Selecting the ideal pickleball shoes may seem like a daunting task, considering the wide array of options available in the market. However, with a little guidance and an understanding of your specific needs, finding the perfect fit can become an enjoyable and rewarding process.
This article aims to demystify the selection process by providing valuable insights and practical tips on how to choose the right pickleball shoes that will elevate your game to new heights.
According to Wayne Dollard, Director and Head Pro of Level Up Pickleball, “Pickleball shoes are a different kind of court shoe.”
Purchasing the best pickleball shoes will keep you free of injuries and light on your feet even after several hours of play.
Fortunately, pickleball players have many shoe alternatives to select from, much like tennis shoes.
When buying pickleball shoes, seek qualities like non-skid, non-marking soles, strong arch support, and breathable mesh to enhance airflow.
What Kind of Shoes Should You Wear for Pickleball?
It is best to wear a pickleball shoe, tennis shoe, or court shoe when playing pickleball.
Instead of grabbing the handiest pair of athletic shoes, make sure your shoes are appropriate for the pickleball court’s forward, backward, and lateral movements.
When playing pickleball, leave your walking shoes, jogging shoes, and cross-trainers at home.
They are intended to support your forward motion, not side-to-side movements with abrupt pauses and starts.
How to Choose Your First Shoes for Pickleball
We will explore the key factors to consider when purchasing pickleball shoes, from shoe construction and materials to grip, cushioning, and support.
1. Traction:
Traction refers to how well a shoe’s outsole causes contact between the shoe and the floor.
It may also include how well the outsole performs while wet. Traction is vital since it prevents slipping and sliding whether you are playing inside or outside.
It also makes you feel more secure during pickleball’s sudden starts, stops, and direction changes.
Some shoes, such as FILA’s Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes, contain pivot points to help with these kinds of quick movements.
Choose a pickleball shoe with sufficient traction so you can play with confidence and avoid injury.
2. Comfort:
Pickleball shoes should be comfy even after hours of play. When trying on new shoes, make sure the laces aren’t too tight and digging into the tops of your feet, or too loose and your feet are sliding around inside.
The weight of a shoe can also affect how comfortable it feels, but this is mostly a matter of personal opinion. You’ll have to choose a comfortable shoe if you are suffering from tennis elbow or any other muscle-related injury.
A large toe box is required for hours of play, regardless of the weight of the shoe, as shoes that are too narrow will pinch your feet.
Look for a mesh upper that is breathable and allows air to circulate. Thick, foam cushioning in the midsole can also help you play for longer.
3. Support:
Pickleball shoes are well-known for their lateral support, which is essential for all of those position changes. However, they often provide less arch support.
As a result, some players will opt to include their bespoke orthotics, insoles for flat prices, or other issues.
4. Perfect Fit:
Ideally, your shoes should fit immediately out of the box, allowing you to hit the court right away. Look for footwear that is comfy to wear.
Wiggle your toes and move your feet from side to side in your shoes. Try a lower size or a different brand if your toes are touching the end of the shoe or your feet are slipping about.
Each shoe manufacturer has a unique feel, so it’s critical to select the one that best fits you.
5. Durability:
Pickleball shoes are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Even if you don’t play regularly, the lateral movement and quick starts and stops ensure your shoes are always working for you.
Look for shoes with thick, durable rubber soles. Examine the toes and heels for extra rubber that wraps around the shoe to prevent toe drags around the court.
These characteristics will help your shoes last longer, no matter how frequently you take up your paddle.
6. Breathability:
Look for shoes with a lightweight mesh structure that improves ventilation around your foot, which is especially crucial if you plan to play outside in the heat.
Some shoes even contain anti-odor technology that can assist keep your feet dry.
Indoor VS Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
Most pickleball shoes can be used both indoors and outdoors, but we discovered that there are shoes designed specifically for each type of court surface.
If you intend to play indoors frequently, a pickleball shoe with a significantly strong rubber outsole (such as those seen on volleyball shoes) will be a smart choice.
Indoor pickleball shoes have specific grooves and materials that allow them to stick to indoor courts and basketball courts (especially dusty ones).
If you wear indoor shoes on an outdoor court, you may not obtain the same level of grip that you would expect.
If you intend to play outside, you don’t need to worry as much about the tough outsole.
Also Read About: If you Can Play Pickleball on A Clay Court?
The most suitable outdoor pickleball shoes should emphasize breathability and low weight in addition to having a good grip.
Some tennis shoes and sneakers have proven to be good selections for pickleball shoes when playing outside due to these valued attributes.
FAQs
How much do good pickleball shoes cost?
A high-quality pair of pickleball shoes can cost anywhere from $70 to $150 or more.
The cost of a comfortable and responsive shoe for beginners to intermediate players should be around $100.
Less-priced trainers may be less durable, whilst more expensive ones may offer a slew of extra features that casual gamers may not require.
Do I need special shoes for pickleball?
According to the experts, yes. What defines pickleball shoes? Lateral support, which prevents ankle rolls.
While your shoes do not have to be pricey, they should be built specifically for pickleball or court sports.
Some tennis shoes, such as Prince’s T22 Tennis Shoe, may have similar qualities that make them suitable for wearing.
What type of shoes are best for pickleball?
Professional players will most likely prefer a heavier pickleball shoe that is broader and has decent support.
As your skill level improves, you may find that you require a lighter pickleball shoe.
These allow for faster movements, but they are less solid and supporting, therefore they are typically advised for players who are familiar with maneuvering the court.
Do tennis shoes and pickleball shoes differ in any way?
Tennis and pickleball shoes may appear identical at first glance. Pickleball shoes, on the other hand, have been specifically created for the sport, with reduced foot drag and more stability.
While pickleball is more side-to-side, tennis involves a lot of forward motion. Pickleball footwear is made to accommodate this kind of sideways movement.
Tennis players’ shoes will wear out on the inside of their big toes, while pickleball players’ shoes will wear out underneath the balls of their feet.
Additionally, pickleball shoes have extra rubber in the places where they wear out more quickly.
Can you wear running shoes for pickleball?
No. If you have poor knees or if you are suffering from high arches, you should not wear running shoes while playing pickleball.
Because of their lack of lateral support, all of our experts warned that wearing running shoes on the pickleball court is harmful.
Running shoes have an outsole with a distinctive tread pattern that could grab on the pickleball court surface while you are playing and cause you to trip or fall.
The most common injury in the game is tripping when backpedaling, which may occur more frequently with running shoes.
Final Words:
Please don’t skimp on pickleball shoes while shopping for pickleball equipment and accessories.
Having the appropriate shoes will not only improve your comfort and performance but may also reduce your risk of serious injury.
It is not required to buy the “cutest” or “coolest” shoe available. It is vital, however, to purchase the proper footwear.
Please consider getting new pickleball shoes before going back to the court if you don’t already have them.
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.