Mens Pickleball Shoes
Would you wear running shoes to an upscale restaurant or wing tips to run a marathon? Of course not! That's why men's pickleball shoes make so much sense for playing pickleball.
Pickleball shoes are specifically designed for the short, quick movements that define this game. Pickleball shoes for women and men will help you get to more balls as you move all over the pickleball court.
3 Differences vs. Tennis Shoes
1) Pickleball Shoe Weight
In general, pickleball shoes are lighter than other court shoes. Regardless if you are playing singles or doubles, footwork for pickleball must be quick so less weight makes sense.
2) Toe Box
The toe area in a tennis shoe is likely to be heavily reinforced to prevent wear through. Tennis serves, in particular, will generally involve reaching up to hit the ball resulting in dragging the toe area.
Especially when playing on an abrasive outdoor court, shoes for tennis need that extra coverage to prevent wear through. Pickleball shoes aren't dragged on the serve nearly as much.
3) Lateral Support
Pickleball really needs that lateral support to move quickly from side to side. Footwear for running is designed for continuous forward running and volleyball shoes are built for jumping and don't make sense for pickleball.
2 Categories of Pickleball Shoes
Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
An outdoor pickleball shoe needs to handle the rougher surfaces typically found on an outdoor court. Outdoor pickleball shoes may have a thicker sole and a bit more heel support.
Durability
The best outdoor pickleball shoes should last for a full season depending on how often you play and how abrasive the court is. Replace them when the tread is gone, if a hole develops or if the inside padding no longer is absorbing the shock of sudden stops and starts.
Indoor Pickleball Shoes
As a general rule, indoor courts are smoother than those used outdoors. Therefore, shoes for pickleball played indoors that have a quality rubber sole will offer plenty of grip.
Non-Marking Soles
The best indoor pickleball shoes for women and for men will have nicely padded uppers. Significantly, the best indoor pickleball shoe brands all have non-marking soles. Indoor shoes simply should not make any marks regardless of what color the sole happens to be.
What About Tennis or Some Other Court Shoe?
There is no rule regarding the use of other court shoes to play pickleball according to the USAPA which sets all equipment standards and determines the rules for pickleball. Moreover, the best pickleball shoes will work just fine on a tennis court too.
Specialty Shoes
But all athletic shoes have a specific sport in mind when they are manufactured. Take advantage of those designs and have the right shoe for the sport you are playing.
Advantages of New Shoes
A new pair of shoes also has the advantage of providing refreshed arch support which ought to give you new balance as compared to an old pair where the interior footbed may be worn or compressed. Plus they just feel good on your feet.
Shop with Us
Pickleballpaddles.com is pleased to offer outstanding men's pickleball shoes and women's pickleball shoes and shoes for tennis too. Find a pair you like today!
And the selection of paddles is fantastic too. Whether you are looking for a graphite surface or composite fiberglass, you are surely going to find a paddle to take your game to the next level.
Be sure to check out our excellent selection of accessories and apparel too. Balls for indoor and outdoor play are ready for your bag!
Questions?
With our team of friendly experts on staff, we are happy to respond to your questions about shoes or anything pickleball related. Call us! We are your one stop shop for all your pickleball needs.
If you are in SE Michigan, you can take advantage of our curbside pickup!