Pickleball Warehouse (formerly Total Pickleball) Playtest: Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Exciting news! We have our first pickleball shoe playtest. We have a very limited number of the HEAD Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes in men’s and women’s sizes that are launching in two weeks. This playtest is for USA Talk Tennis members only.

Application period is closed. Selected playtesters will be notified via email by Friday, July 19th by 5 pm PST.


If you are selected, you must reply to our confirmation email and confirm that you are able to perform this playtest.

*** Your review is due by SEPTEMBER 6TH BY 5 PM PST.***

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Please use the following to write your review:

Pickleball experience/background:
Current shoe:
How many hours did you play with the shoe?
Normal Size:
Playtesting Size:

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
-comfort:
-arch support:
-stability/support:
-ventilation:
-sole durability:
-toe durability:
-traction:
-weight:

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

We encourage a lively discussion on HEAD shoes. We will remove extraneous posts, e.g., “email sent”.

Thanks,
PW Staff

 

[LiamMiguel]

@TW Staff are we able to play test these shoes with tennis or no? Might be a stupid question.

 

[TW Staff]

This would be for pickleball play testing only!

Thanks!
TW Staff

 

[ekucheraw]

Hoping to get to try this one, as my students have been asking for pickleball-specific shoes to recommend and I haven't had a chance to try too many that aren't tennis court shoes primarily!

 

[zyyz]

Excited to try the shoes out. I have the Revolt 4.0's and they are an amazing shoe for PB.

 

[tennytive]

Just watched your reviews. They look fantastic!
Also nice to see see some familiar faces back on the court.

 

[aldenhorowitz]

I play with Revolt Pro 4.0s and 4.5s, I wonder how different these will feel. Glad they keep the vented shank.

 

[jonestim]

Good to see these playtests continuing on the pickleball side. Unfortunately I can't participate in this one (shoulder surgery in 2 hours and off for 8 weeks), but I'll keep an eye out for when I get healthy.

 

[d-quik]

Revolt Pro 4.0s and 4.5s

Is there a difference in toebox width between these two half-generations?

 

[aldenhorowitz]

Is there a difference in toebox width between these two half-generations?

I didn't notice any sizing difference. The only change is the ribbed pattern of the plastic/rubberized upper.
The soles on my 4.0's wore out within the 6-month warranty, and the replacements Head sent were the 4.5's.

 

[Icsa]

I used Revolt Pro 4.0 and they performed well on the court. It would be interesting to see how they compare with the shoe dedicated to pickleball.

 

[TW Staff]

We have sent emails out to the selected playtesters on Friday. We will need confirmation back by end of day today to be eligible. Failure to hear back will result in replacement on this playtest and we will select additional playtesters.

Thanks,
TW Staff

 

[zyyz]

We have sent emails out to the selected playtesters on Friday. We will need confirmation back by end of day today to be eligible. Failure to hear back will result in replacement on this playtest and we will select additional playtesters.

Thanks,
TW Staff

Darn, I did not get the email. Let me know if any spots opens up! I pickleball 4-5 times a week right now and feel that I'd be a good test subject for the shoe.

 

[Icsa]

We have sent emails out to the selected playtesters on Friday. We will need confirmation back by end of day today to be eligible. Failure to hear back will result in replacement on this playtest and we will select additional playtesters.

Thanks,
TW Staff

I was wondering why it is so quiet here, normally you see a lot of "I'm in" posts but not this time. I triple checked my inbox, I can't find the invitation, but I'm happy to try these out for the playtest if you need me.

 

[tennytive]

Thanks for the update. I've been hoping to hear back, but haven't been selected either. Good luck to all the playtesters with these great looking shoes.

 

[TW Staff]

Attention selected playtesters:

Thank you everyone for confirming your participation. Your shoes will be shipped out by the end of next week to the address you provided. We will send an email update when they are shipped out.

Thanks,
TW Staff

 

[eman11]

Attention selected playtesters:

Thank you everyone for confirming your participation. Your shoes will be shipped out by the end of next week to the address you provided. We will send an email update when they are shipped out.

Thanks,
TW Staff

AWESOME!!!

I was about to post a question regarding this subject, being that I thought I sent an email confirmation, but didn't hear back.... I was afraid I did it incorrectly (still am a bit, if I'm being honest ).

So PSYCHED to get the pair!!

 

[Icsa]

deleted

 

[eman11]

Got my shoes today!!! Hoping to try them out TODAY!!

 

[PickleballPT]

This would be for pickleball play testing only!

Thanks!
TW Staff

I've been loving this shoe. Sorry, it's my first time play testing. Where do I submit the review?

 

[Icsa]

I've been loving this shoe. Sorry, it's my first time play testing. Where do I submit the review?

You make a post here with your review.

