Last updated on: November 3, 2023

As pickleball is growing, Hoka shoes have become a popular option for pickleball players. With their thick, cushioned soles and secure fit, Hoka shoes seem well-suited for the start-stop motion and lateral movements of pickleball. But are Hoka shoes the best choice for pickleball? Let’s take a closer look at how Hoka shoes perform for pickleball play.

What to Look for in Pickleball Shoes

When choosing the right tennis shoes for pickleball, there are a few key factors to consider:

Cushioning – The cushioning under the heel and forefoot absorb shock and reduce stress on your feet, ankles, and knees.

Lateral support – Pickleball requires quick side-to-side movements, so shoes with solid lateral support prevent rolling ankles.
Durability – Dragging your toe when serving, quick pivots, and sprints across the court can wear through shoe tread quickly. Durable outsoles last longer.
Breathability – Mesh panels and synthetic uppers allow airflow to keep feet comfortable and dry.

Traction – Pickleball courts can be slick from moisture or dust. Herringbone tread patterns provide grip.
Weight – Lightweight shoes around 10-13 oz won’t fatigue your feet during longer play sessions.
Toe protection – Many players drag a toe on serves, so reinforcements protect against wear and tear.

Pickleball Shoe Buying Considerations

Factor	Details
Shoe Type	Opt for court shoes over basic cross trainers or runners
Fit	Snug but with a bit of toe room for pivoting
Outsole Tread	Low profile herringbone or diamond tread patterns
Midsole Firmness	Firmer EVA foams balance cushioning with stability
Weight	Lighter shoes from 8-10 oz aid quickness
Durability	Look for high abrasion rubber in high wear areas

The Pros of Hoka Shoes for Pickleball 👍

Here are some of the advantages of using Hoka shoes for pickleball:

✅ Plush Cushioning – The thick midsole foam absorbs shock from sprints and pivots to reduce pain in the feet, knees, and lower back. The soft ride also eases fatigue.
✅ Comfortable Fit – The engineered mesh uppers adapt to the shape of the foot and the roomy toe box allows toes to spread out inside the shoes.

✅ Responsiveness – Despite the cushioning, the midsole foam returns energy to give some springiness on court. The Meta-Rocker geometry also facilitates smooth transitions.
✅ Durability – Features like high abrasion rubber on the outsoles, reinforcements on drag areas, and strong synthetic uppers mean Hokas hold up well to pickleball play.
✅ Traction – Even on slick indoor courts, the grippy rubber outsoles grab the surface to allow quick changes in direction without sliding.

✅ Lightweight – Thick foam midsoles often mean heavy shoes, but Hokas keep weight down to avoid tiring out feet.

The Cons of Hoka Shoes for Pickleball 👎

However, Hoka shoes also come with some potential drawbacks for pickleball:

⛔️ Narrow Fit – Some players find Hokas too narrow, especially in the toe box. Trying several sizes is recommended.

⛔️ Lack of Stability – All that cushioning can feel unstable until you get used to the high stack height and learn to trust the platform.

⛔️ Less Court Feel – The thick foam absorbs vibration and court feel. Players wanting more feedback may prefer a thinner outsole.

⛔️ Durability Concerns – A few players report problems with Hokas breaking down quickly, especially on drag areas. Proper fit helps.

⛔️ Expensive – With premium features and materials, Hokas sit at the high end of the price range for court shoes.

⛔️ Lack of Traction – Some users don’t get the grip they expect from Hoka’s outsoles on dusty/dirty courts.

Hoka Pros and Cons for Pickleball

Pros	Cons
Maximum cushioning and shock absorption	Designed for roads, not courts
Plush comfort for long play sessions	Traction needs improvement
Fresh legs and feet with responsive foams	Stability not tuned for lateral motions
Some durable options for long shoe life	Heavy models slow acceleration
Wide toe box fits wide feet	Not ideal for competitive/elite players

Types of Hoka Shoes Available for Pickleball

Here are some key types of Hoka shoes that are popular for pickleball players:

Hoka Bondi

Maximal cushioning shoe
Designed for comfort and shock absorption
Great for players who want a soft, cushioned ride

Hoka Rincon

Lightweight, moderate cushioning
Designed for speed and responsiveness
Good for quick lateral movements and changes of direction

Hoka Clifton

Medium cushioning
Balances cushioning and agility
Versatile shoe good for a variety of playing styles

Hoka Speedgoat

Rugged outsole with good traction
Lots of cushioning
Good stability for aggressive play on outdoor or rough pickleball courts

Hoka vs. Other Pickleball Shoe Brands

When choosing the best shoes for pickleball, you’ll commonly see major athletic brands like Asics, New Balance, Nike and Adidas recommended. How do Hoka shoes compare to these pickleball stalwarts? Here’s a brand by brand rundown of how Hoka stacks up.

