Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports ACV Pro
The Franklin ACV Pro is an all-court pickleball shoe with a mesh upper, aggressive rubber tread, and reinforced toe. It suits players who need dependable grip, room for toe splay, and protection for frequent toe drags.
- Available inMen's · Women's
- CourtAll-court
Is this shoe right for you?
7 quick questions, checked against the specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t change the price you pay.
Overview
The mesh upper is designed for breathability, while the Aero-Step insert and forefoot flex grooves support airflow and natural movement. A reinforced toe and medial forefoot rubber wrap protect areas that take repeated toe drags. The roomier toe box can help if your toes need space during hard stops and lunges.
Underfoot, the ACV Pro uses a non-marking rubber outsole with deep, aggressive herringbone tread and pivot points. Reviewers describe the shoe as stable and planted rather than ultra-light. The flex grooves and decoupled outsole help the substantial rubber feel less clunky during split steps and forward transitions.
On court
Reviewers consistently praise the outsole's traction. The herringbone pattern grips in multiple directions on indoor and outdoor courts, while the rubber wrap supports dragging the toe during low reaches. One reviewer found the outsole durable, with visible wear mainly at a forefoot pivot point after extended play.
The shoe feels planted and confidence-inspiring for lateral movement, but opinions differ on support. One review says the flexible torsional shank limits midfoot support under heavy lateral loads. Another reviewer found the shoe stable and effective during aggressive drive-and-counterplay. The ACV Pro is therefore a better match for grip and toe protection than for maximum midfoot rigidity.
Fit and sizing
Fit reports disagree. One reviewer found the length slightly short, with a half-size reduction working well, while another says the shoe runs roomy and recommends sizing down half a size. Width is reported as true to size, and the toe box provides useful room for natural toe splay. Check the retailer's return policy if your usual size is uncertain.
Best for
- Players who slide or drag their toes often
- Players who need room for natural toe splay
- Players moving between indoor and outdoor courts
- Players who prioritize strong multidirectional grip
- Players who want a planted, stable court-shoe feel
Look elsewhere if
- Players who need strong torsional midfoot support
- Players with plantar fasciitis who rely on substantial arch support
- Players who prefer an exceptionally light, speed-focused shoe
- Players who cannot accommodate uncertain length or roomy fit
Strengths
- Aggressive herringbone rubber tread provides strong indoor and outdoor traction
- Reinforced toe and medial rubber wrap protect against repeated toe drags
- Mesh upper and Aero-Step ventilation support airflow during long sessions
- Roomier toe box accommodates natural foot splay
- Reviewers describe the ride as stable and planted
Things to consider
- The flexible torsional shank may not provide enough midfoot support under heavy lateral loads
- Thin arch support may bother players with plantar fasciitis
- Fit reports conflict, with reviewers describing both short length and a roomy fit
- The shoe feels planted rather than especially lightweight
Specs
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
|---|---|
| Available in | Men's · Women's |
| Court | All-court |
| Outsole | Aggressive non-marking herringbone rubber |
| Cushioning (midsole) | Flexible, decoupled court platform |
| Upper | Breathable mesh with reinforced toe |
| Non-marking sole | Yes |
| Reinforced toe | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: weight (per shoe), heel-to-toe drop, width.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.