Venom
BRINESQUAD RATING
Brand
Prince
Release Year
2023
Price in USD
99
Summary:
The Prince Venom is a well-balanced outdoor pickleball shoe offering excellent durability, stability, and comfort for aggressive movers. Its traction is sticky at first but settles in, and the fit is accommodating for most foot shapes. Breathability is average, making it less ideal for hot climates.
PLAYER PROFILE:
Designed for players who demand a blend of stability, comfort, and speed, the Venom rewards aggressive movers, toe draggers, and players who log long sessions on the court. Its accommodating fit makes it a solid choice for players with wider feet or anyone who dislikes a narrow toe box. The shoe is versatile on indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, featuring an all court outsole and durable construction that holds up when surfaces change or conditions vary. Key strengths include excellent stability, a comfortable roomy fit, lightweight feel, and top tier outsole durability that support a responsive ride and quick, agile movement. The main limitation is breathability, as the shoe can run warm during extended play. Some players may find the initial traction a bit sticky and benefit from a brief break in. Those seeking ultra soft cushioning in the forefoot may find the feel a bit firm.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & BREAK-IN EXPERIENCE:
From the moment you unbox the Prince Venom, it signals a fit that is ready to move with you. Right out of the box the Venom feels plush around the ankle and heel, with no pinching or tightness. The toebox offers generous room, making it a solid choice for players who shy away from narrow shoes. The overall vibe is modern and inviting, putting comfort at the forefront from the start.
The Venom fits true to size with a medium width that adapts to most foot shapes. It flexes naturally with the foot, avoiding the stiffness that can plague some performance footwear. Those with narrow feet find a secure feel, while players with wider feet appreciate the extra space in the toe area. There were no notable reports of heel slippage or awkward pressure points, adding to the confident, all day comfort.
Initial comfort is a standout feature. Testers described the shoe as feeling pretty perfect around the ankle and underfoot, with no break in pain or discomfort. The heel cushioning is particularly well received, delivering a soft yet supportive base for both pickleball and tennis. The forefoot carries less cushioning, offering a closer connection to the court.
Most players found the Venom required little to no break in time. The upper material and the sole flex easily from the first session, and any initial stiffness in the outsole traction mellowed after a few hours of play. Some noted that the traction was initially a bit sticky, but this settled into an optimal balance with use.
Compared to the classic Prince T22, the Venom is lighter, quicker, and more modern in both feel and appearance. It maintains the stability and comfort Prince is known for, but with improved speed and a more responsive ride. The Venom is also less bulky and more breathable than its predecessor, appealing to players seeking a contemporary update without sacrificing support.
SPECS
Surface
outdoor
Available Widths
medium
Arch Support
moderate
Weight (Grams)
340
Heel Stack (MM)
28
Forefoot Stack (MM)
20
Drop (MM)
8
OutSole Pattern
herringbone with pivot points
Rubber Hardness
75
TORSION SHANK
TPU
Lateral Outrigger
yes
Toe Drag Guard
yes
UPPER MATERIAL
synthetic mesh with PU overlays
Breathability Design
ventilated mesh panels, minimal perforation
Heel Rigidity Note
firm external heel counter
Fit Shape
medium anatomical
T Test Time (Secs)
3.8
Stop distance (M)
0.85
Subjective Stability
8
Breathability Temp Delta (C)
6
Comfort After 45 Minutes
7
Heel Slip Present?
No
ON-COURT PERFORMANCE:
Traction on the Venom is generally excellent, with a grippy outsole that provides a solid court connection and confidence during aggressive movements. A few testers found the initial grip almost too sticky, particularly on indoor courts, which led to a bit of squeaking and less give during quick direction changes. After a short break in, the traction settled into a balanced feel that still bites when needed but allows a subtle slide for quick adjustments.
Stability is a core strength of the Venom. The shoe features a slightly wider sole and a supportive upper that keep the foot secure during lateral movements and sudden stops. Players report feeling locked in, with no unwanted rolling or instability even during high pressure points. Heel and midfoot support feel especially effective for fast pivots and lunges.
The Venom delivers a responsive ride thanks to its lighter weight and low to the ground forefoot design. Players notice quick transitions and a sense of agility, with the shoe moving naturally with the foot. The minimal forefoot cushioning heightens court feel, making it easier to react and adjust during fast paced rallies.
Transitions are smooth, aided by the flexible sole and secure fit. While the initial outsole stickiness can make the first sessions feel abrupt, this quickly resolves, and players find themselves moving fluidly from side to side and forward to back. The shoe supports explosive starts and controlled stops.
Overall the Venom is well suited for aggressive movers who value a blend of stability, comfort, and speed. Its supportive build accommodates both baseline grinders and net rushers, and the roomy fit works for a range of foot shapes. Players who prioritize lightweight shoes without sacrificing support will find the Venom particularly appealing.
