The Best Pickleball Shoes For Women, According To Real Players (2024)

FAQs

What are the best shoes to wear to play pickleball? ›

In conclusion, the main differences between tennis and pickleball shoes are their design and construction. Tennis shoes are built for high-intensity lateral movements, while pickleball shoes prioritize cushioning and stability for quick stops and start.

Outdoor court shoes often come with larger tread patterns. These are designed to provide good lateral stability as well as proper grip on all types of surfaces. Comparatively, the soles of indoor shoes often have circular flat spots on them which provide an efficient suction-like grip on smooth, flat surfaces.

Most durable pickleball shoes: Wilson Rush Pro

One of the best ones to wear on a pickleball court is the Wilson Rush Pro. Every element of this shoe was built for long-lasting durability and performance. The outsole is made from Duralast rubber, an extra-strong, abrasion-resistant compound with great traction.

Also, on the flip side, pickleball shoes are made for playing pickleball—not for running or any other activity. As a result, only wear pickleball shoes when you are on the pickleball court and not for extended running, walking, or other workouts.

Although the Adidas Stan Smith Shoes are worn primarily as a street style accessory, they were originally created for the court. “These are classic court shoes that we've had in our rotation for years,” Llewellyn says.

Leave the walking shoes, running shoes, and cross-trainers at home when playing pickleball.

Pickleball players' ratings are typically determined by how well they execute certain types of shots and their ability to understand the game itself. Every aspect of how an individual plays pickleball is factored in when determining what their rating is going to be.

Court shoes are designed specifically for tennis and the shifting, side-to-side motions that come with the game. On the contrary, regular sneakers reach lower on the ankle bone, giving less stability and more room for injury.

Are basketball shoes OK for pickleball? ›

Basketball shoes have great support but usually have soft rubber soles and do not last at all after long periods of play and most likely leave your Achilles Tendon & Calf Muscles Aching.

To speed up the break-in process, wear your shoes around the house or during light practice sessions before using them in a game. Keep in mind that some shoes may require a more extended break-in period than others, depending on the materials and construction.

For pickleball, key shoe features include traction for agility, support to prevent ankle injuries, cushioning for comfort and impact absorption, durability for intense play, and a good fit for consistent comfort. Adding performance insoles like Tread Labs' Pace and Dash models further enhances these benefits.

We are starting to see more pickleball-specific shoes on the market; however we also recommend a tennis shoe for pickleball if you are playing on hard courts or a squash / badminton shoe if you are on a softer surface such as a gym floor or wooden equivalent.

Any breathable, quick dry activewear and comfortable sneakers will do, but I tend to style my outfits according to the weather! And anything you wear for pickleball can also be worn for other sports/workouts and casual athleisure…

Pickleball is a sport that proves fitness is not a barrier to participation. With its adaptability, low-impact nature, and emphasis on skill, it's a game that invites players of all fitness levels to join in the fun. Pickleball offers an open invitation to enjoy the benefits of sport, regardless of your starting point.