When looking for new shoes to play pickleball, there are so many things to learn: Can you wear any athletic shoes to play pickleball? What is the difference between different types of pickleball shoes? And how do you find the best pickleball shoes for you? Our pickleball shoe FAQ will help you find the best pickleball shoes.
What are pickleball shoes?
Pickleball shoes are designed and manufactured specifically for the game of pickleball. They are always going to be the best shoe for pickleball, whether you are a beginner or a pro, play indoors or outdoors, or play 1 hour a year or 40 hours a week.
Although there used to only be one or two brands that produced pickleball shoes, there are now dozens you can choose from — from both pickleball brands and athletic brands.
What is the best type of athletic shoe to wear for pickleball?
Because of how different athletic shoes are designed, a pickleball-specific shoe is always the best shoe to play pickleball.
Can I wear tennis shoes to play pickleball?
If you are going to wear any shoes for pickleball that are not made specifically for pickleball, tennis shoes (or, sneakers depending on where you live) will be your best option. This is because both tennis and pickleball are played with similar movements — mainly side-to-side movements.
Can I wear running shoes to play pickleball?
If you are looking for athletic shoes to wear for pickleball, running shoes are always going to be the worst option. Because runners move forward, running shoes are built with those movements in mind — including having very ridged sides, which will make side-to-side movements difficult and dangerous.
Learn more about the best types of athletic shoes to wear for pickleball.
How long should pickleball shoes last?
There is no one answer for how long your pickleball shoes will last and it depends on many different factors, including:
- How often you play.
- Your playing style.
- How many hours you play per pickleball session.
- Whether you play indoors or outdoors.
- And many other things.
In general, your pickleball shoes could last anywhere from a few months to a few years — depending on the different factors.
Learn more about how long your pickleball shoes should last.
How should pickleball shoes fit?
In pickleball, you will want a flexible shoe that will allow you to quickly move in any direction. You will want some room in the toe, and the flexibility to move side-to-side. Things to look for in your pickleball shoe fit:
- Fit in the toe area.
- Heel fit.
- Shoe width.
- Weight.
Learn more about the specifics of how your pickleball shoe should fit.
What should I look for in a pickleball shoe?
When choosing a new pickleball shoe, you should think about what type of player you are, if you already have any injuries, and how often you play pickleball. Based on those answers, you should consider these things in a new pickleball shoe:
- Traction.
- Support.
- Lightweight.
- Durability.
- Shoe fit.
- Comfort.
Learn more about things to look for in a pickleball shoe.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
Because there are different court types for indoor and outdoor pickleball, you might consider buying two different types of shoes, depending on how much and how seriously you play.
Indoor pickleball shoes: Indoor pickleball shoes can be played on many different surfaces, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and sport court, so indoor shoes will be made of softer materials like gum rubber. This will give you flexibility to move while protecting the floor.
Outdoor pickleball shoes: Outdoor pickleball shoes are also played on many different surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, grass, tennis courts, and sport court, and so outdoor pickleball shoes are made with a harder rubber to withstand harder surfaces.
But it’s OK if you do not want two different types of shoes to play pickleball. Whether you are playing pickleball indoors or outdoors, many times you will be playing on either sport court or tennis courts. You best option (again) is to buy a pickleball-specific shoes, because they will be the best at components that will make it easy to play both indoor pickleball and outdoor pickleball.
Learn the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes.
How do I find the best pickleball shoes for me?
More and more companies are releasing pickleball shoes, making it easier to find one that is perfect for you. Think about your playing style, how often you play, any injuries you have, the court you play on, and even your personality — all these things should go into the shoe you eventually decide on.
