What are court shoes for pickleball?

But what kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball? Do you really need special court shoes for this sport, or can you just use your regular running shoes? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and help you find the best pickleball shoes for your game style, court surface, and foot size.

Why pickleball shoes?

Pickleball shoes are not just a marketing gimmick. They are designed specifically for the demands of the sport, which involve quick movements, sudden stops, lateral changes of direction, and pivoting. Pickleball shoes provide the following benefits:

• Traction: Pickleball shoes have rubber soles with a tread pattern that grips the court surface and prevents slipping or sliding. This is especially important for outdoor courts, which can be slippery due to dust, dirt, or moisture. Running shoes, on the other hand, have smoother soles that are meant for forward motion on flat surfaces, not for multidirectional movements on uneven terrain.
• Stability: Pickleball shoes have a wider base and a lower profile than running shoes, which means they have less cushioning and more contact with the ground. This gives you more stability and balance when you move side to side or pivot on your feet. Running shoes have more cushioning and a higher heel-to-toe drop, which means they elevate your heel above your toes. This can make you more prone to ankle sprains or knee injuries when you change direction quickly.
• Durability: Pickleball shoes have reinforced areas on the toe and sides of the shoe, which protect them from wear and tear caused by dragging or scraping your feet on the court. Running shoes do not have these reinforcements, and can easily get damaged by the friction and abrasion of the court surface.
• Comfort: Pickleball shoes have breathable mesh uppers that allow air to circulate and keep your feet cool and dry. They also have padded tongues and collars that prevent blisters and chafing. Running shoes may have these features as well, but they may also be heavier or bulkier than pickleball shoes, which can affect your agility and speed.

Which type of pickleball court do you play on?

One of the factors that you need to consider when choosing pickleball shoes is the type of court surface that you play on. There are two main types of pickleball courts: outdoor and indoor.

Outdoor or indoor pickleball courts

Outdoor pickleball courts are usually made of asphalt or concrete, which are hard and rough surfaces that can cause more impact and friction on your feet and shoes. Outdoor courts also tend to be more slippery due to dust, dirt, or moisture. Therefore, you need pickleball shoes that have:

• Good traction: Look for rubber soles with a herringbone or zigzag tread pattern that can grip the court surface and prevent slipping or sliding.
• Good durability: Look for reinforced areas on the toe and sides of the shoe that can resist wear and tear caused by dragging or scraping your feet on the court.
• Good cushioning: Look for midsoles that have foam or gel padding that can absorb shock and reduce impact on your joints.

Indoor pickleball courts are usually made of wood or vinyl, which are softer and smoother surfaces that cause less impact and friction on your feet and shoes. Indoor courts also tend to be less slippery due to less dust, dirt, or moisture. Therefore, you need pickleball shoes that have:

• Good traction: Look for rubber soles with a smooth or flat tread pattern that can glide on the court surface without sticking or squeaking.
• Good stability: Look for low-profile shoes that have a wider base and a lower heel-to-toe drop that can give you more balance and control when you move side to side or pivot on your feet.
• Good breathability: Look for mesh uppers that can allow air to circulate and keep your feet cool and dry.

Men’s & women’s pickleball shoes

Another factor that you need to consider when choosing pickleball shoes is your gender. Men’s and women’s pickleball shoes differ in size, shape, weight, color, and style.

Men’s pickleball shoes are generally larger, wider, heavier, and more durable than women’s pickleball shoes. They also tend to have more neutral colors and designs.

Women’s pickleball shoes are generally smaller, narrower, lighter, and more flexible than men’s pickleball shoes. They also tend to have more bright colors and patterns.

However, these are not hard and fast rules. You can choose any pickleball shoe that fits your foot size, shape, and preference, regardless of your gender. The most important thing is to find a shoe that is comfortable, supportive, and suitable for your game style and court surface.

