High-quality gear is around 50% of your performance. Can you believe that?
There is a way to upgrade your table tennis performance, and it does not involve a paddle or rubber.
Your footwear will dictate how fast you are on your feet when the opponent surprises you with a hidden move.
That's why you need to get the best table tennis shoes that support your feet in crucial areas and allow for rapid movements.
Check out our top 7 table tennis shoes and see what makes them different from other sports shoes!
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Best Table Tennis Shoes Money Can Buy: My Top 7 Favorites
The Asics men's gel volleyball shoes are the well-deserved best-pick title carrier of our article.
These Asics gel volleyball shoes are the all-time favorite pick if you are playing on a hard surface.
Now, let's see what else they can offer you.
Firstly, this pair of table tennis shoes feature a classic Asics design.
They feature a full-lace-up closure and a classic logo on the side.
They are available in three color variations, so you can choose the one that fits your ping pong gear the best.
Moreover, the composition materials make this pair of gel rocket 8 table tennis shoes comfortable and lightweight.
The Asics men's gel rocket sports shoes are made out of upper mesh material and synthetic overlays.
They have padding both in the outer sole and inner, so your matches will be played in comfortable shoe wear.
The insides feature light padding, while the breathable upper mesh material allows the airflow that keeps you comfortable and fresh.
One of the crucial features of these gel rocket 8 ping pong shoes is that they have an EVA midsole that offers you shock-absorption during heel-strike.
Not only that, but these table tennis shoes include the Trusstic System R Technology that reduces the weight, but it keeps the overall structure of the shoe intact.
Overall, if you play table tennis on a hard surface, you will be impressed with these Asics men's gel rocket 8 shoes.
- Breathable mesh material
- Trusstic System R Technology
- Great for hard-surface court
- Great for volleyball as well
- Minimal arch support
Our runner-up pick goes out to another Asics pair of shoes, the Upcourt 4 model.
These table tennis shoes come in two basic colors-while or black design, so you can easily match them to the rest of your tennis equipment.
One of the features that make these ping pong shoes attractive and worth buying is traction.
Many of the players commented that the grip is extraordinary, and you can change directions in a second without risking a slip.
During a fast-paced game, having good support from your table tennis shoes is everything!
The next feature we questioned was comfort.
A comfortable fit is one of the essential features in a sports shoe, and the Asics one sure does provide supreme comfort.
There were numerous comments from table tennis players and volleyball players saying they had no comfortability issues whatsoever.
As for the materials, the Asics men's court table tennis shoes are made out of synthetic leather material and upper mesh material that offers breathability and optimal airflow.
With the rubber sole, the pair of shoes offers extreme durability and excellent grip when moving around the table.
We did find one downside in the sea of positive comments.
Even though these sports shoes are durable and high-quality, they do wrinkle up real quickly.
Luckily, this will only affect the appearance of the shoes, not performance.
- Durable
- Rubber sole
- Excellent grip
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Synthetic leather
- Develops wrinkles
Up next, we have a few quite trendy picks from the popular Butterfly brands.
The first one on the list is the Groovy white table tennis shoes.
In their collection, you will find several color choices and designs so you can just as quickly pick your favorite duo!
Now, let's see what the white and blue duo has to offer!
The Butterfly table tennis shoes have a few tricks up their sleeve when they created this collection.
If you were a fan of the Butterfly 8001 classic table tennis shoes, then you will love these ones as well! Why is that, you wonder?
These classic table tennis shoes resemble the Butterfly 8001 classic table tennis shoes in terms of function and internal design but with a few crucial upgrades.
If you need quick lateral movement, these are the ones you should get.
Although it does not have excessive padding inside, it does offer a "barefoot feel."
With a thin sole, you will feel like you are wearing absolutely nothing but still are comfortable at the same time!
This is a combination you can rarely find in a pair of table tennis shoes, so you mustn't miss this deal!
We mentioned that these table tennis shoes are upgraded in some areas.
Unlike the regular Butterfly running shoes that offer mesh toe design, this one has removed that feature and covered it by adding more durability.
- Thin soles
- Lightweight
- Anti-collision toe cap
- Stabilizes lateral movement
- No padding
The Butterfly Trynex table tennis shoes are another trendy pair among professional table tennis players.
These ones check out all the essential features and deliver excellent support while giving your best on the court.
