Pickleball is a fun sport that is relatively easy to pick up, and it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of equipment. As long as you have a pickleball paddle, balls, a pickleball net and posts, and the best pickleball shoes, you can get started playing this game.
Pickleball is played both indoors and outdoors, and having the correct shoes for your venue will not only help your game, but it will help to prevent injury. Often beginners think ordinary running shoes or other rubber-soled shoes are good enough, but they aren’t made for the quick footwork used in pickleball.
Pickleball is a racquet sport based on skill and agility, and having the right shoes will improve your game. There aren’t any shoes designed specifically for pickleball, so you need to find the best court shoes. The best shoes for pickleball will help you maintain stability and grip surfaces as you move back and forth in this fast-paced game.
Court and tennis shoes are made specifically for the lateral moves that are an integral part of pickleball and other court sports, and they help to support you with more bulk in the middle of the shoe. This is so important because when you are moving side to side quickly, you need to keep yourself centered.
Make sure that you find shoes with foot traction that provide stability so that you can move from side to side, and you will find that your game improves and you will reduce the chance of injury. Take a look at the following best shoes for playing pickleball.
Best Women’s Pickleball Shoes
When you are looking for the best women’s pickleball shoes, you will want to find shoes with particular characteristics. They should be comfortable, well-made, and durable, and they should be designed with smooth soles that permit you to move side to side easily. Bonus features include a toe guard and extra padding on the top for greater comfort.
The top women’s pickleball shoes on our list include the following:
- K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express
- Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker
- ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12
- ASICS Women’s Gel-Game 7
- New Balance Women’s FuelCell 996v4 Hard Court
Take a look at the following reviews of each of these pickleball shoes for women.
K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express
- 100% Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Textile/Molded Polyurethane/Synthetic Upper
- Textile Collar Lining
- Draggaurd Rubber & Aosta Rubber Outsole
- Molded Ortholite x40 Sockliner
- Lace Closure
This tennis shoe by K-Swiss offers support on outdoor courts, and it is well regarded by tennis players and pickleball players alike. When K-Swiss updated their Ultra Express to develop this shoe, they blended the quickness of a running shoe with amazing comfort that lasts. This shoe offers breathability, durability, comfort, and traction, and it is an excellent pickleball shoe.
This shoe is stylish and offers nine different color choices. It is made from high-quality textiles, molded polyurethane, and a synthetic upper and has a durable rubber outsole that can handle your lateral moves. The mid-foot support chassis helps provide support and stability during the game, and it has a midsole that does a great job of shock absorption.
This K-Swiss model is plush and offers more cushion than other shoes, which translates to comfort throughout the entire game. The cushioning minimizes the time needed to break the shoes in, so you will be able to get full use of them quickly. In addition, the mesh uppers allow ventilation to prevent your feet from overheating during hard play.
Although it has low arch support, the shape and cushion of the shoe allows your arches to feel supported. They offer foot support and stability through the midfoot support chassis, but the shoes tend to run a little wide. Players resolve this issue by tightening the laces. They have durawrap material on the uppers, which helps the shoes to provide greater stability.
When it comes to sole durability, the shoes hold up well in spite of only weighing 11.5 ounces. The tread will wear for the first five to ten hours of play, but then it levels off and lasts without any major damage. The toe is tougher than the outsoles, and they have excellent durability.
Finally, these shoes offer good traction on outdoor courts, and stopping, changing directions, and moving around is not an issue. They hold up well, even after use causes the soles to begin to wear. These shoes provide the features you need to gain a competitive edge when you are playing pickleball.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Well padded ankle collar
- Nine color choices
- Good stability and traction
- Great mid-foot support
Cons
- Tend to run wide
- Feel slightly heavier than expected
- May cause toe to jam on quick stops
Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker
- Rubber Sole
- Comes in the Iconic Classic Style
- Longer Durability
- Tennis-inspired shoes with pillow-soft cushioning for everyday wear
- Cloudfoam sockliner for comfort and lightweight cushioning
The iconic style of this 70s remake is easily recognized by the familiar three stripes on these Adidas sneakers. However, they are completely updated with modern materials. Adidas offers the Women’s Grand Court Sneaker in more than 30 color combinations, so you are sure to find the style that suits you best.
