ACV Pro: Franklin Sports Redefines Pickleball Footwear with Specially Designed Shoes
Good shoes are foundational to good performance. In pickleball, in particular, the right footwear can make a whale of difference as it is a sport where agility, balance, and explosive movement define the margins between victory and defeat. Franklin Sports understands this dynamic, and proof of it is the brand’s latest innovation: the All Court Vehicle (ACV) Pro. With this latest pair, the American sporting goods giant is making a bold statement that pickleball deserves shoes built specifically for pickleball.
A Shoe Built for the Sport, Not Borrowed from Another
For years, pickleball players have had to make do with tennis shoes or generic trainers. Unfortunately, none of them truly address the unique demands of the game.
Franklin Sports has taken a different route. By working with acclaimed footwear designer Bryan Cioffi, the company has produced what it calls the first purpose-built pickleball shoe—engineered from the ground up to meet the sport’s distinct requirements. Cioffi himself admits that most so-called pickleball shoes were simply rebadged tennis models.
“When I started working with Franklin Sports, we knew most pickleball shoes were just rebadged tennis shoes. However, as I began researching pickleball, I realized how very different the sport really is,” said Cioffi. “From the very beginning of early sketches all the way to the final design, we maintained one goal: creating a pickleball shoe that was built specifically for the sport, and that’s why we’re so proud of the shoe.”
Performance Features That Matter
The ACV Pro comes equipped with Aero-Step™ insert technology, which channels airflow to keep feet cool and dry during long rallies. Engineered flex grooves at the forefoot allow for natural movement and lightning-quick reactions, while a reinforced asymmetric toe design protects against medial drag and abrasion—an all-too-common issue for players who grind through points on hard courts.
For traction, Franklin has opted for an aggressive herringbone tread pattern, ensuring grip for explosive starts, controlled stops, and sharp directional changes. A lace-to-strobel webbing system locks the foot in place, reducing slippage, while extra heel padding and a moulded sock liner provide comfort from first serve to match point.
“With the launch of the ACV Pro, we set out to use our deep knowledge of pickleball to create a shoe that truly meets the demands of pickleball players at every level—while standing apart from anything else on the market,” said Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports. “By partnering with an acclaimed footwear designer, we combined advanced technology with purposeful design to deliver high-level performance, giving athletes the confidence to move faster, play harder, and stay comfortable both on and off the court.”
Endorsed by the Pros
Pickleball stars Hayden Patriquin and Megan Fudge have already been spotted wearing the ACV Pro, praising its blend of comfort, durability, and sleek design. Their endorsement is more than symbolic—it is proof that the shoe performs at the highest level, where every detail counts.
A Step Forward for Pickleball
Franklin Sports has long been a trusted name in global sport, with partnerships spanning Major League Baseball, the NBA, and USA Pickleball. With the ACV Pro, the company is signalling its intent to elevate pickleball to the same level of seriousness and professionalism.
Retailing at $129.99, the ACV Pro is available for both men and women, and Franklin is positioning it as a universal shoe for all levels of play—from beginners finding their rhythm to professionals chasing titles.
In the end, the message is clear: if pickleball is to continue its meteoric rise, then its athletes deserve equipment designed with the same care and precision as the sport itself. With the ACV Pro, players may have finally found a shoe worthy of the game.