The very first feature we notice in this shoe is the smoothness and excellent athletic design.
The Butterfly Trynex table tennis shoes feature a pretty unique design.
They include an inward sole which adds all the comfort you need during a long match.
Not only that, but the padding is extremely quiet, so you won't hear any weird squeaking noises while playing.
Another imposing feature of the rubber outsole is its grip.
Although they perform incredibly well in flat-surfaced courts, they also have a good grip in concrete play yards.
Plus, the rubber outsole is non-marking and is not sticky at all, even though it has an excellent level of tackiness you need for the perfect grip.
Moreover, the design of the Butterfly sports shoes is incredible.
With upper mesh material, the table tennis shoe is breathable and offers healthy circulation so you can feel fresh longer.
The inside of the shoe contains EVE foam as extra support to be comfortable at all times.
Overall, the Butterfly Trynex shoes are an excellent investment for any table tennis player!
Whether you are a beginner table tennis player or an advanced one, these ones will offer optimal support while playing around the table.
- Rubber inward sole
- Great design
- Great cushioning
- A bit heavy
The Butterfly Lezoline Sal table tennis shoes are one of the high-end picks from this brand.
They are not quite the most affordable pick, but I will show you why they are worth it!
Not only do they support the foot in all the right areas, but they can look trendy and sleek with the rest of your table tennis tire.
Firstly, you can wear this table tennis shoe during your competitions.
When you need trustworthy shoe wear you know will keep you supported during stressful matches, that's when this table tennis shoe Butterfly comes in.
There has been numerous positive feedback from professional table tennis players saying that these Butterfly Lezoline shoes are something every player needs in their collection!
It's for a reason as well.
One of the most important features is that the table tennis shoes offer excellent grip!
Whether you are on a flat-surfaced court or a gravel playfield, these ones will always keep you stable with no slipping action.
They are created to offer fast-paced and controlled movements around the table.
Like most butterfly table tennis shoes, these ones are available in several different color selections, making them so attractive.
Although the Butterfly Lezoline Sal table tennis shoes are made of high-quality materials, they are super lightweight, allowing faster and controlled play actions in ping pong.
- Excellent grip
- Available in several different colors
- Suitable as running shoes as well
- Non-marking
- Thin sole
- The insole is too thin for some
We are taking a short break from Butterfly and giving Joola a quick review.
Joola table tennis shoes are not exactly the most budget-friendly deal you can find in the market, but once you feel the quality these shoes offer, you won't ever go back!
So, let's see what the Joola B-Swift table tennis shoe has to offer.
For starters, these table tennis shoes make playing table tennis a true joy!
You will be comfortable since the overall internal design of the shoe is incredible.
The tennis shoe is made with caution to offer only the best quality to professional table tennis players.
If you want to be one of the best, you have to dress like one of the best.
That's why most table tennis players opt for Joola shoes.
Another quality is that they are made for a high-end sole that uplifts your heel to the optimal level that keeps your movements controlled.
What truly makes the Joola-B Swift special is their focus on speed.
They were created for those players who like their game movements to be fast-paced and unpredictable but with accuracy and control at the same time.
The Joola table tennis shoes feature shock-absorption that offers excellent footwork on the field.
These are only a few reasons why table tennis players trust this reliable brand.
Check them out for yourself and see why they are so popular.
- Great quality
- Sleek design
- Shock-absorption
- High sole
- A bit pricey
Another Joola pick goes out to the Cuckoo series, a trendy table tennis shoe you can get if you are on a budget!
They are pretty cheap and the results they will give you in return are outstanding!
The Joola Cuckoo table tennis shoe is specifically designed for long-lasting, high-end performance. Therefore, let's begin to unravel what Joola holds.
Firstly, these table tennis shoes are made to offer you breathability with the perforated toe box, upper sole, and tongue.
The Cuckoo shoes allow for optimal airflow circulation thanks to the breathable mesh material.
Furthermore, the upper fabric allows you to reach the desired level of flexibility during the gameplay.
Not only that, but the mid-level shock-absorbing insole prevents any severe injuries while putting less stress on the joints.
It also gives you stability while on a slippery field with its rubber soles and non-marking outer rubber.
If you want to play table tennis stress-free and not worry about slipping, then these Joola shoes are the ones you should pick.
These ping pong shoes are super lightweight!