These shoes have rubber outsole grips and durable synthetic leather uppers, so they will last as you use them to play pickleball. The updated materials allow you to maintain the classic Adidas look with reliability and durability when you are moving side to side and stopping.
The midsole is made with soft cushioning, and they have a Cloudfoam sock liner that envelops your foot for support and comfort while playing for extended periods of time. They are easy to break in as well.
With traction, stability, and support, style, and comfort, you will enjoy these sneakers by Adidas. This is a great entry-level shoe for a beginning pickleball player, and they will provide you with stability and support as you work your way through the game.
Pros
- Iconic style
- Cloudfoam sock liner cushioning
- Very comfortable
- Durable
- Many color choices
- Good value
Cons
- Not made specifically for court sports
ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12
- Synthetic-and-mesh
- Rubber sole
- Solyte Midsole Material
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System
- Trusstic System technology
- Ortholite Sockliner
- Removable Sockliner
With a choice of eight different color combinations, the ASICS Gel-Challenger 12 shoes are as attractive as they are functional. They offer support, comfort, and durability for anyone who is playing pickleball. They are made of fabric and synthetic materials, and they are lightweight and have good breathability to keep your feet from overheating.
This shoe is designed for the recreational pickleball player, but it has the support you need to move quickly from side to side or front to back. It has a SOLYTE midsole to provide lightweight cushioning that is durable. The under-laying support is created by the GEL technology in the front and rear of the foot, and it is specifically designed to provide extra stability during quick lateral movements.
In addition, the shoe has an AHARPLUS outsole that holds up to pickleball play. ASICS has designed this shoe with TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology to increase your grip and provide traction to protect your ankles as you move across the court. Finally, not only does the ORTHOLITE sock liner provide comfort and support, but it also helps to manage moisture inside the shoe.
Players enjoy playing in these shoes because they are so comfortable and take little time to break in. The uppers are soft enough to allow you to play pickleball right away, but they still provide the necessary support to hold your feet in place. They are not as plush as the top models, but they are a very comfortable and affordable alternative.
These shoes offer good foot support and stability, and they will help to protect your ankles during play. They hold up well and are durable enough to show little wear after a long day on the court. In addition, the toe holds up well.
For aggressive changes of direction and intense play, these shoes also provide enough traction. They are lightweight at just 10.8 ounces for a size 8.5, but they do feel a little heavier than is expected. However, this doesn’t impact your ability to move freely during play. They offer balanced performance and overall comfort and support.
Pros
- Great value
- Stylish
- Offers good stability
- Durable
- Good traction
- No break in needed
- Comfortable
Cons
- Better for recreational players
- Slightly less comfort, support, and stability than top quality shoes
- Outsole can be noisy
- Runs narrow
ASICS Women’s Gel-Game 7
- Synthetic-and-mesh
- Rubber sole
- Ortholite Sockliner
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System
- EVA Midsole
The ASICS Gel-Game 7 is updated to add support and speed to your game. This shoe does a great job for recreational players, and it is stylish as well. It is updated from the previous version to be faster and provide more support, and it is an ideal shoe for recreational play.
The ASICS Gel-Game 7 is made with a lightweight synthetic upper to provide both support and ventilation so that your feet will not overheat. In addition, you get flexibility and comfort for multiple hours of play. This version of the Gel Game shoe improves your overall comfort.
In addition, the shoe has TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology to add stability through the midfoot to protect your ankle from twisting during quick lateral moves. The front of the foot has been injected with gel cushioning, which reduces shock and keeps you comfortable on the court.
The outsole is made of solid rubber for good durability and plenty of traction when you need it. It also has an ORTHOLITE sockliner to help wick away moisture, and it can be removed and replaced with a medical orthotic.
This shoe is made with a mesh upper and synthetic overlays, and it offers you breathability, stability, and comfort for the front of your foot. At the same time, it has a wider heel cage to give you greater stability on the rear of your foot. The mesh upper reduces the overall weight of the shoe to make it lighter and more comfortable.
The shoe feels faster because this mesh makes it so flexible and light. The rubber sole will stay on the surface as the upper part of the shoe is flexible enough to bend your foot for lateral moves. This allows greater stability and traction.
