Indoor Pickleball Shoes
An insider is someone with information that very few others have. In pickleball, an insider is someone who plays indoors most of the time and these players really should buy indoor pickleball shoes.
Playing indoors means your feet are probably playing on a relatively smooth court surface. This means the best indoor pickleball shoes are very concerned with traction as well as the support to execute those quick movements pickleball is known for.
Are Running Shoes OK for Pickleball?
A good court shoe will provide support going side to side more so than runner's footwear which is built for going straight ahead. Therefore, even though they are nice and light, they are not the best for pickleball.
What About Tennis Shoes?
Tennis footwear is likely to provide you with more support laterally, so they are generally fine for playing on an indoor court. However, be careful to buy only lighter weight indoor shoes as some tennis models are specifically built with heavily reinforced toes increasing weight that is not needed in pickleball shoes.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Shoes
Outdoor court shoes are not as concerned with having great traction as with indoor footwear. Outdoor courts are typically a more abrasive asphalt or concrete surface. But even the best outdoor pickleball shoes will wear out more quickly on those surfaces.
Owning two pairs - one for indoors and one for outdoors (if you play in both types of places) will extend the life of both pairs and dry out in between matches providing more comfort.
Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoors Defined
Key Features to Shop For
Shoe Size
Most manufacturers will tell you if their sizing runs true or a bit large or small.
Lateral Support
The game of pickleball requires side to side movement so good court shoes for pickleball will help keep you from rolling an ankle and improve side to side movement.
Cushioned Insole
Both men's and women's footwear will have some cushioning in the heel and arch. Some even have removable inserts to make for a more customized feel.
Grippy Outsole
Many outsole designs made of real or synthetic rubber are ideal for indoors.
Non-Marking
Most indoor facilities will require this, and most name brand footwear products deliver.
What About Price?
Price is always a consideration. But price is not as important as fit, comfort and durability. Watch for a price on clearance merchandise that is even better than our everyday value price.
Questions?
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