Pickleball Shoes vs. Tennis Shoes: Key Differences Explained

If you're just starting out and wondering what shoes to wear for pickleball, it’s essential to understand the key differences between pickleball and tennis shoes to make the right choice. Playing pickleball requires footwear specifically designed for its unique needs compared to tennis shoes. Footwear for pickleball and tennis do share a few similarities, but there is also a difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes, especially in how they’re built and what they offer for each sport. 

While both shoes are designed for the quick side-to-side movements and sudden stops typical of court games, their construction, performance features, and overall design vary to suit the specific needs of pickleball and tennis players.

Unlike running shoes, pickleball shoes, in general, are built for a variety of sports played on courts - pickleball and tennis included. Court shoes are designed to support quick movements and offer stability on different playing surfaces. They’re engineered to provide the right amount of support, good traction, and stability for intense lateral movements, giving your feet and joints a safer, more comfortable environment during your game. 

But, if we were to sum up the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes: pickleball shoes are optimized for the unique demands of the sport, which includes a lot of fast and sharp movements on a smaller court. Court tennis shoes, on the other hand, are designed for the longer, more explosive movements and larger tennis court size.

Continue reading to find out why having the right athletic shoe is essential for your pickleball play performance and comfort on the court.

Key differences between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes

Court surface and traction design

When discussing the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes, one of the main distinctions to consider is the court type you play on.

Tennis courts come in all types of surfaces: hard, clay, grass - you name it. Court shoes for tennis are built to adapt to these various surfaces and ensure optimal performance. Because of this, a tennis shoe is built to be worn on a variety of court surfaces, and its design focuses on lateral movement and durability. The larger, more expansive courts require shoes that can grip as well as slide so that players can make those quick side-to-side moves and sprints across the court.

A pickleball court, on the other hand, is much smaller, which means the shoes need a different, more specialized kind of traction. Whether you're playing indoors or outdoors, pickleball shoes focus on sole designs that provide better grip for quick pivots and fast movements. The traction is intended to keep you steady during those short bursts of energy, helping you react fast and maintain stability.

For indoor play, the best pickleball shoe soles are non-marking, typically with herringbone or hexagonal tread designs. These indoor shoes help keep the smooth court surface clean and skid-free, and provide the necessary grip for balance.

Cushioning and support features

Before we specify the difference between tennis and pickleball shoes, there is one similarity worth mentioning: both shoes provide lateral support, including an upper construction that often includes supportive materials around the midfoot and sides to keep your foot secure. This, as opposed to the forward motion support a running shoe provides, for example. Built-in arch support helps prevent rolling, while a wide base and low profile reduce the risk of ankle injury, keeping you steady during those fast moves.

Now, let’s look at the difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes.

When you’re playing tennis, you typically cover more ground with longer strides, sprints, and abrupt stops. That’s why tennis shoes are built with midfoot cushioning and support that helps you maintain stability as you move in all directions, supporting your feet during those long matches. Many shoes are also designed with an external heel counter, which locks the heel in place for added stability.

Pickleball, though, is all about fast, short bursts of action and pivots - quick lateral moves and sudden stops on a smaller court. For that reason, pickleball shoes are lighter, designed with targeted lateral cushioning to support those quick side-to-side movements. The goal here is to allow you to stay agile, keep your forefoot lower to the ground and provide extra lateral cushioning and support.

Weight and flexibility

Tennis shoes tend to be heavier and a bit more rigid than pickleball shoes. This is because they’re built to last through long matches where you’re running, sprinting, stopping, and sometimes sliding on larger, outdoor tennis courts. Durability is extremely important in outdoor shoes for tennis. 

In comparison, pickleball shoes are lighter and more flexible. Since the game is all about speed - fast reaction times and quick direction changes - on a smaller court, these shoes are designed to keep you agile. Their lighter weight saves you energy with each step, and their flexibility ensures you can change directions in a split second.

Ankle support and stability

Tennis court shoes often come with higher ankle support. Given that a tennis player engages in long lateral movements, the extra support helps prevent ankle injuries and gives you the stability you need for those quick stops and starts.

Pickleball shoes tend to focus more on stability for those sudden direction changes and pivots. Since the sport involves shorter, quicker bursts of movement rather than lateral running long strides, the best pickleball shoes provide balance and stability through a lower profile around the ankle. In addition, arch support is crucial for players suffering from foot pain, making pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis a must-have for those needing extra stability and comfort.

How to choose the right footwear

We’ve established that it’s important to pick proper court shoes. Now, let’s break down the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes by looking at the unique demands of each racquet sport, so you can find the best fit for your game.

Court size and surface

• Tennis shoes are built for those big courts, whether you're on hard, clay, or grass surfaces.

• Pickleball shoes are made for smaller courts and are often designed for either indoor or outdoor play. Depending on where you're playing, you’ll want to pick the right shoe for the surface. Indoor courts, with their smooth surfaces, require a non-marking indoor court shoe to keep the court scuff-free. For outdoor courts, you’ll need durable outdoor pickleball shoes that can handle rougher asphalt or concrete surfaces.
  
  

Movement style

• Tennis shoes support longer lateral movements and those sudden stops and starts you make during a match.

• Pickleball shoes are all about the quick bursts - designed for sharp direction changes, fast footwork, and sudden stops on the smaller courts.

Traction and flexibility

• Tennis shoes focus on durability with grip that can still handle sliding on the court.