Pros
- They break in right away
- Very comfortable and supportive
- Good cushioning in the toe box
- Good support for pickleball
- Removable liner
- Breathable
Cons
- Toe box is narrow
- Some say the shoe is stiff and hard
New Balance Women’s FuelCell 996v4 Hard Court
- 50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
- Rubber sole
- A PU medial guard
- Full-length NDurance non-marking outsole
The New Balance Women’s WC806 is a great shoe for pickleball players. It has a non-marking outsole made of rubber that gives you good traction, and it will wick away the moisture with its moisture-free lining during play. This is a comfortable shoe that laces up for a snug fit, and the toe box is made of rugged material to prevent toe drag.
As far as performance goes, the shoe has a midsole made of C-CAP with ABZORB midfoot cushioning, and this allows you to remain comfortable throughout play. It is made of a herringbone and Ndurance rubber outsole, so you will have traction for the excellent support and stability.
The main focus of New Balance is on the functionality rather than the appearance of their shoes, and some people find the style to be plain. However, what they lack in style they more than make up for it in terms of functionality.
This shoe is the latest in the New Balance 800 series, which is well known for its stability and support, and this shoe does not disappoint. Pickleball players will find that they have more support and greater control over their lateral movements with these shoes. In addition, they fit well.
You will experience quicker recovery after hard landings because this shoe absorbs shock well. It has a comfortable leather upper mixed with a rubber sole that enhances this aspect of the shoe. When you find yourself in an intense pickleball match, you will appreciate this shoe.
Pros
- Great traction from rubber outsole
- Secure fit
- Great support and comfort
- Leather uppers
- Offers breathability
- Good for people with wide feet
Cons
- Plain design
- Expensive
Best Pickleball Shoes For Men
If you are looking for the best men’s pickleball shoes, you will want shoes that will last you a while and offer support, stability, and comfort. Most men prefer shoes that support their entire foot from the toe to the heel, and these often have flat soles. You need shoes with support, stability, traction, comfort, and functionality to ensure that they help you improve your game and protect you during play. Take a look at the following pickleball shoes for men.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9
- Synthetic-and-mesh
- Rubber sole
- EVA midsole gives enhanced cushioning and bounce
- Removable Sockliner to accommodate a medical orthotic
- Forefoot GEL Cushioning System
The ASICS Gel Rocket 9 for men is a volleyball shoe, but it performs well on an indoor pickleball court, which makes it a great choice when you play indoors. It has a durable gel sole that is made for use on indoor courts, but it will handle use outdoors as well.
It is made of lightweight upper mesh that has synthetic overlays, and this allows for support and comfort. The shoe also has a foam-padded collar and tongue. Comfort is a definite benefit of these shoes.
These shoes fit well, and they have laces that tie up if you need extra support. The midsole is molded with EVA, and it offers extra cushioning and shock absorption. The gel cushioning system is injected both in the rear and forefoot, so it is able to absorb shock and support your movements no matter how fast you go or how abruptly you change positions.
ASICS offers its TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology to reduce the overall weight of the shoe without sacrificing the quality. They also make the outsole of natural rubber as opposed to solid rubber, which gives you better traction on indoor courts.
Because hard courts can be slick, you want a shoe that is made of soft and flexible rubber so that your shoe grabs this slick surface. These shoes have everything you need to play on indoor courts.
Pros
- Great traction on indoor courts
- Durable enough to withstand outdoor use
- Great all around pickleball shoe for men
- Comfortable and offers support and stability
- Very functional shoe
- Lightweight material for added speed
- No break in time
Cons
- Doesn’t fit narrow feet as well
- Runs large
ASICS Men’s Gel-Challenger 12
- Synthetic-and-mesh
- Rubber sole
- Solyte Midsole Material
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System
- Trusstic System technology
- Ortholite Sockliner
The Asics Gel-Challenger 12 for men gives you high performance at an affordable price. This is a mid-tier shoe from Asics and it performs well. They are comfortable, durable, and provide good traction on hard courts. They are lightweight, and they work well for pickleball.
These shoes require very little break in, as they are comfortable from the first time you put them on. They have gel cushioning that absorbs the shock when you land. The shoes may offer more comfort than the high end Asics model, but they are not quite as supportive. The shoes stretch over time, which can lead to less support. Some people suggest ordering a half size down to remedy this problem.
