A Guide to Pickleball Shoes
August 15, 2024
Picking out the perfect pickleball shoes can elevate your game by offering unparalleled support, cushioning, and stability. Pickleball is one of the of the fastest growing sports in America, with many people finding it to be an exciting and engaging way to stay active.
As with any sport, finding the right shoes can improve your experience and bring out your best performance. At ASICS, we understand the importance of having high-quality pickleball shoes. To offer designs you can feel good about, we integrate sustainable materials into comfortable, functional designs suited for players of all skill levels.
Why use pickleball shoes?
If you’re just starting to explore the world of pickleball, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary to buy new shoes specifically for the sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis to create a high-energy rallying game. Similar to tennis, players move quickly around the court area, including sharp turns and lateral movements – making shoes with lateral support an important part of your pickleball attire.
While you might be tempted to double your running shoes for pickleball games, many running shoes are made for straight-line movement, which limits the support they provide when moving side-to-side. Choosing pickleball shoes specifically suited for outdoor or indoor courts can help ensure you have the right equipment to support your game-time needs without any guesswork.
What to look for in pickleball shoes
Choosing a pickleball shoe will come down to personal preference, you should look for a shoe designed to handle the specific movements and court conditions of pickleball. When trying on your new kicks, think about the following features:
Traction and durability
Many pickleball players play outdoors, which means their shoes need to stand up to the wear and tear of gritty outdoor court material while keeping foot placements secure during sharp turns. If you play on an outdoor court, you’re most likely playing on asphalt. For your shoe to provide you with predictable traction and stand up to gritty conditions, you need one with a sole made of strong rubber.
For indoor players, the tough rubber sole of outdoor shoes is likely to leave scuff marks on the hardwood court. This can be avoided when you opt for options with shoes with softer rubber. This will still help to provide you with traction to make sharp turns but is far less likely to harm the court floor. If needed, you can wear your indoor shoes on outdoor courts. However, the soft rubber will wear down more easily against asphalt, so it’s best to have shoes designed specifically for the outdoor courts.
Cushioning
When you play pickleball, the constant running, jumping, and turning can take a toll on your joints. Having shoes designed to absorb shock makes a big difference in how you feel walking off the court. You should look for shoes with adequate cushioning in the sole and designs to absorb shock as you play.
Support
As you move around the court, your shoes should provide support to your feet and ankles. Having an extra layer of stability can help prevent you from rolling an ankle or developing foot pain, so look for shoe designs with a more supportive upper or reinforced side walls. When you move around the court, the extra layer of support can help you maintain your balance and supports your feet during sharp, lateral movements.
Top pickleball shoe options
At ASICS, our pickleball shoes are designed with the player’s needs in mind. Our range includes both indoor and outdoor options, each crafted with the same attention to detail and quality. Top picks to up your game and keep you comfortable on the court include:
The PICKLEBALL GEL-GAMETM 9
The GEL-GAMETM 9 pickleball shoe is made for recreational athletes hitting the court several times per week. This shoe will keep you comfortable on indoor and outdoor courts with breathable, open mesh design and EVA underfoot cushioning. Plus, this shoe offers stand-out stability with synthetic leather overlays, TRUSSTIC® technology around the midsole, and a polyurethane (PU) film coating.
The GEL-RENMATM
The GEL-RENMATM pickleball shoe is designed for multi-directional movement. Our TRUSSTIC® technology provides additional support for the midsole and is designed to reduces twisting and keeps the foot secure during lateral movements. Plus, the outsole is strategically designed for sharp stops with flex grooves for traction and a wrap-up outsole for stability. Additionally, the GEL® technology incorporated into the forefoot acts as a shock absorber, thereby helping to protect your ankles and knees when landing.
The GEL-DEDICATE® 8 PICKLEBALL
Step up your pickleball game with the GEL-DEDICATE® 8 PICKLEBALL shoes. Designed for players who demand excellence, these shoes are doctor-reviewed and promote good foot health so you can feel confident you are giving yourself the best. These shoes offer unmatched stability and comfort, with our TRUSSTIC® technology offering midsole support, GEL® technology providing cushioning and shock absorption, and synthetic leather giving extra stability.
Please note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not contain or constitute medical advice or a medical opinion. Always consult with your qualified and licensed medical professional prior to beginning or modifying any diet or exercise program.