Pickleball players new to the game will always ask the timeless question, “Are running shoes good for Pickleball?” Most beginners will likely hit the court in any pair of running shoes. This is perfectly fine when starting out, but the question remains. And that is why the Bros are here.
In this blog post, we will explore the difference in pickleball shoes and running shoes, alternative shoe options and we tell you if running shoes are good for pickleball. Get ready to discover how the right shoes can elevate your game, prevent injuries, and keep you playing at your peak.
Let’s kick it in….
Are Running Shoes good for Pickleball
Running shoes are ok for Pickleball, but Pickleball shoes are better.
Pickleball is a game that requires lateral movements, lunging, jumping and sliding on the court. Pickleball shoes are designed to enhance your performance and ability while playing.
Running shoes are designed for forward motion. They do not have the support or the shoe construction for lateral movements. You can wear running shoes while playing pickleball. But they can impact your performance and increase the risk of injury.
Overall, casual players will not know the difference and any shoe will feel great whenever they play. But if they intend to play regularly, it is recommended to invest in a pair of appropriate footwear.
Let’s take a look at why footwear is so important when playing Pickleball.
Can You Wear Running Shoes for Pickleball?
Running shoes are fine to wear when playing casual Pickleball but they are not recommended for long term use.
Wearing the right shoes while playing pickleball is super important. It is very easy to injure yourself playing with the wrong shoes. The Bros have seen a casual player attempt a game wearing flip flops, and they ended up in hospital.
Looking at our personal experience, the Bros played played with running shoes for over a year before inuring their feet. The warning signs were there, with slight aches after playing occasional games. Then after playing at a new pickleball center against some tough new opponents, that was it. The Bros walked away with some serious heel and arch pain where it hurt to walk for weeks.
The key here is that as any player becomes more competitive, they will need more support from their equipment. And this is really important when it comes to Pickleball Shoes.
The latest Pickleball shoes are made specifically for Pickleball. They have the latest tech to maximize support, durability and to enhance performance. That is why Pickleball shoes are so important for players that want to play regularly.
Let’s take a look at what makes Pickleball shoes special when compared to running shoes.
Pickleball Shoes VS Running Shoes
To the untrained eye, a Pickleball shoe, or any shoe on the shoe rack look the same. It is hard to identify the benefits of the shoe and we usually select a shoe based on design, colour and comfort.
But as we can see in the image below, there are a couple of obvious differences. The first thing that stands out is the sole of the Pickleball shoe is flatter, more suited to playing on a court. And the Pickleball shoe has more support on the side of the shoe, which allows for more lateral movements.
The running shoe has a more pronounced sole for gripping on various surfaces. And the shoe flows forward, from it’s bigger heel to the lower toe area. Ideal for forward movement.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the differences in the shoe designs.
Pickleball Shoe Design
Pickleball shoes are designed for lateral movements, so your feet are supported no matter which direction you move. And they provide support to ensure maximum comfort with ultimate support.
All Pickleball shoe brands are different, but let’s look at some key features of a Pickleball shoe .
- A Rubber outsole that can be provide traction, stability and durability on indoor and outdoor surfaces.
- Cushioning to reduce impact and protect the feet.
- Breathable upper to give your feet room to breathe.
- A relaxed fit to provide a comfortable fit at toe and forefoot.
- Insole systems that provide Arch support.
- Some designs are specific for players with wide feet or medical conditions like plantar fasciitis.
It’s amazing how many people wear shoes that don’t fit properly or aggravate their feet. When buying pickleball shoes, go to a store or get some help to ensure your shoes fit perfectly.
The Bros previously covered The Best Pickleball Shoes for Wide Feet. And we looked at the Best Pickleball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. Take a look if you are suffer from these conditions and need some appropriate Pickleball Shoes.
Running Shoe Design
Comparing a Pickleball shoe to a running shoe, it would be hard to see any real difference. While Pickleball shoes come in indoor and outdoor variations, there are various types of running shoes to choose from. All with the same purpose, to propel a runner forward.
Some key features that make running shoes specific for running (and not very good for Pickleball) are:
- A Carbon plate that stabilizes the foams and provides a propulsive, forward motion while running.
- Cushioning foam for comfort and to provide a springy, heel to toe feel.
- A bouncy midsole to reduce the shock of continued running
- Midsole stabilizers to reduce weight on the inside of the foot for a more stable running motion.
- A thinner rubber outsole to reduce shoe weight and thickness.
Many of these features can vary depending on the type of running shoe and the shoe company. But as you can see, running shoes focus on forward propulsion, being light-weight with maximum cushioning for shock absorption.
Pros and Cons of Wearing Running Shoes for Pickleball
Wearing a running shoe is fine as a Pickleball beginner, new to the game or a casual player. Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of wearing running shoes to play pickleball.
PROS
- Inexpensive way to get started playing Pickleball.
- New players won’t notice the need for Pickleball shoes
- Running shoes are better then wearing no shoes or flip-flops
- Most running shoes have great cushioning
CONS
- Pickleball can be intensive on the body and feet
- Over time, improper footwear can increase the risk of injury
- Any injury will impact a players game and life
- Existing injuries or bad foot health can get worse wearing inappropriate running shoes.
These Pros and Cons will depend on how often you play, your budget and your current foot health.
Alternative Footwear Options
It is possible to wear other shoes for Pickleball that are not running shoes. Let’s take a look at other options that could work well on the Pickleball court.
- Tennis Shoes: This is a no brainer, as many pickleball stores sell tennis shoes for Pickleball. The shoe design for both sports are similar, so an old pair of tennis shoes will work well on the Pickleball court.
- Other Racquet Sport Shoes: Badminton or squash shoes could also work well. These sports require lateral movements and they share similar design elements to a pickleball shoe.
- Basketball or Other Court Shoes: High-top basketball shoes could be a little bulky for Pickleball, but they can work because of the shoe design. Or maybe wait for the Air Jordan Pickleball shoes to come out one day, and rock those during your next big game. 🙂
As you can see, there are a various options available if Pickleball shoes are not available. Just make sure the shoes are comfortable, have adequate grip and provide the support you need for a pickleball battle.
If you are looking for the Best Pickleball Shoes for under $100, why not check out this Aussie Pickleball Bros Special Post.
Final Thoughts
Are Pickleball Shoes good for pickleball? Well, Running shoes are fine to get started when playing Pickleball. But they are not recommended for ongoing, extensive play. They are not designed for lateral movements, and they don’t provide the support required for such a dynamic game.
Players have other options, such as shoes from other other racquet sports. With tennis shoes being the best choice here. But for any player that intends to play pickleball regularly, the Bros strongly recommend buying a great pair of Pickleball shoes. Special shoes for Pickleball will reduce the risk of a foot injury and ensure your feet are happy and healthy. And it gives you a solid reason to go shopping and buy a sweet pair of new shoes.
Pickle on.
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.