Outdoor Pickleball Shoes
There is no doubt that fit is the most important aspect of picking out the perfect outdoor pickleball shoes for your feet. But once you get the shoe size right, there are a number of other criteria you should look at when trying to find your next pair of pickleball shoes.
Yes, your feet aren't like anyone else's. But there are some important considerations that should enter into your thought process.
Can I choose tennis shoes for my pickleball shoe?
The answer is yes or maybe. Tennis shoes have many of the same attributes players want to see on the pickleball court.
But be careful. Some tennis shoes are deliberately built to be a heavy, durable shoe. This kind of shoe might make sense if you are on the heavier side.
But pickleball requires lots of short, quick moves and fewer long runs than tennis. A heavier shoe can wear on your legs during a long match.
Do running shoes make the best pickleball shoes?
Unfortunately, no. Running shoes are built to relentlessly cover miles going forward. As a result, they do not emphasize the lateral support that is so important for shoes for pickleball.
Running shoes are nice and light. But their ability to help prevent players from rolling an ankle or losing their balance when making those swift, darting side to side moves is lacking.
Can I use indoor shoes outside?
The best indoor pickleball shoe will probably be able to handle the more abrasive surfaces found outside. However, if you play both inside and outside, having a second pair of shoes will extend their usable lives.
Plus, it is always pleasant to step into nicely dried shoes that will help keep your feet dry even in hot, humid conditions. Your feet deserve it!
10 Characteristics of the best outdoor pickleball shoes
1. Lateral Support - It is no surprise to pickleball players that the ability to move side to side with confidence and quickness is important. Your court shoes can do that.
2. Shoe Weight - This can be a tricky balancing act. You want your pickleball shoes to be light to facilitate movement, but they better have that critical lateral support too.
3. Center of gravity - Also a tricky balancing act. On one hand you want a low center to make quick movements. But you also want enough padding in the insole to absorb shock especially from the heel counter and arch.
4. Toe box - In tennis shoes these are often built up due to players dragging their toe during the serve. This happens much less in pickleball so both indoor and outdoor pickleball footwear need only a minimal exterior to the toe box. But the inside of the toe box does need to have enough room for comfort.
5. Aggressive rubber sole (or synthetic) - Unlike indoor court shoes, outdoor court shoes are likely dealing with very abrasive asphalt or concrete. Therefore, outdoor shoes should have a very durable outsole, but the tread pattern may not need to be all that aggressive.
6. Arch support - For some players, this isn't an option - it is a necessity. This is also true for indoor shoes.
7. Non marking sole - For indoor pickleball shoes this is a nearly universal requirement as the expectation of indoor pickleball shoes is that they not damage the relatively smooth floors of indoor facilities - especially those found in gyms. Other than in the pickiest private clubs, a court shoe for outdoors need not be non-marking. It is worth noting that the best shoes have all adopted this standard no matter where they are used.
8. Ventilated uppers - Playing outdoors means playing in the heat. Manufacturers work very hard to find ways to keep feet cool through ventilation provided by mesh materials and openings for air and moisture wicking.
9. Padded tongue - Pickleball shoes should be laced up firmly to provide support. Therefore, a padded tongue will provide comfort against laces pressing in on the top of the foot.
10. Cool designs - Ok, so "cool" is a very individual function of taste and design. Maybe you like the classic old style looks or perhaps you want the trendy neon colors. Once you find the fit and construction you like, go for the appearance package that is you.
What About Prices?
Athletic shoes for outside use is a very competitive category of footwear including men's and women's pickleball shoes. There are many high-quality brands to examine so watch for sales on your favorite brands.
Shop for the Best
Pickleball-paddles is delighted to have a huge selection of shoes, paddles, accessories and clothing for the entire family. You are sure to find what you need for your game or for a gift for your favorite pickleballer.
Any Questions?
Call us! We have a friendly group of pickleball experts here who are happy to answer questions. We love pickleball as much as you do!