ASICS Men's Gel-Resolution X Tennis Shoes, 9, White/Black

Why it's worth it

The Gel-Resolution line is the reference point for lateral stability in court shoes, and the X adds DYNAWALL sidewalls and a two-piece midsole for steadier landings. Buy it if your ankles are the reason you went shopping in the first place.

If you've rolled an ankle before, this is the shoe we'd point you to. DYNAWALL stiffens the sidewall so the upper resists folding over the midsole when you plant hard. The two-piece midsole widens the landing platform underneath you, and DYNALACING pulls the midfoot tight so your foot stays put. Owners new to court sports describe the stability as obvious within the first session.

Durability is the other half of the pitch. AHARPLUS is ASICS' hard-wearing outsole rubber, and PGUARD armors the inside forefoot where toe drag does its damage. Owners playing six to eight hours a week on outdoor courts report getting about a year out of a pair before the sole wears through, which sits at the good end of what court shoes manage.

From our review of 6 pickleball shoes for court support, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +If you've rolled an ankle before, this is the shoe we'd point you to
• +Durability is the other half of the pitch
• +All that structure has a cost, and you'll feel it
• +It's a tennis shoe rather than a pickleball model, which matters less than you'd think

What to know

• –Sizing is a mess. ASICS says to go down half a size and owner reports back that up, but the shape is also pointy through the…
• –Fans of the previous Gel-Resolution generation are the harshest critics here