Best Table Tennis Shoes 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Table tennis requires footwork along with hand works which is why the shoes you wear are something you should take note of. As a beginner, you can wear normal running shoes but for professionals, we recommend specifically ping pong shoes. During tournament matches, your feet require movements that may cause ankle injury if your feet are not in suitable shoes.

Usually, the best table tennis shoes feature a thin and grasped outsole, lightweight, full feet coverage, soft beneath part, and flat heel. Also, you need to have table tennis shoes to improve your skills without injuring your feet.

Lucky for you, we have provided you with the best men’s table tennis shoes and the best women’s table tennis shoes. In addition to that, we tested each ping pong shoe to know what they are best for! Also, a buying guide is given so you can select accordingly with more knowledge. Do not use regular tennis shoes instead you can opt for given best ping pong shoes. Let’s get to it!

Comparison of 9 Best Ping Pong Shoes in 2023

Top 9 Best Table Tennis Shoes Reviews in 2023

1 Butterfly Table Tennis Shoes-Best durable table tennis shoes

As you know table tennis is a sport that requires intense footwork, Butterfly Groovy is designed just for that. Also, the upgraded mesh material is of high quality and does not wear down speedily. You can easily move feet with agility as these shoes have a thin sole that feels as comfortable as wearing no shoes at all!

In addition to all that, you can select from five versatile colors; Blue, Black, Navy, White, and Pink. Moreover, you can choose from sizes ranging from 4.5-12.0 but the pink color only has sizes up to 8. Whereas white color has size only up to10. Butterfly definitely knows how to deal with fast footwork and has given the soles of these shoe shock absorbers. Needless to say, shock absorbers make the stable movement of feet easy without causing tension or strain on your feet. You Can also check the Best Ping Pong Robots.

Whether you are a novice, an intermediate, or an experienced pro, you can opt for this. Butterfly Lezoline Groovy gives suitable performance for all. Another great feature about this is that although the whole material is of mesh material for breathability the toe area is covered for extra durability. Lastly, its scuff-resistant rubber sole delivers exceptional grip on all types of court areas.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 5-12.0
• Weight: 23 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎11.5 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches
• Material: Mesh

Final words

Professional players often play indoors, in that case, these shoes are best as they are durable. But these do not provide amazing performance outdoors as thin soles get damaged easily. Aside from that inside tennis or badminton courts, these shoes provide amazing performance whilst having a stable grip on your feet. Players who have a problem with buying shoes countlessly can go for this for longevity.

2 NIKE Men’s Court Lite Tennis Shoes-Best lightweight table tennis shoes

Table tennis players who prefer playing more aggressively, NIKE Men’s court lite is the best for you. Due to the lightweight of fewer than 1 pound, these shoes provide amazing performance even for beginners.

In its construction, the tongue is made of mesh material for reducing sweat that builds up in the feet. Furthermore, the combination of mesh material and synthetic material offers breathability with nice support. Next, the GDR (Green Durable Rubber) outsoles are not that thin but provide perfect grip on feet during fast movement. Moreover, Phylon midsoles ensure that you get a lightweight cushioned surface that reduces the chances of ankle injuries. You Can also check the Best Table Tennis Net.

In addition to that, the toe area can withstand friction as it features abrasion resistance. You can play outdoors as well without worrying about your shoes getting disfigured! If you look underneath it, the Herringbone tread pattern is great for fast-paced footwork. Lastly, it comes in four different colors and versatile small to medium sizes.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 8-13
• Weight: 75 pounds
• Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 4 inches
• Material: Mesh and Synthetic

Final words

NikeCourt Lite, as the name implies, is lightweight. It lets you glide around the tennis court and improve your game with reliance. If you’re a beginner or a pro seeking a sturdy hard-court shoe this table tennis sneaker is a must-have. One thing to look out for is that people with flat feet may find it too narrow and will need custom insoles. Also, these are designed for thin feet, however, upon using it for some time they loosen up to fit all feet types. On wearing these they are narrow, so we recommend getting 1 size above your regular shoe size.