 

[PickleballPT]

TLDR: I wasn't expecting much from this shoe, but it fits me perfectly, has great performance, and is now my new go-to pickleball shoe


Pickleball experience/background: 1.5 years playing pickleball, 4.0 tournament player

Current shoe: Previously used Asics Gel Resolution 9
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 25 hours
Normal Size: 8
Playtesting Size: 8

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
-comfort: Shoes felt very comfortable for me. I have slightly wider feet, but I typically wear normal width shoes. Some slim shoes with a thinner toe box don’t fit me well, but the Head Motion Pro Pickleball shoes fit me perfectly. (I’ve previously tried Head Men’s Revolt tennis shoes which I had to return because it was too narrow for me). For me, the shoes have a perfect balance between comfort, and responsiveness. I don’t like having too much cushion as I rely on my agility/quickness, and the responsiveness of this shoe is similar to shoes with lower profile/thinner soles

-arch support: This shoe feels more neutral in terms of its arch support. There’s enough room to insert an orthotic if you need it. I prefer to modify the existing inserts myself which I have done for my right foot (I’m a trained Physical Therapist so I modify inserts all the time)
Overall, if I were to be picky, I think I would prefer a SLIGHTLY lower heel to toe drop, but otherwise the amount of support in the sole, the heel lock I feel, and the midfoot stability (especially with the lockdown straps) are excellent.



-stability/support: As I mentioned above, the heel lock feels almost as good as the Asics Gel Resolution, but without the hard plastic support that Asics has. Support leans neutral in this shoe, which is fine for me with some customization. I typically need a lot of support for my tennis/basketball shoes, and I get enough with this shoe with just a little boosted arch support.


-ventilation: EXCELLENT. I’ve never had a tennis shoe/basketball shoe with this much support and this much ventilation! While I honestly don’t necessarily feel that much better with the proprietary sole ventilation that this shoe has, the ventilation all around the uppers is still phenomenal.

-sole durability: after 20+ hours, shoes are still great. I actually don’t see that much wear and tear, and I am typically hard on my shoes as I’ll run/slide a lot

-toe durability: I only notice a little bit of dirt on the sides of the toe box, no wear and tear. I did only play one singles tournament with the shoes, so < 4 hours of singles play. But from the limited sliding I did, these are still fine. The toe box protection comes up and wraps around where one might slide on the floor. Also there’s some reinforcement in the stitching right where my 5th metatarsal head pokes out (I have a slight Taylor’s bunion) but no discomfort with this shoe at all. Often times this is the main reason I can’t wear another shoe.

-traction: I run and I slide, especially when I play singles. These shoes are again TOP TIER. After the first couple of hours adjusting to their traction, I don’t even think about slipping/sliding or being too sticky, so it’s just right for me.

-weight: when I hold the shoe in my hand, it feels a little heavier than my previous preferred shoes (just slightly more than Asics GR9). On my feet, I don’t think about the shoe weight at all, so weightwise this shoe is fine.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: I wasn’t expecting to like this shoe this much. It has definitely supplanted my top shoe. I signed up for this promotion because I was curious, but I wasn’t expecting much since I really didn’t like the Head Revolt shoes. But the Head Motion Pro Pickleball shoe is now by far my favorite shoe (I’ve tried Asics GR9, K-Swiss Hypercourt Express2, Head Revolt, etc). After my other shoes wear out, I’m planning on only buying this shoe from now on!

 

[Bulletproofyourbody]

Head Shoe Review - thanks for including me in your playtest!

Pickleball experience/background: Four years experience playing pickleball, I’m a multi 5.0 level medalist, including a 5.5 level medal finish, a teaching pro and pickleball fitness coach/therapist. I coach amateurs and top pros.
Current shoe: Head Motion Pro tested, Adidas Cybersonics is my go to
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 13-14 hrs
Normal Size: 7 women’s
Playtesting Size: 7.5 women’s

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):

Scoring 1 thru 5 — five being best

-comfort: 2 of 5 - this shoe is ultra stoic with very little give and was very uncomfortable for long play sessions. I thought it would improve after initial break in, but the built up material on the uppers around my big toe joint never relaxed and caused pain on the top of my foot. In one session, I wore these for 3.5 hours (one hr was driving as it was the only shoe I had with me) and my left heel was in so much pain that evening hours after taking them off. I had to massage, cup and repair my feet before teaching again the next day. If I wore these shoes regularly, it feels like I’d end up with plantar issues. I have a wider foot and did not have any issues in regards to width. I went up one half size and the shoe was slightly long, but it did not bother me. Primary discomfort is due to lack of spring and energy absorption feel in bottom of shoe and the excess inflexible material around the big toe joint.

-arch support: 3 of 5 - I have a medium arch and I didn’t notice a lack of support but did notice the shoe felt hard with no cushion under foot.

-stability/support: 3 of 5 - this is difficult to score because I think the shoe is stable and that is what makes it so uncomfortable. It’s a stiff shoe to wear. It would potentially be a shoe for someone with ankle instability issues. I like the lacing system. Once I laced at that second eyelet, I felt locked in with no heel slippage.

