If you’ve caught the popular racket sport bug and are wondering what shoes to wear for pickleball, you’ve come to the right place!
Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing the right pickleball shoes and get answers to all the most frequently asked questions.
Why proper footwear is crucial and what shoes to wear to play pickleball
Before we discuss what shoes to wear for pickleball, let’s quickly describe the game itself.
Pickleball may seem like a casual pastime, but it’s a physically demanding sport that involves very unique elements, such as quick reflexes, agility, and constant movement. When you play pickleball, you change directions very quickly, you often stop suddenly, and you move laterally - all of which puts immense stress on your feet, ankles, and knees. Because of this, proper footwear isn’t just a recommendation - it’s a necessity for both performance and injury prevention. Understanding the benefits of pickleball shoes can help you make the right choice to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Unlike running or casual tennis shoes, pickleball shoes provide the traction, support, and stability you need to stay comfortable and injury-free while playing. To understand the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes, it’s important to look at their specific design features.
The risks of improper footwear
Playing pickleball with regular shoes or even tennis shoes can cause a few problems:
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Discomfort and pain
Shoes that aren’t made for pickleball often don’t have enough cushioning to absorb impact properly, so your feet might feel sore after the game.
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Impaired performance
If your shoes don’t provide good stability, it can make it harder for you to maintain balance during quick moves, which can mess with your game.
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Injury risks
Some of the most common pickleball injuries are ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis (when the plantar fascia - a thick tissue connecting your heel to your toes - becomes inflamed), and muscle strains. If you struggle with foot pain, choosing the right pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis can help reduce discomfort and improve performance. Wearing shoes that don’t support your feet properly while you play can make these injuries more likely.
For example, if your shoes lack stability, your foot might excessively roll inward (overpronation) or outward (oversupination) during sudden moves [1][2]. This throws off your body’s alignment and changes your gait, putting extra strain on your joints and back.
What shoes do you wear for pickleball? The role of footwear in injury prevention
If you’re wondering what shoes to wear for pickleball, know that pickleball’s rising popularity, particularly among players aged 35 and older, has led to an increase in injuries. Emergency department data shows that muscle strains, joint sprains, and fractures are the most common. Interestingly, men are more likely to suffer strains and sprains, while women experience more fractures [3]. Pickleball’s rising popularity has also prompted shoe manufacturers to develop footwear with advanced features, such as reinforced rubber outsoles for durability, orthopedic insoles, and a wide range of sizes to accommodate different foot shapes.
The best pickleball shoe can lower the risk of injuries by providing the necessary support, stability, and cushioning to handle and mitigate the physical demands of the sport. It’s also important that shoes don’t require a breaking-in period, as this reduces the chance of blisters and ensures comfort right from the start [4].
Indoor vs. outdoor pickleball shoes
Another factor that affects the answer to 'what shoes to wear for pickleball' is the type of court surface you'll be playing on.
Similar to basketball shoes, indoor pickleball courts, often made of hardwood or other smooth materials, require non-marking shoes with a good grip to prevent slipping. A non-marking rubber sole also ensures the court surface remains scuff-free, which is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of indoor courts [4].
Outdoor courts, typically asphalt or concrete, demand proper court shoes with durable outsoles to that can handle rougher surfaces while still providing stability and cushioning. Outdoor pickleball shoes share similarities with tennis court shoes but are specifically designed to handle quick lateral movements and rougher surfaces.
Still, some pickleball shoes are specifically made for both court types.
What shoes to wear for pickleball? Features to look for
Cushioning and arch support
Pickleball’s quick movements and repetitive actions, like jumping and sudden stops, put immense strain on your feet and joints. That’s why cushioning and arch support are must-haves in your pickleball shoes. Shoes with proper insoles and arch support can help distribute weight evenly, minimizing fatigue and protecting your joints. Finding the right footwear is essential for comfort and performance, and whether you're looking for pickleball shoes for men or women's pickleball shoes, choosing a pair with proper arch support, cushioning, and traction can significantly improve your game and reduce injury risks.
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Cushioning
The right amount of cushioning means that impact is absorbed with each step, jump, or lateral movement. This helps protect your joints and minimize the risk of injuries caused by overuse, and also keeps your feet, legs and back feeling comfortable, even after hours on the court [2].
