Just like your pickleball paddle and other clothing, your pickleball shoes have certain requirements. Players wear all kinds of different athletic shoes to play pickleball, so there are some regulations on what you can and can’t wear. Here are the rules for keeping your pickleball shoes legal.
Can you wear athletic shoes for pickleball?
There are no restrictions on the type athletic shoes you can wear for pickleball. However, there are many types of athletic shoes that are not ideal for the game of pickleball — or could even cause injury.
Learn more about the types of athletic shoes you should wear for pickleball.
Pickleball shoe materials (Rule 2.G.3.)
According to USA Pickleball, the shoes you use should not cause any damage to the court.
The official rule says:
“Shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the court’s playing surface.”
Pickleball shoe color (Rule 2.G.1.)
The official rules of pickleball say that you may not wear or use any objects that are the same color as the ball. So, while pickleball-specific shoes are likely not going to be manufactured the same color as the ball, other non-athletic shoes may be.
The official rule says:
“A player may be required to change apparel that is inappropriate, including that which approximates the color of the ball.”
Before you show up to the pickleball court, just make sure you are not wearing bright yellow or bright green shoes that could be considered the same color as the ball.
Changing your pickleball shoes (Rule 2.G.4.)
If you are at an official pickleball event, like a tournament, the tournament director is allowed to ask you to change any clothing that is in violation of the USA Pickleball rules.
The official rule says:
“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.”
If you are at a non-official event (like a league or open play) and another player says your pickleball shoes do not comply with rules, you should discuss with them and decide what is best for the court. But because you are the one who is technically breaking the rules, you should do all you can to change your clothing.
