DAPS is a new brand built around a simple idea: pickleball deserves its own shoe, not a reworked tennis model. The Desi Low is their answer. Built from scratch for pickleball movement. And for a first release, they got a lot right. It leans heavily into comfort and grip, giving it a noticeably different feel than most traditional court shoes.
Save with code PBEFFECT
Affiliate disclosure: I was sent this shoe to test, but this review wasn’t paid for or approved by the brand. Everything here reflects my own testing and opinions. If you click the links on the page or use my discount codes, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you that supports my testing and reviews.
Weight
14.6 oz (size 10)
Durability Guarantee
No
Price
$159.99 (save with code PBEFFECT)
Year Released
2025
What stands out:
Grip is the defining trait here, but it’s not just the outsole. The combination of the grippy bottom and the Blumaka insole that comes in the shoe helps eliminate micro-sliding, is what really gives you those quick, responsive stop-and-go movements at the kitchen that you want.
What’s interesting is it achieves that without being a super rigid shoe. The upper is flexible and more sneaker-like, with no aggressive sidewalls or shanks, so you get that containment and responsiveness without feeling locked into a stiff structure.
The tradeoff is that the shoe doesn’t have much release. On bigger movements, especially in singles, the grip can feel a bit too strong. Your foot stops quickly while your body is still moving, which can put more stress on your ankle during bigger cuts and push-offs. Because of that, it’s better suited for doubles, where that instant stop-and-go responsiveness really shines in smaller, controlled movements around the kitchen.
It’s also not a speed-focused shoe. At 14.6 oz, you feel the weight, and it doesn’t have that quick, snappy pop some lighter models give you. But in return, you get a more cushioned, comfortable ride that holds up well over longer sessions.
Save with code PBEFFECT
Fit characteristics:
It’s very comfortable and breaks in well, molding to your foot over time. The mesh and leather upper skips a traditional heel counter and side shanks, giving it a more sneaker-like feel than a structured court shoe.
Lockdown is still solid thanks to extra padding higher up around the heel, the Blumaka insole, and the thicker upper material, so there’s no real slippage despite the softer build.
Fit is versatile. I have a narrow foot with no issues, and wider-footed players I know have also had a good experience. Length runs true to size.
The higher stack adds noticeable cushioning, which is great if you’re playing a lot throughout the week and want to keep your feet from hurting. The Blumaka insole also plays a big role, adding extra comfort and cushion. I’ve since become a fan and started using them in other shoes I test.
The Desi Low doesn’t come with an outsole durability guarantee, but based on my experience so far, it’s holding up well. I’ve been playing in mine consistently for about two months, and the wear has been pretty normal to low.
Durability will vary depending on your body type and how you move, but for me, I’d expect these to last around 4–6 months with regular use. That’s solid for a court shoe, especially one with this level of grip.
This is a great option for players who prioritize comfort and grip, and exclusively play doubles. The stop-and-go responsiveness and stable feel work really well for kitchen movement and short, controlled positioning.
It’s also a good fit for players who prefer a more natural, sneaker-like feel over a stiff, structured court shoe, and for anyone logging a lot of hours who wants something that keeps their feet comfortable.
If you prefer lighter, faster, more free-moving shoes, or play a lot of singles where you need more release on bigger movements, this probably isn’t the best fit.
Reviewer Profile
Braydon Unsicker is the founder of Pickleball Effect and has been reviewing pickleball gear since 2020. He’s known for independent, data-backed paddle reviews and hands-on testing that help players cut through marketing claims and make smarter equipment decisions..
Looking for the right paddle to fit your game? Take our paddle fitting quiz for three recommendations that will match your style of play.