Pickleball Shoes For Outdoor Court Surfaces

If you play pickleball on outdoor courts, you need shoes that have good traction, durability, and cushioning. Here are some of the best pickleball shoes for outdoor court surfaces:

Men’s Pickleball Shoes For Outdoor Court Surfaces

• Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler: This is our top pick for the best men’s pickleball shoe for outdoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a herringbone tread pattern that provides excellent grip and traction on hard and rough surfaces. It also has a synthetic and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with reinforced areas on the toe and sides that protect the shoe from wear and tear. The midsole has a foam cushioning that absorbs shock and reduces impact on your joints. The shoe also has a padded tongue and collar that prevent blisters and chafing. The shoe is lightweight, responsive, and comfortable, and comes in various colors and sizes.
• Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoe: This is another great option for men’s pickleball shoes for outdoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a zigzag tread pattern that provides good grip and traction on hard and rough surfaces. It also has a nylon and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with an Arch Fit insole that molds to your foot and provides podiatrist-approved arch support. The insole is also removable, so you can replace it with your own orthotics if you need a more customized fit. The shoe also has a padded tongue that prevents blisters, and comes in various colors and sizes.

Women’s Pickleball Shoes For Outdoor Court Surfaces

• FILA Volley Zone Pickleball Shoes: This is our top pick for the best women’s pickleball shoe for outdoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a herringbone tread pattern that provides excellent grip and traction on hard and rough surfaces. It also has a synthetic and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with reinforced areas on the toe and sides that protect the shoe from wear and tear. The midsole has a foam cushioning that absorbs shock and reduces impact on your joints. The shoe also has a wide and tall toe box that accommodates bunions and wide feet, and comes in various bright colors and sizes.
• Adidas GameCourt 2 Tennis Shoe: This is another great option for women’s pickleball shoes for outdoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a smooth tread pattern that provides good grip and traction on hard and rough surfaces. It also has a synthetic and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with a lace closure that ensures a snug fit. The midsole has a foam cushioning that absorbs shock and reduces impact on your joints. The shoe also has a padded tongue and collar that prevent blisters, and comes in various colors and sizes.

Pickleball Shoes For Indoor Court Surfaces

If you play pickleball on indoor courts, you need shoes that have good traction, stability, and breathability. Here are some of the best pickleball shoes for indoor court surfaces:

Men’s Pickleball Shoes For Indoor Court Surfaces

• ASICS Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes: This is our top pick for the best men’s pickleball shoe for indoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a flat tread pattern that provides excellent glide and traction on soft and smooth surfaces. It also has a synthetic leather and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with a gel cushioning system in the heel that absorbs shock and reduces impact on your joints. The shoe also has a low-profile design that gives you more stability and balance when you move side to side or pivot on your feet, and comes in various colors and sizes.
• K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe: This is another great option for men’s pickleball shoes for indoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a smooth tread pattern that provides good glide and traction on soft and smooth surfaces. It also has a synthetic leather and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with an Ortholite sockliner that provides moisture management and odor control. The shoe also has a midfoot shank that gives you more support and stability when you move side to side or pivot on your feet, and comes in various colors and sizes.

Women’s Pickleball Shoes For Indoor Court Surfaces

• Asics Upcourt 5: This is our top pick for the best women’s pickleball shoe for indoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a flat tread pattern that provides excellent glide and traction on soft and smooth surfaces. It also has a synthetic and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with a gel cushioning system in the heel that absorbs shock and reduces impact on your joints. The shoe also has a low-profile design that gives you more stability and balance when you move side to side or pivot on your feet, and comes in various colors and sizes.
• New Balance FuelCell 996v4 Tennis Shoe: This is another great option for women’s pickleball shoes for indoor courts. It has a rubber sole with a smooth tread pattern that provides good glide and traction on soft and smooth surfaces. It also has a synthetic and mesh upper that is breathable and durable, with a FuelCell midsole that provides responsive cushioning and energy return. The shoe also has a padded tongue and collar that prevent blisters, and comes in various colors and sizes.

Finding the Right Fit

Finding the right fit for your pickleball shoes is crucial for your comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Here are some tips on how to measure your foot, find your shoe size and width, and adjust your shoe fit.

How to Measure Your Foot

To measure your foot, you will need a ruler or a tape measure, a piece of paper, a pencil, and a pair of socks. Follow these steps:

• Put on the socks that you will wear with your pickleball shoes.
• Place the paper on a flat surface and stand on it with one foot.
• Trace the outline of your foot with the pencil, keeping it as close to your foot as possible.
• Repeat with the other foot.
• Measure the length of each foot from the heel to the longest toe, and the width of each foot at the widest part.
• Use the larger of the two measurements for each dimension to determine your foot size.

Find Your Shoe Size & Width

To find your shoe size and width, you will need to compare your foot measurements with a shoe size chart. You can find shoe size charts online or at shoe stores. Shoe size charts vary by brand and region, so make sure you use the one that matches the brand and region of the pickleball shoes that you want to buy.

