A court shoe is a court shoe, right? Not exactly.
If you're a pickleball player, you may be tempted to use your tennis shoes on the court. After all, both sports use the same court surfaces, involve a lot of running, lateral movements, and quick pivots. However, pickleball shoes are designed with specific features that make them a better choice for the unique movements of the game. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes, so you can choose the best footwear for your game.
1. Lateral Support and Stability
The biggest difference is in the lateral movements, which you will read a lot about in this post. While tennis is a lot of run, pivot, plant and swing, Pickleball requires smaller, more frequent lateral movements at the kitchen line. This places extra strain on sidewalls of the upper material of a shoe, so lateral support is crucial.
- The best pickleball shoes are designed with extra side-to-side support to help stabilize your foot during those rapid, sharp movements.
- Tennis shoes offer great support but are generally focused more on cushioning and shock absorption for forward motion.
If you’re playing pickleball regularly, it’s especially important to wear shoes that offer extra lateral stability to help prevent injury.
2. Sole Design and Traction
Another difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes is the sole design. Because of those additional lateral (side-to-side) movements in pickleball, the outsoles can differ.
- Pickleball shoes typically feature a flat, grippy sole with a herringbone pattern or multi-directional treads that provide superior traction.
- Tennis shoes, on the other hand, are usually built for forward motion, with soles that often have more of a longitudinal tread to assist in sprinting across the baseline.
While tennis shoes may provide good traction for baseline running, they may not offer the side-to-side stability you need for pickleball’s fast-paced, lateral footwork.
3. Cushioning and Comfort
Both sports require comfort for long periods of play, but the demands are slightly different.
- Pickleball shoes are designed with a balance of lightweight cushioning to absorb shock while providing the responsiveness needed for quick, high-energy movements. The midsole typically has a firmer feel to help with lateral stability.
- Tennis shoes tend to have more cushioning in the heel and a more shock-absorbent midsole since tennis players tend to land more on their heels and move in more linear patterns.
While comfort is important for both, pickleball players need a balance between comfort and support to optimize quick movements without sacrificing performance.
4. Durability
Pickleball is surprisingly rough on footwear, especially if you play frequently on outdoor surfaces. The back-and-forth movements at the kitchen line are essentially like dragging your shoes across sand paper all day long. Well-built pickleball shoes are made to withstand the abrasion from outdoor courts.
- Pickleball shoes often have reinforced toe caps and extra durability in high-wear areas, ensuring they can stand up to the demands of the sport.
- Tennis shoes, while durable, may not always feature the same level of toe reinforcement or lateral support needed for the unique movements in pickleball, which can lead to quicker wear in the toe area.
If you’re playing on rough outdoor courts, the best pickleball shoes will generally hold up better over time.
5. Weight and Agility
Lastly, the great balancing act. Great pickleball shoes will have mastered the balance between having enough density in the sole without becoming too heavy and feeling like a brick on your foot.
- Pickleball shoes tend to be more streamlined with a flexible outsole that lets you move quickly and comfortably, but is dense enough to last longer.
- Tennis shoes can sometimes feel bulkier, especially with added cushioning, which may restrict flexibility for the fast lateral motion required in pickleball.
Conclusion: Court shoes designed specifically for pickleball are the better choice
While tennis shoes may seem like a good option for pickleball, they aren't specifically designed for the unique movements and pressure points of the game. While there are many great tennis shoes on the market, pickleball shoes provide better lateral support, traction, flexibility, and durability for the intense side-to-side action and fast pivots that the sport demands.
For the best performance, comfort, and injury prevention, investing in a quality pair of pickleball shoes is the way to go. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the right footwear will help you move more efficiently, play longer, and enjoy the game to the fullest.
Ready to find your perfect pair of pickleball shoes?