-ventilation: 3 of 5 - played in over 100 degrees several times in the shoe, it was average in ventilation. Every shoe would probably feel hot in this oven of a town, so yes, my feet felt hot, but I think it was mostly due to extreme temperatures.

-sole durability: 4 of 5 - after 13-14 hrs of play time on varying courts, there is no wear on the soles. I like the sole pattern, as I’m more used to a herringbone sole with quick wear. The quick wear on most soles is why I like to try different shoes, always looking for better durability.

-toe durability: 4 of 5 - same as the sole, I think the toe would last months and be very durable. Where Head went wrong is that there’s less sliding in pickleball, especially on the women’s side, we don’t need such a thick plastic protector so far up the side of the shoe.

-traction: 4 of 5 - the sole lended itself to good traction. I did not slide out on a dirty court one day. I do slide out on this court in other shoes. These shoes were worn on a brand new, very gritty court and there’s no way I would’ve been able to slide. Lots of traction, but also no springy feel to the shoe.

-weight: 3 of 5, feels substantially heavier than my typical shoe, but it’s also a half size larger

General reaction/comments on overall performance: out of the box I liked the look of the shoe. The salmon/navy colorway is a nice mix. It’s my first time to try a sock liner with no tongue type of shoe. I liked the sock type feel and would certainly try that style again. However, this shoe from a performance perspective is a rough ride. The uppers and bottom are too stiff and it didn’t improve after time in the shoe. Most sessions in the shoe were two hours or less because they weren’t comfortable for the top of my foot. Initially, I had wear on my big toes I haven’t seen since I first started pickleball in cheapy shoes, including a blood blister on the side of my big toe — that’s still hanging on like a badge of honor. First time to ever get one of those. After the 3.5 hour wear session my calves, ankles and feet were so stiff and that’s not typical — it’s not uncommon for me to be in court shoes for 5 hrs, so sadly, my feet have asked me not to put them in this shoe.

 

[Bulletproofyourbody]

TLDR: I wasn't expecting much from this shoe, but it fits me perfectly, has great performance, and is now my new go-to pickleball shoe


Pickleball experience/background: 1.5 years playing pickleball, 4.0 tournament player

Current shoe: Previously used Asics Gel Resolution 9
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 25 hours
Normal Size: 8
Playtesting Size: 8

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
-comfort: Shoes felt very comfortable for me. I have slightly wider feet, but I typically wear normal width shoes. Some slim shoes with a thinner toe box don’t fit me well, but the Head Motion Pro Pickleball shoes fit me perfectly. (I’ve previously tried Head Men’s Revolt tennis shoes which I had to return because it was too narrow for me). For me, the shoes have a perfect balance between comfort, and responsiveness. I don’t like having too much cushion as I rely on my agility/quickness, and the responsiveness of this shoe is similar to shoes with lower profile/thinner soles

-arch support: This shoe feels more neutral in terms of its arch support. There’s enough room to insert an orthotic if you need it. I prefer to modify the existing inserts myself which I have done for my right foot (I’m a trained Physical Therapist so I modify inserts all the time)
Overall, if I were to be picky, I think I would prefer a SLIGHTLY lower heel to toe drop, but otherwise the amount of support in the sole, the heel lock I feel, and the midfoot stability (especially with the lockdown straps) are excellent.



-stability/support: As I mentioned above, the heel lock feels almost as good as the Asics Gel Resolution, but without the hard plastic support that Asics has. Support leans neutral in this shoe, which is fine for me with some customization. I typically need a lot of support for my tennis/basketball shoes, and I get enough with this shoe with just a little boosted arch support.


-ventilation: EXCELLENT. I’ve never had a tennis shoe/basketball shoe with this much support and this much ventilation! While I honestly don’t necessarily feel that much better with the proprietary sole ventilation that this shoe has, the ventilation all around the uppers is still phenomenal.

-sole durability: after 20+ hours, shoes are still great. I actually don’t see that much wear and tear, and I am typically hard on my shoes as I’ll run/slide a lot

-toe durability: I only notice a little bit of dirt on the sides of the toe box, no wear and tear. I did only play one singles tournament with the shoes, so < 4 hours of singles play. But from the limited sliding I did, these are still fine. The toe box protection comes up and wraps around where one might slide on the floor. Also there’s some reinforcement in the stitching right where my 5th metatarsal head pokes out (I have a slight Taylor’s bunion) but no discomfort with this shoe at all. Often times this is the main reason I can’t wear another shoe.

-traction: I run and I slide, especially when I play singles. These shoes are again TOP TIER. After the first couple of hours adjusting to their traction, I don’t even think about slipping/sliding or being too sticky, so it’s just right for me.

