The Best Pickleball Shoes

Pickleball is a popular sport that attracts both male and female athletes. But before you start playing, you’ll need to make sure you have the right gear. That includes comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement, as well as a good pair of shoes.

You probably have a pair of tennis shoes in your closet that you could wear for other sports, but those shoes won’t necessarily work well on the pickleball court. You’ll need a shoe that provides support while also offering easy side-to-side movement, similar to the type of movements seen in tennis and racquetball. Look for an upper that’s lightweight but also supports the foot.

The upper is only part of what makes a shoe perfect for pickleball. The sole, which is the part of the shoe that’s beneath your feet, should be durable while also providing plenty of traction. A shoe that has a rubber sole with a good tread on the bottom will give you plenty of hours of enjoyable play.

There aren’t many shoes designed exclusively for pickleball use, but there are plenty that are perfect for the sport. In addition to looking for stability while moving side to side and traction, it’s also important to find a pair that is comfortable on your feet. Beyond that, the only choice to make is the color and style that best fits your own unique tastes.

• Pickleball courts are tough on the feet, as well as your joints, so it’s important to have a sole built to absorb shock. Features like gel inserts and cushioning can help you stay comfortable while you play.
• Typically, when you focus on durability while shopping, it’s to avoid having to buy a new pair of shoes every few months. With pickleball, though, the hardness of the court means it’s important that you have an upper and a sole that won’t break down over the weeks and months that you’re playing.
• Pickleball courts don’t have as much friction as tennis courts. That means you’ll need a shoe with good tread to avoid slipping while you’re playing.
• Support for lateral movement is essential when you’re playing pickleball. A running shoe, by contrast, is built to keep the foot stabilized during forward movement. The wrong shoe could make it more likely you twist an ankle or pull a muscle.
• Foot health and comfort isn’t the only consideration when you’re shopping for a pickleball shoe. Some court owners have restrictions on the shoes you can wear. They might not allow a shoe that could damage the surface.