This Hoka pickleball shoes article may contain links that help support this website.
I love Hoka shoes, and I love pickleball, so I was destined to find the perfect Hoka pickleball shoes and review my experience.
That said, my research took me on quite the adventure, so I want to share 3 things you need to know.
1. Hoka’s Closest Pickleball Shoe May Not Be The Best
My first research into Hoka pickleball shoes is that Hoka does not make shoes specifically for pickleball for men or women.
That said, I believe the closes shoes may be the Hoka Solimar shoes for men and for women. The technology features sustainable design elements like a stretchy, breathable mesh made from 88% recycled polyester and laces crafted from recycled nylon and polyester. With an anatomical Achilles fit, a compression-molded EVA foam midsole, and a high-abrasion rubber outsole, it offers comfort, durability, and eco-conscious performance.
The potential issue with these shoes is the grip. Often running shoes have different types of grip that is not conducive to pickleball shoes. So, based on my experience playing pickleball shoes with Hoka’s, I would personally not recommend them to a friend.
If you are looking for good pickleball shoes, you may want to take a look at this blog post covering the best pickleball shoes. The writer has test numerous pickleball shoes and writes reviews on his experience.
Here’s a picture of the grip on the Solimar shoe which is the closest I could find similar to my pickleball shoes. I’ll show you some of the grip on my shoes.
Source: Hoka.com
Now it does appear that these do have some grip that may be able to help on the pickleball court, but these shoes are generally made for running, which uses different muscles.
Knowing more about Hoka pickleball shoes brings me to the next question.
2. Should You Play Pickleball with Hoka Running Shoes?
I have played pickleball with Hoka running shoes, and I nearly rolled my ankle more times than one. This is why I have not played pickleball with Hoka shoes in a long time.
Here are a couple of the Hoka pairs of shoes that I played with. Please forgive me as these shoes do have some wear and tear.
Hopefully, you can see from the grip of my Hoka shoes that they are not conducive to grip the pickleball court providing you speed or the ability to pivot laterally on the pickleball court.
As I play mostly singles pickleball, I need shoes that provide easy lateral movements and grip to switch directions quickly.
3. Great Alternative to Hoka Pickleball Shoes
I have around 5-10 pairs of pickleball shoes, and my favorite pair is these Asic Gel-Renma pickleball shoes.
When I first put on these shoes, I was immediately struck by how comfortable they felt. The cushioning was soft yet supportive, and the fit was spot-on, with no uncomfortable rubbing or pressure points.
At 13.5 ounces, they’re lightweight, comparable to my basketball shoes, but noticeably lighter than my other pickleball shoes.
This difference in weight was something I could feel as soon as I laced them up. The design also caught my eye; it’s sleek but clearly built for functionality on the court.
Performance on the Court
Once I hit the court, these shoes truly impressed me.
The grip was phenomenal, especially during outdoor matches where stability is key. Even in intense singles play with quick pivots and sudden stops, the outsole design gave me the confidence to move aggressively without worrying about slipping.
Despite their durability, the shoes felt light and flexible, allowing me to sprint, lunge, and cut with ease. After weeks of use, they’ve held up exceptionally well, showing little wear despite frequent play on rough outdoor courts.
For their mid-range price of around $75-$100, I think the Gel-Renma offers a fantastic balance of comfort, performance, and long-term value, easily worth the investment for me.