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Arch support
Good arch support prevents foot fatigue by keeping your feet, legs, and back properly aligned. By reducing the strain on your feet, joints and back, this alignment minimizes the risk of discomfort or injury, and is especially important during long matches [1][2].
Orthofeet pickleball shoes are designed with the needs of players in mind. Among other design elements that keep your feet healthy and comfortable, they are constructed with advanced cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact, and an ergonomic arch support that promotes alignment and comfort.
Non-marking outsoles for indoor courts
Shoes with non-marking outsoles, usually made from rubber, are essential when you play pickleball on indoor courts, as they have two main jobs:
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As their name suggests, non-marking outsoles are designed with minimal to no tread design to prevent scuffs and marks on polished indoor court surfaces, keeping the playing area clean and undamaged. Unlike the traditional marking soles that tend to leave streaks or scratches, these soles are made from softer materials that keep courts intact.
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Traction is another important benefit of non-marking outsoles. The smooth indoor pickleball courts can be slippery, and although these soles have minimal or flat textures, they are made from materials to help players maintain their footing during those familiar pickleball quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and directional changes. Outsoles with herringbone or hexagonal patterns can give you the best traction, and offer good grip and stability. This stability does two things: it enhances performance and minimizes the risk of slipping and injury.
Not sure what sole your pickleball shoe has? You can easily check it by simply pressing the sole against a piece of white paper. If it doesn’t leave a mark, it’s likely non-marking and suitable for indoor play.
Durability for outdoor courts
For players who usually play on outdoor courts, features like durable outsoles and uppers are important. Outdoor courts are often made of tougher materials and are exposed to all types of weather conditions, both of which contribute to the wear and tear of shoes.
To withstand the harsh court conditions, your shoe should be built with durable materials that can handle the stress of frequent use without compromising performance [4].
Wide range of sizes for all players
Finding the right fit is crucial for comfort and injury prevention. Pickleball shoes are available in a variety of sizes and widths to accommodate different foot shapes, ensuring a snug fit without pinching or sliding. Orthofeet offers an extensive range of wide-width comfortable shoes, including options for players with wide or narrow feet.
Breathable materials for comfort
Breathable materials are the stuff that makes your feet comfortable during intense pickleball games. By allowing air to flow through the shoes, these materials help prevent moisture buildup and keep your feet cool and dry.
In addition, reducing moisture not only helps you avoid discomfort but also minimizes the risk of developing blisters and other skin irritations during your game [4].
Lightweight design for agility
In fast-paced games like pickleball, you need both agility and speed. A lightweight shoe doesn't hinder quick movement, allowing players to react quickly to the ball and shift directions without added effort.
Shoes that don’t weigh you down allow you to cut laterally faster and quickly start and stop, both of which can give you the edge on the court [4].
Stability features for injury prevention
Your pickleball court shoe should give you a stable base to counteract the typical quick side-to-side movements. Stability is provided by design factors like sole hardness, thickness, and torsional stiffness to support your foot when you make sudden stops or make lateral cuts [1].
Shoes with additional stability features, such as a wider base, ankle support, or reinforced heel, can help prevent injuries by improving your balance and reducing the risk you’ll suffer from ankle twists or falls [4].
Orthofeet pickleball shoes: designed for comfort and performance
Orthofeet pickleball shoes are designed to meet the specific needs of players, combining comfort and performance in a way that supports both active pickleball play and foot health. Our shoes feature advanced cushioning and ergonomic soles that help absorb shock during fast movements, keeping your feet comfortable and healthy throughout the game.
For pickleball players with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions, our shoes offer tailored arch support and insoles that help keep your feet properly aligned, reducing strain and discomfort. The shoes also have wide toe boxes, offering more room for your toes to move freely without restricting your forefoot.
Our pickleball shoes are also designed with breathable, stretchable uppers that adjust themselves to the unique shape of your foot, and ensure that your feet are constantly aerated.
For extra convenience, at Orthofeet some of our footwear includes hands-free slip-on technology, making it unbelievably easy to put on and take off your shoes without bending down or messing with laces, which is helpful for anyone, but especially for anyone dealing with mobility issues.
FAQ’s about what shoes to wear for pickleball
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What makes pickleball shoes different from regular sneakers?
