Do You Really Need Pickleball-Specific Shoes?
So, you've got your paddle, your stylish pickleball outfit, and maybe even a headband that screams "I mean business." But what about your shoes? Do you really need pickleball-specific shoes, or is that just another ploy to get you to spend more money?
The short answer: yes, you need proper pickleball shoes if you want to play comfortable, perform your best, and avoid injury. Let's break it down.
The Temptation to Just Wear Running Shoes
It’s understandable. You already own a pair of perfectly good running shoes that have carried you through miles of pavement pounding. So why not just wear those on the pickleball court? Well, here's the thing—running shoes are made for, well, running. They’re designed to propel you forward, not to support the quick lateral movements that pickleball demands.
Imagine this: You're in the middle of a heated dink rally, your opponent sends a sneaky cross-court shot, and you try to dart sideways—except your running shoe, built for straight-line motion, doesn’t have the right traction. Next thing you know, you're sliding like you're auditioning for the next Olympic ice skating team. Not ideal.
Why Pickleball-Specific Shoes Matter
Pickleball shoes (or court shoes for pickleball) are specifically designed for the demands of the game. Here’s what they bring to the table:
Superior Grip & Traction – Court shoes have a specialized tread pattern that grips indoor and outdoor courts, reducing the risk of slipping. No one wants to face-plant mid-volley.
Lateral Support & Stability – Unlike running shoes, which focus on forward momentum, pickleball shoes provide reinforced sides to help with all those quick side-to-side movements. Less wobbling = fewer ankle rolls.
Cushioning & Shock Absorption – Whether you’re playing on a hard surface or an indoor court, good pickleball shoes absorb impact, saving your knees, joints, and lower back from unnecessary strain.
Durability – Pickleball is addictive. That means more hours on the court. Court shoes are built to withstand the wear and tear of constant pivots, lunges, and slides.
Injury Prevention: Your Ankles Will Thank You
One of the biggest reasons to invest in proper pickleball shoes? Injury prevention. Common pickleball injuries include rolled ankles, knee pain, and even plantar fasciitis—all of which can be minimized with the right footwear. Think of it as an insurance policy for your joints.
Ever heard of "pickleball ankle"? It’s a real thing. One moment you’re reaching for that perfect drop shot, the next you’re on the ground with a sprained ankle because your shoe didn’t give you the lateral support you needed. Even professional players have taken hard falls from wearing improper footwear.
One player at my local court once showed up in running shoes, only to walk away with a swollen ankle after a bad slide. “I’ll never wear these again on a pickleball court,” she said while icing her foot courtside. Lesson learned the hard way.
Another common injury? Plantar fasciitis. Without proper arch support and cushioning, hours of play can lead to that dreaded heel pain that makes even walking miserable.
If you're looking for extra support in preventing and recovering from injuries, check out Aim7, the #1 health and fitness app in pickleball. Aim7 provides personalized recommendations for recovery, injury prevention, and performance improvement, helping you stay on the court longer and stronger.
The Bottom Line: Best Shoes for Pickleball Make a Difference
Can you technically play pickleball in running shoes? Sure. But should you? Not unless you enjoy unexpected wipeouts and potential injuries. Investing in a good pair of pickleball shoes not only enhances your performance but also keeps you safer on the court.
So, next time you hit the court, make sure your shoes are as pickleball-ready as your game face. Your ankles will thank you.
