Hooked on Pickleball? The Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 Has the Grip, Support & Style to Fuel Your Obsession

As someone who spent years competing in junior tennis and used to play badminton regularly, court sports have always been a big part of my life. Earlier this year, I started noticing how pickleball was popping up everywhere, friends were talking about it, new courts were sprouting up like mushrooms, and even athletes from other sports were jumping in. Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to give it a shot. What started as a casual experiment quickly turned into a full-blown obsession.

But after a few sessions, I realised that my trusty tennis and badminton shoes weren’t quite cutting it. Pickleball has its own rhythm with short bursts, quick lateral shifts, and a lot of toe-heavy movement. So when I got the opportunity to try out the Skechers GO Pickleball Viper Court Pro 2.0, I was ecstatic.

Here’s how they’ve held up after a couple of weeks of regular play, and why they might just be the perfect fit for anyone transitioning into pickleball from other racquet sports, whether you're a beginner just getting into the game or someone who's been playing for a while and looking to level up.

Built for movement

Coming from tennis and badminton, I’m picky about how shoes fit. I need something snug but not restrictive, with enough room in the toe box for quick stops and lunges. The Viper Court Pro 2.0 nails this balance. The Arch Fit insole is a standout, it’s designed using actual foot scan data, and it shows. My arches feel supported without being pushed up unnaturally, and the cushioning is firm enough for stability but soft enough to absorb impact.

The upper is breathable, which is a blessing in Malaysia’s heat. I’ve played in these for hours and never felt like my feet were overheating or getting swampy.

What really stood out to me, though, was how the shoe feels light but solid, a rare combo. Tennis shoes are often built like tanks: sturdy but also quite heavy, especially when you're moving laterally for extended rallies. Badminton shoes, on the other hand, are lighter but can sometimes feel too minimal when it comes to support.

The Viper Court Pro 2.0 strikes a sweet spot between the two. It gives you that locked-in, stable feel you need for aggressive movement, but without the bulk that slows you down. It’s the kind of shoe that lets you move freely and confidently.

Stability where it matters

This shoe really shines when it comes to grip and lateral support. The Goodyear Gold outsole has a herringbone tread that grips both indoor and outdoor courts like a champ. Compared to my tennis shoes, these are more tuned for the stop-start nature of pickleball

Meanwhile, the ULTRA FLIGHT midsole cushioning is responsive, though a bit firmer than what I’m used to in badminton shoes. That said, it gives me a solid base to push off from, and I’ve never felt unstable or wobbly even during fast exchanges at the net.

Overall, the Viper Court Pro 2.0 keeps up without feeling clunky or slow. It’s responsive in a way that feels natural, almost like an extension of my foot rather than something I have to work against.

Made to go the distance

After a few weeks of regular play (3–4 times a week), the shoes still look and feel great. The ripstop upper hasn’t frayed, and the outsole still has plenty of grip left, even after sessions on rough outdoor courts.

What’s also reassuring is how the shoe maintains its structure over time. Some court shoes start to feel loose or lose their shape after a few weeks, especially around the heel and midfoot. But the Viper Court Pro 2.0 still feels snug and supportive, just like it did on day one. The stitching, overlays, and outsole bonding all seem built to last, which gives me confidence that I won’t need a replacement anytime soon.

Court-ready style that doesn’t try too hard

As someone who prefers minimalist shoes without bright or flashy colours, I really appreciate the look of the Viper Court Pro 2.0. It’s clean, sporty, and understated, exactly the kind of style that works both on and off the court. The design strikes a great balance between athletic and casual, offering a sharp appearance without screaming “performance gear.”

The colour accents add just enough personality without being loud, and the overall silhouette is sleek and modern. It’s versatile enough to pair with joggers, shorts, or even casual jeans, so I don’t feel the need to change shoes immediately after playing, which is a nice bonus, especially when heading straight to a post-game hangout or running errands.

A solid pickleball partner

If you’re coming from tennis or badminton, you’ll appreciate the stability and grip these shoes offer. They’re not as cushioned as some tennis shoes, and not as featherlight as badminton shoes, but they strike a great balance for pickleball’s unique demands. The Arch Fit system is a huge plus if you care about long-term foot health, especially with all the quick stops and pivots.

Priced at RM599, the Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about pickleball. It’s comfortable, durable, and designed with the sport in mind. For someone like me who’s used to high-performance footwear from tennis and badminton, this shoe feels like a natural fit for my new pickleball obsession.

The Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 is available at selected Skechers concept stores, including The Exchange TRX, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Pavilion Damansara Heights, and Sunway Pyramid, as well as online.

Featured Image Credit: Rojak Daily