If you are looking for maximum stability and support, you might choose the high-end model, the Gel Resolution 7, but these shoes offer flexibility and comfort. They offer support and stability for recreational play, and they offer sole durability over time.
In addition, these shoes offer good traction on the hard court, and they will allow you to change directions quickly. At a mere 12 ounces, they are lightweight and allow quick movement on the court. They will improve your speed and allow the lateral movements that are important in pickleball.
Pros
- Easy to break in
- Comfortable
- Outsole is durable
- Fast and reliable
- Good traction
- Lightweight
Cons
- They stretch out quickly
- Run a little wide
New Balance Men’s 623 V3
- 100% Leather
- Rubber sole
- Next-Level Comfort
- Athletic Design
- Reliable Impact Resistance
The New Balance 623 V3 shoe is very sturdy, as it is made from leather with a high arch. It provides great ankle support for quick lateral moves and stopping. The insole is soft, which allows for maximum comfort. Your feet are protected by both the inside and the outside of the shoe.
This is technically a cross training shoe, but it works great for pickleball. It provides the support you need and is very comfortable. It also has a thick sole made of rubber for shock absorption, so you will have plenty of support when you train hard.
The shoe is attractive although simple, and it is affordable and durable. It has a suede upper, which makes it more durable and comfortable. The EVA foam in the footbed gives you greater cushioning, and the AVZORB foam combines cushioning with compression. The shoe also provides support for your midfoot, so you will be stable on the court.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Rubber sole is durable
- Good traction
- Good shock absorption
- Ankle support
- Versatile
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long as other shoes
Skechers Sport Men’s Stamina Nuovo
- 100% nubuck leather
- Rubber sole
- Padded tongue and collar
- Stylish and Comfortable
These stylish shoes are attractive, comfortable, and functional for playing pickleball. They have a smooth nubuck leather upper and metallic synthetic and mesh overlay fabric. These sporty and stylish shoes will look fantastic on the pickleball court.
They offer mesh fabric panels at the front and the sides for added ventilation, so your feet will not get overheated while you play. They have a padded collar and tongue for added comfort, and there Is a cushioned insole. In addition, they have a high impact EVA shock absorbing midsole to hand jumps and sudden stops.
The outsole is made of high traction rubber to provide stability and traction on the court. It is durable and will hold up to playing pickleball. Although this shoe is a casual trainer, it works well as a pickleball shoe because it is durable, comfortable, and provides the traction, stability, and support that you need.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Durable outsole
- Good traction
- Stylish and attractive
- Shock absorbing midsole
- Good for wide feet
Cons
- Not as good for narrow feet
ASICS Men’s Gel-Dedicate 6
- Rubber sole
- Designed for Beginners of Tennis / Pickleball
- Breathable mesh
- Padded tongue and collar
- Lace-up closure
The ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 shoes are a great choice for playing pickleball on a hard court. They are made of fabric and solid rubber soles provide you with comfort and control. These shoes are made with cushioning to provide support across your foot, which helps to protect you from injury while improving your game.
The outsoles are rubber and provide good traction for running, turning, and lateral movements. You will be able to move across the court without worrying about slipping or rolling your ankle. They have a simple style and provide functionality for pickleball players.
The materials are breathable, so your feet will not overheat while you are playing. The shoes are made of textile and mesh, so you can play indoors or outdoors in warm weather. They offer comfort with a padded tongue and collar, as well as a molded footbed. In addition, they have a forefoot gel cushioning system to help reduce shocks and increase comfort. This allows you to have smoother transitions as you move around the court.
Pros
- Very durable
- Comfortable
- Good traction and grip
- Breathable
- Good support
Cons
- Heel can be loose
- Sole might wear out quickly
Nike Men’s Court Lite 2
- Made of Leather and Textile
- Rubber sole
- Durable Option
- Stylish and Comfortable
This shoe by Nike is stylish and is designed specifically for people who play on hard courts. They are designed to last, and they have GDR durable rubber compounds in the outsole. They are made of both genuine and synthetic leather, and they have a padded collar and tongue for extra comfort. They are one of the most durable shoes that you can buy.