Here is an example of a shoe size chart for US men’s and women’s sizes:

US Men’s Size	Foot Length (inches)	Foot Width (inches)	US Women’s Size	Foot Length (inches)	Foot Width (inches)
6	9.25	3.5	7	9.25	3.375
6.5	9.5	3.5625	7.5	9.375	3.4375
7	9.625	3.625	8	9.5	3.5
7.5	9.75	3.6875	8.5	9.6875	3.5625
8	9.9375	3.75	9	9.875	3.625

To find your shoe size, look for the row that matches your foot length measurement, and then look for the column that matches your gender. For example, if you are a woman with a foot length of 9.5 inches, your shoe size is US women’s size 8.

To find your shoe width, look for the row that matches your foot length measurement, and then look for the column that matches your foot width measurement. For example, if you are a woman with a foot length of 9.5 inches and a foot width of 3.625 inches, your shoe width is medium (M).

Shoe widths are usually denoted by letters, such as N (narrow), M (medium), W (wide), or XW (extra wide). Some brands may use different letters or numbers to indicate shoe widths, so make sure you check their shoe size chart before buying.

Adjust Your Shoe Fit

Once you have found your shoe size and width, you can try on the pickleball shoes that you want to buy and adjust their fit as needed.

Here are some tips on how to adjust your shoe fit:

• Make sure there is enough room in the toe box for your toes to wiggle comfortably.
• Make sure there is no gap or slippage in the heel area when you walk or run.
• Make sure there is no pinching or rubbing on the sides or top of your feet.
• Make sure the laces are snug but not too tight or too loose.
• Make sure the tongue and collar are padded and comfortable.
• Make sure the insole is supportive and cushioned.
• If the shoe is too tight, you can try a larger size, a wider width, or a different brand or model.
• If the shoe is too loose, you can try a smaller size, a narrower width, or a different brand or model.
• If the shoe is still not comfortable, you can try using different socks, adding or removing insoles, or using shoe inserts or pads.

Your Game Style

Another factor that you need to consider when choosing pickleball shoes is your game style. Your game style refers to how you play pickleball, such as how often you play, how fast you move, how hard you hit, and what kind of shots you prefer.

Your game style affects the type of pickleball shoes that you need, as different game styles require different levels of support, stability, lightweight, and durability.

Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to determine your game style:

What kind of pickleball player are you?

There are many ways to classify pickleball players, but one simple way is to use the following categories:

• Beginner: You are new to pickleball or play occasionally for fun. You are still learning the rules, techniques, and strategies of the game. You do not have a consistent or powerful stroke. You mostly play defensively and avoid risky shots.
• Intermediate: You have some experience in pickleball and play regularly for recreation or competition. You have a good grasp of the rules, techniques, and strategies of the game. You have a decent or strong stroke. You can play both defensively and offensively and execute some advanced shots.
• Advanced: You have a lot of experience in pickleball and play frequently for competition or training. You have a mastery of the rules, techniques, and strategies of the game. You have a consistent or powerful stroke. You can play aggressively and confidently and execute many advanced shots.

Your skill level affects the type of pickleball shoes that you need, as different skill levels require different levels of support, stability, lightweight, and durability.

Here are some general guidelines on how to choose pickleball shoes based on your skill level:

• Beginner: You need pickleball shoes that provide good support and cushioning to protect your feet and joints from impact and injury. You do not need very lightweight or durable shoes, as you do not move very fast or wear out your shoes very quickly.
• Intermediate: You need pickleball shoes that provide good stability and balance to help you move side to side or pivot on your feet. You also need some lightweight and durability to improve your agility and speed and extend the life of your shoes.
• Advanced: You need pickleball shoes that provide good lightweight and durability to enhance your performance and endurance. You also need some support and cushioning to prevent fatigue and injury.

Support and stability:

Support and stability refer to how well the pickleball shoes keep your feet in place and prevent them from rolling inward or outward when you move.

Support and stability are important for preventing ankle sprains, knee injuries, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems.

