What's the Right Pickleball Shoe?

WeArePickleball is a joint venture between Better Pickleball and In2Pickle. If you are interested in continuing to deepen your understanding of pickleball, and this content connected with you, consider joining CJ and Tony in WeArePickleball. We are currently offering a waitlist for the next class: a 12-month intensive online program to get you where you want to be as a pickleball player. This is not just getting a series of videos and you are on your own. The WeArePickleball Success Path™ is carefully designed to give you the critical tools you need and includes interactive sessions with CJ and Tony to make sure you are getting the most out of the program.

LET'S CONNECT!

[geriluciani]

Very nice CJ. This is the most concise and thorough pitch I have heard regarding footwear for Pickleball

[dgman]

Great video... Appreciate explaining the difference and especially covering the sole designs of the indoor volleyball and pickleball shoes.

[rachellarrick]

Shoes marketed specifically to pickleball are a marketing gimmick to be able to charge more for a “specialty” shoe. Tennis court shoes are exactly the same and almost always are cheaper, just find one that fits your foot right

[Amity]

Good callout about the importance of heel-toe drop. Overall cushion stack height is also a concern, but the courts are so hard that I need good cushion. Not mentioned in this video is the problem of "rocker" shoe design, which robs the toes of the ability to assist with motion and stabilization. I would recommend Altra Running shoes, but they are mostly using a rocker design as of 2025. The Provision 8 is good, or Escalante 4 if you don't need the cushion.

[alexfoxx]

Great explanation, CJ. I like the way you showed the different types of shoes and went into depth about the different features of each type. I’m going to share this with a friend who wears running shoes.

[rj.tv.]

I use the DON issue 4 basketball shoes, they seem to be good for outdoor. I like them because of how secure it feels when I play and I'd say that the traction on those shoes are way better than most basketball shoes

[wmp]

I wear a good running shoe. Deciding on tennis or pickleball shoes this week.

[lifesabeach]

I call a bit of BS on this. I was prepared to invest in a shoe designed specifically for pickle ball. My local sports store had a try out program for a well known brand, specially designed pickle ball shoe. I've paid alot for this brand of shoe before and thought it was worth it, so I was prepared for a good result. I wore this shoe for a 2 hour play and never experienced that kind of pain in any other sports shoe, particularly in my big toe joints. The bottoms were so grippy it caused me to stick to the court and almost trip when I needed to quickly adjust my position. This shoe was stiff and overly supportive, making my feet feel trapped, hot and uncomfortable, despite having been measured for the right size by the store. Obviously, I didn't buy that shoe and it was worth the $10 to try it out for a day. If I had purchased them without trying, I would've had to return them. With shoe technology advances, I don't accept that I would need to "break in" a shoe for a month before they're comfortable! I have now purchased the Saucony Cohesion running shoe and it's absolutely perfect for the lateral movements, provides ankle support and has the perfect grip (not slippery but not overly grippy). All this hype about a specialized pickle ball shoe when all you need is common sense to know which shoe works well on your own feet and gives you the support and mobility you need.

[stev]

Thanks. I was sliding all over the place today My shoes are great outdoors
But too smooth for indoor play

[zachcarmichael]

Foot Doctor Zach recommended the New Balance 796 or Babolat Jet Mach 3

[stewartpress]

Fantastic video thanks what are your thoughts on the Head Revolt 4.0 Pro for Pickelball? Or what about the Sketchers viper court pro? Love to know as I need to make a decision

[vkokor]

I understand the shoe differences but I wear an XWide shoe and there don't seem to be any made. Any ideas for what I can do?

[stanleysokolow]

I'm surprised that the pickleball shoe has black soles. I've seen several pickleball court rules which prohibit black soles because they tend to leave marks on the court.

[Mr.T-qd]

Park districts are retro-fitting basketball courts for pickleball, especially with fall and winter weather on the horizon forcing more folks indoors. Is the outdoor pickleball shoe you show okay for indoor basketball courts or can basketball shoes be worn on outdoor pickleball courts?

[sxckrl]

Do pickleball shoes has enough support/cushioning for jumping and landing if I use it to play volleyball? I usually play outdoor volleyball with the same type of court like tennis/pickleballI. In terms of other supports such as for lateral movement and the durability of outsole as per youre saying, i think pickleball shoes is great alternative for volleyball...

[srwms]

Is there a pickle ball shoe that you can play both indoors and outdoors? I don't want to buy two pairs of shoes/

[carolynrometo]

It's almost impossible to buy specific pickleball shoes for the average recreational player. Especially if they require a wide or extra wide size.

[bonnieo]

You talked a lot about what not to wear, but very little info about Pickleball shoes. I think research shows that the more cushioning, the harder you strike and that creates much more pressure that transfers up the leg to knee and hip. Plus, all that cushioning creates less stability and more opportunity to roll your ankle. I wear a xero shoe because the thin sole and wide toe box is closest to playing barefoot which gives me way more inherent stability.

[jost]

do you wear tyrol inside and outside? i am finding it challenging to locate an indoor pickleball specific shoe

[shelkatz]

Some shoes are labeled indoor outdoor.