The Kitchen Reviews DAPS Pickleball Shoes: Fit, Performance & Durability

We’re excited to share that The Kitchen, one of the leading voices in pickleball, recently published a full review of the all-new DAPS Pickleball Shoes. After months of wear-testing, including by pro players and competitive athletes, The Kitchen shared their experience — and the verdict was clear: DAPS delivers.

Fit & Comfort

The review noted that DAPS takes a slightly different approach to fit. Rather than focusing on quick slip-on convenience, DAPS encourages players to take the extra time to lace up properly for a more secure, customized fit. According to The Kitchen, the extra seconds make all the difference — the shoes felt locked-in, molded to the foot, and provided comfort even during long play sessions.

The widened toe box stood out as a major improvement compared to other brands. Players with narrow feet found security through the midfoot, while those with wider feet appreciated the additional room. Add in high-quality laces and extra ankle padding, and the shoes delivered a comfortable fit for a variety of foot shapes.

Performance on the Court

DAPS didn’t just rely on player feedback — the brand also sent the shoes to the Heeluxe Performance Lab for testing against top competitors. Both lab results and real-world testing backed up the same findings:

• Faster starts

• Quicker stops

• Better energy return

• Greater efficiency with each step

The Kitchen highlighted the CNC-cut tread, which offers sharper traction than stamped alternatives, and the ETPU foam midsole, which provides explosive bounce and shock absorption. Combined with Blumaka NonSlip insoles (included standard in every pair), players experienced added grip inside the shoe and more explosive movement across the court.

Durability That Lasts

After four months of heavy play — 8 to 10 hours a week — The Kitchen’s reviewer was impressed by how well the shoes held up. Even with consistent wear, common problem areas like toe drag and laces showed little to no failure. The laces, in particular, were praised for their durability, lasting far longer than other brands tested.

Final Takeaway

The Kitchen’s review concluded that DAPS has raised the standard for pickleball-specific footwear. With standout comfort, science-backed performance, and proven durability, the shoes not only compete with top tennis and pickleball brands — they surpass them.

And the style? The reviewer summed it up best: these shoes look good enough to wear on the court, around town, or even out to dinner.

👉 Read the full review from The Kitchen.