The search for the perfect pair of pickleball shoes never ends!

Recently, I took the plunge and got myself a pair of Asics Gel-Renma pickleball shoes to test out.

According to many of my fellow pickleball players, Asics are highly recommended court shoes for the sport. And I’ve noticed that in several pickleball Facebook groups I belong to, Asics are frequently discussed.

It’s important to note that Asics has a *huge* selection of shoes, and many of these have been tested for pickleball even if they aren’t explicitly designed for the sport.

These include the Asics Gel-Resolutions, the Gel-Game 9s, Gel-Challenger, Gel-Dedicate, and even some Asics shoes designed for volleyball.

Curious to learn how the Gel-RENMAs worked for me over the last few weeks? Let’s break down the features, pros, and cons of these Asics shoes in this first-hand review.

ASICS Women's Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

5.0

$59.95

Pros:

• Faux leather sole offers an affordable alternative to genuine leather + is easy to clean
• Synthetic leather overlays offer excellent durability so the shoe can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Solution dye sockliner technology reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45%.

Cons:

• The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge make the shoe look bulkier, which may not appeal to everyone.

Buy Now on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/02/2023 01:33 am GMT

Analyzing The ASICS Pickleball Shoe Design

Upper

The upper part of the Gel-RENMA shoe is constructed with synthetic leather. While not the most breathable material, it still offers good ventilation and helps provide extra durability.

One thing I did notice when I first put these shoes on is that the leather overlay adds some extra bulk to the shoe. This didn’t impact my game but definitely felt heavier than my Skechers pickleball shoes.

Laces

The laces are thick and robust, reducing the chance of them snapping mid-match. Checkmark!

Midsole

The midsole is well-cushioned, providing a glimpse of the comfort that I experienced when playing.

Outsole

The sole is made of gum rubber, which ensures excellent grip and traction.

Fit and Comfort

Size

Regarding the size, the shoes fit me perfectly. They comfortably embrace my feet without being too tight or too loose.

Some Amazon reviews I read said the shoes are quite narrow and not the best choice for wide feet or those dealing with plantar fasciitis, but most agreed that the shoe is true to size with a wide enough toe box for the average foot.

Comfort

Insole

The insole is well-cushioned, and I found them comfortable during longer play sessions.

Padding

The shoe has generous padding around the ankles, providing excellent support and comfort.

Performance Review

On-court Experience

Grip and Traction

Few things are more crucial than having good grip and traction.

Maintaining balance, making quick pivots, and accelerating rapidly are essential elements of pickleball. My experience with my Asics shoes in this aspect has been great!

From my first game in the shoes, I noticed a significant difference in my movements on the court. The shoes provided a solid, secure feel with every step, making quick lateral movements and sudden direction changes more manageable and less risky.

The traction also held up exceptionally well on the different court surfaces I played.

I played a few matches on a smoother indoor court as well as a textured outdoor one, and the shoes consistently provided excellent grip on both.

In terms of wear, the gum rubber outsole showed no immediate signs of degradation, even after several games. This hopefully means that the grip and traction can be expected to last over time, making these pickleball shoes a dependable choice and ones that I’ll reach for in my closet often.

Flexibility

In a game as dynamic and fast-paced as pickleball, flexibility in your footwear is key.

It can significantly influence your agility on the court, your comfort during long games, and your overall performance.

This flexibility is felt as soon as you step into these shoes. They mold around your feet comfortably, allowing for natural movement without causing any discomfort or restricting motion. This means you can wear them for a longer time without foot pain.

The flexibility also didn’t seem to wane with time—even after several games, the shoes remained as flexible as they were initially, which shows me the quality and resilience of the materials used.

ASICS Women's Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

5.0

$59.95

Pros:

• Faux leather sole offers an affordable alternative to genuine leather + is easy to clean
• Synthetic leather overlays offer excellent durability so the shoe can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Solution dye sockliner technology reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45%.

Cons:

• The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge make the shoe look bulkier, which may not appeal to everyone.

Buy Now on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/02/2023 01:33 am GMT

Durability Test

Material Quality

An important factor for the comfort, performance, and durability of any shoe (pickleball or not) is the quality of the materials used in its construction.

The upper of the Asics gel-RENMA shoe is crafted from synthetic leather. This is incredibly durable while still allowing for good ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry even during the most intense matches. It also helps in reducing the likelihood of blisters and other discomforts associated with sweat and heat.

The laces are sturdy, providing a secure fit without any signs of loosening during play. They’re resistant to fraying, which is an issue I’ve encountered with less well-made shoes in the past.

Wear and Tear Over Time

The true test of any sports shoe lies in its ability to endure the wear and tear of regular, intense gameplay over time.