3 Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 16-Best Cushioned Table Tennis Shoes

Utilizing Mizuno Energy foam technologies, Mizuno men’s Wave inspires 16 provides a well-cushioned surface for your feet. This is better than previously cushioned shoes that used both U4ic and U4icx. In addition to that, these shoes have sandwich construction with U4ic, cloud wave plate, and X10 outsole.

Firstly, U4ic absorbs shock making running easy. Secondly, the cloud wave plate on the sole is of Mizuno energy foam. Its goal is to produce a responsive and comfortable surface. From the sole, the plate is an elastic, thermal plastic wave. The middle part of the shoe, the double fan wave, provides stability while sprinting. Thirdly, U4ix makes sure that rubber lasts for a long period. You Can also check the How to Play Smash in Table Tennis?

Moreover, the shaft measures roughly from arch to low tip. Furthermore, the design is also classy with an unstitched logo and various colors. Another great thing about design is that the exterior is designed with high-quality mesh material that ensures breathability. These shoes do not compromise on quality or comfort, they offer everything but are a tad bit heavier as they come with a bulky cushion. The engineered mesh upper and updated heel collar makes sure that these securely fit in all types of feet.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 7-16
• Item Weight: 11 ounces
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.19 x 4.84 inches
• Material: Mesh high-quality material

Final words

All in all, Mizuno Men’s Wave inspire 16 is an upgraded version of previous models. Although these are running shoes these work perfectly stable for table tennis too. But these may be heavy as compared to originally designed table tennis shoes. Aside from that, you get well-cushioned and you can pick out from 16 different colors as well! You can use these for running and to play table tennis.

4 Butterfly Trynex Table Tennis Shoes-Best table tennis shoes for breathability

Butterfly Trynes Table Tennis Shoes have amazing construction that aids in reducing sweat during intense table tennis matches. The exterior material is made up of synthetic fiber and artificial leather. Butterfly Trynes offers a clutching outer sole and suitable cushioning that is required for table tennis. Also, read the How to Clean a Ping Pong Paddle?

Whereas the sole insert is constructed from a combination of rubber and EVA. This is well suited for all skill level table tennis players and provides ideal comfort. In addition to that, the soles provide stability on all types of surfaces. Moreover, EVA rubber soles are considered to be comparatively lightweight and flexible than regular rubber soles.

Furthermore, the overall mesh material provides comfort to feet throughout the game. It comes in Blue, Black, Navy, and Red colors, which you can select according to your preference.

These may not be as durable as others but the mesh material gives unmatchable comfort and the “heel counter” part ensures the durability of the shoe. Also, to ensure longevity you need to make sure the heel part does not get damaged. All of these features come at an affordable price which makes these shoes more attractive and worthy.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 5-8.5
• Weight: 270g (Size 43)
• Dimensions: ‎12.32 x 7.64 x 4.72 inches
• Material: Synthetic fiber and rubber

Final words

To sum it up, Butterfly Trynex table tennis shoes are best for reducing sweat on the feet. Players who sweat a lot will find this highly comfortable. Keep in mind that, Due to all mesh construction these might not be on par with other table tennis shoes when it comes to durability. However, as the heel part is well protected these can last for a fair amount of time. We also noticed while testing that these come in quite large sizes so we recommend getting 1 size smaller so that they fit perfectly.

5 Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4-Best designed table tennis shoes

Coming with fancy-looking stripes with metallic colours, Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4 looks stunning yet decent. Aside from being designed to turn heads on the court, these table tennis shoes do not compromise on quality either. A combination of mesh with synthetic material ensures you feel comfortable while running or playing. You Can also check the Best Ping Pong Paddle For Spin.

Moreover, the TPU overlay provides high resistance to abrasion and reduces the chances of cutting or scratching on its surface. You can smoothly play on all types of surfaces thanks to its non-slipping design. The Phylon midsole is thin yet firm enough to provide stability. Furthermore, it’s lightweight at less than a pound and can be used for outdoors playing as well!

