When we think about getting the necessary equipment for a sport, our minds immediately go to what’s used during the competition. We rarely consider how vital our footwear is to our success. Whether this is the first time you’ve picked up a paddle or are a seasoned veteran, having comfortable and appropriate shoes is huge for picklers. Knowing how pickleball shoes are supposed to fit guides you in your effort for supreme comfort.
Finding the Right Shoe
Newcomers may look at pickleball perplexed by the need for special footwear. Using a pair of running shoes for pickleball may be tempting, but that would be a grave mistake. Pickleball requires a lot more sideways and backward motion than running does. Shoes developed for pickleball allow for stable lateral movement while providing sufficient support regardless of the direction.
Outdoor or Indoor?
Shoes designed specifically for pickleball will last longer, which is particularly important on outdoor courts. When shopping for pickleball shoes, be sure the outsole coincides with the surface you'll be playing on. Your playstyle and technique must adapt if you take your game inside. Pickleball shoes should withstand the specific construction of each court for maximum performance.
Outside, hard courts are the norm, leading to a need for heavier shoes to handle that can handle tougher surfaces. The outsoles often have a modified herringbone pattern, which provides a good balance of grip and flexibility for playing court sports. You can buy outdoor pickleball shoes that range from lightweight and thin to heavier, more sturdy options.
Indoor shoes provide the best grip and support when playing pickleball on a hardwood court or other indoor surfaces. The outsole of a shoe designed for use on an indoor court will often be thinner and softer, with various tread patterns applied for maximum traction. Indoor shoes usually weigh less than their outside counterparts because of their thinner outsoles.
How Should Pickleball Shoes Feel?
Now that you narrowed your scope for selecting the best type of pickleball shoe, you want to ensure you have the proper fit. The most fundamental principle of pickleball footwear is that your big toe should have a full thumb's breadth of room within the shoe. You won't hurt your toe stopping and reversing because of this extra room. Without enough room, you could severely damage your feet and toenails.
Never force your foot into pickleball shoes. If it’s too snug, it’s in your best interest to exchange the pair you have for something more comfortable. Additionally, tightening them too much cuts off circulation, leading to poor blood flow and a tired foot, so ease up on the reins a bit when you tie your kicks.
The same logic applies to the width of your pickleball shoes. Overly thin shoes impede blood flow and throw off a player's sense of balance, increasing the risk of a fall on the court.
Learning how pickleball shoes are supposed to fit helps the newbie pickler find the best pair of
men’s pickleball shoes for his feet. Fromuth Pickleball has a great selection of men’s and women’s footwear for any pickleball player who wants to elevate their game on the court. Fromuth has the brands the pros wear, so you can look and feel like the real deal.