How to Choose Pickleball Shoes | Why Running Shoes Are a No-Go

"I bought a paddle, and for shoes, I'll just use my running shoes for now." This is one of the most common questions I get when people start pickleball. But actually, this can be a gateway to injury.

Hi, I'm Coach Yoshi. I've played tennis for 15 years and discovered pickleball in 2026. As a tennis coach, I've seen countless times how much the quality of movement and the risk of injury can change with just one pair of shoes. People worry about paddles but put off shoes—this is truly a shame. In this article, I'll explain why pickleball shoes are important and outline key points for choosing dedicated court shoes.

Why are running shoes a no-go?

Running shoes are optimized for forward movement. They have thick cushioning and are designed to provide propulsion towards the toes. Pickleball, on the other hand, involves:

• Quick lateral changes of direction (side-steps)
• Sudden stops and pivots
• Short, quick footwork

If strong lateral force is applied while wearing running shoes, the soles can slip sideways, making ankle sprains more likely and increasing the risk of falls and twists. The thick cushioning, in this case, actually creates instability in lateral movements.

💡 Coach Yoshi's Tip "I slipped, fell, and broke my wrist trying to break my fall." — This is a particularly common injury among seniors. Many of these are caused by unsuitable soles. I've seen many falls that could have been prevented by simply changing shoes. As an initial investment, shoes should be a high priority.

3 features of court shoes

1. Lateral support: The sole and upper prevent sideways slippage, keeping your foot stable during changes of direction.
2. Flat, grippy sole: Provides low-to-the-ground grip, excellent for sudden stops and pivots.
3. Toe and side reinforcement: Protects your foot from abrasion and impact during lunges and slides.

These are the basic features of shoes made for "court sports." Dedicated pickleball shoes, or court shoes for tennis or badminton, meet these criteria.

💡 Coach Yoshi's Tip Personally, I recommend court shoes designed for tennis or badminton. They've been researched and improved over many years in professional settings, so you can't go wrong with them.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Soles

Pickleball is played both indoors (gyms) and outdoors. Choosing the right sole for the court will affect grip and durability.

To clarify, non-marking refers to soles that won't leave black scuff marks on the floor. This is essential in gyms, and some facilities may deny entry if your shoes aren't non-marking.

Using indoor shoes outdoors will quickly wear down the sole, and using outdoor shoes in a gym can lead to excessive grip, straining your knees, or marking the floor. The general rule is to match the shoes to the environment where you'll mostly play. If you play in both, start by choosing shoes for the environment you frequent more.

Can I use tennis shoes for pickleball?

In short, tennis shoes can be used as-is. In fact, they are an ideal choice for pickleball beginners. They generally meet the necessary requirements of lateral support, a flat sole, and durability, so tennis players can start with their existing tennis shoes without any problems.

• OK: Tennis shoes, badminton shoes (indoor), volleyball shoes (indoor), etc., i.e., court sport shoes
• Avoid: Running shoes, walking shoes, platform sneakers, fashion sneakers

Dedicated pickleball shoes are also available from various manufacturers and are optimized for the sport's movements. If you plan to play seriously, dedicated shoes are worth considering.

Key points for size and fit

• Check if your foot is held securely laterally (loose shoes are ineffective).
• Ensure there is a little room in the toe box (to prevent toes from hitting the front during sudden stops).
• When trying them on, actually do side steps and light changes of direction.

Shoes that don't fit properly won't provide adequate support. Don't compromise on sizing. Also, how well shoes perform depends on your footwork. Reading up on pickleball footwork will help you get the most out of your chosen pair.

Summary

• Running shoes are a no-go. They increase the risk of ankle sprains due to lateral instability and lead to a higher risk of injury.
• Court shoes offer lateral support, a flat sole, and reinforcement for strong changes of direction.
• Choose soles based on the environment: indoor (non-marking) / outdoor (abrasion-resistant).
• Tennis and badminton shoes are acceptable. Dedicated pickleball shoes are even better.
• For fit, check for lateral hold and toe room.

Shoes are the "unsung heroes." Stable footwear improves both movement quality and peace of mind. For a general overview of how to get started, see How to Start Pickleball, and for costs, refer to the Cost Guide.

If you're unsure about choosing shoes, feel free to contact me via LINE. Tell me "mostly indoor / mostly outdoor" and your usual shoe size, and we'll figure out the best pair for you together.

Related Products

Check out paddles too →

Related Articles

• How to Start Pickleball — Equipment and first steps
• Pickleball Injury Prevention — Ankle and knee care
• Pickleball Footwork — How to use your feet
• Complete Guide to Choosing a Paddle — Finding your partner
• Cost Guide — Estimated initial expenses

References

1. USA Pickleball — What Is Pickleball
2. The Dink Pickleball — Why the Right Pickleball Shoes Make a Difference