Another reason why we love this is due to the spacey toe box design that ensures high ventilation. In addition to that, the Visible Max Air unit beneath the heel offers exceptional cushioning. And zoom air pods can be seen in its heel, which reduces the chances of getting strained. Along with that it’s designed for comfort and fits in all types of feet perfectly due to soft padded cushioning. Lastly, it does not disappoint in durability thanks to the Waffle fill outsole.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 8-13
• Item Weight: 4 ounces
• Dimensions: 16 x 7 x 5 inches;
• Material: Mesh and synthetic

Final words

All in all, Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4 is ideally best for players who want comfort along with the best-looking footwear. The design looks stunning and the shoe is also perfect for playing table tennis in all types of settings. You can even play on grassy surfaces. But one thing you need to look out for is that it does not fit the heel perfectly. We experienced that although it fits perfectly there were some incidents of feet slipping out of the heel part.

6 ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9-Best volleyball shoes for table tennis

Lightweight volleyball shoes like ASICS women’s Gel-Rocket 9 can be used to play table tennis too. These indoor court shoes offer suitable cushions and support for table tennis. Also, you can select from 8 versatile colours and the size ranges from 5.5 to 11. You can get 14-size shoes as well.

The upper part of this shoe is made from a blend of synthetic with mesh material for comfort and durability. To enhance comfort, the tongue and heel are well-padded with foam. Unlike modern lacing patterns, these shoes have traditional simple laces for perfect fitting. Furthermore, the EVA midsole gives flexibility and decreases the probability of straining your ankles. You Can also check the How to Serve in Ping Pong?

The GEL Cushioning System in the back and toes part of the shoe provides shock-absorbing assistance. This helps during intense movement of ankles whilst providing support throughout the range of motion. Moreover, the outsole has more quantity of raw rubber which makes it great for table tennis. Lastly, the most attractive feature is its unique yet genius design. By using Trusstic System technology this shoe features a perfect internal structure with minimum weight. You can easily move around in these shoes quickly as these do not limit your feet’ movements.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 5-11 and 14
• Item Weight: 9 ounces
• Dimensions: 7 x 7.4 x 4.3 inches
• Material: Mesh upper and Rubber

Final words

To sum it up, ASCIS Women’s Gel-rocket 9 is designed for volleyball women but all types of table tennis players can use this. The opening of this shoe might be too narrow for some people and size is limited up to 11 only with 14 number sizes skipping 12 and 13. Aside from being narrow, these have no issues. From foam-padded to thin soles, these shoes offer it all at a reasonable cost!

7 Butterfly Lezoline Rifones Shoes-Best professional table tennis shoes

Butterfly has always been the top choice of pro table tennis players around the world. Whether you are a woman or man, these shoes are for all genders who want to improve the game and take it to a professional level. These shoes are light and comfortable as they come with B-absorber that enhances the flexibility of the shoes. It is placed in-between outsoles and midsoles. Even the hardest agile feet movements can be done smoothly without causing any tension on the feet. You Can also check the Awesome Benefit of Playing Table Tennis.

In addition to that, the outsoles have a wingtip design that aids in giving exceptional grip and control over footwork. Next, the midsoles are bridge-structured which enhances support and reduces the chances of slipping. Also, the STB Torsion Protection technology works to prevent the sneaker from getting damaged due to intense twisting movements that are quite common in table tennis.

Lezoline Rifones shoes do not compromise on comfort either. With a combination of B-armor and KPU material, your feet stay well cushioned and comfortable throughout matches. Only the inside section of the tongue part is connected due to a one-sided shoe tongue design which reduces unwanted shoe sliding. Additionally, you can select from three colours; Navy, Black, and Lime green.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 5-12
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎12.5 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches
• Material: Mesh

Final words

Butterfly table tennis shoes were the top-tier choice of the world’s professionals at the World Table Tennis Championship in previous years. Players who can afford costly table tennis shoes can opt for this. We do recommend this for hobbyists or recreational players as this comes with an expensive price tag. As a player who wants to improve and win competitions, this table tennis shoe is designed for you.