In addition, Nike makes these shoes with a molded foam footbed, and the midsole has lightweight cushioning. They have a synthetic leather and mesh upper for lightness that will give you added speed on the court. There are mesh inserts that will increase the ventilation so that your feet stay cool during play.
The outsole is rubber and non-marking and has a zonal tread pattern, so you will have excellent traction. When you are moving around on the court, you will have no trouble making lateral moves and stopping suddenly. These shoes will give you support and stability as you enjoy your pickleball game.
Pros
- Good traction
- Very comfortable
- Attractive
- Durable outsole
- Good stability and support
Cons
- Some say shoe is very stiff
Complete Buying Guide for Pickleball Shoes
When you are choosing the best pickleball sneakers, you need to understand the parts of the shoe and what function each serves. This will help you understand what you are looking for when you read a pickleball shoes guide. Take a look at the following components of pickleball shoes:
Outsole: Also called the sole, this refers to the bottom of the shoe, and it is normally made of rubber. The quality of the outsole will give you insight as to the durability of the shoe.
Insole: This part of the shoe is an insert that provides cushion under your foot. This will determine the level of comfort you feel.
Uppers: When descriptions talk about uppers, they refer to the material that covers the top of the shoe that covers your foot.
Laces: The laces tighten the shoe for a better fit.
Tongue: The tongue is under the laces, and it provides comfort over the top of your foot.
Value: You always want to get the best value when you buy pickleball shoes, so if a shoe is more expensive, it should have added features to improve your game. There are plenty of shoes that are a good value, but they may not last as long as shoes that are higher quality. If you are a recreational pickleball player, you can choose a good value shoe because they will likely hold up to what you ask of them.
Size: The size is very important because your pickleball shoes should provide a snug fit for the maximum in support. You will want to have ½ inch between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe, and your toes should be able to move in the toe box. If they are too tight, it will make you feel restricted when you are playing.
Mesh: Mesh is a term for the material of the uppers, and it makes your shoes have greater breathability and lightness. This makes your shoe more comfortable, and it prevents your feet from overheating. You need to find a balance between having enough mesh to promote ventilation without compromising the shoe with too much flexibility. The shoe still needs to provide support.
Midsole: Most of the cushioning will be located in the midsole, which sits between the base of the shoe and the outsole. When the midsole is thicker, it has more cushioning, so pay attention to what kind of midsole you need.
Collar Height: The collar height is how high toward your ankle the shoe goes. Taller collar heights are going to offer more ankle support. You should decide how much ankle support you need. If you have a weaker ankle, a taller collar height will help provide more support.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
We have answered some of the most repeated questions related to best pickleball shoes so our readers can make the best-informed decision which can actually help your gameplay without putting extra burden on your body.
Do You Need Special Shoes for Pickleball?
Yes. Even though there aren’t shoes that are designed to be exclusively for pickleball, there are shoes that are designed for the surfaces that you use in similar sports such as tennis and volleyball.
People often ask, “What kind of shoes should you wear for pickleball?” You will want to consider a few factors when you are trying to answer this question. Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors. Although some shoes can be worn on both types of surfaces, there are specific types of shoes for each. Indoor courts are normally made of hardwood or a gym flooring, whereas outdoor courts can be asphalt, clay, or grass.
If you are playing pickleball indoors, you will want to buy shoes that are similar to volleyball or squash shoes. These shoes have a natural rubber outsole, which does a good job of gripping the flooring used in gyms. You can use these shoes on outdoor courts, but the outsole is not as durable as shoes made for outdoors, so they will wear much more quickly.
If you play pickleball outdoors, you can choose tennis shoes, as they are made for these types of surfaces. Shoes with synthetic outsoles are ideal for hard courts because they are made to be stronger than rubber. In addition, you will want more cushioning because hard courts will wear on your feet, knees, and ankles.
The reason that you need special shoes for pickleball is that your shoe will impact how you play the game. If you are wearing shoes without good grip that slide around as you make lateral moves, your accuracy will be compromised. Pickleball is a fast paced game with frequent changes of direction and stops, and you need shoes that can perform well.
If you use outdoor shoes on indoor courts, the synthetic outsole will not grip the hardwood surfaces well, so you will find that you are sliding around more than normal.
