Pickleball is booming across Australia, and if you've just jumped onto the pickleball train, welcome aboard! With heaps of new players grabbing pickleball paddles every day, one question consistently pops up: "Can I just use my tennis shoes to play pickleball?" It's a great question, especially if you're just dipping your toes in and want some handy pickleball beginner tips to start your journey.
So, can you really use tennis shoes for pickleball? Let's unpack that together.
Are Tennis Shoes Suitable for Pickleball?
Yes, You Can Absolutely Use Tennis Shoes for Pickleball
Good news, tennis lovers! If you already own a pair of quality tennis shoes—like the Asics Gel Resolution X, which we proudly stock at Pickleball Mania—you’re off to a solid start. Tennis shoes have plenty of features that pickleball players appreciate, like excellent durability, great support, and a grip specially designed for hard-court play.
But hold your horses; before you lace up and sprint to the pickleball court, there are a few things to consider.
Advantages of Using Tennis Shoes for Pickleball
There are plenty of perks to rocking tennis shoes on a pickleball court:
-
Outstanding Lateral Support and Stability: Built to handle rapid sideways movements, tennis shoes offer reliable ankle support.
-
Designed Specifically for Hard Courts: The tough outsoles are perfect for outdoor pickleball courts, keeping your footing secure during quick directional changes.
-
Highly Durable: Tennis shoes are built to withstand aggressive movements, making them a long-lasting investment for pickleball newbies.
Drawbacks of Tennis Shoes for Pickleball
While tennis shoes like the Asics Gel Resolution X can definitely do the job, they're not perfect. Here's why:
Harder Grip Designed Primarily for Tennis Courts
Tennis shoe outsoles have a tougher, more rigid grip, specifically engineered for sliding and quick bursts on outdoor courts. Indoors, however, this harder grip can be less effective, potentially slowing down your pickleball-specific moves. Quick lateral steps and rapid forward-to-back movements might feel a tad less fluid with tennis shoes.
Increased Shoe Weight
Tennis shoes are generally heavier because their soles need to withstand the intense demands of serving and rapid sliding typical in tennis. For pickleball, this extra weight can add up during long sessions, causing fatigue and reducing your agility. If you're playing socially once in a blue moon, it's not a biggie. But if you're getting hooked on pickleball, you might notice the heaviness slowing you down.
Pickleball-Specific Shoes: A Better Alternative
Benefits of Specialised Pickleball Shoes
If you're serious about pickleball, investing in a pair of specialised pickleball shoes can make a huge difference. Here's why:
-
Lightweight Design: Built for rapid pickleball movements, these shoes won’t weigh you down.
-
Optimised Grip: Perfectly suited for both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, allowing you maximum control and quick responses.
-
Enhanced Cushioning: Provides comfort and reduces injury risks during extended play.
Choose the Right Outsole for the Job
At Pickleball Mania, we stock a wide range of indoor, outdoor, and hybrid shoes. If you mostly play indoors, opting for an indoor-only shoe is smart, as they typically have lighter, more flexible outsoles that maximise your performance on indoor courts. As most social sessions are played on indoor courts we stock one of the largest ranges of indoor pickleball shoes. Salming has long been a favourite amongst our customers at popups but for those who are looking for a bold statement making shoe, give Kanso a go!
Recommended Pickleball Shoe Options
Here’s our roundup of the best shoes for pickleball players:
-
Asics Game FF Pickleball (Outdoor): Durable construction, optimised for outdoor grip—perfect if you're a regular outdoor player. The first dedicated shoe that Asics has put out, Anita Smith a top player and PBM ambassador is loving this shoe.
-
Salming Viper Pro (Hybrid): Offering versatile performance ideal for those who play on a mix of indoor and outdoor courts.
-
Kanso EQX3 (Indoor): Light and agile, built specifically for quick indoor court movements.
-
Salming Recoil Strike: A favourite for its lightweight responsiveness and exceptional stability, ideal for players stepping up their game. This shoe is a favourite of Ron's (another cracking PBM ambassador) and whilst it is best suited to indoor it also performs great on outdoor courts.
These shoes are crafted specifically for pickleball’s unique demands, offering a noticeable upgrade in agility, comfort, and enjoyment compared to tennis shoes.
Final Verdict: Tennis Shoes vs. Pickleball Shoes
Here's the deal: tennis shoes like the Asics Gel Resolution X are absolutely fine for casual pickleball play, especially if you're just getting started or already have a pair handy. But if you’re diving deeper into the pickleball world (and trust me, you will), dedicated pickleball shoes will significantly boost your game and overall experience.
So, can you use tennis shoes for pickleball? Yes, absolutely—but pickleball shoes offer clear advantages that elevate your performance and comfort. If you're ready to invest in your pickleball journey, there's no better time to upgrade your footwear. The key reason we stress pickleball shoes over tennis shoes is purely down to the increased weight tennis shoes carry. This weight is necessary on the tennis court, however as a pickleball player you dont need the extra weight they carry.
Ready to step up your game? Explore Pickleball Mania’s fantastic range of top-quality pickleball shoes today. Your feet (and your game) will thank you!