I have been using the Asics pickleball shoes for a few weeks now, and I’m starting to form an impression of how long they will last.

Initially, the shoes showed impressive resilience. And after several intense games I played, there were no apparent signs of quick degradation—including worn-out soles, small rips in the seams, or a chipping toe box—that you might notice in less durable footwear.

The upper material remained intact without any noticeable fraying, the laces retained their robustness, and the midsole continued to provide its cushioning effect without any signs of flattening.

The outsole, which often takes the brunt of the impact in sports like pickleball, also demonstrated good endurance.

Even with multiple sudden movements, sudden stops, and turns, the gum rubber material retained its texture and grip. The high-impact areas did not show any signs of wear that could potentially affect traction.

However, it’s important to note that these are early observations and the shoes‘ durability will continue to be tested in the months to come.

But, based on my experience so far, Asics pickleball shoes seem to be crafted for endurance, meaning that I likely won’t have to buy another pair for at least a few months.

Price and Value for Money

Asics has successfully produced a top-notch pickleball shoe that performs well and comes at a reasonable price, offering great value for your investment.

One of the factors that sets Asics shoes apart from the competition is the balance they strike between price and value.

In today’s market, finding a pair of shoes that delivers high performance, comfort, and durability without breaking the bank can feel like a tall order. Check out our guide on the best pickleball shoes for women here.

While these shoes are not the cheapest option available, they offer exceptional value for their price range (around $100).

When you consider the superior comfort they provide, the price begins to make a lot of sense. You’re not just paying for a shoe; you’re investing in prolonged comfort during your games.

So what does this mean?

Asics shoes may have a higher initial price compared to other brands, but their long-term value in terms of comfort, performance, and durability makes them a wise investment for both serious and casual pickleball players.

ASICS Women's Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

5.0

$59.95

Pros:

• Faux leather sole offers an affordable alternative to genuine leather + is easy to clean
• Synthetic leather overlays offer excellent durability so the shoe can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Solution dye sockliner technology reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45%.

Cons:

• The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge make the shoe look bulkier, which may not appeal to everyone.

Buy Now on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/02/2023 01:33 am GMT

Comparing with Other Brands

When comparing Asics pickleball shoes to other brands in the market, there are a few key aspects that stand out.

Let’s start with comfort.

In my experience, not many brands manage to strike the right balance between a snug fit and comfortable cushioning. But Asics provides a true-to-size fit, a well-cushioned insole, AND generous padding, which means they’re super comfortable during long sessions.

Performance is another area where Asics shines.

I’ve tried many other brands, but the grip and traction of these shoes are exceptional and unmatched. These shoes are also highly flexible, enabling agile movements and quick pivots, which are vital for a fast-paced game such as pickleball.

Some brands may offer shoes at a lower price point, but they often fall short in terms of performance or durability.

On the other hand, higher-priced options may not offer a significant increase in quality or performance to justify the extra cost.

So while each brand has its strengths and weaknesses, Asics has proven to provide a balanced mix of comfort, performance, durability, and affordability. Not too shabby!

Who Should Buy Asics Pickleball Shoes?

ASICS pickleball shoes are an excellent choice for a wide range of players.

These shoes are perfect for those who seek a combination of comfort, durability, and performance in their pickleball footwear. They are especially suitable for beginners who can benefit from the shoes‘ exceptional grip and stability, which can boost their confidence during their initial games.

If you’re looking for a lighter pickleball shoe, I would go for the K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoe or the Skechers Viper Court Pro.

For individuals who experience foot discomfort with other brands, the generous padding and cushioning of Asics pickleball shoes might offer the relief they are seeking.

However, you should always consult with a doctor or physiotherapist before purchasing pickleball shoes for specific needs.

Basically, if you’re someone who prioritizes quality, comfort, and excellent court performance in your pickleball shoes, this pair from Asics should be on your radar.

Key Takeaways

So far, these Asics pickleball shoes have proven to be a great investment. They combine comfort, performance, and durability, making them a worthy companion on the court.

I’ll be keeping them in my shoe rotation for the foreseeable future!

ASICS Women's Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes

5.0

$59.95

Pros:

• Faux leather sole offers an affordable alternative to genuine leather + is easy to clean
• Synthetic leather overlays offer excellent durability so the shoe can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Solution dye sockliner technology reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45%.

Cons:

• The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge make the shoe look bulkier, which may not appeal to everyone.

Buy Now on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/02/2023 01:33 am GMT

FAQs

Read Next:

7 Best Outdoor Pickleball Shoes

5 Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The Best Pickleball Shoes for Women

Skechers Viper Court Pro Pickleball Shoe Review

Buyer’s Guide: The 7 Best Pickleball Shoes (in 2023)

Luxe Pickleball Paddle Review