reputable retailer that offers a good selection of shoes from well-known brands. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the retailer offers free shipping and returns in case you need to exchange or return your shoes.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that requires you to move quickly from side to side as well as requires strong toes for digging the ball out of the corners and smashing it back at your opponent. Shoes with a wide toe box allow your foot to sit in a natural position which allows you to do all of these things in a more comfortable way.

If you are looking for a wide toe box in your shoe with the latest in pickleball technology, then this is certainly the model I recommend you get. It’s priced correctly for an excellent value.