Pickleball shoes are specifically designed for those typical lateral movements, quick starts, and sudden stops. A typical sneaker or athletic shoe usually has thicker soles and is designed to support your foot as it moves forward. On the other hand, pickleball shoes focus on supporting all variety of movements: forward, sideways and backwards, and are typically lower to keep you closer to the ground and help you move faster.
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Can I wear running shoes for pickleball?
Wearing running shoes for pickleball is not a good idea. Running shoes are designed for forward movement, which is why their cushioning is mainly in the forefoot and heel to absorb the shocks caused by running. Although in some cases you may be supported and comfortable enough playing in a tennis court shoe, pickleball involves quick side-to-side movements that a running shoe isn't designed to handle.
Running shoes may lack the necessary stability and lateral support, which could increase your risk of ankle twists or other injuries. For optimal performance and safety, it's best to wear shoes specifically made for pickleball.
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Are Orthofeet shoes suitable for players with foot pain or conditions?
Yes, Orthofeet shoes are designed with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet in mind. Our shoes offer customizable arch support, quality cushioning, and ergonomic soles, providing the support any player with foot pain needs. All our shoes also feature wide toe boxes for a non-binding fit, and a variety of widths - from Medium to Extra and even Extra Extra Wide.
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What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes?
Indoor pickleball shoes are typically made with a softer, non-marking sole designed to provide good traction on the smooth indoor surfaces without leaving any scuffs on the court. Outdoor pickleball sneakers tend to have tougher, more durable outsoles that can withstand the rougher outdoor court surfaces and the effect of various weather conditions.
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Why do my feet hurt after each pickleball game?
There could be many causes of foot pain after pickleball, like ill-fitting shoes, inadequate arch support and cushioning, or overuse, among other things. The quick movements and sudden stops that are typical to the game put a lot of stress on your feet, especially if you're wearing shoes that don't provide the specific support your feet need as you play.
If you experience foot pain after every game, first make sure your shoes are designed specifically for the sport or for your foot condition, if you have one. If they are, contact your healthcare provider.
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Why do I feel pain in my foot arch area after I play pickleball?
Pain in the arch (and heel) area after playing pickleball is typically related to plantar fasciitis - a condition in which the thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, AKA plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. The quick, sharp movements of pickleball can stress the arches, especially if you don't have proper arch support or cushioning in your shoes. So, it's common sense that choosing shoes with arch support and proper fit can help alleviate this pain over time.
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How do I know if my pickleball shoes fit properly?
Proper fit is always important no matter what shoe you wear, as it has a direct effect on your comfort and injury prevention. When you try on pickleball shoes, make sure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end. The best pickleball shoe should feel snug around the heel and arch but not tight, and your foot should not slide around inside it.
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Can I use the same shoes for both tennis and pickleball?
While there are many similarities between a tennis shoe and pickleball shoes, there are also differences. Pickleball shoes tend to offer extra support for those lateral movements and quick starts and stops. Tennis shoes may not provide the same level of stability for the specific demands of pickleball, and their soles tend to be thicker.
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How often should I replace my pickleball shoes?
Generally, you should replace your shoes as soon as you notice that cushioning or support has decreased, or if the outsole starts to wear down. If you are a regular pickleball player, you may need to replace your shoes more often, as the lifespan of your pickleball shoes depends on how often you play and the condition of your regular court.
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What features should I look for in pickleball shoes if I have wide or narrow feet?
If you have wide feet or a narrow foot, it’s best to find a brand that offers wider and narrower than usual widths, spacious toe boxes and flexible uppers - all of which provide a non-constricting fit.
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Why do my shoes wear out so quickly when I play pickleball outdoors?
Playing on outdoor pickleball courts can cause even the best shoe to wear out faster than when used indoors. The high friction and exposure to the elements put more stress on the shoes, especially the outsoles. It’s best to get durable shoes designed for outdoor play with thicker, more robust treads that help them last longer.
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[1] Richard T. Bouché. Athletic Footwear and Orthoses in Sports Medicine. Research Gate. May 2017. Accessed January 20, 2025. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318132845
[2] 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
[3] 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/
[4] Sydney Steinaker. From the Local Court to the Pro Circuit, An Insider's Guide to Everyone's Favorite Sport. 18 April, 2023 Accessed January 20, 2025.
https://books.google.co.il/books?id=q1abEAAAQBAJ&dq