If you play pickleball regularly, there is one piece of equipment I think every player should take seriously: your shoes. I see players spend hundreds of dollars on paddles and then show up to the court wearing running shoes.
I understand why. Running shoes are comfortable, they feel great when you walk around, and you probably already have a pair. But running shoes and court shoes are designed for very different types of movement.
Pickleball players should be wearing a proper court shoe, whether that is a pickleball shoe or a hard court tennis shoe.
Pickleball is a lateral sport
Running shoes are designed primarily for forward movement, pickleball isn't.
During a typical rally, you're constantly moving side to side, stopping, starting, pushing off, changing direction and reacting to the ball. You might move forward to the kitchen, shuffle sideways, stop quickly, move back and then change direction again in a matter of seconds.
That's why proper court shoes are so important. A good court shoe is designed to give you the stability and support you need for those movements.
Running shoes vs. court shoes
One of the easiest ways to understand the difference is the fit. Running shoes are generally designed to feel comfortable and cushioned as you move forward. Court shoes tend to feel more secure and snug around your foot.
And that's a good thing. When you're moving laterally, you don't want your foot sliding around inside the shoe.
The goal is a snug, secure fit without being too tight. Your heel should feel secure, your foot shouldn't slide around when you change direction, and you shouldn't feel like your toes are being squeezed.
There is a difference between snug and too tight. If your foot is moving inside the shoe, the shoe is probably too loose. If your toes are being crushed or you're uncomfortable after a short time, it's too tight.
You don't need a pickleball specific shoe
This is another common misconception. There are plenty of excellent pickleball shoes available today, but you don't necessarily need a shoe specifically labelled "pickleball."
A good hard court tennis shoe is usually an excellent choice for pickleball. In fact, tennis and pickleball have many of the same movement demands. Both involve lateral movement, quick stops, changes of direction and pushing off the court.
What I would avoid is choosing an indoor court shoe simply because it says "court shoe." Indoor court shoes are designed for different surfaces and sports, and they aren't what I would generally recommend for outdoor or hard court pickleball.
For pickleball, look at proper pickleball shoes or hard court tennis shoes. Today, players have plenty of options from brands like Asics, JOOLA, Wilson, Nike, K-Swiss and more. The important thing isn't the logo on the side of the shoe, it's whether the shoe fits your foot properly and gives you the stability you need.
Finding the right fit
One of the best things about court shoes today is that you have more choices than you used to. Different brands and even different models from the same brand can fit very differently.
Some shoes are designed around a more standard or regular fit, while others are available in wider versions. If you have a wider foot, don't assume you need to buy a larger shoe. A shoe that is too long can create its own stability problems.
Instead, look for a model that is designed to accommodate your foot shape. The same applies if you have a narrower foot.
The right shoe should feel secure without creating pressure points. If you're trying on a new pair, take a few steps, move side to side and pay attention to how your foot feels inside the shoe.
Coach Alex's choice
If you ask me which shoe I would recommend, one shoe I really like for pickleball is the ASICS GEL-RESOLUTION X.
There are several reasons I like it for the court. It gives me the secure, stable feel I want from a court shoe while still being comfortable enough for longer sessions.
For me, that combination is important. I don't want a shoe that feels loose and soft like a running shoe. I want my foot to feel connected to the court when I move, especially when I'm making quick lateral movements or stopping and changing direction.
That's what I look for in a pickleball or tennis court shoe.
Shop Coach Alex's ASICS GEL-RESOLUTION X pick
What should you buy?
There are plenty of good options, and the right shoe ultimately depends on your foot, your playing style and the surface you play on.
At HISPORTS, you'll find court footwear from brands including Asics, JOOLA, Wilson, Nike and K-Swiss. You can choose from pickleball specific shoes as well as hard court tennis shoes that work very well for pickleball.
You don't need the most expensive shoe or the newest shoe. But you do need a proper court shoe.
Even if you're brand new to pickleball, I recommend starting with proper court shoes. You don't want to wait until you get injured to start looking for the right shoes. Your footwear should be part of your equipment from the beginning.
The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune. There are plenty of good court shoes at different price points, and our Shoe Clearance is a great place to look if you're trying to find a good pair at a reduced price.
A final tip from Coach Alex
Don't wait until your shoes are completely worn out before replacing them. The grip, cushioning and stability of a court shoe gradually change as you play. If your shoes are starting to feel less stable, you're losing traction, or you can feel your foot moving around more than it used to, it may be time for a new pair.
And remember, your paddle isn't the only piece of equipment that affects your game. Your feet are doing the work. So give them the right shoes and get back on the court.
See you out there,
Coach Alex