Are Pickleball and Tennis Shoes the Same?
Yes and no. Tennis shoes are made for playing tennis on courts that are made of the same material as pickleball courts. When you are choosing the best court shoes for pickleball, you can choose tennis shoes if you are playing outdoors. Tennis requires the same demands of a shoe because you will need to make quick lateral moves, sudden stopping and starting, fast changes of direction, and you play on the same surface. For these reasons, when you are playing pickleball outdoors, you can choose tennis shoes.
However, if you play pickleball indoors, you will need to go with a different kind of shoe. The materials used to make outdoor tennis shoes will not provide the traction you need because they have trouble gripping the hardwood surfaces in gyms and indoor courts. You will need to look for a volleyball shoe or another shoe made for indoor surfaces. You can be sure to have the traction you need when you choose the right shoes.
What Shoes Are Best for Pickleball?
Different types of shoes are made for different types of activities. Running shoes might resemble tennis shoes, but they are made to support different parts of your body. Running doesn’t include a lot of lateral movements, and the primary support is on your feet. When you wear running shoes to play pickleball, you don’t have the support you need to keep your body centered and prevent injuries such as rolling your ankle.
You will want to buy shoes that can perform two functions: protect you from injuries and enhance your performance. These are both important features to choosing your pickleball shoes. You want shoes that protect your feet and ankles. They will have special padding on the front of the shoe and the sole to protect your toes from being forced into the toe cap of the shoe when you run forward. The cushioning along the arch will help to support your feet throughout play, and the collar is there to prevent your ankle from rolling when you make lateral moves.
In addition, shoes that are designed for playing on the court, such as tennis shoes for outdoor play or volleyball shoes for indoor play, will make the entire game safer. These shoes are designed to grip the surface of the ground and provide traction when you need to stop and start or change direction. If you use shoes that are unable to grip, you may slip and fall, which can lead to other injuries and reduce the quality of your play.
Equally important, having the right shoes will enhance your performance. They will fit your feet well and provide the support and cushioning you need to prevent blisters and pain. The support will help to distribute the pressure across your arches and the balls of your feet so that your feet will be comfortable throughout play. They will allow you to have full lateral movement, and you will play with more accuracy and precision. Footwork is critical in any racquet sport, and pickleball is no different. You need to be able to control your movements with precision so that you can make the toughest shots.
When you play outdoor pickleball, you will want to buy good quality tennis shoes because tennis is a sport with similar motion and strategy. If you are playing indoors, you will want to choose a shoe designed for indoor surfaces such as volleyball or squash shoes. These are two different kinds of shoes primarily because the surfaces are very different. In addition, indoor pickleball shoes will work outdoors, but they will not hold up over time because outdoor surfaces are more abrasive.
When you are choosing the best shoes for pickleball, you will want to look at the following characteristics:
Thick Stiff Sole: When you play pickleball, you are going to spend time running, changing directions quickly, stopping and starting suddenly, and backing up to make a shot. These are all quick movements that include changes of direction, and it will put a lot of strain on your ankles, feet, and knees. You want shoes with a thick and stiff sole that are made of rubber because this kind of sole will provide the support you need for this kind of impact.
Solid Ankle Construction: One of the risks in pickleball is a twisted or sprained ankle. In fact, it is not difficult to roll your ankle if you are playing hard without the proper ankle support. Your pickleball shoe should have solid and sturdy ankle support to protect your ankle during play. If you have weaker ankles, you will be able to find shoes that offer greater ankle protection.
Light Sole: Pickleball requires speed and agility. You want your feet to feel light rather than weighed down by your shoe. When you wear shoes with a light sole that is under the ball of your foot, you can move around the court with ease and change directions very easily. This will enhance your play.
Non-Marking Soles: When you go to play pickleball or tennis, most places will not allow you to play unless you have non-marking soles. This simply means that the soles are designed for quick turns and play without leaving any marks behind. Most of the good quality shoes you find for tennis or volleyball will have this feature, but you should always double check because you won’t be allowed on the court unless you have non-marking soles.