-weight: when I hold the shoe in my hand, it feels a little heavier than my previous preferred shoes (just slightly more than Asics GR9). On my feet, I don’t think about the shoe weight at all, so weightwise this shoe is fine.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: I wasn’t expecting to like this shoe this much. It has definitely supplanted my top shoe. I signed up for this promotion because I was curious, but I wasn’t expecting much since I really didn’t like the Head Revolt shoes. But the Head Motion Pro Pickleball shoe is now by far my favorite shoe (I’ve tried Asics GR9, K-Swiss Hypercourt Express2, Head Revolt, etc). After my other shoes wear out, I’m planning on only buying this shoe from now on!

Woww we had very different experiences with this shoe! Haha — happy for you to find a new fave. That’s great.

 

[zyyz]

Pickleball experience/background: 1 Year of Pickleball Experience former Badminton Player
Current shoe: Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 26 hours
Normal Size: 11
Playtesting Size: 11

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
-comfort: 4 of 5 On the first day of use, the shoe felt a bit stiff, but it quickly began to break in. I started off with some intense stretches and added cushioned insoles for extra comfort. After a few hours of wear, the shoes started to mold to my feet, offering a more customized fit. By the end of the 2nd day of playing the shoes, it became more flexible and comfortable.

-stability/support: 4 of 5 These Head shoes deliver outstanding stability, making quick lateral movements feel secure and reducing the risk of ankle rolls. The support keeps your feet comfortable even during long matches. With a firm midsole, they provide a solid foundation for powerful shots, ensuring every step is well-supported. Where stability and support is highly sought, these shoes does not feel explosive on pivots.

-arch support: 3 of 5 The stock insoles that came with the shoe didn't work for me at all. After trying them for just an hour of play, I found them unbearable. With my higher arches, I needed to replace them with my semi-custom insoles. Once I made the switch, it was a total transformation. I no longer had any foot pain.

-ventilation: 4 of 5 The extra vent on the bottom made a huge difference. It kept my feet cool and dry, even in 80+ degree weather and during intense Pickleball sessions. I tried various socks, and I never had any issues with breathability.
-sole durability: 5 of 5 I think these sole will hold up of constant play for 6 months+. I went through my original Head Revolt Pro 4.0's in 3 months and already putting in 20+ hours I don't see anything giving out or wearing down. I think the break in period of the soles is about one solid session before you truly feel how grippy and strong they are.

-toe durability: 4 of 5 First it has amazing toe space in the shoe. It felt snug and comfortable throughout my playtest. Normally when I get side toe blisters, its a clear indicator that it can't handle my toe dragging and tapping but this shoe gave me no problems. I normally run larger on shoes 11.5-12 but the 11 was a perfect fit.

-traction: 4 of 5 Oh wow, I really enjoyed the traction on these shoes. It felt like I was in control the whole time and never slipped on the courts. Even on courts that were badly damaged and were balding, these shoes kept grip and not giving up under me. I sometimes like to slide on certain shots but this shoe doesn't allow for this action.

-weight: 3.5 of 5 It doesn't feel as light as my Mizuno's, however it felt balanced when running to the kitchen lines. I think if Head can reduce the weight I would feel less drag when I am trying to do some explosive movements. Maybe add a section where we can adjust weight on parts of the shoe?

General reaction/comments on overall performance: Before switching to Mizuno, I was using the Head Revolt Pro 4.0's and was generally satisfied with their performance. They offered solid stability and support, which served me well on the court. However, after transitioning to the new Head Motion Pro shoes I am very satisfied with the new features and extra durability. I think these shoes are better suited for a more stationary Pickleball playstyle that relies on support and stability, rather than for fast, quick-twitch movements. They excel in providing a solid foundation for players who prioritize positioning and control over rapid shifts and speed.

 

[chaum31n]

Pickleball experience/background: Less than 7 months 3.0
Current shoe: Asics Solution Swift FF
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 25 hours +
Normal Size: 5
Playtesting Size: 5.5

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
comfort: 4 of 5 The shoes required very little break-in time, which was impressive. Despite being slightly larger than usual, they felt snug and comfortable with a thicker sock. I think I would have to size down if I went to smaller socks.

-arch support: 2.5 of 5 When I tried using the stock insoles for a few games, I quickly realized they weren’t providing the arch support and cushioning I needed. I switched back to my Curex insoles right away. They offered much better support and cushioning, making my feet feel more comfortable. Plus, since I usually wear a size 5, the Curex insoles also helped fill the shoe better for a more secure fit.

-stability/support: 3.5 of 5 I found this shoe to be heavier than my last pair, but the added weight provided excellent stability. It really helped me approach the kitchen more securely and get set faster. The support and heaviness were great, but I wish the shoe could be just a bit lighter while still offering the same level of stability.

-ventilation: 4 of 5 The ventilation in these shoes has been a game changer, especially when playing in higher temperatures with thicker and bigger socks. I never had an issue with this before, but I can really tell the difference now. The vents make a noticeable impact on keeping my feet cool and comfortable.