Hoka vs. Asics

Asics: The Gel Rocket and Gel Dedicate tennis shoes are all-around winners for pickleball. The herringbone tread, rearfoot gel cushioning, and stability features like the Trusstic system provide excellent support and grip.

Hoka: Provides more responsive cushioning but falls short of Asics superior court grip and support. Hokas need grip additions to match the performance of Asics’ court-optimized soles.

Verdict: Asics has the edge for out-of-the-box pickleball performance.

Hoka vs. New Balance

New Balance: The MC806 is a top choice with NDurance outsole, medial/lateral support, and responsive REVlite cushioning. The low-profile sole sticks well on courts.
Hoka: Offers plusher cushioning but can’t match the MC806’s stability and grip. New Balance also has better crossover appeal for both tennis and pickleball.

Verdict: New Balance has more versatility and crosses over better from tennis.

Hoka vs. Nike

Nike: The Zoom Vapor X Cage 4 has tuned cushioning, excellent traction, and support for lateral moves. Nike React foam and Zoom Air units provide responsive cushioning.
Hoka: Beats Nike on cushioning plushness. But Nike offers more court-focused traction and stability features.

Verdict: Another win for the court specialized shoes from Nike.

Hoka vs. Adidas

Adidas: Adidas Approach and Barricade models have the best traction for pickleball with Geofit construction improving midfoot support on quick starts and stops.
Hoka: Can’t match Adidas’ pickleball-focused tread designs. And Adidas Boost midsole cushions while maintaining stability.

Verdict: Adidas takes the win with their dedicated pickleball lineup.

Comparison of Shoe Brands

Brand	Traction	Stability	Cushioning	Court Specific Design
Asics	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Yes
New Balance	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Yes
Nike	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Yes
Adidas	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Yes
Hoka	Moderate	Moderate	Excellent	No

Tips for Picking the Best Hoka Shoes 🛒

When shopping for Hoka shoes for pickleball, keep these tips in mind:

Try shoes on at the end of the day when feet are largest to ensure proper fit.

Walk and move around in shoes on various surfaces to judge cushioning, court feel, and traction.
Consider your foot type – narrow or wide, high arches vs flat feet. Pick Hoka models that match your needs.
Check wear areas like the toe box and sides of soles for durability reinforcements.

Prioritize light weight models in the 10-13 ounce range to prevent fatigue.
Look for pickleball or court shoe features like lateral support, toe guards, and grippy outsoles.
Expect a break-in period to adapt to Hokas’ unique thick midsoles before judging comfort and performance.

User Reviews of Hoka Pickleball Shoes

To complement the technical analysis, it’s helpful to hear directly from players on how Hoka shoes perform on the pickleball court. Here are some reviews from real users about the pros and cons of using Hokas for pickleball.

Positive Reviews

Cushion heaven “I bought the Hoka Bondi specifically for pickleball and love them. The thick cushioning is heaven on my feet and legs after 2-3 hours of play. No pain or soreness like I’d sometimes get with other shoes.”

All-day comfort
“I’m on my feet 8+ hours a day as a pickleball instructor. The Hokas with Superfeet insoles allow me to be on the court all day in total comfort.”

Torrent traction “The Torrent model has the perfect tread for indoor pickleball. I don’t have to mess with any grip add-ons – they stick great right out of the box.”

Stable and supportive “I used to roll my ankle sometimes when making sharp turns. The wide base and cushioning support of the Gaviota 3 fixed that. Very stable shoe.”

Negative Reviews

Durability concerns “The tread on my Clifton wore down after about 3 months of 4-5 hours per week of play. I expected more longevity given the price.”

Not the best grip
“I like the overall comfort from Hokas but even the models rated for courts don’t grip as well as my tennis shoes. I have to use an overgrip.”

Too heavy “The ultra cushioned models like the Bondi just feel really clunky and heavy. My feet drag more compared to a light fast tennis shoe.”

Lacking stability “I rolled my ankle wearing Arahis since they compress so much on hard cuts. I need to add an ankle brace for lateral support.”

FAQs About Hoka Shoes for Pickleball ❓

Should I size up or down with Hoka shoes?

It depends on the model, but many players size up half a size from their normal shoe size for a comfortable fit in Hoka shoes. Try your regular size first and size up if needed, especially if you have wider feet.