COMFORT & BREATHABILITY IN EXTENDED PLAY:
The cushioning is balanced, with plush heel support and a more minimal forefoot feel that keeps you connected to the court. This setup delivers comfort for long sessions while preserving a responsive ride. It is not overly soft, so players who want a pillowy underfoot experience may find the forefoot a touch firm, especially up front.
Breathability is adequate but not exceptional. Some testers noted the shoe runs a bit warm during extended play or hot conditions. The upper offers some ventilation, but heat buildup can be noticeable, prompting some players to want to remove the shoes promptly after play.
Venom is one of the lightest shoes in its class, and that lightness is immediately noticeable during play. The reduced weight contributes to a sense of speed and agility, making the shoe feel almost invisible on the foot. This is a significant improvement over bulkier models like the T22.
Comfort remains consistent even during long matches, with testers reporting minimal fatigue or soreness after play. The combination of cushioning and support helps reduce wear and tear on the feet and legs, aiding in quicker recovery between sessions.
There are few reports of pressure points or hotspots, even after extended use. The roomy toe box and the padded collar help prevent discomfort, and the shoe design distributes pressure evenly across the foot, reducing fatigue.
DURABILITY & VALUE OVER TIME:
The Venom demonstrates exceptional durability in the outsole, showing minimal wear after extended play on hard courts. For players who tend to drag their toes, the toe guard holds up well and the tread pattern stays effective over time, making this shoe a solid choice for frequent users concerned about sole wear.
The upper is robust and resists stretching or tearing, keeping its shape and support after many hours on court. Stitching and overlays feel solid, and there were no notable reports of premature breakdown or failure in high stress areas.
Some information was not available at the time of testing.
Thanks to its all court outsole, the Venom performs well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. While initial traction indoors can be a bit sticky and may squeak, it settles into a balanced grip suitable for any surface, with durability remaining strong regardless of court type.
The Venom offers strong value for its price, delivering a combination of comfort, durability, and performance that is typically found in more expensive models. Testers consistently described it as a great all around package and a worthwhile investment for serious pickleball and tennis players alike.
Marketing Claims
Enhanced stability for aggressive movement, Lightweight and responsive ride, Durable outsole for hard court play, Comfortable fit out of the box
PROS:
Outstanding outsole and toe durability, Stable platform for lateral movement, Comfortable fit with minimal break-in, Good value for the price
CONS:
Runs warm during extended play, Initial traction is very sticky and squeaky, Medium width may be loose for narrow feet
Who Is It For?
Players seeking a durable, stable, and comfortable outdoor shoe for pickleball or tennis, especially those who drag their toes or play aggressively.
Who Should Skip?
Players with very narrow feet or those needing maximum breathability for hot conditions.
Test Notes
Traction scores varied among testers due to initial stickiness and squeakiness, but all agreed it improved with wear. Durability was consistently rated high for both outsole and toe guard. Breathability was noted as a weakness, with shoes running warm after 45 minutes of play. No heel slip was reported. Price is competitive for the durability and support offered.
Recommendations
FAQs
Is the Prince Venom suitable for indoor courts?
While it can be used indoors, its outsole is optimized for outdoor hard courts and may be too grippy and noisy on indoor surfaces.
Does the Prince Venom require a break-in period?
Minimal break-in is needed; most testers found it comfortable out of the box, with traction improving after a few sessions.
How does the sizing compare to other Prince shoes?
Sizing is true to Prince’s medium width last; those with narrow feet may find it slightly roomy.
Is the shoe good for toe draggers?
Yes, the reinforced toe guard provides excellent protection and durability for players who drag their toes.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Coming soon
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Prince Venom stands out as a modern high performing pickleball shoe that balances comfort stability and speed for a versatile on court feel. Its durability and fit give it broad appeal across a wide range of players and its lightweight design translates into agile on court movement. Breathability could be improved but the overall package remains compelling for both recreational and competitive players.
When compared with the Prince T22 and other legacy models the Venom is lighter more responsive and equally if not more durable. It updates the classic Prince formula for today’s faster paced game and positions itself as a top contender in the current pickleball shoe market.
To wrap up the Venom offers a nimble feel without sacrificing stability and its durability holds up over time. If you value a fast responsive shoe that can keep up with aggressive play this is a strong option for both casual and competitive players. For those who place breathability as a priority you may wish to try in person or consider future updates. All in all the Venom stands out in a crowded field and it is a solid buy with broad appeal for many players.
Brinesquad Rating
Traction
8
Cushioning
7
Upper durability
9
Breathability
6
Stability
8
Fit
medium anatomical
Outsole Durability
9
Value
8
Final Score
80.5
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