• Pickleball shoes have specialized traction patterns for quick pivots and sudden stops. For indoor courts, the typically rubber soles should be non-marking and provide excellent grip without damaging the surface, much like basketball shoes. On an outdoor court, durable outsoles designed for rough surfaces are best.

Cushioning and arch support

• The cushioning of tennis shoes is designed for those long rallies, offering support for extended runs.

• One of the major benefits of pickleball shoes is their lightweight design, which allows for quicker movements and less fatigue compared to heavier, more rigid tennis shoes. They also prioritize arch support to keep you comfortable during long matches, preventing foot fatigue and promoting proper alignment. 

Breathability and weight

• Tennis shoes keep you comfortable with breathable materials to help manage heat during long games.

• To that same breathability, a pickleball specific shoe also adds a focus on a lightweight design for quick movements, minimizing effort and discomfort, and the risk of blisters during intense play.
  
  
  

Why pickleball players should invest in specialized shoes

If you’re serious about your pickleball game, investing in shoes designed specifically for the sport should be part of your game plan. The right pickleball shoes for men and women's pickleball shoes provide the necessary grip, lateral support, and stability for quick pivots and sudden movements, giving you an edge over standard tennis shoes.

• Preventing injuries and supporting performance

As this is a fast-paced game with many sudden, lateral movements, the risk of common injuries like muscle strains and joint sprains is quite high. A pickleball shoe protects you through your game by providing support for your feet and joints, helping to absorb impact and keep you stable during those sharp cuts and quick pivots [1]. 

According to research, as pickleball continues to grow in popularity, players must be mindful of the risk of injuries, especially with the sport’s rapid pace [2].

• Comfort for the long haul

If you’re playing pickleball regularly, comfort should be a top priority. A well-fitted shoe that’s tailored to the ways of the sport will provide the right cushioning and arch support to reduce foot fatigue. This means you can stay on the court longer without feeling drained. 

Plus, having a shoe that fits well helps maintain proper biomechanics, which can prevent overuse injuries and stress on your muscles [1].

• Supporting longevity in the sport

With the right shoe on your feet, you don’t just improve your performance, you improve your chances of playing for years to come. The stability proper footwear provides and the way they support your movements helps reduce wear and tear on your body. 

With the number of players growing rapidly, many of whom are older adults, investing in the right gear can ensure you're much better set up for a long, injury-free experience [2].

Explore Orthofeet’s selection for all types of pickleball and tennis shoes

When it comes to dominating the court sport or just generally staying active, Orthofeet’s orthopedic sneakers are your ultimate ally. Engineered with the latest technology, our shoes are built to meet the unique demands of pickleball and tennis, ensuring that you perform at your best, while also keeping your feet comfortable and supported through every move.

Whether you’re zipping around the pickleball court or doing sprints on the tennis court, our shoes provide the right balance of comfort and functionality. 

Here's what you get with each Orthofeet’s specialized shoe:

• Gripping, ergonomic soles

Orthofeet soles are designed with your foot movement in mind. Their ergonomic structure with a mild rocker design and integrated cushioning improves the ease of movement, minimizes fatigue, and helps relieve foot and heel pain, and other issues.

For pickleball, their specialized non-marking soles and herringbone tread patterns provide superior traction, allowing you to move quickly and confidently without worrying about damaging the court surface. 

Orthofeet tennis shoes offer excellent grip and stability for lateral movements, making sure you can react quickly to any serve or volley.

• Multi-layered cushioning 

Long rallies and quick stops can take a toll on your feet and joints. Our expertly cushioned, shock-absorbing orthotic insoles help reduce impact on your feet and legs, helping you stay both healthy and comfortable through every match.

• Innovative hands-free wear, seam-free interior

Thanks to an ingenious hidden spring in the heel area of many of our shoes, you can easily slip into them without using your hands or bending over. Tie the laces once and never again. 

On the inside, your feet will encounter a soft, padded environment with no overlays, preventing irritation and eliminating pressure points - especially for sensitive feet.

• Quality arch support

With built-in orthotic insoles, Orthofeet shoes provide anatomical arch support, promoting healthy foot alignment and stride, and preventing strain. As a tennis or pickleball player, this extra support reduces your risk of injury and keeps you performing at your best for longer.

• Non-binding fit

Many of our shoes are made from stretchable uppers and a wide toe box, giving your feet the space they need to move comfortably and providing a non-binding fit. This flexibility makes our shoes perfect for players of all foot shapes, ensuring that your shoe adapts to your feet, and not the other way around. This is particularly important for players often engaging in sports, like those regularly playing pickleball.

• Lightweight breathability

Stay light on your feet with Orthofeet’s breathable materials and lightweight shoe design. These design features help make every step lighter and keep your feet cool and dry, even during the most intense matches. With these shoes, you’ll have the freedom to move quickly without feeling weighed down.

Investing in the right athletic footwear is more than just about looks - it’s about ensuring you stay at the top of your game, comfortable, and as safe as possible.

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[1] Vidit Atul Phanse, Mansi Mohite, Madhushree Donde. The Importance of Exercises in Pickleball Players to Reduce the Risk of Injuries. Research Gate. January 2023. Accessed January 20, 2025.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383949749

[2] Frederick M. Azar, Joseph D. Lamplot, David L. Bernholt, David D. Spence. Pickleball: A Standard Review of Injury Prevalence and Prevention in a Rapidly Growing Sport. PubMed. July 26, 2024. Accessed January 20, 2025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079099/