Tennis Shoes VS Pickleball Shoes

Are you confused between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes?. You are on the right page. We will provide you with basic information on Tennis shoes vs pickleball shoes. Here, we will tell you the main difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes and whether you can use your tennis shoes as pickleball shoes or not. Read on to know the difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes.

Can you use your tennis shoes to play pickleball

Tennis shoes can be used for Pickleball because they are also court shoes, but there is a slight difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes based on their outsole and grip on a hard surface. Therefore, this guide will greatly assist you in choosing the best pair of shoes for tennis and Pickleball.

Pickleball is an interesting and easy-to-learn sport and does not require a lot of equipment. You may start playing Pickleball with a pickleball paddle, balls, a pickleball net, and the best pickleball shoes. But when buying Pickleball shoes, it gets hard to choose because there are no dedicated pickleball shoes available on the market. Thus, tennis court shoes are the only footwear option for outdoor pickleball games. I’ll also tell you whether you should buy tennis shoes for Pickleball or not.

 

Difference between tennis shoes and Pickleball shoes

In a debate between Tennis Shoes vs Pickleball Shoes, let me tell you something: there isn’t a single pair of pickleball-specific shoes on the market. So, how do you inform the difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes? Then what should you buy for pickleball?

Pickleball players also wear tennis court shoes while playing on outdoor courts. That implies tennis shoes and pickleball shoes are on the same page in terms of court shoes.

Tennis shoes are not always appropriate for pickleball courts. Tennis shoes aren’t the best option for proper support, especially on pickleball courts’ indoor or hard surfaces. For that reason, there is a slight difference between tennis and pickleball shoes. Let’s discuss this comparison between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes.

 

Can You Choose Tennis Shoes To Play Pickleball

Check out the following aspects and then have a discussion.

Shoe Weight

Pickleball demands quick movements, and pickleball shoes should be lightweight to allow these quick movements, and tennis shoes are a bit heavier than the other court shoes. This aspect makes tennis shoes less suitable for Pickleball.

Floor Grip

Beginners think that regular running shoes or other rubber-soled shoes will be good for Pickleball, but ordinary shoes are not designed for the rapid footwork required in Pickleball. You need a pair that offers a good amount of grip for those rapid foot movements. Tennis shoes provide great lateral grip on the floor. Tennis shoes are way better for grip than any other shoes. They are made of durable rubber for hard court floors and are stable and cushioned to protect your heels, so they are suitable for playing pickleball.

Traction (Indoor Courts)

Indoor pickleball shoes should provide exceptional traction on rough, wooden, smoother surfaces of indoor courts, and this is something that tennis shoes don’t seem to offer.

Bend Point

To play in indoor pickleball courts, you need a pair of shoes that bend near the toe box to prevent rolling and spinning of the ankle. And tennis shoes bend near the toe area to withstand all quick movements and wear and tear.

Price

In the name of pickleball shoes, some sellers provide ordinary rubber-soled shoes at a very high price. However, tennis shoes are not very pricey and also come with a great look and incredible comfort. For pickleball, you should consider purchasing tennis shoes.

Ankle and Heel Support

Tennis shoes are designed to support and protect ankle and heels and allow you to move worry-free on the court. Tennis shoes win that battle- Tennis shoes vs. Pickleball shows in this aspect and are incompatible in providing ankle and heel support.

Inside Cushioning

It’s natural to feel some pressure on the heel area due to constant movement and jumping; the heel area requires extra cushioning on the inside for increased support. Tennis shoes with adequate cushioning provide support to heels and are the best to protect your feet while playing pickleball.

How To Choose The Right Pickleball Shoes

Tennis shoes can be the best choice for playing Pickleball. As you know, there are no particular pickleball shoes available on the market; so you need a unique pair of shoes that go well with you while playing Pickleball. But if you want something extra, check out the following qualities before buying any pair of shoes for a better experience with Pickleball.

• They should make side-to-side movement easier; regular shoes are built for movement in a straight-line direction, but the shoes for Pickleball should be able to establish torsional stability.
• They should provide great lateral support.
• They should provide sufficient traction on the court to prevent slipping.
• The shoes must protect the ankle and heel.
• They should be lightweight to improve players’ agility inside the court.
• They should have a durable rubber sole to stay with you for a long time.
• They should be pocket-friendly.

 

Is there a difference between pickleball shoes for indoor and outdoor use

Yes, there is a slight difference in the outsole in indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes.

Since the Outdoor pickleball courts are rough and resemble tennis courts, as a result, tennis shoes with adequate lateral support are excellent for such a surface.

On the other hand, indoor courts are polished and a little harder than tennis courts. Tennis shoes will not be appropriate in this situation. The shoes that offer more traction are better for indoor courts. When playing on indoor courts, badminton or squash shoes are recommended.

 

Which Shoes Should You Avoid While Playing Pickleball

Wearing the wrong shoes on the pickleball court can ruin your game and hinder your preferences. Even if you are a pro player, an unskilled player may opt to play in their running shoes because there are no special pickleball shoes. However, all pickleball players should avoid wearing running shoes, hiking boots, trail shoes, heavy boots, or casual shoes on a pickleball court. The ideal shoes for Pickleball are those which have a small amount of space (thumbnail length) between the toes and end of the shoe. That will allow your foot to expand a little on the court and avoid black toes. And tennis shoes provide all these functionalities.

 

Final Verdict

A proper shoe can improve your game. Make sure you get the best shoes.

To sum up the discussion on tennis Shoes vs pickleball shoes, I suggest that tennis shoes are the best option for playing pickleball. We hope this article assisted you. Buy one which suits you the best and hits the criteria of the best shoes for your game. Scroll down to the comment box to share your reviews about Tennis shoes and pickleball shoes.