ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12 Lightweight Pickleball & Tennis Shoes

Last updated: February 5, 2024


What makes this shoe ideal for pickleball is that it's built with a light compound. This keeps you moving on the court while still providing comfort and durability. Gel cushioning helps absorb shock while also keeping your foot flexible as you move. It comes with a removable sock liner to help absorb moisture while you play.

We looked at the top Women's Tennis Shoes and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Women's Tennis Shoe you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: The design of this shoe makes it as lightweight as possible without sacrificing performance.

In our analysis, the ASICS ASICS Women's Gel-Challenger 12 Lightweight Pickleball & Tennis Shoes placed 12th when we looked at the top 12 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Take to the court in style with the GEL-CHALLENGER® 12 tennis shoe. Designed for recreational players, the shoe features under-laying support to help you dart from baseline to net and perform those skilled serves with ease. The SOLYTEâ„¢ midsole provides lightweight cushioning with excellent bounce-back and durability, while AHARPLUSâ„¢ outsole helps reduce the effects of wear. Under-laying support is provided by the GEL® technology in the fore and rearfoot, placed to increase stability when making quick, lateral movements. TRUSSTICâ„¢ technology increases grip and traction to prevent twisting and injury as you move, while the removable OrthoLiteâ„¢ sockliner provides added rebound and effective moisture management. With a bold design, the GEL-CHALLENGER® 12 shoe will add color to your tennis whites and make sure you stand out on the court. Synthetic-and-mesh. Imported. Rubber sole. Solyte Midsole Material – A lighter weight midsole compound than ASICS standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles. Also features enhanced cushioning and durability. Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System – Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. Trusstic System technology – Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe. Ortholite Sockliner – Moisture management (Ortholite is a registered trademark of ATP Manufacturing LLC). Removable Sockliner – A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Although the Asics Gel Challenger 12s feature eye-catching cosmetics, these shoes are more than just eye candy. They also deliver plenty of comfort, support and durability at a great price.
With a choice of eight different color combinations, the ASICS Gel-Challenger 12 shoes are as attractive as they are functional. They offer support, comfort, and durability for anyone who is playing pickleball. They are made of fabric and synthetic materials, and they are lightweight and have good breathability to keep your feet from overheating.
The Gel-Challenger 12 is ideal for an intermediate level player who wants flexibility and performance. Acics used all of their latest lightweight technology to cut ounces out of this shoe making it fast and flexible.

What reviewers didn't like

The ladies of TW didn't think the Gel Challenger 12 quite matched the performance of the brand's premier shoes. "These are not shoes made for an aggressive mover like me. I need more lateral support."
Slightly less comfort, support, and stability than top quality shoes.
this is not the most durable shoe. We don’t recommend it for advanced tennis players who wear shoes out easily. This shoe also is not the best option for stability or support if you have had injuries.
View our Women's Tennis Shoe buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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