Overall Lightweight Shoe: When you look at the weight of the shoe, bear in mind that it will vary from size to size. You need to compare your shoe size in one shoe to your shoe size in another. Indoor volleyball shoes will weigh less than outdoor tennis shoes, so be sure to compare shoes designed for similar purposes. Heavier shoes will provide more support, but you will have more speed when you use a lighter shoe. If you are concerned about injuries, choose a heavier shoe.
How to Clean Pickleball Shoes?
You will want to care for your pickleball shoes just as you would any other equipment. It is important because keeping your shoes clean will allow them to last longer. People often wonder if they can wash their pickleball shoes in the washing machine. The answer is that you can, but you must be careful, and you need to read the tag inside the shoe to determine that it is washing machine friendly.
There are certain materials that you cannot wash in the washing machine: suede and real leather. However, normally you are able to wash canvas, pleather, rubber, plastic, and knit shoes in the washing machine.
Let’s start by looking at how to wash your washing machine friendly shoes:
- Remove your laces and place them in a mesh wash bag.
- Use a soft brush and remove extra dirt and scuffs from the shoes.
- Place your shoes, the mesh bag with laces and insoles, and a few old towels in the washing You need the towels to protect your shoes and prevent them from being tossed around the inside of the machine. They will also balance the load.
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent and run the machine on cold water. Use a delicate cycle with an extra rinse cycle to make sure that all of the laundry detergent is removed.
- When the cycle is finished, place a dry cotton rag inside each shoe, and place them somewhere (not in the direct sunlight) to air dry. Do not use heat to dry them because it can damage the rubber.
If your shoes are not machine washable, you can still clean them by hand. Take a look at the following:
- If your shoes have any visible mud or dirt, you should knock them together sole to sole outdoors. Once you loosen the mud and dirt, you can use a soft brush to remove what you can.
- Use a mild liquid detergent with water, and apply it to any stains with a clean rag. You can gently rub the stains until they are removed.
- Use a clean rag and dip it in warm water to wipe any soap from your shoes.
- Place the shoes somewhere to air dry at room temperature. You should not dry them out in direct sunlight or with any heat source because it can ruin your shoes.
- Remove the laces and insoles and place them in a mesh bag. You can run them through the washing machine using cold water and a delicate setting. Use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to clean them. You will keep your shoes free of odors by taking care of them this way.
One important thing to note is that you should not allow your shoes to get dirty beyond normal wear on the court. When you have shoes that you are using for pickleball, you should not wear them for any other purpose. If you do, it is going to be much harder to keep them clean, and they will not last as long.
The courts will be pretty clean most of the time, but you may end up with some scuffs or regular dirt. You should not let the dirt sit on the shoes because it will settle in and become harder to clean. In fact, if you wipe your shoes with a warm damp cloth after use and store them in a pickleball bag, they will stay pretty clean.
When you find that you need to clean them, you can use a soft toothbrush for tough stains. This will be the right size and texture to remove the stains without damaging the shoes. You should pay attention and make sure that you wash your shoes or clean them regularly because they will last longer.
How Long Do Pickleball Shoes Last?
Generally speaking, pickleball shoes will last as long as you take care of them. If you save them for the pickleball court and keep them clean, they will last a lot longer. If you wear them to and from pickleball or at other times, they will not last as long.
You should never wear your pickleball shoes when you are playing other sports. They are not designed for running or soccer, and using them for these purposes will cause them to wear out and break down quickly. It may sound more expensive to buy different shoes for different sports, but in the end it will save you money because they will last longer.
If you only use your pickleball shoes for pickleball, there are guidelines for how long they will last. Generally speaking, outdoor pickleball shoes, or tennis shoes, will last between 45 and 60 hours before the midsole starts to break down. If you keep track of how many hours you spend playing, you will have an idea of when you should start to look for signs of break down.
If you do not replace them, you might start to feel soreness in your knees, your feet, or your lower back. You might also notice that you don’t have as much traction. It is important to go ahead and replace them at this time so that you get the full benefit of having pickleball shoes.
Whether your shoes last a longer or shorter time will depend on the quality of the shoes you buy. Shoes that are more lightweight will sometimes wear out more quickly, but shoes that are heavier and more cushioned will tend to last longer.
In addition, if you play more aggressively, your shoes will likely wear out more quickly. The point is to get as much as you can out of your shoes and replace them when they start to wear out so that you receive the full benefit of having shoes specifically for pickleball.
