The Jet Mach 4 is the newest version of Babolat’s speed-focused court shoe. Compared to the extremely light and minimal Jet Mach 3, this version adds more cushion, stability, and support, creating a more balanced court shoe that better handles the stop-and-go movement common in pickleball.
For most pickleball players, these updates make the shoe easier to play in and better suited to the sport’s lateral movement and frequent stops at the kitchen line. Players who loved the Mach 3 specifically for its minimal, ultra light feel, however, will likely find the Mach 4 too different to like it for the same reasons.
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.
Speed
Fast • Balanced • Stable
Cushion
Low • Medium • High
Stability
Low • Medium • High
Grip
Average • Good • Excellent
Fit – Width
Narrow • Normal • Wide
Fit – Length
Short • Normal • Long
Weight
13.6 oz
Durability Guarantee
No
Price
$159
Year Released
2026
What stands out during pickleball movement:
The highlight of this shoe is the amount of containment you get for how light and maneuverable it is. The plastic shank across the forefoot combined with the lightweight upper mesh that doesn’t stretch much creates a nice combination that suits aggressive pickleball movement well. It also adds a bit more cushion than the Mach 3, helping absorb shock during long sessions when you’re playing multiple hours or days a week.
When reacting to a speedup or recovering after a wide dink, the Mach 4 helps hold your foot in place and push you back into position instead of relying purely on the player’s athleticism like the Mach 3 did.
Grip is better than the Mach 3, but it is not an ultra sticky outsole. There is still a little sliding and releasing when you plant hard to stop or push off to chase a ball down the line. Many players will actually appreciate that because it keeps the shoe from feeling overly grabby while still giving dependable traction.
Overall the Mach 4 feels more forgiving and pickleball friendly, especially during longer sessions when the added support and cushioning help keep your feet fresh. Even though it’s still relatively light, the shoe clearly leans more toward stability than the pure speed feel of the Mach 3.
Fit is one of the bigger changes over the Mach 3.
Fit characteristics:
Players who found the Mach 3 narrow will likely appreciate the added room, especially when making repeated forward stops at the kitchen or pushing off aggressively during fast exchanges.
With the Mach 3 many players needed to go up half a size, but with the Mach 4 I recommend sticking with your true size.
Jet Mach 4 vs Jet Mach 3
The Mach 4 adds more cushion, stability, grip, and a roomier fit, while giving up some of the ultra light, low-to-the-ground speed feel that defined the Mach 3.
If you loved the Mach 3 specifically for its minimal, fast, close-to-the-court feel during quick kitchen exchanges and explosive movements, the Mach 4 may not give you a similar enough experience to love it for the same reasons. It is still a good shoe, but it clearly moves toward a more balanced and supportive direction.
The Jet Mach 4 is a great option for pickleball players who want a lighter court shoe with more stability and support than traditional speed-focused models. Its combination of containment and quickness works especially well for players who move aggressively, stay active at the kitchen, and need help recovering quickly back into position. The added cushioning compared to the Mach 3 also makes it more comfortable for players who spend multiple hours on court. Players who loved the Mach 3 for its ultra minimal, speed-focused feel, however, may find the Mach 4 a bit more structured and heavier than they prefer.
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..
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