Advanced Pickleball found that the laceless sock-like upper and single Velcro strap eliminate pressure points while providing a secure fit, complemented by a wider toe box that allows natural foot splay. Famous by Friday Pickleball noted that despite its low-profile look, pronounced heel counters and sidewall overlays deliver unexpected ankle security during lateral movements. However, the shoe weighs 428 grams, which exceeds many players' preference for lightweight court shoes. It runs half a size small, requiring buyers to size up for proper comfort. This model suits players prioritizing forefoot space and lockdown over minimal weight or budget cost.
Full review
Sock-like upper eliminates lace pressure points
The Frank Works The One abandons traditional lacing in favor of a seamless knit sock-style upper secured by a single Velcro strap that zig-zags across the top. Advanced Pickleball noted that this design choice completely removes the risk of lace bite, a common complaint among players who experience pressure points around the first eyelet or instep during intense lateral movements. The absence of rigid laces allows the knit material to wrap uniformly around the foot, creating an even distribution of tension that reviewers described as snug yet flexible from the moment of entry.
This construction method delivers a level of comfort that stands in stark contrast to conventional court shoes. Playtimescheduler highlighted the lack of laces as a favorite feature, emphasizing how it ensures consistent support without the hassle of retying mid-game or dealing with uneven tension that develops over time. The Velcro mechanism allows players to customize the tightness throughout their session, adapting to foot swelling or changing comfort needs without compromising the secure lockdown provided by the upper's structure.
The knit material itself offers a blend of support and flexibility that is critical for controlling the foot within this type of closure system. Advanced Pickleball observed that the upper feels premium in hand, with the knit providing necessary structural integrity while maintaining the softness associated with running-style footwear. This balance ensures that the foot remains stable during quick transitions without feeling restricted by stiff overlays or rigid eyelets found on traditional tennis and pickleball shoes.
Wider toe box improves lateral stability
The shoe features a noticeably wider toe box compared to standard court footwear, allowing the toes to spread naturally during play. This design element was intentionally incorporated to bring running-shoe comfort into a racket sport context, enabling players to maintain better balance when making side-to-side movements. Advanced Pickleball confirmed that the fit is wider than the normal D width male shoe, making it an excellent rotation option for those who experience forefoot soreness or blisters in narrower models.
The increased volume in the forefoot allows the foot to plant and spread out more evenly on the court surface. This natural splay provides a broader base of support during lateral cuts and pivots, reducing the risk of toe jamming that can occur in tighter performance shoes. Players who prioritize comfort over extreme minimalism will find this wider profile particularly beneficial for long matches where foot fatigue typically sets in.
While the width offers significant comfort advantages, it requires careful sock selection to prevent side slippage during aggressive movements. Advanced Pickleball suggested that wearing thicker socks, such as Thorlo brand athletic socks, can help pack out the extra width and guard against rubbing. Double socking is another viable strategy for players who need a tighter fit within the generous toe box volume without sacrificing the comfort benefits of the wide design.
Heel lockdown provides unexpected ankle security
Despite its low-profile appearance and lack of high-top construction, The One delivers substantial ankle support through a pronounced heel counter and extensive padding. Advanced Pickleball reported that entry into the shoe is easy, but once on foot, the heel area locks securely in place, preventing unwanted movement during play. This design has led observers to question how the shoe protects ankles without visible structural reinforcements, yet the internal geometry proves highly effective.
The heel lock mechanism sits the ankle firmly within the shoe's chassis, providing a sense of security that rivals traditional high-top designs. Famous by Friday Pickleball emphasized this aspect during their review, noting that while players might initially worry about lateral support due to the sock-like fit, the heel lockdown is actually incredible. This secure rearfoot hold ensures that the foot does not slide or roll within the shoe during rapid direction changes.
Additional security comes from extra overlays on the toe and heel areas, which work in tandem with the midfoot sidewalls to cradle the foot. The midsole structure rises like a sidewall on both medial and lateral sides, creating a protective cup that enhances stability when turning or planting feet for shots. This combination of internal padding and external structural elements addresses common concerns about ankle vulnerability in laceless performance footwear.
Dual-density foam balances cushioning with court feel
The midsole utilizes a dual-density foam configuration that separates comfort from stability. The layer closer to the foot is softer and cushier, providing a comfortable step-in feel that differs significantly from many firm court shoes designed purely for responsiveness. This softer top layer absorbs impact during jumps and landings, reducing stress on joints during extended play sessions.
