Court Shoes or Running Shoes? What to Wear to Play Pickleball
Why court shoes protect you better than running shoes, how to match the sole to the surface, and how to get the fit right.
Short answer: wear a court shoe. It does not have to be labeled for pickleball, but it does need to hold your foot when you move sideways.
Where running shoes go wrong
A running shoe is built for moving forward. Pickleball is shuffles, sudden stops and pivots. The tall, soft heel and flexible upper of a running shoe can roll away from you on a sideways push, which is how ankles get twisted.
What a court shoe gives you
- A stiffer upper and wide, low base that resist side-to-side rolling
- A sole pattern that grips hard surfaces without sticking
- Reinforced toes that survive low volleys
- A heel that stays put with room at the front
Other sports’ shoes work
Tennis, volleyball and indoor court shoes are all built for lateral movement, so any of them is fine. Many shoes marketed for pickleball are tweaked court shoes, so treat the label as a bonus.
Match the sole to the floor
Rough outdoor courts grind rubber away, so outdoor pairs need tough outsoles. Gym floors suit non-marking or gum soles that grip smooth boards. Tennis shoes are usually best outside, and volleyball or badminton shoes often shine indoors.
Getting the fit right
- Try shoes on in the afternoon, when feet are a little swollen
- Wear your usual playing socks
- Leave about a thumb’s width in front of your toes
- Walk and shuffle in them to confirm the heel and foot stay put
When to replace
Get new shoes when the tread is smooth, the cushioning is flat, or your foot slides on sideways moves. Regular players can wear through a pair in a few months.
Saving money
- Last season’s colors are usually the same shoe, cheaper
- Odd sizes left over from a run get discounted first
- Order from a seller with easy returns, and try shoes on at home over a clean floor
- Store-wide retailer codes often cover footwear. Check Pickleball Superstore and Pickleball Effect on the promo code page
Fit comes before price. When you are ready to compare models, see five court shoes compared, then build your movement with five footwork drills.