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11 Best Pickleball Gear 2025 Esquire

Bonisiwe Shabane
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11 best pickleball gear 2025 esquire

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us. Having the right gear will make all the difference in your game. We've really been on the pickleball grind recently. From paddles to shoes, we've been having our experts dig into the best equipment to level up your game.

Instead of continuing to get super niche with it (which trust us, we are going to do), today we are talking a step back. It's time to talk about the basics. Whether you're a regular in the kitchen or have no idea how that relates to the sport at all, we have rounded up the 11 pieces of pickleball gear that all players should know... Some of it is obvious—the bag, the balls, the net—but other products might help your game in ways you aren't even thinking about (thank you, Hypervolt). From Wilson to On to Tumi, these beloved brands are here to make your pickling even easier. So take a look at the below list we've compiled.

You might not even know your pickleball game is missing this. You're going to be thanking us next time you're hitting smashes and running your oponent all over the court. Get ready to be a pro. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.

From baseline to brunch, these picks serve heat, style, and zero errors. By now, we're guessing you've heard about pickleball. It's the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with participation up more than 300 percent in the past three years. So basically, if you don't play, your aunt does. And your grandpa?

He's now talking about "third-shot drops" like it's Shakespeare. The craze has converted casual sports fans and even some tennis diehards, because who can resist a game that's equal parts cardio, chaos, and bragging rights? Whether they're new to the sport or are already part of a weekly league, there are tons of pickleball-themed gifts out there that every pickleball fan will love. We've rounded up our top picks—from pro-level pickleball paddles and grippy pickleball shoes to stylish activewear and court bags—that upgrade their game. Consider this your guide to winning the holidays without asking the Paragon clerk which paddle is "the one from TikTok." A lot of pickleball rackets aren't just plain and simple; they're ugly, too.

These sure are not. Jonathan Adler's beautiful, freaky mind has birthed the only pickleball paddles we'd spend too much money on. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these are the best pairs Prime city real estate is being filled with mini tennis courts. Pickleball leagues are the new "social clubs." Luxury brands are tuning in.

Tumi makes a bag, Jonathan Adler makes sets—you get the idea. One question that comes up quite a bit is: What even makes a pickleball shoe? Really it's all the same stuff that makes a good tennis shoe. You want a low-profile outsole for quick cuts, but you still want decent cushioning because those hard courts are tough on the joints. Look, the right gear is important in any sport, no matter the level at which you play. We devote a lot of time here to testing marathon gear, but we're not running ultras through Death Valley.

We're testing Hoka vs. On during our weekend runs. We've taken that mindset to pickleball shoes. We looked for shoes that are supportive, stable, and comfortable. (Again, everything you want from a tennis-court shoe, you want from a pickleball shoe.) This is how you ground your game, prevent injury, and maximize your time on the court. Choose styles from from court mainstays like Asics and Wilson or stylish performance pieces from On and New Balance.

These are our picks for the six best pickleball shoes on the market right now. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us. You are only as good as the gear you use. Look, a pickleball paddle won't make you that much better.

But the difference between a victory and a loss could come down to the paddle that you choose to wield. When you take pickleball seriously, you have to think of it as a high-level sport in which gear matters. The design of a pickleball paddle can't vary as much as, say, a tennis racket's. Materials can be different, but there's nothing akin to string tension and its impact on performance. Still, there are things to look for. You want a paddle that's comfortable.

You should consider paddle weight, core thickness, and surface material, which all affect the balance between power and control. You also will want a style that suits you. Court-sport mainstays like Wilson and pickleball pros like Selkirk offer high-performance pieces, but (again) this isn't Roland Garros. You can also prioritize aesthetics and opt for a playful paddle from Jonathan Adler or Tangerine and you'll be just fine. Below, find the six best pickleball paddles to step up your game. And now that you'll have the right paddle, you might as well scoop up some top-notch court shoes while you're at it.