Some features that provide support and stability are:

• Midfoot shank: A midfoot shank is a piece of plastic or metal that runs along the middle of the sole of the shoe. It provides rigidity and prevents the shoe from twisting or bending when you move side to side or pivot on your feet.
• Heel counter: A heel counter is a piece of plastic or rubber that wraps around the back of the heel of the shoe. It provides reinforcement and prevents the heel from slipping or sliding when you walk or run.
• Arch support: Arch support is a feature that supports the natural curve of your foot arch. It prevents your foot from flattening or collapsing when you stand or move. Arch support can be provided by the shape of the shoe, the insole, or an insert.
• Lace closure: A lace closure is a feature that allows you to adjust the tightness of the shoe around your foot. It prevents your foot from moving around inside the shoe when you walk or run.

Lightweight and speed:

Lightweight and speed refer to how light and fast the pickleball shoes are.

Lightweight and speed are important for improving your agility, mobility, and reaction time.

Some features that provide lightweight and speed are:

• Mesh upper: A mesh upper is a feature that uses a fabric material with small holes that allow air to circulate through the shoe. It reduces the weight and the heat of the shoe, and increases the breathability and comfort of the shoe.
• Foam midsole: A foam midsole is a feature that uses a foam material that provides cushioning and shock absorption for the shoe. It reduces the weight and the impact of the shoe, and increases the responsiveness and energy return of the shoe.
• Rubber outsole: A rubber outsole is a feature that uses a rubber material that provides traction and durability for the shoe. It reduces the weight and the friction of the shoe, and increases the glide and speed of the shoe.

Durability:

Durability refers to how long and well the pickleball shoes last.

Durability is important for extending the life of your shoes and saving money.

Some features that provide durability are:

• Reinforced toe and sides: Reinforced toe and sides are features that use extra layers of material or rubber on the toe and sides of the shoe. They protect the shoe from wear and tear caused by dragging or scraping your feet on the court.
• Abrasion-resistant upper: Abrasion-resistant upper is a feature that uses a synthetic leather or nylon material that resists tearing or ripping when exposed to friction or abrasion. It protects the shoe from damage caused by rubbing or hitting against other objects or players.
• Non-marking sole: Non-marking sole is a feature that uses a rubber material that does not leave marks or stains on the court surface. It protects the shoe from discoloration or deterioration caused by contact with dirt, dust, or moisture.

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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about pickleball shoes:

Do I really need court shoes for pickleball?

Yes, you do. Court shoes are designed specifically for pickleball and other racquet sports, such as tennis, badminton, or squash. They provide better traction, stability, lightweight, and durability than running shoes or other types of shoes. Court shoes can also prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance comfort.

What kind of shoes should I wear for pickleball?

The kind of shoes that you should wear for pickleball depends on your game style, court surface, foot size, and preference. However, some general guidelines are:

• Choose court shoes that are made for pickleball or similar racquet sports.
• Choose court shoes that have good traction, stability, lightweight, and durability.
• Choose court shoes that fit your foot size, shape, and width.
• Choose court shoes that suit your skill level, frequency of play, and intensity of play.
• Choose court shoes that match your personal style, taste, and budget.

What is the difference between court and pickleball shoes?

Court shoes are a broad category of shoes that are made for playing on courts, such as tennis courts, badminton courts, or squash courts. Pickleball shoes are a subcategory of court shoes that are made specifically for playing pickleball.

Pickleball shoes have some features that distinguish them from other court shoes, such as:

• A lower profile and a wider base that provide more stability and balance for lateral movements and pivoting.
• A smoother or flatter tread pattern that provide more glide and traction for indoor courts.
• A herringbone or zigzag tread pattern that provide more grip and traction for outdoor courts.
• A reinforced toe and sides that protect the shoe from wear and tear caused by dragging or scraping your feet on the court.

What makes a shoe a pickleball shoe?

A shoe is a pickleball shoe if it has the following characteristics:

• It is designed specifically for playing pickleball or similar racquet sports.
• It has a rubber sole with a tread pattern that provides traction on different court surfaces.
• It has a synthetic leather or mesh upper that provides breathability and durability.
• It has a foam or gel midsole that provides cushioning and shock absorption.
• It has a low-profile design that provides stability and balance.
• It has a reinforced toe and sides that provide durability.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that requires good shoes to play well. Pickleball shoes are not just any shoes; they are specially designed to meet the demands of the sport. Pickleball shoes provide traction, stability, lightweight, durability, comfort, and performance.

When choosing pickleball shoes, you need to consider your game style, court surface, foot size, preference, and budget. You also need to find the right fit, adjust your shoe fit as needed, and take care of your shoes properly.

We hope this article has helped you understand what are court shoes for pickleball and how to choose them. Happy playing! 😊