Are Basketball Shoes Good for Pickleball? Answered

You might be thinking, are basketball shoes good for pickleball?

The answer is it depends on 2 factors. The first factor is if the playing turf is indoors. The second one is if the turf is outdoors. Depending on these factors there are some pros and cons of using basketball shoes for pickleball. These help select the perfect shoes for pickleball. 

This is just an overview of are basketball shoes good for pickleball. We’ve discussed all these in detail throughout the whole article. So stick with us till the end. 

Key Takeaways

• Basketball shoes can be used for pickleball. However, they might not be the best option. 
• For indoor turfs, basketball shoes can be a good option. 
• For outdoor turfs, it’s not advisable to use basketball shoes for pickleball. 

Are Basketball Shoes Good for Pickleball?

Yes, basketball shoes are good for pickleball. However, they might not be the best under some circumstances. 

Choosing basketball shoes is not like choosing between Joola CFS and CGS. It’s more about comfort than about technical advantages. 

There are 2 factors you should consider while using basketball shoes for pickleball. 

Factor 1: Indoor Turf

Basketball shoes for pickleball could be used when the games are played on indoor turfs. Because basketball shoes are specifically made for indoor use. 

Then again even when the games are played indoors, basketball shoes might not yield the best result. It depends on the type of shoe you’re using. 

Basketball shoes could be a little stiff in addition to the added weight it has. This could be unsuitable for pickleball even when playing indoors. And of course, there’s the issue of prices of basketball shoes being high.

Factor 2: Outdoor Turf

Pickleball is a game that is often played outdoors, especially at the beginner or amateur level. This will be a big issue if you want to wear your basketball shoes for an outdoor game of pickleball. 

See basketball shoes are designed for specifically indoor use. You’ll have the risk of damaging the shoes faster if you wear them outdoors. Considering the high prices of basketball shoes, damaging them isn’t a good idea. 

Besides, these shoes might even not be ideal for your pickleball performance.

Pros and Cons of Using Basketball Shoes for Pickleball

Using basketball shoes for pickleball could be a good idea or a bad one depending on your preference. It’s like adding texture to the pickleball paddle which gives a competitive advantage over your opponents. 

 So, you can look at the pros and cons and decide for yourself. 

Pros of Using Basketball Shoes for Pickleball:

Basketball shoes are in fact engineered for high performance. It will help you up your game. And there are certainly some factors that it will enhance when it comes to playing pickleball. 

Here are the advantages you’ll get from using basketball shoes for pickleball. 

Ankle Support:

Basketball shoes are frequently designed with high tops that provide ankle support. This might be advantageous for pickleball players. This can assist to avoid ankle injuries and improve stability during lateral motions.

Basketball shoes frequently include sophisticated lacing systems. This allows players to tailor the fit around the ankle and foot. 

Depending on personal choice, the laces may be tightened to give additional support and vary the tightness around the ankle. This adjustable fit improves ankle stability.

Cushioning:

Basketball shoes use specific cushioning technologies, such as air units or foam cushions, to assist in absorbing impact and limit the chance of injury. 

Basketball shoes have cushioning and shock absorption technology to lessen the impact on the feet, ankles, and knees. This lowers the risk of ailments including plantar fasciitis and shin splints.

Designed for high-intensity sports:

Basketball shoes are made to give superior support for the various motions necessary in the sport. As a result, they may be ideal for other high-intensity sports such as pickleball.

Cons:

Even with the advantages, there are some drawbacks to basketball shoes too. You should be aware of the cons before you wear these shoes for playing pickleball. 

Heavier Weight:

Basketball shoes are heavier than pickleball paddles and balls. So they could wear you down quicker during a game of pickleball. 

Moreover, the additional strain on the feet and ankles from the shoes causes tiredness and raises the likelihood of injury.

Thicker Sole:

Basketball shoes often feature a thick, hefty sole, which might be uncomfortable for pickleball players. The thicker sole might make it more difficult to move swiftly and change direction. Both of which are important in pickleball. 

Basketball shoes are geared for greater forward/vertical mobility. Whereas pickleball demands rapid and fluid movement in all directions. 

Basketball shoes are considerably heavier than pickleball paddles and balls. So, any motions with them might put additional strain on your feet and ankles.

Wear and Tear:

Outdoor pickleball courts have rougher and more abrasive surfaces than indoor courts. Playing on outdoor courts can cause higher friction between the shoe’s sole and the ground. 

This causes the outsole to wear out faster. As a result, the shoes get damaged quickly. Moreover, basketball shoes are expensive. So damaging it quickly is not feasible for everybody.

Perfect Shoes For Pickleball?

There might not be shoes specifically made for pickleball. Because it’s a relatively new sport and not that popular yet. So you’ll need to find shoes that are a good fit for you from other sports. 

Here are some of the best shoes for pickleball.

Product

Features

Skechers Men’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes

Rubber sole AOSTA 7.0 RUBBER COMPOUND: High-density outsole provides unsurpassed durability from heel-to-toe DURAWRAP: Provides an extra line of defense against excessive toe-dragging 180 PSC PLANTAR: A 180 degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis that enhances mid-foot stability ORTHOLITE SOCK LINER: The unique open-cell structure of OrthoLite foam creates a moisture management system, helping to move moisture away and provide a cooler, drier, healthier environment DRAGGUARD: Located in the high wear areas of the toe and heel offering increased abrasion-resistance

You can check these out. These shoes have great reviews for pickleball. 

However, we didn’t include the shoes that will protect your Achilles specifically. So keep that in mind. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is Pickleball Harder On Your Knees Than Tennis?

Pickleball is less physically demanding than tennis or racquetball and requires less running. However, for older competitors, the sport can be taxing on the knees. Especially if the athlete suffers from arthritis or has difficulties with their balance. This may result in falls on the court.

Which 3 Sports Is Pickleball Most Similar To?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes tennis, table tennis, and badminton features. The court is a combination of a tennis court and a net. While the game itself mixes rules from many racquet sports. It can be played as singles or doubles, but doubles are more prevalent.

Is Pickleball A Healthy Sport?

Yes, pickleball is a healthy sport. Pickleball is a low-impact, easy-on-the-body activity. It is an excellent way to begin moving and maintain healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Playing pickleball helps to slow down the process of bone loss and preserve bone tissue. 

Endnote

This should clear out your concern regarding, are basketball shoes good for pickleball. Now you know what is the right fit for you. 

So, find the right shoe and enhance your abilities as a pickleball player. That’ll be all from us.