If you are using volleyball shoes to play pickleball indoors, they will last longer than outdoor tennis shoes. Even if you play four to five days a week, the shoes should last a season. If you are more of a recreational pickleball player and you take care of your shoes, they can last a year or longer.
When you play indoor pickleball, the midsole takes a pounding, and you need to pay attention to how they are holding up. If you find that you are losing traction or that your feet, knees, or ankles are sore, you will want to consider replacing them.
No matter how well your shoes hold up indoors or outdoors, a good rule of thumb is to replace them every year. This will ensure that you are always providing your feet, ankles, and knees with the support they need to stay healthy.
Our Ending Thoughts
When you are choosing the best court shoes for pickleball, you need to approach it with a little bit of knowledge. This pickleball shoes buyer’s guide is designed to give you the information you need to make a good decision. There are different parts to the shoe and the game that will help you decide which shoes are right for you.
When you are looking at court shoes for women, you want to decide whether you will primarily play pickleball outdoors or indoors. The best women’s outdoor pickleball shoes will be different from those designed for indoor use.
Outdoor pickleball is typically played on tennis courts, so shoes designed for tennis will work well. Tennis has similar strategies, such as lateral movements, quick changes of direction, and sudden stops and starts. You want shoes that are designed to protect your feet, knees, and ankles while allowing for improved play.
Women tend to prioritize cushioning and protection, whereas the best men’s shoes for pickleball will look at durability as well. The reason is that men tend to be bigger than women, and the added weight creates more wear and tear on the shoe. Pickleball shoes for men will be sturdier and more durable, while providing excellent traction and comfort to enhance their play.
It is also important to note that court shoes for pickleball will be different depending on whether you play indoors or outdoors. Outdoor pickleball is played on more abrasive surfaces, and the outsole is typically made of synthetic material that provides grip and traction but can hold up to use on this abrasion. Indoor pickleball is played on smooth gymnasium floors that are often made of hardwood, and this type of surface tends to be more slippery.
No matter whether you are a recreational player who enjoys playing pickleball for fun or you play regularly and are more competitive, having the right shoes will help to protect your body from injury and enhance your game.
You also need to consider your specific physical needs. People who have an old injury may need added protection for part of their foot or ankle, so they may require greater support in the form of insole or collar height. In addition, your feet will play a role in your decision. Some people have high arches, and others have flat feet. You will want to make sure that the insole is right for your foot.
Your pickleball shoe should fit you snugly, but it should leave enough room for your toes to wiggle without sliding around in the shoe. When the pickleball shoe fits correctly, you will feel as though your feet are connected to the shoe and the court. Your heel should not move, or you could get blisters.
Some pickleball shoes are better for wider feet, and others work well for narrow feet. When you look through the buyer’s guide, these features are listed if they apply. The bottom line is that your shoes should be right for your feet, and you may want to try different types to see which one gives you the best fit.
Another feature is the grip and durability. One of the most important aspects of a pickleball shoe is its ability to grip the surface to assist you in sudden moves and changes of direction. For indoor pickleball, you will want a rubber outsole that is stiff. This type of outsole is ideal for smooth hardwood floors. For outdoor pickleball, tennis shoes work well because they are made of synthetic rubber that is designed to grip the abrasive surface of the courts.
It is also important to look at the value. Buying shoes that are a good value may work well, especially if you play on a recreational level. Knowing your level of play and what type of player you are can help to determine what kind of shoe you need. A hardcore pickleball player who competes in tournaments regularly will want to choose quality over value, but a recreational player may be able to give up a little quality for a greater value. Knowing that you should replace your shoes every year regardless will help you make this decision. If you don’t play very frequently, a pair of value shoes should be fine.
This Buyer’s Guide was designed to educate you and arm you with information that will help you choose the best shoe for your needs. Playing pickleball is a lot of fun, but it is even more fun when you have the right shoes. Not only will it protect you from dangerous injuries, but having a shoe that is designed for pickleball can enhance your game.
Now that you’ve got the right shoes in mind, are you up to date on all the pickleball rules? Check out our post all about pickleball scoring and keep your game free of unanticipated faults.