Pickleball shoes, court shoes, tennis shoes – whatever you call them, there are many shoe choices available for pickleball players. The right shoes can make a big difference in your game, but choosing pickleball shoes is much more than what meets the eye.
We’re here to answer your top pickleball shoe questions and help you find the best pickleball shoes for your feet. Each year, our court shoes experts help thousands of pickleball players of all levels choose the right shoes for their game.
Come shop our massive selection of pickleball shoes at one of our locations in Colorado or Nevada. Our pickleball experts are available to help you find the perfect shoes for your game.
In the meantime, check out answers to the most common pickleball shoe questions below to prepare for your next purchase.
What are Pickleball Shoes?
With the explosion of pickleball in recent years, shoe manufacturers have started to create shoes that specifically target pickleball players. These “pickleball shoes” are typically marketed as lighter than tennis shoes while providing good traction and support for the lateral movements common in pickleball.
Even with the creation of shoes specifically for pickleball, we’ve found that most court shoes are equally suitable for pickleball and tennis alike. With similar features and performance, many pickleball players are opting for traditional court shoes or tennis shoes as they come in a much wider variety of models and styles.
We recommend trying on a variety of court shoes at a local racket sport store to ensure you’re investing in the best model, fit and style for your feet.
What are Court Shoes?
“Court shoes” is a general term that can include tennis shoes, pickleball shoes, and shoes for other racket sports.
Court shoes are specifically designed for sports played on courts, such as tennis and pickleball. They offer better traction, durability and support compared with regular sneakers. This makes them suitable for the quick, side-to-side movements involved in racket sports.
What Shoes are Best to Wear for Pickleball?
Pickleball shoes, court shoes and tennis shoes are all great options for pickleball. When choosing shoes for pickleball, make sure to choose a shoe that supports the frequent side-to-side motions common in pickleball.
Sneakers and running shoes don’t often provide sufficient ankle support since they are designed for the forward motion of walking and running. As such, it is strongly advised not to wear running shoes for racket sports.
Are Pickleball and Tennis Shoes the Same?
Pickleball shoes and tennis shoes are essentially the same, making either shoe a great option for the game of pickleball. Both shoes are considered “court shoes” and are made for court sports, like pickleball and tennis.
If a lighter shoe is something you’re seeking, you’ll find that option available in many pickleball and tennis shoe brands.
Where to Buy Pickleball Shoes?
Your pickleball shoes should be an ideal style/model, size and fit to protect you from injury when playing pickleball. That’s why we recommend visiting your local racket sports store to have a court shoe expert help you choose the best pickleball shoes for your feet.
Our team of racket sports experts would love to help you find your next pair of pickleball shoes. Visit one of our Game-Set-Match, Inc. locations to find the best shoes for you and your unique feet. We carry more than 5,000 pair of shoes to ensure a great fit for every customer.
Plus, our shoe experts can ensure you go home with the perfect size and fit to avoid blisters, bruises and endless returns (the worst part of online shopping).
Should I Buy Different Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball?
The court shoe you choose should depend on the court surface, not whether or not you have a roof over your head.
Traditional court surface: If the indoor pickleball court has a traditional composite court surface, you should still wear outdoor court shoes for pickleball.
Gym flooring: If the indoor pickleball court has a gym surface, we recommend wearing indoor court shoes for pickleball.
Are Basketball Shoes Good for Pickleball?
That’s a foul in our book! Though basketball shoes have better support for side-to-side motion than your typical sneaker or running shoe, we still recommend a court shoe designed for sports like tennis and pickleball.
These court shoes will best support your movements and protect your body from injury. Not to mention, the surface of a pickleball or tennis court would quickly destroy the bottom of basketball shoes.
Should I Have More than One Pair of Shoes for Pickleball?
If you play racket sports like pickleball frequently (more than twice per week), we recommend that you have at least two pairs of court shoes to alternate between. This allows the materials in your court shoes to recover between play and offer optimal support for your feet during your next game.
Alternating between two pairs of court shoes has the added benefit of enabling both pairs to last longer. This shouldn’t impact your shoe budget overall since it’ll take twice as long before you need to buy your next set.
How Do You Know When It’s Time for a New Pair of Pickleball Shoes?
If you can see the sole of your court shoes running flat/thin or feel decreased traction, it’s time for a new pair. Any visible damage to your court shoes or decreased sensation of support also indicates it’s time to replace them.
Pickleball shoes are essential to protecting your feet, ankles and entire body from injury on the court. Keeping them in good shape is a worthy investment to make!
What Pickleball Shoes Should I Buy if I’m Having Foot Pain?
If you’re experiencing pain related to pickleball, we recommend learning more about your unique body and feet to determine the best shoe for you. You’d be amazed at how many different tennis and pickleball pains and injuries can be avoided with the right pair of shoes!
Start by seeking out a local physical therapist who specializes in racket sports like pickleball or tennis. Then, check out our recommendations for the best pickleball shoes based on your feet and sensory needs.
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