 

8 Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 15-Best budget-friendly table tennis shoes

Mizuno Men’s Wave inspires 15 is an ideal option for players who can not afford the wave inspire 16 models. The shaft takes nearly low-top from the arch of the shoe. Furthermore, it gives most features of Wave inspire 16 at less cost. You get an engineered mesh upper for high ventilation of feet during fast-paced matches. Also, the material of these shoes is tough and long-lasting.

In addition to that, the U4ic midsoles ensure responsive performance along with suitable shock absorption. And U4icx heel wedge gives both durability and a soft surface to your feet. You get padded forefoot so your feet feel comfortable while moving around in these shoes. These are designed for all types of settings; you can play table tennis indoors and outdoors as you please. You Can also check the How to Choose Ping Pong Paddle?

The best feature we love in this shoe is its premium Sockliner that aids to provide comfort. Additionally, the shoe comes in various shades and ranges of different feet sizes. You do not have to compromise on your choice or quality when it comes to Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 15. This running shoe features a smooth cloud wave padding, fast responsive flex, and stable performance that can be used for table tennis as well.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 7-8
• Weight: 63 pounds
• Dimensions: 12 x 7.2 x 4.7 inches
• Material: Mesh

Final words

To sum it up, Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 15 is the best choice for players with a budget. By budget choice, we mean that this gives maximum features at the most budget-friendly and cheap price. However, upon wearing we found that these were quite heavy. Although the heaviness doesn’t strain your feet but may injure you if you have weak legs. Aside from that if you rarely skip leg day, these shoes are great.

 

9 Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 -Best table tennis shoes for stability

This is an upgraded version of Nike Men’s Court Lite tennis shoes. Although these are designed for beginners of tennis, they give an amazing performance for table tennis players of all skill levels. Any type of foot can easily go through its padded heel and soft tongue area. Additionally,  the lacing system is a traditional overlay of laces that makes sure your feet fit perfectly! Furthermore, the outsole features GDR ( green durable rubber) that is eco-friendly and provides smooth movement. Also, read the Best Ping Pong Paddle.

The updated outsole pattern design features 5 distinctive patterns. This allows you to move fastly without slipping even on slippery court surfaces. Moreover, the upper part is a blend of both leather and synthetic material which elongates its durability. Another difference between court lite 1 and this new model is shock absorption. The previous model gives only shock absorption whereas this one has lightweight Phylon composed of EVA foam pellets. Meaning, that it cushions the foot during landings, toe-offs, and lateral movements by being neither too soft nor too stiff. In addition to that, It also features a higher heel for better rear-end cushioning. Lastly, you can choose from only two colours; black and white.

 

 

Specifications:

• Size: 8-15
• Weight: 78 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎‎9.65 x 3.35 x 3.74 inches
• Material: synthetic and leather

Final words

To sum it up, these shoes go well with all types of table tennis players. Whether you are a hobbyist or professional you can go for this. It gives an unmatchable performance with various high-end features like EVA foam pellets to GDR material. Initially, we found it too tight for our feet but after playing a few rounds of matches it loosened up nicely with movements. Whether it’s outdoor or indoors these shoes do not compromise on performance and durability.

Buying Guide

While reading the reviews you must have thought about how we have selected our best table tennis shoes. Or what is our review based on? More or less every table tennis shoe has things in common whereas some have unique features. We have provided you with a list of things found in table tennis shoes. The under-given features matter in providing safety during table tennis matches without compromising your footwork movement. When choosing the correct table tennis shoes for yourself or as a gift, you need to consider several factors. Let us get to it then,

Weight:

The first and foremost thing to see in ping pong shoes is the weight. Unlike volleyball and tennis shoes, table tennis shoes should be lighter and breathable. Keep in mind that in table tennis you have to keep moving from one corner to other corners of the table, so lightweight shoes are best. To be able to move faster you should get lightweight table tennis shoes.

