Pickleball is well-known as a sport that every age can play. However, its rise in popularity has also meant an increase in related foot and ankle injuries, some of which could be prevented with proper shoes.
“You cannot just use your regular running shoes and just play pickleball with them,” said Montreal-based podiatrist Sarah Cantin-Langlois. “Running shoes are good for linear motion, but they’re not really good for lateral motion, and so they don’t really have that appropriate support and stability.”
You could, however, potentially wear tennis shoes to play pickleball. Ronith Cogswell, a pickleball coach and member of the Vancouver Pickleball Association who has been playing for almost 10 years, is loyal to a pair of tennis shoes by Wilson (the Rush Pro 4.5, to be exact).
I was never a competitive person – until I played pickleball
In general, for both tennis and pickleball, Cantin-Langlois suggests looking for shoes with a toe guard, firm heel counter and reinforced upper and forefoot lateral flange, because they will be more durable and offer more stability for your feet when you’re making lateral motions. Styles with a supportive ankle collar can help prevent the No. 1 pickleball injury: sprained ankles.
A very important consideration is the court surface. “If you want to be really 100 per cent safe, you really have to not only pay attention to the type of shoe, but also to what type of surface you’re going to play on,” adds Cantin-Langlois. For example, a firmer outsole will be better for a laminate surface in a gym, whereas a shock-absorbing one would work better for outdoor play.
Then, because pickleball involves a lot of lateral movements, you want to ensure that you buy shoes in the right width. Try on potential pairs, if possible, to ensure that they feel comfortable on your feet. “When you’re trying it on, if there are already any spots that feel like it’s not right, then it’s not right. It’s not going to get better,” said Cogswell.
Six buys to try
Unlike running shoes, court shoes offer more stability for side-to-side motions
In the men’s section
Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0
Meant for use on both indoor and outdoor court surfaces, these lace-up shoes feature a removable EVA insole offering arch support, lightweight foam midsole and durable rubber outsole. They’re offered in a wide range of colours and both men’s and women’s sizing.
Buying options
$180, buy at Skechers
Nike Zoom Challenge
Offered in a range of neutral and bold colourways, these pickleball shoes can be used both indoors and outdoors. There are synthetic overlays for lateral support, a soft collar for ankle comfort and mesh panels for breathability.
Buying options
From $120, buy at Nike
Reebok Nano Court
Designed for multiple court sports including pickleball, tennis and padel, these unisex shoes can be used indoors and outdoors. There’s a herringbone-pattern rubber outsole for added traction and lightweight Flexweave fabric upper for better foot support.
Buying options
From $150, buy at Reebok
In the women’s section
Tyrol Volley
Tyrol’s Volley style features a soft, non-marking rubber outsole meant for indoor courts, a lightweight, removable insole, and a wide toe box to help prevent toe injuries. The mesh upper offers breathability, and its pretty pastel colour scheme will brighten up any game. The built-in torsion-control shank touts additional lateral stability and support.
Buying options
From $126, buy at Tyrol
New Balance FuelCell 996v6 Pickleball
These lightweight shoes have a toe guard, durable, non-marking rubber outsole and lightweight mesh upper, so your feet and toes can breathe. They’re available in both men’s and women’s sizing and standard as well as wide fits.
Buying options
From $175, buy at New Balance
Selkirk CourtStrike Pickleball
Designed for pickleball and available in multiple colours, these shoes can be used outdoors and indoors – including on asphalt and gym floors. Features include a rubber outsole with four-way grip for better traction in all directions, a lightweight and breathable upper, removable moulded footbed and a padded collar for extra stability.
Buying options
From $100, buy at Selkirk
