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Whether youre a pro pickleballer or you dabble in the sport, your shoe choice matters.
Courtesy of the brands / Gabrielle Castrillon
We get that its tempting to wear shoes you already own, especially if yourea beginner.
I think the fastest way to get hurt playing pickleball is to play inrunning shoes, he says.
I have had my foot completely break through a good pair of running shoes during recreational play.
Theres too much side-to-side motion for a shoe with no lateral support.
As the sport gets evenmorepopular, tons of brands are releasing pickleball-specific shoes.
So how do you choose the right pair?
I interviewed coaches and tested a few shoes out for myself so you dont have toshop my favorites below.
They make me feel agile and quick on the courtalmost like Im 10 years younger.
The upper felt less rigid compared to other pairs.
And the midsoles arent too cushy, so they still felt stable and responsive whenever I picked up speed.
Theyre not the most durable option, Gartman says, so you may need to replace them more often.
Pros & Cons
Product specs
Sizes:5.5 to 11 |Material:Polyamide, rubber |Weight:11 oz.
True to their name, they weigh just over half a pound.
Gartmans a fan, noting that they’re breathable, comfortable, and well-priced.
Sizes:5 to 11 |Material:Faux leather, rubber |Weight:8.6 oz.
Gartman loves that the Viper Court Pro 2.0 is comfy and lightweight.
Plus, Goodyear soles make these shoes arguably some of the most durable on the market, he says.
Sizes:5 to 11 |Material:Mesh, rubber |Weight:11.7 oz.
Its much more hard court-specificon indoor wood court surfaces, they can be slippery.
It has a reinforced toe guard, which can really pay off during matches.
(A toe drag refers to dragging your back toe when reaching to hit the ball.)
Despite the snug fit, there werent any points where the shoe seemed too tight or rigid.
They helped me sprint across the court without fear ofrolling my ankle(a big win).
Sizes:5 to 15.5 |Material:Polyester, rubber |Weight:14.5 oz.
I loved having that wider base of support when I was moving sideways.
The shoe also has extra rubber at the toes for durability and padding underneath the heel for comfort.
Sizes:5 to 12 |Material:Mesh, rubber |Weight:10.4 oz.
It’s less breathable than other shoes, but overall, a great shoe.
Sizes:5 to 12 |Material:Polyester, rubber |Weight:13 oz.
K-Swiss’s Ultra Court shoes fit the bill.
Also nice to have: A breathable upper thatwont trap sweatand a midsole made with thick, springy foam.
Sizes:5 to 11 |Material:Faux leather, rubber |Weight:9 oz.
A proper fit is secure, but comfortable.
Durable outsole
Look for shoes with outsoles that are made of durable rubber, Bennett says.
Outdoor shoes are more like tennis shoes, with tougher rubber outsoles to withstand rougher court surfaces.
Comfort
Foam midsoles or gel cushioning can reduce the stress on your joints, Bennett says.
Lateral support
In pickleball, your shoe can protect you from mishaps when you move laterally (side-to-side).
Shoes should have reinforced sidewalls and a stable base to prevent ankle rolling, Bennett says.
A low-profile design with a wide outsole helpsimprove balanceand control during quick direction changes.
Only shoes I felt comfortable and confident playing in earned a spot on my final list.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes?
“Which means tennis shoes can work for pickleball, but they arent built for the specific movement demands.
She adds that a true pickleball shoe is stable enough for quick, lateral movements.
How often should I replace my pickleball shoes?
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