Although they are made from all the suitable materials, they do not allow your feet to get tired and cramped up.
Lastly, the Joola Cuckoo ping pong shoes are the perfect pick for those who opt for stability, control, and lightweight.
Most of all, these are some of the most affordable choices on the list, so you cannot miss this fantastic deal.
- Affordable
- Non-slip rubber sole
- Stable
- Not the best design
Buying Guide
Sometimes, the table tennis shoe design is so stunning you forget about the other essential features such as quality, cushioning, and support.
Well, let's stop you from making the beginner mistake and rushing into something that is not worth buying.
Here is what you should consider about the best table tennis shoe.
1. Sole
A thin sole is what makes the best table tennis shoes!
Table tennis players tend to move quickly around the table, both laterally and sideways.
For this reason, it's essential to have footwear that will allow you to make those fast-paced movements.
Unlike other shoes, the pressure sports are not located in a particular area, but the pressure is evenly dispersed.
2. Lateral Support
Another reason why you need shoes with thinner soles is lateral support.
Lateral movement is focused on the end of the table. Therefore, the heel of the shoe should always be flatter.
Having optimal lateral support in shoes can potentially spare you from injuries such as ankle sprain.
3. The Grip
Another unique feature of table tennis shoes is grip or traction.
You will find various shoes claiming to have extraordinary grip, but you need to find the perfect balance.
The grip level should not be sticky at all, or it will mess with your movement.
Instead, you should get a shoe with a good grip that controls the action in the right way.
A lot of the traction can depend on the type of sole. We found that a plain rubber sole offers the best grip.
4. Breathability
In our article, we talked a lot about breathability. But why is it so important?
Table tennis shoes that have breathable mesh material allow for optimal airflow during the game.
You will get sweaty, and so will your feet.
Therefore, you need to get shoes that can prevent humidity as much as possible.
You will also feel less stressed and tired during the match when you have good circulation.
5. Cushioning
As we mentioned in the FAQs section, table tennis shoes do not have excessive cushioning.
Comfort comes from different features, and cushioning is not one.
In this case, padding can only slow your gameplay down by adding excessive weight to your footwear.
However, it's always a plus to get shoes with a bit of protective layer on the toe and heel area.
You do want to protect the weak spots somehow, after all.
FAQs
Which shoes are best for table tennis?
The best shoes for table tennis are those that offer you optimal support, comfort, and fit.
Keep in mind that many table tennis shoes are made from different breathable materials, which are crucial for good airflow.
You can also choose table tennis shoes based on your skill level, where you can choose from high-end professional table tennis shoes.
Can you use tennis shoes for table tennis?
Essentially, yes, you can wear tennis shoes for table tennis.
However, they do have some drawbacks when you use them indoors, and they won't give you the same results.
Shoes designed for outdoor tennis are much heavier with thicker soles, and they do not allow you to move as freely around the table.
At the same time, table tennis shoes are lighter, so you have optimal lateral movement.
Are Badminton and table tennis shoes the same?
Since both of the shoes are used for indoor play, they are practically the same.
However, you will find that some badminton shoes have rubber gum soles that prevent injuries, while table tennis ones have a plain rubber sole.
What shoes should I wear for table tennis?
For table tennis, you should wear shoes that offer reasonable control and a slight cushion.
Unlike regular sports shoes, table tennis ones are thinner on the inside so your moves can be as fast as possible, and there is no extra weight holding you back.
Another feature of table tennis shoes is the non-marking soles and rubber soles that prevent slipping and ankle injuries.
Can getting a good table tennis shoe drastically improve my playing?
Absolutely! Getting a good table tennis shoe can drastically improve your playing when equipped with the right gear.
More than half of your performance is based on your technique, but the right equipment is always the key.
Final Words
With these best table tennis shoes, your performance is bound to be upgraded.
Of course, the overall gameplay depends on your skill, but getting the correct type of shoewear is another crucial aspect.
I would like to reflect again on our best pick that has proved to be an extraordinary companion on the court field.
The ASICS Men's Gel-Rocket 8 can be your best pick, both for table tennis or volleyball.
No matter what, these best table tennis shoes offer just the right amount of padding for a controlled movement and a thin sole that will support your every step.
- FOREFOOT GEL CUSHIONING SYSTEM (COURT): Attenuates shock during impact phase.
- TRUSSTIC SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.