-sole durability: 4 of 5 After playing in these shoes for over 20 hours, I’m confident they can last more than 4 months of continuous play. I usually go through shoes in about 3-4 months, with the toe and back heels wearing out, even though my playstyle is less aggressive. Hopefully, these shoes will last double that tim

-toe durability: 4 of 5 I’m not a toe dragger, but I noticed that the extra weight in the toe area provided more stability, allowing me to pivot and hold my position after a strong hit. This was a different sensation compared to my lighter shoes, which didn’t offer as much toe stability when putting balls away. The added weight in the toe really made a difference in my hits.

traction: 4 of 5 The best thing about this shoe is the traction. I never feel like I'm going to slip, and I can pretty much stop on a dime whenever I need to. There are times when I wish I could slide a bit, but the grip is too strong. Hopefully, as the shoe breaks in, I’ll be able to slide just a tad more.

-weight: This shoe is heavier than my previous one, but at this point, I think the pros outweigh the cons. After a few more months of playing, I’ll definitely consider buying it again. If they can keep all the stability and support while reducing the weight, it would be an even more amazing shoe.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: Overall, the Head Motion Pro shoe is an excellent example of how Head is listening to pickleball players and understanding what they need in a shoe. We've been buying tennis shoes because there weren't many options specifically designed for pickleball. This shoe is a step in the right direction, and I’m very curious to see the next iterations. Hopefully, they’ll offer some cooler colors too, as the current red and white is a little dull for my taste.

 

[Icsa]

Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes Playtest

Pickleball Experience and Background: Over two years of experience primarily playing indoor doubles with friends.
Current shoe: My current go-to shoe for pickleball has been the Head Revolt Pro 4.0
Hours Played: Over 30 hours
Normal Size: 10
Playtesting Size: 10.5

Comfort: The Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes excel in comfort. From the first steps, the plushness underfoot was immediately noticeable, providing a cushioned feel. After a brief break-in period of about two hours, during which the upper softened and the initial hot spots from the top part disappeared, the shoes maintained their comfort and plush feel throughout the entire playtest. The uppers provided excellent support without feeling rigid or uncomfortable. Based on my experience with the Head Revolt Pro 4.0, I opted for a half size larger to avoid issues with the toecap rubbing against my big toenail, and this adjustment proved perfect.

Arch Support: The arch support in these shoes is just right, offering excellent shock absorption and keeping my feet injury-free. My dynamic playstyle, characterized by explosive movements and dynamic running, was well-supported by these shoes.

Stability and Support: Stability and support are crucial for my style of play, and the Head Motion Pro shoes delivered exceptionally well. The uppers provided a secure fit, preventing any slipping or discomfort even during quick direction changes. The elastic sock construction hugged my feet in place, a feature I have come to appreciate despite my initial preference for shoes with a regular tongue. This stability allowed me to play confidently, knowing my feet were well-supported. The overall construction of the shoe contributes to a solid and reliable performance on the court.

Ventilation: Playing indoors during a warmer-than-usual summer, I found the breathable mesh on top and the underfoot opening effective in keeping my feet cool. Despite the sweat from my legs, my feet remained comfortable throughout intense and extended matches.

Sole Durability: After over 30 hours of play, the soles show no signs of wear. The extra tread around the shoes suggests enhanced durability. Although there were a couple of instances when the shoes got stuck to each other during play due to the rugged tread all around, this is a minor issue that is outweighed by the excellent performance of the outsole, which provides reliable traction and longevity.

Toe Durability: The reinforced toecap and all-around reinforcement give the shoes a durable and protective feel. Although I am not a toe dragger, the construction appears robust enough to handle such wear.

Traction: The grip provided by these shoes is exceptional, crucial for my playstyle that requires sudden movements in all directions. I experienced no slipping during quick sprints and direction changes. The traction offered by the outsole made me confident to push for the limits. I rely on quick and precise movements and these shoes offered exactly that.

Weight: The shoes have a substantial look and feel, indicative of the strong quality materials used for stability and durability. While they are not the lightest option, the weight contributes to a stable feel, which I prefer. However, those seeking lightweight shoes might find these less suitable.

The Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes are a remarkable pair designed with pickleball movement in mind. They offer a perfect blend of comfort and stability, surpassing the style and performance of the Revolt Pro 4.0. This playtest introduced me to one of the best shoes I have ever used on court. Kudos to Head for their excellent design, and a special thanks to the TW Staff for the opportunity to participate in this playtest. These shoes have set a new standard for my expectations in pickleball footwear.

Note: The shoelaces tend to come untied during play, despite various tying methods. This minor issue is easily fixable and does not detract from the overall quality of the shoes.