Do I need special shoes for pickleball vs. tennis or other racket sports?

Pickleball shoes don’t need special features. Most tennis or court style athletic shoes work well. Focus on the traction, cushioning, support and weight rather than looking for “pickleball” branded shoes. Hokas offer these key performance features.

Are Hoka shoes good for wide feet?

Many Hoka shoes run narrow, especially in the toe box. However, some specific models like the Gaviota 3 and Arahi 5 offer wider options that accommodate wider feet. Trying shoes on in-store is recommended.

Do Hoka shoes have good arch support?

Most Hoka shoes lack substantial arch support. Adding an aftermarket insole like Superfeet can enhance arch support. The exception is the Gaviota model which was designed specifically for arch support and stability.

Do top pickleball pros wear Hoka shoes?

While no pros currently endorse Hoka, some do opt to wear Hokas for the plush cushioning including Catherine Parenteau, Tyson McGuffin, and others. However, most pros still favor traditional court shoes from brands like Asics, New Balance, and Adidas.

Are thick-soled Hokas bad for pickleball?

Not necessarily. The extra midsole cushioning can reduce pain and fatigue. But it does change the feel underfoot compared to a low profile court shoe. Players wanting more court feel may not prefer Hokas. Trying them to see if you like the ride is recommended.

What’s the best way to clean Hoka pickleball shoes?

Use a damp cloth to wipe dirt from the outsoles. Remove insoles and wash gently by hand with mild detergent and water. Allow shoes to air dry fully inside and out before next use. Don’t machine wash or dry Hoka shoes.

How long should Hoka pickleball shoes last?

With 2-3 times per week play, quality Hoka shoes should last 6-12 months before needing replacement. Heavier players or those playing on rough surfaces may see more rapid wear. Check soles regularly and replace once tread patterns are worn smooth.

Do I need to break in my new Hokas?

Yes, allow 1-2 weeks of regular wear for your feet to adapt to Hoka’s uniquely thick and curved sole design. The shoes will mold to your feet for a custom fit. New shoes may feel unstable until you adjust.

Are specialized pickleball shoes necessary?

Not required, but they offer features tailored for the sport like traction, support and quick stops/starts.

Can I just wear my tennis or running shoes?

You can, but they lack the lateral support and grip of a good pickleball shoe.

Are high tops better than low tops?

Preference, but high tops provide more ankle support for dinks at net.

How long should pickleball shoes last?

Around 6 months if playing 2-3 times per week. Check for wearing on soles.

What are the best shoes for pickleball?

Asics, New Balance, Adidas, and Nike all make great court shoes for pickleball. Top models include the Asics Gel Rocket 9, Adidas Barricade Club, New Balance MC806, and Nike Zoom Vapor Cage 4.

Can I just wear any athletic shoes for pickleball?

Basic cross trainers work ok, but you’ll get best performance from tennis shoes or shoes designed for lateral court sports like squash or racquetball. The specialized designs better support quick cuts and rapid acceleration.

Should pickleball shoes have a toe bumper?

A toe bumper protects against scraping the toes on the court when doing quick stops. It’s not essential, but provides added durability for aggressive players.

How do I know if my shoes have enough grip for pickleball?

With new shoes, do some lateral shuffles and crossovers on the court and make sure you don’t slip. Over time if you notice your shoes slipping, it’s time to replace the tread or add an overgrip.

How can I improve grip on my shoes for pickleball?

Use a tacky overgrip sleeve on your shoes

Replace insoles with an aftermarket option like Superfeet
Use external lateral support braces for stability and grip
Opt for shoes with herringbone tread designed specifically for lateral sports

The Verdict: Hoka for Pickleball?

Overall, the thick cushioned soles and stability technologies of Hoka shoes make them a good choice for pickleball. The meta-rocker design encourages a natural walking motion that works well for the start-stop nature of the sport.

The lightweight foam cushioning also helps reduce stress on joints for older players or those with orthopedic issues. Ankle support styles provide extra stability for quick lateral maneuvers and plays at the net.

While not as breathable or minimalist as some court shoes, the durable uppers and grippy outsoles of Hokas stand up well to wear from pickleball. Just be aware that the thick, padded soles require an adjustment period and are not ideal for players wanting more court feel.

So in summary, while not perfect, Hoka shoes have significant benefits that make them a solid option for many dedicated pickleball players looking to reduce impact on their feet and joints. Matching your playing style and support needs to the right Hoka model can provide the winning combination of cushion and stability.

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