Beneath this soft cushioning lies a firmer foam density closer to the outsole, which provides stability when planting feet during lateral movements. This layered approach allows players to enjoy plush comfort without sacrificing the ground connection necessary for quick court reactions. The result is a shoe that feels connected to the surface while still offering substantial impact protection.
The cushioning system has proven beneficial for players recovering from foot injuries. Advanced Pickleball shared that despite suffering a severe plantar fascia injury, they were able to continue coaching and playing in these shoes when other speed-focused models caused pain. The pronounced shape of the removable ortholite-style insole integrates well with the midsole design, offering targeted support without requiring aftermarket orthotics for most users.
428g weight challenges lightweight player preferences
At 428 grams per shoe in a US 11.5 size, The One sits on the heavier side of the performance spectrum. Advanced Pickleball measured this weight and noted it exceeds their preferred threshold of 400 grams or less for UK 10/EU 45 sizing. This additional mass places the shoe firmly in the maximum cushion category rather than the lightweight speed class, which may influence player perception during fast-paced rallies.
The substantial weight could be perceived as clunky by players accustomed to ultra-light court shoes designed for explosive acceleration. However, reviewers found that the heavy build does not necessarily translate to sluggishness on court if the lockdown and traction systems function effectively. The shoe's stability features help mitigate any potential negative impact from the extra mass during lateral movements.
Players who prioritize minimal weight above all else might find this shoe cumbersome compared to traditional tennis or pickleball options in their rotation. The 428g figure represents a trade-off for the extensive cushioning and robust construction, meaning those seeking maximum agility may prefer lighter alternatives while players valuing protection and comfort will likely appreciate the added mass.
price point targets premium segment
Famous by Friday Pickleball rated the value at three out of five stars specifically because of this elevated price tag compared to standard options available from major manufacturers. This cost reflects the specialized construction and novel design approach rather than brand heritage or mass production economies.
Despite the premium pricing, reviewers found the shoe worth the investment for those who prioritize comfort and unique fit characteristics. The combination of a laceless system, wide toe box, and dual-density cushioning justifies the cost for players who have struggled with traditional footwear issues like lace bite or narrow fits. However, budget-conscious shoppers may find better value in conventional models from established brands.
The price also includes access to Frank Works' 30-day court testing program, allowing players to evaluate performance before committing fully. This risk-reduction strategy helps mitigate the financial hesitation associated with trying an unfamiliar brand at a premium price point. Players who can afford the initial outlay will find the shoe delivers on its comfort promises, though those seeking budget-friendly options should look elsewhere.
Half-size up sizing prevents toe jam
The Frank Works The One runs half a size small compared to standard footwear sizing conventions. Advanced Pickleball reported that they received US 11.5 shoes which fitted perfectly after adjusting from their usual size, confirming the need to size up for optimal comfort. This sizing quirk is critical for buyers attempting to replicate the fit described in professional reviews.
Famous by Friday Pickleball reinforced this guidance, noting that when they requested their normal US 11 size, the company sent a US 11.5 which proved to be the perfect fit. Sizing up ensures adequate room in the forefoot for toe splay and prevents the discomfort of cramped toes during extended play sessions. Ignoring this recommendation could lead to blisters or reduced performance due to restricted foot movement.
The half-size-up requirement aligns with the shoe's wider toe box design, ensuring that players do not feel constricted despite the generous volume. Those transitioning from narrow court shoes should pay particular attention to this sizing adjustment, as the combination of a smaller nominal size and wide internal dimensions requires precise selection to achieve the intended comfortable fit.
Strengths
- +Laceless sock-like upper with a single Velcro strap provides an even, secure fit without lace bite or pressure points.
- +Wider toe box allows toes to spread naturally, improving balance and comfort during side-to-side court actions.
- +Pronounced heel counter and sidewall overlays lock the foot in place, providing unexpected ankle support despite the low-profile look.
Watch-outs
- −Runs half a size small, requiring buyers to size up for a proper fit.
How it compares
Frankworks The One features a wider toe box and laceless design for natural foot splay, contrasting with the narrower fit of the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 which lacks wide options. It also provides more ankle security via pronounced heel counters than the Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 2.0, though it is significantly heavier at 428g compared to the JOOLA R4lly's 280g.
Rating sources
“All in all, The One is not just a great-looking shoe – it’s an excellent court shoe.”
“I so far so good man these are great ... I could wear these all day with no problem at all they're very good guys I recommend these”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
