The Best Pickleball Shoes For Men

Pickleball has come a long way in just a few short years — and footwear is no exception. Not long ago, most players were still wearing tennis shoes, with companies simply rebranding them as “pickleball shoes.” Today, the landscape looks very different.

The Kitchen, one of pickleball’s most trusted voices, recently tested and reviewed some of the top shoes in the game — and DAPS made the list. Their team looked at models designed specifically for the sport’s unique movements, and DAPS stood out for both performance and comfort.

Why DAPS Stood Out

According to The Kitchen’s testing and feedback from pros:

• Faster starts on the court

• Quicker stops with more control

• Better energy return for explosive movement

• More efficiency to reduce fatigue over long matches

DAPS was also put through rigorous trials at the Heeluxe Performance Lab, where biomechanics experts compared it against several well-known brands. The lab results backed up what players were experiencing: unmatched traction, support, and energy efficiency designed specifically for pickleball.

Options for Every Player

The Kitchen also highlighted how DAPS offers solutions for different player needs. For those coming from sports like basketball, football, or baseball — or players who simply prefer extra ankle support — the DAPS Desi Mid delivers added stability with comfortable padding around the ankle. Players who prefer a lighter, low-profile option can choose the Desi Low, which offers speed, agility, and all-day comfort.

DAPS on the Pro Stage

Already, several professional players have switched to DAPS, including members of The Kitchen’s MLP team, the Nashville Chefs. Their performance on the court is helping prove what the lab tests already showed: DAPS isn’t just another shoe with a “pickleball” label — it’s purpose-built from the ground up for the sport.

👉 Check out the full feature from The Kitchen.