Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis in one spot. This doesn’t mean that you can use any kind of footwear while playing Pickleball. In addition, proper footwear is crucial and it does affect your performance in pickleball.
Many people ask whether walking shoes are good for Pickleball. Although, walking shoes are more comfortable than your regular sports shoes, do they offer the type of comfort or traction that you need while playing Pickleball?
So, in this guide, we will explore the Advantages and Disadvantages of wearing walking shoes while playing Pickleball. Whether you are a seasoned or expert player of Pickleball, you must know the importance of proper footwear in the sport.
Let’s start with the benefits first:
Benefits of Walking Shoes for Pickleball
Here are some of the benefits that you can get by wearing walking shoes:
Comfort and Cushioning
If you wear walking shoes for Pickleball, then one thing you will experience for sure is the extra comfort and cushioning they offer. The nature of walking shoes is to provide ample support and prevent any shocks as you move on the court.
Moreover, the cushioned foam inside reduces the impact on your joints and knees during longer matches.
Wide Availability and Affordability
Walking shoes are widely available in your nearest local stores. Most online stores offer a wide variety of walking shoes for an affordable price tag. Walking shoes are way cheaper as compared to specialized shoes for pickleball.
The lower price tag on walking shoes makes them a great choice for beginners or early learners of Pickleball sport who don’t want to break their bank account to buy premium footwear.
Drawbacks of Walking Shoes for Pickleball
Here are some of the cons of wearing walking shoes while playing Pickleball:
Lack of Specific Features for Court Sports
The main disadvantage of wearing walking shoes is that they are not designed specifically for tennis or pickleball courts. In reality, walking shoes are tailored for forward motion while walking.
So, a pair of walking shoes may lack lateral, quick pivots, or sudden change of position required in Pickleball. Therefore, the absence of lateral support in walking shoes can affect your performance in Pickleball.
Traction and Stability Issues
Pickleball courts are usually made up of smooth and hard surfaces. So, to move easily on such surfaces you need a pair of shoes that provide good traction and stability while performing rapid movements.
Although walking shoes provide a good grip on everyday walking tracks, they do not provide the type of traction needed for moving quickly on smooth and hard court surfaces.
So insufficient traction provided by walking shoes can lead to slippage, falls, or poor performance in the sport.
Durability Concerns Under Rigorous Play
Pickleball is a physically demanding sport that involves quick movements during competitive matches or long-session plays.
Walking shoes, although, they provide an extra level of comfort cannot withstand the rigorous lateral movement and change of positions required throughout the play.
Furthermore, the constant stress and force during long play sessions can lead to quick wear and tear, reducing its life span.
Expert Opinions on Pickleball Footwear
Many professional Pickleball players suggest using specialized court shoes over walking shoes in Pickleball. I’ve written an entire guide on how to choose the right shoes for Pickleball.
Pro players suggest that investing in high-quality shoes can boost your performance and reduce the risk of injuries, allowing players to move efficiently on the court.
Advice from Podiatrists and Sports Footwear Experts
Professional podiatrists emphasize choosing the right type of pickleball shoes before hitting the court. They suggest that while pair of walking shoes provide extra comfort to your feet and joints, they are not the best option when it comes to quick lateral and pivot movement required in a Pickleball game.
Moreover, podiatrists recommend wearing shoes with specialized traction needed for quicker movements and stopping in a court. Specialized traction patterns under the shoes prevent slipping and falling on the hard court surface.
Experts suggest new players consider their foot shape, arch type, and any other foot condition when selecting the right type of Pickleball shoes.
Conclusion
While walking shoes might be a temporary solution for beginners or casual players in Pickleball, those who play this game regularly may require proper court shoes made for Pickleball.
In conclusion, while walking shoes offer some sort of benefits like comfort and affordability, they offer a lot of drawbacks like good traction, lack of lateral support, durability, etc.
It’s me Joe, a devoted pickleball enthusiast, and an avid player, I’m passionate about sharing the joy and excitement of the game through my Pickle Ball Routine. With years of experience on the court, I have honed my skills, explored various strategies, and developed a deep understanding of the nuances of pickleball.
I believe in the power of community and the incredible connections that can be forged through pickleball. I have had the privilege of engaging with players of all levels, from beginners seeking guidance to seasoned athletes looking to enhance their gameplay. My friendly and approachable demeanor makes me a valuable resource for players of all backgrounds.
Through Pickle Ball Routine, I aim to inspire and educate fellow pickleball enthusiasts. By sharing personal experiences, tips, techniques, and stories from the game, I strive to create a platform that fosters growth, camaraderie, and an unyielding passion for pickleball.