Why the Right Pickleball Shoe is More Important than the Right Pickleball Paddle
If the Shoe Fits...
With the growing popularity of pickleball as both a competitive sport and casual pursuit, the game is attracting new players daily. With social media and the Internet inundated with paddle ads, reviews, testimonials and more, you may think the right paddle is the key to your success. But, there is an even more important piece of equipment new players are overlooking – the right footwear.
When it comes to racquet and paddle sports such as pickleball, the type of shoe you choose can significantly impact your performance and more importantly, your safety. Many new enthusiasts might be tempted to use their favorite running or walking shoes, but this can lead to poor performance on the court and even severe injuries. Here’s why pickleball or tennis shoes (which we will refer to as court shoes) are a necessity and why you need to leave those running and walking shoes at home.
The Importance of Court Shoes
1. Lateral Support: Pickleball involves a lot of lateral (side-to-side) movements. Court shoes are specifically designed to provide the necessary support for these quick, sharp movements. They feature reinforced sides and a stable base that help prevent ankle injuries and ensure stability during play.
2. Grip and Traction: The soles of court shoes are engineered to offer excellent grip on hard court playing surfaces. This traction is critical for quick stops, starts, and directional changes. The tread pattern on court shoes is also designed to prevent slipping allowing for rapid movements without losing your balance.
3. Durability: Court shoes are built to withstand the specific wear and tear of racquet and paddle sports. The materials used in their construction, particularly the outsole, are chosen for their durability and ability to endure the constant friction from the court surface.
4. Cushioning: While court shoes provide adequate cushioning, they balance it with the need for stability and support. This cushioning helps absorb the shock from jumping and running, reducing the strain on your joints.
Why Running and Walking Shoes Fall Short
1. Designed for Forward Motion: Running and walking shoes have thick, cushioned soles and a design that promotes heel-to-toe movement (forward motion), which is ideal for running but not for the multidirectional demands of pickleball.
2. Lack of Lateral Support: Running and walking shoes typically lack the support necessary for the side-to-side movements in pickleball. This greatly increases the risk of ankle sprains and other serious injuries.
3. Sole Design: The sole of a running or walking shoe is designed to provide traction on various terrains. However, this type of sole does not offer the same level of grip required on a court surface. This can cause slipping or hinder quick directional changes.
4. Potential for Injury: Using the wrong type of shoe can lead to injuries. The lack of lateral support and inadequate traction from running and walking shoes can cause slips, falls, and added strain on your joints, increasing the likelihood of injuries like sprains, strains, or even more serious damage.
Takeaways Choosing the right footwear for pickleball isn’t just an option, it is crucial to both your game and your health. Court shoes are designed with the specific needs of these sports in mind, offering the necessary support, traction, durability, and cushioning. While running and walking shoes are excellent for their intended purpose, they fall short of the demands of pickleball. Investing in a good pair of court shoes will enhance your performance and reduce your likelihood of injuries, keeping you competitve, healthy and off the sidelines.
Author: Steve Breeden
About: Steve is a nationally published author and an avid pickleball player and advocate.