Material:

Table tennis shoes come in two types of material,

1. Leather
2. Synthetic

Leather is considered fashionable whereas synthetic is more durable. Furthermore, leather is also durable but not a sling lasting as synthetic table tennis shoes. Most common material used by professionals in tournaments is also synthetic which is why many players go for synthetic table tennis shoes.

Soles:

Another thing to note is the insoles of the shoes. The insoles of table tennis shoes should be thin and never too bulky or high. Thin soles reduce the chances of ankle twists as they are closer to the ground. Moreover, thin soles make sure your movements are quick and well-coordinated. Furthermore, bulky soles may be under your side-to-side feet movements. Also, check the Table Tennis Vs Tennis.

Cushioning:

You might think that you need extra stuffed cushion support in table tennis shoes. However, that is not the case; lighter cushioning is preferred in table tennis shoes. In addition to that, too much cushioning in table tennis shoes may make the shoe heavyweight. We recommend getting shoes that have enough cushioning to support your footwork easily without hindering your abilities.

Comfort:

Never compromise on comfort in sportswear as being comfortable with yourself helps in the improvement of the sport. Similarly, in table tennis shoes look at factors that make your feet feel comfy. Firstly, the mesh material is considered to be comfortable as it provides ventilation of air. Moreover, mesh helps in reducing sweat released from the feet. Secondly, make sure the size of the shoes fits your feet perfectly. To hit the ball, you must take the proper steps and that is where the shoe confirms that all movements are comfortable and appropriate.

Budget:

As a beginner, you should get budget-friendly table tennis shoes as you’ll be concentrating on mastering the strokes and learning the fundamentals of table tennis. In this case, shoes do not matter but for playing at a professional level high-quality table tennis should be considered. The best table tennis will not cost you a fortune but they are still expensive so keep in mind your budget and the price of shoes as well.

Other factors:

Aside from just looking at the features of table tennis shoes, you need to consider other factors as well. Such as the surface and settings, outdoor shoes and indoor shoes are different. Also, thin soles will not be best at grassy surfaces outdoors. Therefore, slightly thick soles are recommended for outdoor settings so your feet do not get any injury.

Another factor is your skill level, as beginners, it’s considered fine to wear regular shoes. But for upgrading and improving to professional or intermediate level table tennis shoes are mandatory.

Final Words

That was all of our best-tested table tennis shoes. Although there are a few running shoes, volleyball shoes, and tennis shoes, we have made the list keeping in mind features that are needed in table tennis. All the above-mentioned are one of the best and most commonly used table tennis shoes. Overall we have narrowed down our review to the top three picks according to various categories:

• Butterfly Table Tennis Shoes-Best durable table tennis shoes: Our first pick is Butterfly Groovy due to its scuff-resistant rubber sole and high durability. Furthermore, these go well for all types of players from beginners to pros.
• NIKE Men’s Court Lite Tennis Shoes-Best lightweight table tennis shoes: Second place, we have shoes that offer the most needed features in table tennis. Nike Men’s Court Lite tennis shoes come with a thin sole and are lightweight which helps in agile movements during table tennis matches.
• Butterfly Lezoline Rifones Shoes-Best professional table tennis shoes: Our last pick is specifically for professionals who want to upgrade their game. These have high-end features like B-absorber, B-armor, STB Torsion Protection technology, and KPU material. All these combined give an ideal performance in competitive matches.

FAQs:-

1. Are table tennis shoes important to wear during matches?

Yes! Astable tennis also requires footwork so these shoes provide aid toward the smooth and safe movement of feet.

2. Is it possible to play tennis shoes while playing table tennis?

Yes, it is possible but not suitable as table tennis shoes are recommended best to avoid injury.

3. Can I play table tennis while wearing football shoes?

No, as these shoes are heavy and bulky which will hinder your movements during table tennis games.

4. Do the shape and type of feet matter in table tennis shoes?

Yes if you have a high arch or flat feet then you need to have specific insoles for table tennis shoes.