What Shoes Should You NOT Wear for Pickleball?

Pickleball looks simple — until you actually play it. Quick lateral bursts, sudden stops at the kitchen line, and constant pivoting are all part of the game. That’s why choosing the right footwear is more important than most players realize. In fact, one of the fastest ways to increase your risk of slipping, foot pain, or injury is wearing the wrong kind of shoes.

In this guide, we’ll cover what shoes you should NOT wear for pickleball, why certain styles are risky, what won't last, and what to wear instead so you can stay confident and comfortable on the court.

Why Shoe Choice Matters in Pickleball

Pickleball is not a straight-line sport. It involves:

lateral shuffles
quick pivots
hard braking
explosive changes of direction

Shoes that aren’t built for this style of movement can potentially lead to:

ankle rolls
knee strain
plantar fasciitis flare-ups
slipping on indoor courts
worn-down traction on outdoor courts
poor performance in your game

Shoes You Should NOT Wear for Pickleball (and Why)

1) Running Shoes

Running shoes are designed for forward motion with a cushioned heel-to-toe stride. That’s great for jogging — but not for pickleball.

Why they’re a bad choice:

too much heel cushioning can reduce court feel
less lateral stability
higher risk of rolling an ankle during side-to-side play
blowouts in the sides of the upper material

If there’s one shoe type players should avoid most, it’s running shoes.

2) Trail Running Shoes / Hiking Shoes

It may sound obvious but with the growth of this sport, you've probably seen it all out there on the courts. Trail shoes have aggressive tread and are built for uneven terrain. On courts, that tread can actually work against you.

Why to avoid them:

tread can “catch” on court surfaces, stressing ankles/knees
heavy and stiff for quick movement
may wear down quickly on abrasive outdoor courts
can mark up the courts

3) Cross-Training / Gym Shoes (Generic)

Some training shoes can work — but most general gym shoes aren’t court-specific and don’t provide enough support for repeated lateral movement.

Common issues:

inconsistent traction
too soft around the edges
not designed for sustained court play

4) Basketball Shoes (Usually Not Ideal)

Basketball shoes are made for jumping, impact protection, and typically have softer soles for indoor traction — but many are bulky and not optimized for pickleball’s quick steps near the kitchen.

Potential drawbacks:

heavier than necessary
traction can be overly “sticky” for pivoting
too much height can reduce stability for some players
softer soles shred on the courts

NOTE: One exception is when you see indoor pickleball courts on hardwood surfaces like basketball courts. Always choose a shoe for the surface you are playing on.

5) Lifestyle Sneakers / Street Shoes

This includes casual sneakers like everyday Nikes/Adidas (fashion models), Vans, Converse, etc. Though they may work for everyday wear, they are not court specific.

Why they’re risky:

minimal lateral support
poor grip on courts
not built for athletic stress
can cause foot fatigue fast

If you’re playing at any real intensity, street shoes are a no-go.

6) Tennis Shoes (even though they are made for courts)

While there are many quality tennis shoes on the market, the movements of the two sports and the pressure points they put on footwear are very different.

Why not tennis shoes:

Tennis involves more forward motion and planting
Mostly designed to support that forward motion rather than lateral movements

More on this here: Pickleball Shoes vs Tennis Shoes: What's the Difference?

7) Cleats (Yes… we have to say it)

Cleats are made to dig into grass or turf.

Why they’re dangerous:

extremely unstable on hard courts
can damage court surfaces
high injury risk and often not allowed at facilities

What Shoes SHOULD You Wear Instead?

For pickleball, the best option is pickleball-specific footwear:

designed for lateral stability
engineered for the movements of pickleball
traction that grips without sticking too hard at the kitchen
comfort for long sessions
durability on court surfaces

Pickleball shoes should help you move confidently — especially during kitchen battles and quick defensive slides.

Montis Tip: Built for Pickleball Movement

Montis shoes are engineered specifically for how pickleball is played — quick pivots, controlled braking, and constant lateral movement.

If you’re ready to upgrade from “whatever sneakers are available,” explore:
👉 Shop Montis Pickleball Shoes

Want a deeper breakdown on why pickleball footwear is different?
👉 Why Montis is Built for Pickleball