Pickleball is famous for being social and accessible, but there’s one area where cutting corners can have serious consequences: your footwear. We’ve seen a worrying trend of players hitting the courts in running shoes, casual sneakers, or even walking shoes. More alarmingly, we’ve seen the horrendous injuries that can result from a sudden slip or twist in the wrong shoes.
Your pickleball journey should be about fun and fitness, not a trip to the physio. Let’s break down why a dedicated court shoe is the most important piece of equipment you can buy after your paddle.
The Anatomy of a Court Shoe vs. a Running Shoe
It’s easy to think a sneaker is a sneaker, but the design differences are crucial for court sports.
-
The Sole & Grip: This is the biggest differentiator.
-
Running Shoes are built for forward motion. They have a soft, treaded sole designed for pavement or trails. On a smooth court surface, they lack the multi-directional grip needed and can actually be too grippy, sticking to the surface during a lateral move and causing knee or ankle injuries.
-
Court Shoes feature a flat, non-marking gum rubber sole. This is specifically designed for the rapid, multi-directional movements—side-shuffling, quick lunges, and fast backpedaling—that are the foundation of pickleball. They provide the perfect blend of grip and give to allow for safe, explosive changes of direction.
-
-
The Support & Stability:
-
Running Shoes are cushioned for heel-to-toe impact. They are typically built higher off the ground, creating an unstable platform for the side-to-side movements in pickleball, leading to rolled ankles.
-
Court Shoes are built lower to the ground with reinforced sides (lateral support). This "wider footprint" cradles your foot, providing immense stability and preventing your ankle from rolling over during aggressive lateral cuts.
-
-
The Durability:
-
The toe-drag is a common move in pickleball. Running shoes, with their soft mesh uppers, will be shredded in a matter of weeks. Court shoes have reinforced toe guards and more durable materials in high-wear areas to withstand the sport's specific demands.
-
Finding the Right Court Shoe for Your Court
At JG Rackets, we stock a full range of ASICS court shoes because they offer unparalleled quality, support, and technology. The good news? Any true court shoe is a massive upgrade. But for the best performance, here’s a simple guide:
-
For Indoor Play (especially on wooden floors):
Choose an Indoor/Squash Shoe. These are designed for the specific demands of wooden courts.-
The ASICS Gel-Rocket 10: A legendary all-rounder. It offers fantastic comfort with GEL technology, great stability, and a sole designed for supreme grip on indoor surfaces.
-
The ASICS Sky Elite FF 2: The choice for the serious player. It’s lighter, lower to the ground, and offers a "court feel" that allows for lightning-fast reactions and agility.
-
-
For Outdoor Play:
Choose a Tennis Shoe. They are built to be slightly more durable to handle gritty, hard court surfaces.-
The ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8: A fantastic, versatile shoe that provides excellent support and comfort for outdoor play without breaking the bank.
-
The ASICS Solution Speed FF 2: A premium, lightweight speed shoe for the aggressive player who wants to own the kitchen line.
-
The Comfort Transition: Trust the Process
We get it—when you first try on a court shoe, it might feel heavier and less plush than your favourite running shoe. This is normal! The support and stability features are what you’re feeling. Once your foot adapts and you experience the confidence of secure lateral containment and explosive grip, you’ll never go back. The true comfort comes from knowing you’re playing safely.
Your safety on the court is not a place to compromise. An investment in the right footwear is an investment in your long-term health and enjoyment of the game.
Don't let a preventable injury interrupt your pickleball journey. Visit us in-store or online at JG Rackets to explore our full range of ASICS court shoes. Our team can help you find the perfect pair to keep you safe, fast, and stable on the court.
Step into the right shoes, and step up your game with confidence.