For most players over 60, the right pickleball shoe is a true court shoe — not a running or walking shoe — with reinforced lateral support and a gum-rubber outsole built for hard courts. The ASICS Gel-Resolution is the safe default if you want maximum lateral stability; if your feet need more cushion and a wider toe box, the New Balance 1080v13 is the more forgiving pick (though it’s a running shoe, with the tradeoffs that come with that). Most players land on one of those two based on whether stability or comfort is the bigger priority.
The rest of this post covers why pickleball shoes differ from walking shoes, who genuinely needs a court-specific shoe versus who can get away with what they already own, and four specific options worth considering.
Why Pickleball Shoes Aren’t Just Walking Shoes
Pickleball isn’t a forward-motion sport. You move side-to-side, plant hard, change direction, and shuffle backward — sometimes dozens of times per game. Walking and running shoes are built almost entirely for heel-to-toe motion. The midsoles are tall, the heels are stacked, and the outsoles aren’t designed to grip a smooth court surface during a sudden plant-and-pivot.
That mismatch shows up in a few ways. A tall, soft running shoe can roll under you on a hard lateral cut. The lugs on a trail-style walking shoe can catch on a smooth court. And the heel-toe drop — usually 8–12mm in walking shoes — puts your center of mass slightly forward, which isn’t what you want when you’re trying to push off sideways.
A court shoe, by contrast, has:
- A lower heel-toe drop (typically 4–6mm) for quicker direction changes
- Reinforced sidewalls and a wider, flatter base for lateral stability
- A gum-rubber or non-marking herringbone outsole made for indoor/outdoor courts
- A snugger midfoot to keep your foot from sliding inside the shoe during cuts
If you’re playing a couple of times a week for 90 minutes or more, those differences add up over a season — mostly in the form of less foot fatigue and fewer rolled ankles, not dramatic injury prevention.
When Your Current Shoes Are Probably Fine
If you play once a week for an hour with friends, a stable cross-trainer or a supportive walking shoe with a relatively flat sole is usually adequate. The honest answer is that plenty of recreational players have logged years in New Balance walking shoes without issue.
The case for upgrading gets stronger if any of these apply: you’re playing 3+ times a week, you’ve rolled an ankle on court before, you have knee or hip arthritis that flares with lateral motion, or you’ve noticed your current shoes sliding on the court. If you already wear an ankle brace for walking, a real court shoe is probably worth the swap — the two work together better than a brace inside a tall running shoe.
What to Look For
A few features matter more than marketing copy suggests:
Lateral stability over cushioning. Pickleball isn’t a marathon. Cushioning that’s too soft compresses unpredictably under sideways force.
Wide enough toe box. Feet tend to spread with age, and a cramped forefoot becomes painful fast during a long match. ASICS and New Balance both offer wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) widths in most models — worth asking for.
Replaceable insole. If you use orthotics or aftermarket insoles, the shoe needs a removable factory footbed.
Outsole rated for your court. Indoor courts (gymnasium-style) want a gum-rubber sole. Outdoor courts (the textured concrete most rec players use) want a more durable rubber compound. Many shoes are labeled “all-court” and work for both.
Product Recommendations
ASICS Gel-Resolution
The Gel-Resolution is a tennis shoe, but it’s the most commonly recommended court shoe for serious pickleball players for good reason. It’s built around lateral stability — reinforced toe drag area, a wide flat base, and a snug midfoot. Comes in wide widths.
Best for: players who’ve rolled an ankle before, players with knee concerns who want maximum side-to-side stability, anyone playing 3+ times a week.
Skip if: you have very wide feet (the standard width runs narrow even in 2E) or you need a lot of underfoot cushion. It’s a firmer shoe than a running model.
New Balance 1080v13
This is a running shoe, not a court shoe — that’s the honest caveat. But for players whose biggest problem is foot pain and fatigue rather than lateral instability, the 1080v13 has the cushioning and the wide-toe-box fit that many older players need. Available in 2E and 4E widths.
Best for: players with plantar fasciitis history, wider feet, or those transitioning from walking shoes who find true court shoes too firm.
Skip if: you make hard lateral cuts and have ever felt your foot roll. The tall, soft midsole isn’t built for sideways force.
New Balance 990v5
The 990v5 sits between a court shoe and a walking shoe. It’s firmer than the 1080, with a flatter platform and more lateral support, but it’s still technically a running model. Many recreational players use it as a single shoe for both pickleball and daily walking. If you’re also shopping for all-day walking shoes, this one crosses over reasonably well.
Best for: casual players (1–2x per week) who want one shoe for pickleball and errands, players with wider feet who don’t need true court-shoe stability.
Skip if: you’re a competitive player or play on slick indoor courts where a gum-rubber outsole matters.
Superfeet Green Insoles
Aftermarket insoles aren’t magic, but they’re an inexpensive way to add arch support to a shoe that otherwise fits well. The Superfeet Green is the firm, high-arch version most often recommended for players who supinate or have flat factory footbeds in their court shoes.
Best for: players whose shoes fit but feel under-supported in the arch, players with high arches.
Skip if: you already use custom orthotics, or your arch is naturally low and comfortable. A high-arch insole in a low-arch foot is uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear my walking shoes for pickleball?
For casual once-a-week play, usually yes. The case for a court-specific shoe grows with how often you play and whether you’ve had ankle, knee, or foot issues. If your walking shoes have a tall heel or a soft midsole, that’s the bigger red flag than the outsole pattern.
Do tennis shoes work for pickleball?
Yes — tennis shoes are court shoes, and most of the features that matter for tennis (lateral stability, low drop, gum-rubber outsole) translate directly. The Gel-Resolution mentioned above is technically a tennis shoe.
How often should I replace pickleball shoes?
Most players get 60–80 hours of court time before the outsole starts losing grip and the midsole compresses. If you play twice a week for 90 minutes, that’s roughly six to nine months. Inspect the toe drag area — when you see the foam underneath, it’s time.
Do I need different shoes for indoor versus outdoor courts?
For most recreational players, an “all-court” labeled shoe handles both. If you play exclusively on outdoor textured concrete, you’ll want a more durable rubber outsole — gum rubber wears through quickly outdoors.
Will a court shoe prevent knee pain during pickleball?
It may help by reducing how much your foot rolls during lateral movement, which in turn may reduce strain on the knee. But shoes alone don’t address knee pain. If your knees flare after matches, it’s worth pairing better shoes with knee support during long sessions and warming up properly.
Bottom Line
If you play pickleball more than twice a week or have any history of ankle or knee trouble, a real court shoe like the ASICS Gel-Resolution is worth the switch — the lateral stability is what your current walking shoes don’t offer. If you play more casually and your feet need cushion more than stability, the New Balance 1080v13 or 990v5 will serve you well. And before you replace anything, check whether a better insole in your current shoe solves the problem for a fraction of the cost.