If you’re a pickleball player, then you know that having the right shoes is essential. Not only do they need to be comfortable, but they also need to provide the right level of traction and protection. In this blog post, we’ll discuss nine reasons why you need the best pickleball shoes possible. Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
1) Traction
The main reason that you need the best pickleball shoes possible is that they should provide good traction. Having solid footing allows you to make fast, confident moves around the court, whether you’re shifting your weight from one leg to the other or trying to stay low on a fast-paced return.
Without this traction, it’s much easier for you to slip and fall, which can be extremely dangerous. For these reasons, pickleball shoes should have at least a few rubber soles.
2) Comfort
Your pickleball shoes also need to be comfortable. If your feet are constantly uncomfortable, then there’s no way that you’ll ever feel like you’re fully prepared for play.
Just because your shoes are comfortable, however, doesn’t mean that you can slack off on the quality of materials or craftsmanship. The last thing you want is to spend money on pickleball shoes that don’t fit well and fall apart quickly.
3) Support
As many players know, playing pickleball can be very hard on your feet. Drastic movements combined with lots of jumping can be tough on your ankles and arches, which is why you need the best pickleball shoes possible.
Pickleball shoes should include all kinds of support. They should feature high heels, supportive soles, and special features that offer extra protection.
4) Fit
Like all shoes, pickleball shoes should fit your feet perfectly. If they’re too tight, then you won’t be able to move as freely as you need to. If they’re too loose, however, then your feet will slide around inside the shoe and again diminish your performance.
Therefore, you need to find a pair of pickleball shoes that fit you well. You should be able to move your toes around inside the shoe, but there shouldn’t be too much wiggle room. Remember, pickleball shoes are designed for functionality over style, so don’t buy a pair just because they look good!
5) Ankle Support
One of the most important features of a pickleball shoe is its ankle support. If your ankles aren’t properly supported, then you won’t have as much success maneuvering around the court as you would like to.
That’s why it’s so important for your shoes to be built with strong materials and a high level of support. Pickleball shoes should keep your ankles safe no matter what kind of pace you’re playing at.
6) Stability
As any pickleball player will tell you, it only takes one bad move to end up on the ground with an injury. That’s why having stable shoes is so important. You don’t want to be in a position where your shoes can’t keep you grounded and secure.
It’s also important to note that the best pickleball shoes possible should offer stability in all conditions. If they’re slippery, for instance, then it’ll be harder for you to stay balanced on the court when there’s lots of movement involved.
7) Breathability
The most important quality in any pickleball shoe is its breathability. If you don’t have this feature, then your feet will get too hot and quickly become exhausted during play.
Your shoes should be made with mesh fabric so that the airflow can be unrestricted. They should also feature vents of some kind so that heat can escape when necessary.
8) Lacing System
Pickleball is a fast-paced game, so you need to have shoes that are easy to take on and off. You don’t want shoes that include laces or anything else that might slow you down.
Well, the best pickleball shoes possible should have special lacing systems. These systems should be easy to tighten and loosen, so you can get in and out of your shoes in seconds.
9) Price
Finally, your pickleball shoes should be priced reasonably. You don’t need to buy the most expensive pair on the market unless you play pickleball for a living.
However, you also shouldn’t buy the cheapest pair on the market. They might look good at first glance, but they’ll be extremely low quality and won’t last you very long.
As a result, try to find a pair of shoes that falls in the middle of these two extremes. You should spend no more than $100-$150 on your pickleball shoe, but you should also avoid extremely cheap shoes.
Best Pickleball Shoes For You
Now, let’s talk about the top 3 pickleball shoes on the market today. These selections are based on our criteria above and will help you find a great pair of shoes for your game!
1) New Balance Men’s 806 V1
This is a great shoe for those who are looking for a lightweight shoe that can handle the rigors of a pickleball court. These shoes are made from 90% leather and 10% synthetic material, so they’re very durable and comfortable. The rubber sole and C-CAP® technology in the midsole keep the shoe stable and well-balanced. It’s also got a Herringbone-patterned outsole for added traction and durability.
The New Balance 806 V1 is designed with a low-cut fit for an ultra-comfortable feel. It has great midfoot support to keep you steady on your feet, so you don’t have to worry about falling over or tripping. It’s also got a Lightning Dry® lining to help keep your feet dry and comfortable. These are perfect for people who spend a lot of time on the court, as they’re made with a full-grain leather upper.
The only downside is that they’re not water-resistant, so if you’re looking for a shoe that can handle rain and moisture, these aren’t for you. You can get these in black, white, and gray though.
2) K-Swiss Men’s Express Light
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that will last you a lifetime, then K-Swiss is the company for you. They’ve been making shoes for over 100 years now, and have been one of the leading manufacturers in the business.
K-Swiss Men’s Express Light is made with high-quality materials and built to last. They’re designed to keep you comfortable on your feet from the very first day you put them on.
The sole is made with a 7.0 rubber compound, which is one of the most durable rubber compounds available. It’s also very flexible and will provide unsurpassed durability from heel to toe. It comes with a Durawrap, which is a material that provides an extra line of defense against excessive toe-dragging. This will help to prevent blisters and other foot problems.
The 180 PSC Plantar Support Chassis is a thermoplastic plantar support chassis that enhances midfoot stability. This is important because it’ll reduce foot fatigue, and keep you comfortable all day long. It also helps to prevent injury and discomfort. The ortholite sock liner helps to keep your feet dry and cool while providing a healthier environment. It’s located in the high wear areas of the toe and heel offering increased abrasion resistance.
3) Wilson Rush Pro 3.0
I’ve been playing pickleball for over 10 years now, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had a pair of tennis shoes that I really loved. The Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 is by far the most comfortable pair of pickleball shoes I’ve ever owned. They’re not only extremely lightweight, but they’re also incredibly durable.
I’ve never had any issues with the soles wearing out, and they’re super easy to clean as well. There’s no need to change them often, but if you do want to switch them out, they’re very easy to take off and put on. These are a great choice for those who like to play pickleball or any other sport where they’ll be on their feet a lot.
They’re also designed for tennis, so they have a 4D Support Chassis which limits supination and torsion to help control pivot movements while loading up for powerful strokes, creating superior stability. This will allow you to hit shots with more power and precision.
There are a few other features that make these tennis shoes stand out. One is the Sensifeel 2.0, which is an engineered mesh that enhances breathability, feel and comfort. The end of it provides enhanced comfort, stability, and an intuitive fit through a full inner sock construction. This helps reduce foot fatigue and allows you to perform at your best throughout the match.
The last feature that makes these tennis shoes special is the Rubber Medial Drag Pad. It supplies added durability and protection when dragging the foot. This will help prevent injuries to the foot and ankle and keep your feet feeling great for a longer period of time.
If you want a comfortable pair of pickleball shoes that are going to last for years, then look no further than the Wilson Rush Pro. They’re definitely my go-to pair for tennis and any other sport where I’ll be on my feet a lot.
I hope this article helped you find the best pickleball shoes for pickleball! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email.