 

[aldenhorowitz]

Pickleball experience/background: 3 years of pickleball, mostly rec play and some 4.0 tournaments
Current shoe: Head Revolt Pro 4.0
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 39 hours
Normal Size: 11
Playtesting Size: 11

Comfort: Great except for the toe box. The material around the toe is rigid and not padded well, which made the shoes difficult to wear comfortably. For the first few weeks as I wore them in, I was getting blisters on the outsides of my feet. I ultimately resigned to loosen the laces near the toe and let my foot slide around more, rather than bind it against the tough toe box. It’s not that the shoes aren't wide enough, I’ve never felt the need to wear 11-wide shoes, but the padding around my toes isn’t right. The rest of the shoe is very comfortable. The tongue has great uniform padding, and the wide laces create even pressure across the bridge of my foot. The elastic sock ankle collar of the shoe is more comfortable than most tennis shoes while still providing support.

Arch support: Average, no arch support issues. The best technology in these shoes and Head’s other tennis shoes is the ventilated midsole, which could make arch support more difficult, but I didn’t have any issues. There is plenty of support even with the ventilation. I’m not too picky about arch support.

Stability/support: Surprisingly good! For most pickleball shoes, I use a runners knot and the back lace eyelets to really lock my heel down, but I surprisingly did not need to with these shoes! The elastic sock-style collar creates a great snug fit around my ankle so I never felt like I was sliding out of these shoes. I am prone to rolled ankles, so I’m always keeping an eye on the lateral ankle support of my shoes, and these worked well for me! The outsole also had great stability, I never felt like I was off-balance in the shoes or that they were rolling under my feet.

Ventilation: Excellent, ventilation is the greatest strength of these shoes. With the ventilated sole and mesh tongue and upper, these are perfect shoes for hot, sweaty pickleball playing. These shoes are even an improvement over the Head Revolt Pro tennis shoes, which have too much rubberized coating over the top of the toe area. Head makes the best hot-summer court shoes.

Sole durability: Durability is average for Head, not as good as other brands I've tried. I wanted to really put some hours on these shoes for this review so I could give feedback on the durability. After nearly 40 hours of rec play, I’m just at the point where I’ve worn off most of the tread under my big toe. These Pro Motion pickleball shoes are comparable to the Revolt Pro tennis shoes for outsole durability. I would guess that Head is discontinuing their 6-month outsole durability guarantee, I don’t see it mentioned anywhere for these shoes. Playing about 10-hours per week, I think these shoes will last me 6-8 weeks, they are worn past the halfway point after my playtest.

Toe durability: The toe is more durable than the outsole. Head wrapped the toe of these shoes in a tough rubberized layer, as if they expect tons of sliding along the top and side of the toe. That seems unnecessary to me, I don’t know any pickleball players who drag their toe that aggressively, even in singles. The rigid toe just makes these shoes less comfortable for me.

Traction: Passable, not as grippy as I would hope considering how fast the outsoles wear. When the shoes were brand new I found them a little slippery, but for most of my playtest they were good, except at the end when the tread had started to wear off. All of my playing was on a regular outdoor court surface.

Weight: Great midweight shoes. These shoes are a compromise between heavy fully-supportive shoes and lightweight runners. I didn’t feel the weight of these shoes slowing me down. Head was smart about where they used material to make these shoes well balanced. The foam midsole Head calls “dynafoam” makes these lighter than other options.

General reaction/comments on overall performance:
The Head Pro Motions are well performing shoes overall. They offer a good balance of support and comfort. I don’t like the white-salmon colorwave. The white tongue and upper look terribly grimy after my playtesting. Head went a little overboard on the branding, the box the shoes came in is covered in pickleball court measurements and features that supposedly make these shoes designed specifically for pickleball. The pickleball-specific features Head touts for these shoes don’t make them better than Head’s tennis-specific offerings. If Head offered the 6-month outsole guarantee for these, they would be an easy buy. Without that, I’m not impressed enough with the outsole durability or the toe box comfort to make them my top pickleball shoe choice.

 

[Icsa]

Pickleball experience/background: 3 years of pickleball, mostly rec play and some 4.0 tournaments
Current shoe: Head Revolt Pro 4.0
How many hours did you play with the shoe? 39 hours
Normal Size: 11
Playtesting Size: 11

Comfort: Great except for the toe box. The material around the toe is rigid and not padded well, which made the shoes difficult to wear comfortably. For the first few weeks as I wore them in, I was getting blisters on the outsides of my feet. I ultimately resigned to loosen the laces near the toe and let my foot slide around more, rather than bind it against the tough toe box. It’s not that the shoes aren't wide enough, I’ve never felt the need to wear 11-wide shoes, but the padding around my toes isn’t right. The rest of the shoe is very comfortable.

I had the same issue with the toe box and going 0.5 up in size solved the problem for me.

 

[TW Staff]

Reminder to playtesters:

Please post your comments in this thread by tomorrow!

