The Notace Koto 1 is one of the first true wide toe box court shoes designed specifically for pickleball, tennis, and other racket sports. It features a zero-drop platform and foot-shaped fit, but with a cushioned, structured feel that’s closer to a traditional court shoe than a barefoot one.
If you’ve consistently found the current options in the barefoot and minimalist shoe space lacking, this is one of the most compelling options right now.
Code KELLY for 10% off
What Makes the Notace Koto Different
Court shoes have been one of the biggest gaps in the wide toe box / barefoot-adjacent space.
Most traditional tennis and pickleball shoes taper aggressively at the toes and rely on rigid construction for stability. On the other end, true barefoot shoes often lack the grip and lateral support needed for quick direction changes on the court.
The Notace Koto sits right in the middle.
It combines:
- A foot-shaped toe box
- A zero-drop platform
- Court-specific traction and stability
- And a cushioned midsole for impact protection
That last point is what really sets it apart. This isn’t trying to be a barefoot shoe with a grippier sole—it’s trying to be a better-designed court shoe.
Specs
- Drop: Zero-drop
- Stack height: 19mm
- Weight: 290g (women’s size 10)
- Outsole: Non-marking rubber
- Midsole: eTPU (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane)
- Price: $165
- Discount Code: KELLY for 10% off
- Manufacturing: Made in China, brand based in USA
On-Court Feel
Let’s start here: the Koto isn’t a barefoot shoe…at least not by a strict definition.
At 19mm of stack with an eTPU midsole, there’s real cushion underfoot.
That midsole material is worth calling out. eTPU is made by expanding TPU beads (similar to how popcorn pops), creating a lightweight foam with strong energy return and durability. Compared to traditional EVA, it tends to hold its bounce longer—something that matters with the constant lateral impact of court sports.
On the court, that translates to a more protected, responsive feel. You’re not as connected to the ground as you would be in a minimalist shoe, but you get a level of comfort and shock absorption that’s hard to ignore, especially during longer sessions on hard courts.
Flexibility
With that added cushion comes a tradeoff: flexibility.
The Koto is flexible enough for court movement, but it doesn’t have that second-skin feel you get from a true barefoot shoe. The midsole creates a more structured, platform-like experience underfoot.
The base is also a bit more squared off compared to the rounded feel of many minimalist shoes, which adds to the overall stability, but also reinforces that this is a more traditional feel.
Grip
The non-marking rubber outsole performed well during play on an outdoor pickleball court.
I didn’t experience any slipping during quick direction changes or lunges. Grip felt consistent and reliable, which is exactly what you want for pickleball and tennis.
(Still planning to test more extensively on indoor courts, but initial impressions are good.)
Lacing & Security
The Koto uses a more structured lacing system than most barefoot-style shoes.
There’s a midfoot cage built into the upper, so when you tighten the laces, it actually cinches the shoe around your foot—not just the fabric. This creates a more locked-in, stable feel, especially during lateral movement.
I noticed this most when changing direction quickly, it helps keep your foot from sliding over the platform.
One thing to note: the laces are a bit slippery, so I’d recommend double-knotting. Mine came undone a few times before double-knotting them.
Fit and Sizing
I’m wearing a US 8 in the Notace Koto. For reference, my feet are 23.3cm, medium width, with a higher instep, and I’m typically a US 7.5–8 (EU 38). I initially tried a 7.5, but they felt a bit short, so I went up a half size.
Interestingly, when I compare them to the Xero Shoes Rally 360 (which I have in a 7.5), the Koto feels longer—which makes sense given the size difference. That said, the closer fit works well for me in the Xero, while I preferred the extra length in the Koto.
Here is my summary of the fit and sizing for the Notace Koto:
- Plenty of room in the toe box for my medium-width feet
- Should work well up to wide feet
- Good volume overall, including for a higher instep
- Not finished under the insole, so you’ll need to leave them in
The Koto comes in half sizes from Men’s US 7 to size 15, and Women’s US 5.5 to 11.
Who It’s Best For
The Notace Koto is best for:
- Players who want a wide toe box court shoe
- Anyone transitioning away from traditional tennis or pickleball shoes
- Those who want zero-drop without going fully minimalist
- Players who value cushion and stability over ground feel
If you’re already deep into barefoot shoes and want maximum flexibility and connection to the ground, this probably won’t be your favorite.
But if you’ve struggled to find a court shoe that fits your foot and performs well, this is a really strong option.
Pricing
The Notace Koto is priced at $165. Get 10% off using code KELLY.
Shipping and Returns
Shipping is free within the US. Returns are also free for unworn and unused shoes.
Final Thoughts
The Notace Koto fills a gap that’s been missing for a long time.
It’s not a barefoot shoe, but it doesn’t need to be. What it does offer is a rare combination: a foot-shaped fit, zero-drop platform, and the kind of structure and cushioning most court players are used to.
For a lot of people, that’s exactly the bridge that’s been missing.