When playing pickleball, there are a lot of unwritten rules that have to do with court etiquette, partner etiquette, and your pickleball gear. But there are also some rules — written and unwritten — that are specifically targeted toward your pickleball shoes. Here are some rules of pickleball shoes that you should follow next time you are out on the pickleball court.
1. Don’t wear your pickleball shoes outside the pickleball court
Whether you are playing pickleball indoors or outdoors, you do not want to bring dirt, rocks, and other outside material onto the pickleball court. You should be bringing your shoes with you to each game and putting them on only after you are at the court — and then remove them before you step outside.
You may want to consider investing in a pickleball bag with a shoe compartment so you can keep your pickleball shoes in the same place between every pickleball game.
2. Clean your pickleball shoes
Whether or not you wear your pickleball shoes outside of the court, you should always check and make sure they are clean. Even if you wear your shoes only on the court itself, it doesn’t mean you won’t pick up rocks or other materials that other players have brought.
Having a rock stuck in the bottom of your shoe can damage the court you are playing on and wear down that court more quickly than normal wear-and-tear. Having dirt on your shoes could, at the very least, cause a bad experience for everyone playing.
By cleaning your shoes between every few plays, you will make the game better for everyone.
3. Do not wear illegal pickleball shoes (Rule 2.G.)
There are a few official USA Pickleball rules about what you can and can’t wear on the pickleball court.
Shoe color
According to USA Pickleball, you cannot wear pickleball shoes (or any clothing) that is the same color as the pickleball ball. Because of this, most pickleball companies do not make bright yellow or green pickleball shoes. But if you are wearing non-pickleball athletic shoes to your game, you will want to make sure it will not be a similar color to the ball.
USA Pickleball official rule:
Rule 2.G.1. Safety and Distraction: A player may be required to change apparel that is inappropriate, including that which approximates the color of the ball.
Shoe graphics
Your pickleball shoes should also be in good taste, which is subjective, but generally means you should not have anything offensive on your pickleball shoes (or any of your pickleball clothing).
USA Pickleball official rule:
Rule 2.G.2. Depictions: Graphics, insignias, pictures, and writing on apparel must be in good taste.
Shoe scuffing
While most pickleball shoes will be anti-scuff, you will want to pay special attention to the materials if you are wearing non-pickleball athletic shoes. Many outdoor shoes — including running shoes, tennis shoes, trail shoes, and other types of sneakers — may scuff when on a sport court or gym floor material.
Before buying your next pickleball shoes, confirm that they will not scuff any playing surface.
USA Pickleball official rule:
Rule 2.G.3. Footwear: Shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the court’s playing surface.
4. Pickleball shoe etiquette vs. rules
Many of these pickleball shoe rules are actual rules, and will be penalized during official events:
USA Pickleball official rule:
Rule 2.G.4. Violation: The Tournament Director has the authority to enforce apparel changes. If the Tournament Director enforces an apparel change, it will be a nonchargeable time-out. If the player refuses to comply with the apparel rules, the Tournament Director may declare a forfeit of the match.
However, if there is not an official who will enforce any apparel discrepancies, it’s still a good idea to follow them anyways. It makes you a good teammate, a good opponent, and will keep your chosen pickleball court and facility in good shape for years to come.