Thanks,
PW Staff

 

[Pickleballer]

Pickleball experience/background: playing 5 years, 15+ tournaments in 3.5 to 4.1 range

Current shoe: KSwiss Speedtrac and Babolat Jet Mach 3

How many hours did you play with the shoe? 34 hours over 13 days
Normal Size: 9 1/2 medium
Playtesting Size: 9 1/2 medium

-comfort: They have a soft insole foam. I have a concern about life of this foam. They have the comfort of a maximalist shoe with the playability of a minimalist. Sufficient padding in the tongue though I would like a little more. I have been comfortable in this shoe each day I’ve played. I weigh 150 lbs and these are great. I’m not sure how they may be for someone heavier.

-arch support: these have a very comfortable arch support that I’m not even aware of during play which to me is a positive.

-stability/support: I feel very locked in with this shoe especially with the runners knot. They have great lateral stability. They have a firm heel box that tends to the narrower range which I like for my foot. Along with that is sufficient width in the toebox.

-ventilation: These shoes breathe great through the upper and nice to have the venting in the sole. Even in the 90+ degree heat in Florida they function well. One of the more breathable shoes I’ve worn.

-sole durability: After 34 hours of outdoor play in the heat of Florida I’m showing little to no wear on the soles. These are better than any of the other brands I’ve worn unless they had six month tread warranty. I’m guessing I may get 3 months or more out of these which would be more than normal. There is extra thick tread around the perimeter of the sole which should help durability.

-toe durability: I’m not a toe dragger so this is not an issue for me with any shoe. Based on the sole and how it wraps around part of the toe I would think these would wear well.

-traction: Great traction with these shoes. Yesterday it began to lightly rain as we were playing. I was comfortable playing until we all decided to stop. Have not had any issues with feeling these slide. At the same time they are not sticky which allows free movement. A very secure performing shoe.

-weight: I think these are probably in the average weight category. The KSwiss seem a little lighter. The weight certainly has not been an issue.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: These may become my top rated shoe. Any time I play and don’t have any attention on my shoes that is a good sign. I always wear new shoes around the house for about two hours prior to the initial court time. These were comfortable from the start. Over the time I’ve worn them I have snugged up the laces only minimally. The only design feature I would change is a little more in flare. Then they would be perfect for my feet.

 

[DST1119]

Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes

Pickleball experience/background: 9 mos

Current shoe: Adidas Barricade 13

How many hours did you play with the shoe? 30 hours (24 hrs rec play, 6 hrs drills)

Normal Size: 10

Playtesting Size: 10



Comments on shoe performance

-comfort: This shoe offers a lot of cushion on your entire foot which makes you feel like you’re a bit off the ground just like the Nike GP Pickleball shoes (I was able to test it in one of the Tennis Warehouses). This is far from what I currently use (Adidas Barricade 13) which makes you feel the ground more. With the amount of cushion provided, you can feel how much shock absorption this shoe offers. For the times that I needed to lunge to get a ball or try to jump when getting a lob, it felt like my feet wasn’t getting a lot of pounding from the impact.

-arch support: I am flat footed and have a wide feet so it’s hard for me to find a pair of shoes without having some kind of pain or discomfort on my arches. When I initially wore these, my arches definitely had to adjust from the support provided. I could feel my arches burning a little bit probably for the first 2-3 games. After dialing it down, my feet started to get acclimated to the arch support and did not hurt since. I would say though that you might benefit from a low profile shoe insert if you really need that arch support custom-made or best fits you.

-stability/support: The one area this shoe excels- stability/support. Right from the get go, you will definitely feel that these shoes offer top notch sturdiness and lateral stability. In the game of pickleball, most people say that it’s all about stability especially when taking any type of shot (unless you’re doing a flying Erne or Bert). And that’s what you’re getting from this pair. You won’t even worry about your foot rolling when sliding on these because it offers that much lateral support to prevent it from happening.

-ventilation: Another quality that these pairs have is that it offers GREAT amount of ventilation. How do I know? My feet sweat a lot and will soak (a bit exaggerated) my socks in the process. Compared to my Barricade, my socks did not feel like it was damp from playing or drilling after wearing the Head Motion Pro. This also is evident when playing on a hot day. Normally, I would take my shoes off right after the game to have my feet ‘breathe’ a little. But with the Motion Pro, I feel like there’s no need to do it.

-sole durability: Trying to apply the split step when I play, I put the sole of this shoe to the test when I go on a full stop from a sprint trying to go to the kitchen. My very first pickleball shoe only lasted me about a month and a half. And as I observed from the wear and tear, the sole mostly was thinning on medial part of the forefoot which is indicative of my tendency to pronate my foot a little too much. With that in mind, the sole of the Head Motion Pro did not show signs of wear and tear after almost a month of playing with it.

-toe durability: Having played a little bit of badminton before, I drag my foot a lot when trying to reach for a ball after lunging. This causes either the front or medial side of the toe box to thin out first. After weeks of play, this shoe still has a lot of rubber on the toe cap and drag guard left as if I’ve only played with it for only two sessions. This shoe will definitely last a long time.

