Pickleball players know the importance of their sneakers providing comfort, yet still having the traction and stability to deliver on the court. And when it comes to PB5’s Court2 pickleball shoe, this is one option that has proven to be the whole package.
The PB5star Women’s PB5 Star Court2 Pickleball Court Shoe has quickly become a popular option among recreational and competitive players alike. These shoes are built for the fast-paced lateral movements required in pickleball to stay confident at the kitchen line.
The company claims to deliver unbeatable court performance when it comes to this option, so we tested it out for weeks to thoroughly examine the design, comfort, traction, durability, and overall value of the PB5 Court2 Peach-Gum model to help you decide if it’s the right pickleball shoe for your game.
Photo: PB5
Design And Style
The team at PB5 revealed it took three decades of biomechanical innovation to get to this pickleball shoe. And while its function and practicability should also be in the forefront, it’s important to first take a look at how this shoe looks.
Available in multiple colors to match every player’s preference—and sold for men and women—the Court2 is aesthetically appealing. Wearing these sneakers out and on the way to and from the court and in between, in the Peach Gum color, received so many compliments that we began to style these sneakers with specific athletic fits because it’s just that good.
The solid color block of the Peach Gum, Lilac Gum, or Mint Gum is perfect for spring and summer looks, while the multi-color options with the faded look are trendy and so wearable.
These sneakers are ultra lightweight, coming in at 11.1 ounces for a women’s size 7 and 12.9 ounces for a men’s size 10.
There are zones throughout the knit upper that help enhance ventilation, while the TPU throughout reinforces high-contact areas.
These designs keep these pickleball shoes flexible with ample movement, while still constructed well to live up to the demands of the sport.
In short, these are gorgeously colored shoes that are great for the pickleball court and off for those who love rocking a sporty style.
Performance: Grip And Stability
Compared to tennis or running shoes, pickleball sneakers need to handle the demands of the sport. This includes lateral (side-to-side) movements, quick stops, or spontaneous pivots during a fast rally to reach the ball. This is why grip and stability are the two most important features of these shoes.
The PB5 Court2 aims to meet those demands— especially when it comes to traction for aggressive plays. This includes it’s Dynamic Stability Assist™ tech, which enhances balance with rapid movements, as well as multi-zoned active tread patterns on the outsole that is sticky on the court to prevent slips while supporting explosive movements.
The outsole is made of premium high-abrasion rubber, which improves durability while maintaining consistent grip during intense play on both indoor and outdoor courts.
The Court2 provides ample stability that protects the ankles during gameplay motions. Its interior is equipped with a deep heel seat and supportive footbed that firmly keeps the foot securely in the shoe, while allowing for a full range of motion.
This pickleball shoe features a heel-to-toe drop of 5 millimeters (mm). To compare, running shoes most commonly have a 10mm heel drop. The Court2’s 5 mm heel drop positions it in the low to moderate range, providing a closer-to-the-ground feel. This further improves stability during pickleball, while promoting a more natural foot position when landing on the court.
Offers a balance between natural foot positioning and cushioning, suitable for athletes seeking versatility.
Comfort and Fit
The moderate heel drop offers enough cushion for those who do heel strike. The Court2 also has a removable footbed with a deep heel cup and built-in arch support to reduce foot fatigue during long matches. It’s toe-bar helps with alignment to enhance comfort on the court.
This pickleball sneaker is available in full and half sizes, as well as in standard or medium width, for a more customized fit.
Long matches can be played without blisters or feet feeling sore because of the cushion, which isn’t bulky, but the perfect amount of plushness. The Court2 feels pillowy soft even for wearing during errands, which can be contributed to the flexibility of the shoe that moves naturally with the foot.
The most noticeable bonus is that these pickleball shoes did not need to be “broken in.” Upon wearing straight to the court, so comfort proved to be king.
The Bottom Line
The Court2 is a reliable pickleball shoe that looks as good as it performs. It’s show stopping colors bring consumers to try these on, but it’s comfort and performance on the court that makes this sneaker a must-have for beginners and more competitive players.
The PB5Court2 Performance Shoe originally retails for $129, but it is currently on sale for $99.