What to Wear for Pickleball

What shoes should you wear for pickleball?

Wear court shoes for pickleball, designed specifically for lateral movement on hard surfaces. Look for: wide base for stability, reinforced lateral support, non-marking soles, and cushioning in the forefoot and heel. Avoid running shoes, they're designed for forward motion and lack the lateral support pickleball requires, increasing ankle sprain risk. Dedicated pickleball shoes or tennis shoes work best. Popular options include Selkirk, ASICS Gel-Resolution, and New Balance court shoes.

What should you wear to pickleball?

Wear athletic clothing you can move freely in: moisture-wicking shirts or polos, athletic shorts or skirts, and comfortable socks with ankle support. For outdoor play, add UV-protective clothing, a hat or visor, and sunscreen. There's no strict dress code for recreational pickleball, but avoid heavy jeans, sandals, or clothing that restricts arm movement. Compression shorts under athletic shorts help prevent chafing during long sessions.

Do you need special pickleball shoes?

You don't need shoes marketed specifically as 'pickleball shoes,' but you do need court shoes with lateral support. Any quality tennis or racquet sport shoe works well. What matters is the outsole pattern (herringbone grip for hard courts), lateral stability (prevents ankle rolls on quick direction changes), and cushioning (absorbs impact from split-steps). Running shoes lack lateral support and are a common cause of ankle injuries for new pickleball players.