-traction: The traction on this shoes is just alright, in my opinion. It still grips well on sudden burst of side to side movement but where it excels is when you’re sliding. Given the lateral stability mentioned above and the honeycomb outsole rubber on the shoe, it offers a great amount of sliding prowess with enough traction when you need it.

-weight: Even with a lot of cushion provided, it feels really light and responsive. It does not make me feel like I’m dragging a 3 pound ankle weight when I move. It lets me stay as agile as possible around the court. A big plus for aggressive and athletic type of plays (e.g. Erne, Bert)! This, at times, made me feel like I’m floating in air



General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Overall, this shoe offers great amount of comfort, shock absorption, stability, ruggedness and breathability. During the play test period, I noted that this shoe plays differently depending on how you tie your laces. For the traditional knot, this shoe offers a little bit more movement inside which makes it a little more forgiving when moving around. As for when you apply a runner’s knot, this shoe morphs into a different kind of animal that goes wherever you go. It gives that feeling of having a boost on speed and agility. When I learn about the latter mode of the shoe, it was no turning back for me. Having used to the this type of feedback on my feet, it felt home for me. My only drawback on this is because of the amount of cushion on the sole given, I don’t feel the ground as much as my current shoe (Adidas Barricade 13) offers. That’s just my personal preference when it comes to the shoes I wear when I play pickleball and could totally be different from other people. Otherwise, this shoe checks all the boxes for me as to what a pickleball shoe must have (lateral stability, breathability, shock absorption and comfort).

 

[eman11]

Pickleball Experience and Background: Little over one year of playing pickleball. Mostly play indoor, singles and doubles.
Current shoes: Nike Zoom Challenge Pickleball
Hours Played: Over 30 hours
Normal Size: 11
Playtesting Size: 11

Comfort: The Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes are very comfortable. With the minimal break-in period required, I was able to go out to the court the night they arrived and did not feel it that next or the day after. I feel like there was a bit extra room in the toe-box, too, which helped with the comfortable fit. I think the “Dynafoam” technology is NOT a gimmick and does absorb a lot of shock during play, which helps with a comfortable fit.

Arch Support: The arch support was exactly what you could want out of a pair of shoes. Even with the original insole, the support that is built into this pair is above average, and only gets better when you switch to an insole like the Powerstep Pinnacle. I never felt my arches sore or uncomfortable/

Stability and Support: Again, stability and support in these shoes is great. With the right shoe size, your foot feels snug and stable and does not move around (especially because of the hard backside of the shoe) like I have experienced in other shoe companies. When it comes with support, I feel like the “Dynafoam” technology comes into play as well, as it supports your feet by absorbing the shock to help you get to better positioning. Within the same lines, the shape of the shoe (kind of “comes up” in the front) also supports your movement, in this case the forward movement.

Ventilation: This shoe is very ventilated, and I’m not talking about the soles of the shoes. The uppers of the shoes are very breathable; very thin, but not too thin. I have played with other shoes where the part of the shoe around my small toes tear, but these did not have that happen at all, even with closer to 50 hours played. I was excited about the sole ventilation system they put into the shoe, but I honestly could not tell you if it is real or a gimmick, since I changed out the insole (played with the regular “shoe-specific” insole it comes with for about 6-8 hrs, but didn’t feel anything. Also: I play with double socks for cushioning)

Sole Durability: Great durability: I did not start to see wear into the outsole until after the 40 hr mark. I have never played with a HEAD shoe before, but wearing this shoe was a good first impression. If you are looking for sole durability, this shoe is a good choice.

Toe Durability: I do not drag my toes into shots much (only when slide is needed), but it seems as if they are going to last if you tend to drag on most of your shots.

Traction: The traction on these shoes is some of the best that I have experienced. Not only do I feel secure on the court on return or shots where I don’t need much movement, but also on shots where I was more on the move while hitting a shot. Great soles to slide into shots, too, even after only some minutes into wearing the shoe.

Weight: One of the lightest shoes I have worn in a minute. I was very surprised how light the shoe was and how well it performed at the same time. This shoe reminded me of the Nike Air Zoom Vapor X (or just any of the older Nike Vapor line), but seemed to me like the durability is better.


The Head Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes are a great pair of shoes. As mentioned, the durability is great, which will be why some people will buy their court shoes (I definitely fall in this category of consumer). Comfort is another reason why people will buy shoes, and these definitely excel in this category too. The only things to complain about were the shoelaces because since they are on the “thinner” side of things, they started to tear after about 25-30 hours, but if that is something that is avoidable by buying a replace pair of shoelaces, and the huge HEAD branding on the shoes: I think the shoe would have looked much better aesthetically with the HEAD symbol.

Nothing more to say, except thank you, TW Staff, for the opportunity to participate in this playtest! Really enjoyed them, hope to get another opportunity soon!