Skechers Viper Court Pro Pickleball Shoe Review (2023)

Skechers Viper Court Pro pickleball shoe review

Are you looking for an honest review of the new Skechers Viper Court Pro pickleball shoe?

For years, pickleball players have been begging for the perfect shoe. Something comfortable that won’t weigh them down, yet still has enough support and protection to keep their feet safe on the court.

Well, you might be able to stop searching – Skechers answered my prayers with the Viper Court Pro.

Released in February 2023, the Viper Court Pro is Skechers’ most advanced pickleball shoe yet. It’s been worn by pickleball pros like Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau.

But does it actually live up to the hype?

Let’s take a closer look and find out.

Skechers Men's Viper Court Pro Pickleball Shoe
5.0
$103.97
Pros:
  • Added ankle and heel support
  • Stronger outsole for lateral movements
  • Improved mesh upper for better breathability
Cons:
  • More expensive than the original model by about $30
  • Laces don't hold as much tension as I'd like
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12/10/2023 08:49 am GMT

In a Hurry? Here’s What You Need to Know:

  • The Viper Court Pro was released in February 2023.
  • More colors and designs are expected by April 2023, including the infamous colorful pair worn by Tyson McGuffin.
  • This shoe was designed “specifically for the elite Pickleball athlete”.
  • You can purchase the Viper Court Pro on Amazon, at Skechers.com, and it’ll soon be in most sporting goods stores across the U.S.
  • The new, updated design was built for increased durability for controlled slides on pickleball surfaces. It has additional ankle and heel support, and a stronger outsole for lateral movements.
  • The new Viper Court Pro is more expensive than the original model by about $30.
Skechers Womens Viper Court Pro- Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
5.0
$109.95
Pros:
  • Added ankle and heel support
  • Stronger outsole for lateral movements
  • Improved mesh upper for better breathability
Cons:
  • More expensive than the original model by about $30
  • Laces don't hold as much tension as I'd like
Buy Now on Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/10/2023 05:59 am GMT
A comparison table showing the difference between the original Skechers viper court relaxed fit shoe and the viper court pro pickleball shoe.
There are some key design differences between the Viper Court and the new Viper Court Pro, including—thankfully!—increased heel and ankle support for those lateral movements.

How is the Viper Court Pro different than the original Viper Court shoe?

OK, the Viper Court Pro looks cool. But is it really that different from the Viper Court relaxed fit model?

There are a few major design differences and upgrades from Skechers original Viper Court to the Viper Court Pro pickleball shoe.

For one, the Goodyear® performance outsole has been upgraded to a Goodyear® Gold compound outsole.

This upgraded outsole was created for better durability when you’re performing controlled slides on the court. This feature likely comes in response to the many complaints of zero lateral support in the original Viper Court model.

The mesh upper also got a huge improvement on the new Viper Court Pro shoe. Where the Viper Court features a synthetic and mesh upper, the new pro model features a supportive and breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for additional protection.

This means added breathability and flexibility for lateral movements, of which there are a ton in pickleball.

Another big difference between the Viper Court and the Viper Court Pro? The price.

The new pro model costs about $30 more than its counterpart. But you can often snag a promotional coupon through Skechers to help bring the cost down.


Performance & Comfortability


Made specifically for the pickleball athlete, the Viper Court Pro offers maximum comfort and support.

It features a supportive breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for extra protection and a removable Arch Fit® insole for cushioning, so you can play your best game in total confidence.

Skechers Men's Viper Court Pro-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
5.0
$109.95
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Scheels
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/10/2023 08:54 am GMT

What sets these shoes apart from other pickleball shoes is its Goodyear® Gold compound outsole that allows for controlled slides specifically on pickleball courts.

The new compound outsole makes a huge difference in my opinion— no more toe jamming issues, really great stability, and great grip on tons of different courts including hardwood, concrete, and outdoor pickleball finished surfaces.

Watch Prince of Pickleball play an indoor match in his Viper Court Pros here:

The added stability and comfort might be a bonus if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. But if this is a serious concern of yours, you should read our roundup of the 5 Best Pickleball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis.

The Goodyear sole also lasts a long time with the wear and tear from the court surface, as we’ve seen with the original Viper Court shoe.

The tread on mine is still holding after six months, whereas other court shoes I’ve worn in the past would wear out in just three months. I play 12-15 hours a week, for reference.

This means you can move quickly and efficiently around the court without worrying about any slips or falls that could throw off your game – perfect for those intense rallies!

And with its superior durability, you don’t have to worry about having to replace these shoes often either. They’re built to last so you can depend on them time after time.

Style & Support

The design of these shoes isn’t just functional – they look great too.

With a sleek silhouette and subtle colorways (with more colors coming starting in March!), this shoe looks great both on and off the court – so much so that you may even find yourself wearing them every day.

Skechers Men's Viper Court Pro -Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with ArchFit Support
5.0
$192.50
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Scheels
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/10/2023 08:59 am GMT

Final Verdict: Viper Court Pro Review

All in all, if you’re looking for a new pair of lightweight pickleball shoes that provide maximum comfort and performance, then definitely consider the Skechers Viper Court Pro.

After all, there’s a reason these shoes are touted by some of the biggest names in the pro pickleball circuit.

But if you already own the original Viper Court shoe, you might not need to upgrade, unless you’re worried about lateral movements or additional ankle support.

This new model is made specifically with elite athletes in mind, offering superior cushioning and support plus controlled slides so your efficiency remains top-notch during gameplay.

And whether you’re playing pickleball or just living life – they’ll look great while you’re doing it. I can’t promise they’ll make you play like Tyson McGuffin, but it can’t hurt to try!

Still not sure? Read our Buyer’s Guide to the 7 Best Pickleball Shoes in 2023.

Skechers Men's Viper Court Pro Pickleball Shoe
5.0
$103.97
Pros:
  • Added ankle and heel support
  • Stronger outsole for lateral movements
  • Improved mesh upper for better breathability
Cons:
  • More expensive than the original model by about $30
  • Laces don't hold as much tension as I'd like
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Scheels
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/10/2023 08:49 am GMT

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