Featuring brands like OGIO, Franklin Sports, Onix, and more. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us? THERE'S A VAST array of pickleball accessories out there to help improve and enhance your game. Thanks to the game's continued popularity, brands are getting more creative at designing useful pickleball accessories ranging from automated ball launchers to reinforced paddle cases.

Lucky for you, we've scanned the pickleball landscape far and wide for the latest gear that will appeal to every serious pickler, beginner, or any player in between. Aside from your pickleball paddle, every pickleball player should look to acquire proper pickleball shoes, balls, and apparel so they can fully enjoy the game and compete at a high level. Pickleball accessories help optimize your game further by using training aids and gadgets to improve your play and the overall experience of the sport. Since we’re not looking at a single product category, here are a few things to think about when buying accessories that complement your game. With countless marketing claims surrounding pickleball paddles, it’s essential to understand what truly impacts performance. Factors such as core materials, face construction, and handle design play a significant role in how a paddle feels and responds on the court.

The paddle’s core is its foundation, influencing power, control, and touch. Common core materials include: Polymer Core – The most popular choice, offering a balance of control and power with noise-dampening properties. Nomex Core – Known for its rigidity and responsiveness, ideal for players who prefer a harder, more aggressive playing style. Aluminum Core – Provides excellent control and durability but lacks the power of polymer and Nomex options. Ah, pickleball.

You started off thinking it was just a casual sport—somewhere between tennis and ping-pong for people who don’t want to run too much. And yet, here you are, fully obsessed, spending more time analyzing paddle specs than you do checking your emails. But let’s be honest: gear matters. That wooden paddle you borrowed from the community rack? Embarrassing. Those running shoes you’ve been sliding around in?

A twisted ankle waiting to happen. If you’re going to play real pickleball in 2025, you need the best equipment to back it up. Lucky for you, I’ve done the research (so you don’t have to) and compiled the absolute must-have pickleball gear for 2025. From paddles that’ll make your dinks drop like a magician’s trick to shoes that’ll keep you from looking like Bambi on ice, let’s get you fully equipped. If you’re still using an entry-level paddle that cost less than your morning coffee order, it’s time for an upgrade. In 2025, paddle technology is next-level—materials designed by aerospace engineers, AI-assisted grip optimization (probably), and enough spin control to make your opponents question reality.

Why You Need It: A perfect balance of power, control, and spin, this paddle makes your dinks feel effortless and your drives lethal. Ideal for players who like to mix finesse with aggression.

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Every Product Was Carefully Curated By An Esquire Editor. We

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us. Having the right gear will make all the difference in your game. We've really been on the pickleball grind recently. From paddles to shoes, we've been having our experts dig into the best equipment to level up your game.

Instead Of Continuing To Get Super Niche With It (which

Instead of continuing to get super niche with it (which trust us, we are going to do), today we are talking a step back. It's time to talk about the basics. Whether you're a regular in the kitchen or have no idea how that relates to the sport at all, we have rounded up the 11 pieces of pickleball gear that all players should know... Some of it is obvious—the bag, the balls, the net—but other produ...

You Might Not Even Know Your Pickleball Game Is Missing

You might not even know your pickleball game is missing this. You're going to be thanking us next time you're hitting smashes and running your oponent all over the court. Get ready to be a pro. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.

From Baseline To Brunch, These Picks Serve Heat, Style, And

From baseline to brunch, these picks serve heat, style, and zero errors. By now, we're guessing you've heard about pickleball. It's the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with participation up more than 300 percent in the past three years. So basically, if you don't play, your aunt does. And your grandpa?

He's Now Talking About "third-shot Drops" Like It's Shakespeare. The

He's now talking about "third-shot drops" like it's Shakespeare. The craze has converted casual sports fans and even some tennis diehards, because who can resist a game that's equal parts cardio, chaos, and bragging rights? Whether they're new to the sport or are already part of a weekly league, there are tons of pickleball-themed gifts out there that every pickleball fan will love. We've rounded ...