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The Secret Weapon: 5 Reasons Ben Johns Dominates In Babolat Jet Mach 3 Pickleball Shoes

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As of December 23, 2025, the world's greatest pickleball player, Ben Johns, continues to dominate the PPA Tour wearing the Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Pickleball Shoe. This footwear choice is a crucial component of his gear setup, prioritizing the explosive speed, lateral stability, and lightweight feel required for his aggressive, all-court style of play. While Johns is most famously sponsored by JOOLA for his signature paddle, the specific choice of the Babolat shoe highlights the critical role specialized footwear plays in professional-level pickleball performance, a detail often overlooked by amateur players. The decision to trust the Babolat Jet Mach 3 is not accidental; it’s a calculated move to maximize performance on the court surface. Ben Johns' movements are characterized by rapid acceleration, sudden stops, and quick directional changes, which demand a tennis-based shoe with exceptional durability and responsive cushioning. This article breaks down the exact specifications of his shoe, the unique technology he uses for custom fit, and why this specific model remains the choice of the world's number one player, even as new pickleball-specific shoes flood the market.

Ben Johns: Professional Biography and Profile

Often referred to as the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) of pickleball, Benjamin Ellingham Johns has redefined the professional game. His background in both high-level tennis and table tennis provided a unique foundation for his transition to pickleball, which he discovered in 2016. He is known for his analytical approach, strategic court coverage, and unparalleled consistency across all three major divisions: Men's Singles, Men's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

  • Full Name: Benjamin Ellingham Johns
  • Date of Birth: March 18, 1999
  • Age (as of March 2025): 26
  • Birthplace: Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S.
  • Residence: Austin, Texas, U.S.
  • Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
  • Professional Debut: 2017
  • Current PPA/DUPR Ranking: Consistently ranked No. 1 in all three divisions (Singles, Men's Doubles, Mixed Doubles) for the majority of his career.
  • Key Sponsors: JOOLA (Paddles & Apparel), Babolat (Footwear), Foot Solutions (Orthotics), DUPR (Rating System).
  • Notable Achievements: First male professional to achieve a "Triple Crown" (winning gold in all three divisions) multiple times; holds numerous PPA Tour titles.
  • Sibling: Collin Johns (frequent Men's Doubles partner).

The Performance Advantage: Why the Babolat Jet Mach 3 is Johns’ Choice

The Babolat Jet Mach 3 is fundamentally a high-performance tennis shoe, which is a common choice for many pickleball professionals due to the sport's demanding, court-based movements. The shoe is engineered for speed and precision, offering a blend of light weight and aggressive traction that perfectly suits Ben Johns’ explosive style.

1. Ultra-Lightweight Construction for Explosive Speed

The primary feature that attracts speed-focused players like Johns is the shoe's minimal weight. The Jet Mach 3 is designed to feel fast on the feet, allowing for quicker bursts of speed and faster reaction times at the kitchen line. This lightweight design is achieved through the use of Matryx EVO technology, a woven upper material reinforced with aramid and polyamide fibers. This material provides exceptional support without the bulk of traditional leather or synthetic materials.

2. Dynamic Lateral Stability and Support

Pickleball involves constant lateral movements—shuffling at the net, diving for volleys, and quick cuts. The Jet Mach 3 excels in this area, offering superior lateral stability. The shoe's construction is specifically reinforced to prevent ankle roll and slippage during abrupt changes in direction, which is vital for a player who covers the court as aggressively as Ben Johns. The stability system ensures all his power is translated into forward motion, not wasted on foot slippage.

3. Michelin Rubber Outsole for Maximum Durability and Traction

The outsole is perhaps the most critical component for a pro player's shoe, as it dictates grip and longevity. Babolat partners with Michelin, the tire manufacturer, to develop a specialized rubber compound. This high-performance rubber is molded into a versatile tread pattern (often referred to as an "all-court" or "clay court" pattern) that provides a perfect balance of grip for hard court surfaces and durability to withstand the constant pivots and slides inherent in pickleball.

4. KPRSX Cushioning System

For a player who competes in multiple matches per day across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, shock absorption is key to preventing fatigue and injury. The Babolat Jet Mach 3 incorporates the KPRSX system, a specialized EVA foam pad positioned under the heel. This system is designed to provide high-level shock absorption, protecting the feet and joints from the repeated impact of landing and jumping, which is essential for maintaining peak performance throughout a tournament.

The Secret Weapon: Ben Johns’ Custom 3D-Printed Orthotics

While the Babolat Jet Mach 3 is the outer shell, the true secret to Ben Johns' comfort and performance lies within. In a unique partnership that showcases the cutting edge of sports technology, Johns has teamed up with Foot Solutions to develop a specialized 3D-printed orthotic.

This custom-made insole is a game-changer for foot health and performance. Unlike generic insoles, a 3D-printed orthotic is precisely molded to the contours of Johns' foot, offering personalized support exactly where he needs it. This level of customization provides:

  • Optimized Alignment: Correcting subtle misalignments in the foot and ankle, which can improve knee and back health over time.
  • Targeted Pressure Distribution: Spreading the impact force more evenly across the foot, reducing hot spots and fatigue during long matches.
  • Maximized Energy Return: A custom fit ensures no energy is lost due to foot movement within the shoe, enhancing responsiveness and court feel.

This partnership confirms that for elite athletes, the shoe is just one part of the equation; the internal support and fit are equally crucial for sustained, high-level play. Players looking to emulate the pro game should consider upgrading their footwear to a high-quality tennis-based shoe and then investing in a performance insole or orthotic for a true competitive edge.

Finding Your Own Competitive Edge: Key Takeaways for Pickleball Players

Ben Johns' choice of the Babolat Jet Mach 3 is a testament to the fact that the best pickleball shoes are often high-end tennis shoes that are built for the demanding, multi-directional movements of court sports. While dedicated pickleball shoes are becoming more common, the established durability, stability, and lightweight design of models like the Jet Mach 3 make them the preferred choice for many top-ranked pros.

When shopping for your own footwear to elevate your game, focus on the following features, which are exemplified by Ben Johns' shoe choice:

  • Lateral Support: The shoe must feel secure when you push off sideways. Look for reinforced uppers and a stable heel counter.
  • Outsole Durability: Check for high-abrasion rubber compounds, like those developed by Michelin, especially if you play on rough outdoor courts frequently.
  • Weight: A lighter shoe can translate to faster foot speed, but never sacrifice stability for weight.
  • Custom Fit: Consider upgrading your stock insole to a performance orthotic. If it’s good enough for the world's number one player, it’s a worthy investment for any serious competitor.

By understanding the gear choices of players like Ben Johns, you can make an informed decision that will support your movements, reduce your risk of injury, and help you unlock your own potential on the pickleball court.

The Secret Weapon: 5 Reasons Ben Johns Dominates in Babolat Jet Mach 3 Pickleball Shoes
ben johns pickleball shoes
ben johns pickleball shoes

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