Skechers Men's Pickleball Viper Court Pro 2.0 Sneaker, White, 12 Medium

Why it's worth it

Skechers builds this one for pickleball specifically, with a Goodyear Gold outsole meant for controlled slides and an Arch Fit insole carrying the APMA Seal of Acceptance. It's the pick if you want a court shoe that feels broken in on day one.

This is the shoe to start with if you've never owned court shoes. It's forgiving. The ULTRA GO foam midsole is soft enough that the switch from walking shoes barely registers, the mesh upper has give, and owners consistently report no break-in at all. Handing a brand-new player a stiff tennis shoe is how a lot of people decide court shoes aren't for them.

The outsole is the part that surprises people. Goodyear makes the compound, and it's built to let you slide in a controlled way rather than grab and stop you dead. Owner feedback is good on both indoor tile and outdoor hard courts, and several people playing three or four times a week report the soles lasting around a year before giving up.

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

What we like

• +This is the shoe to start with if you've never owned court shoes
• +The outsole is the part that surprises people
• +Width is the other reason it makes the list
• +It's also the most convenient shoe here for someone who plays a few other things

What to know

• –The support is good, not great
• –Fit feedback runs in both directions — some owners say it runs small, others say it's generous, and a few with genuinely wide…