Top 15 Best Pickleball Shoes 2021 Of 2024
Brandon Forder May 7, 2024 3:45 AM
WELL, IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD, pickleball is the hottest new sport. America's fastest-growing sport has sparked a full-on boom train, and because players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy it, companies are racing to build new equipment to meet the demand. Although your pickleball paddle is the most crucial tool, good shoes are also essential. Shoes specifically designed for the sport of pickleball are the subject of this conversation.
Traction and lateral stability are the two most critical features in a good pickleball shoe. You'll need sturdy outsoles with sensitive tread patterns and a midsole structure designed for fast-twitch, side-to-side movements so you can make swift movements in a variety of directions. In order to avoid typical pickleball injuries, you need a shoe with strong lateral stability, which means it has a wide sole and a rigid sole (like ankle or knee sprains). A good pickleball shoe also takes into account the wearer's comfort, the shoe's weight, and its breathability.
The best pickleball shoes include models especially developed for the sport (a recent trend thanks to pickleball's success) as well as shoes that are made for tennis and other racket sports. It doesn't matter what you call them, the models up ahead are the best options for nonstop action.
In light of the foregoing, it's time to upgrade your game with a new pair of shoes.
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Last update on 2024-05-07 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Court surface
Indoor
Courts in indoor gymnasiums used to be constructed almost exclusively of wood; today, however, many courts are installed with flooring designed to look like wood. When compared to outdoor courts, they are both dangerously slippery. You'll want to wear shoes with grippy soles. When playing volleyball inside, the ideal footwear to wear is specifically designed volleyball shoes.
Outdoor
Courts made of asphalt or concrete are the worst for shoe soles when playing tennis outdoors. Find shoes with soles that are reinforced and can endure wear and tear if you plan on playing on concrete often. The ideal footwear for use on a tennis court.
Whether you play pickleball inside or out, your feet will thank you for not wearing running shoes. They are not made for racket sports and the soles can easily catch and cause harm (i.e. twisted or a sprained ankle) (i.e. twisted or a sprained ankle). From hiking boots to dock shoes, I've seen it all on first-timers.
Non-Marking
In order to protect the floors, several establishments mandate the use of non-marking footwear. While many high-quality footwear options are non-marking, it's important to choose carefully if this is a requirement at your usual playing venue.
Shoe Weight
Shoes of the same make and style tend to have varied weights due to variations in materials and construction. It's a practical reality that some are heavier than others. However, one thing I have seen is that size and weight tend to go hand in hand. Lightweight footwear is typically more comfortable to wear while competing. Interestingly, shoe weight is a factor that needs to be taken into account when playing a sport like pickleball.
You should evaluate each option and pick the one that works best for you. Obviously, wearing heavier shoes can cause players to tire out too soon, even if the game still has a long way to go.
Toe Box
Another intriguing consideration before placing your order is this. To a lesser extent, the toe box also affects how at ease you are while playing. Pickleball veterans say a tight toe box will quickly cause overheating.
If the upper of the shoe is not well-ventilated, your feet may feel as though they are being submerged in hot water. When you're in the middle of a thrilling game, this is the last thing you want to happen.
This toe box design element should be thought of in tandem with the mesh material's air permeability. Shoe companies all claim their products are the greatest in these categories, but trying on your new pair as soon as it arrives may uncover flaws you weren't aware of.
Price
You'll have to spend a specific amount in the end to get the pair of shoes that are perfect in every way for you. Several variables affect the final cost at checkout. When it comes to the aforementioned issues, this is especially true.
In most circumstances, the price might be anything from $50 to $200. You should know that the most expensive ones are not necessarily the greatest, and that the opposite is also true. Astute observers will note that the vast majority of these footwear options share quite similar design elements.
Are tennis shoes good for pickleball?
Playing pickleball is best done in tennis or court shoes. They're built to withstand the same pressure you'd feel when playing pickleball, making them the best choice for this sport.
Can I Wear Running Shoes for Pickleball?
Of course, you can use your regular running shoes for pickleball. However, you're asking the wrong thing.
Should you wear running shoes for pickleball? is the question we should be asking. That's why a resounding "NO" is the final word.
One problem is that they don't offer enough protection to allow for and promote risk-free lateral motion. They are better suited for straight-ahead sprinting than lateral movement. Such flimsy protection virtually begs for an ankle sprain.
In addition, a pickleball player's feet need a specific kind and amount of traction that running shoes aren't made to supply. Wearing running shoes to a pickleball match could lead to more time spent cleaning yourself up off the floor after sliding and falling than actually playing a good game.
As an added bonus, the principal function of running shoes is to cushion the runner's heel as it repeatedly contacts the pavement. Because of this, they provide very little help for making sudden directional changes or stopping suddenly. Since you'll be playing pickleball primarily on the balls of your feet, shoes with substantial heel cups aren't nearly as crucial for this sport.
The lightweight design of running shoes is one feature that would benefit a pickleball player. And, yes, running shoes are typically very lightweight. They are able to stay lightweight since they don't need the same lateral mobility support as pickleball shoes.
The bottom line? Shoe types serve certain purposes; runners for running and pickleball shoes for the sport.
What are the best shoes for playing pickleball?
The finest pickleball footwear is designed for quick cuts laterally and to last on both indoor and outdoor courts.
Quality pickleball shoes will typically have a larger base and greater stability in the midsole and outsole. Most pickleball footwear resembles high-quality tennis shoes or volleyball trainers. Volleyball trainers, on the other hand, are ideal for usage indoors since they provide superior traction and support for running on hard surfaces like gym floors.
It's also worth noting that pickleball shoes are often heavier than a standard pair of sneakers because the sport demands a more stable and sturdy shoe. Quick reflexes and stamina are required to play pickleball, and the aforementioned enhancements will help you perform at your best while minimizing the risk of injury.
Now that you understand why it's crucial to invest in a quality pair of pickleball shoes and why it's a bad idea to play the game in sneakers, you're ready to start looking around for a pair that works for you.
The most important thing to take away from this essay is just how important it is to have shoes built specifically for the types of movement needed in playing the game of pickleball. Investing in a high-quality pair of pickleball shoes is a must if you want to improve your game and stay safe and stable on the court.
Despite the fact that you might assume they would be fine given their design for speed, comfort, and fitness, running shoes are not a good choice for the pickleball court. In fact, it may be quite pricey to wear shoes that aren't appropriate for the activity you plan on doing
