How your pickleball shoes should fit
When looking for a new pair of pickleball shoes, you should follow the rules of all athletic shoes: a shoe that is snug to your foot allows no movement and will only cause pain as you start to play. You will want some room to move, and in pickleball, the most important movement is side-to-side (but you also need to pay attention to your toes).
Some things you should be looking for in a new pair of pickleball shoes:
Relaxed fit in the toe area
- There should be a small amount of space (at least a thumb) between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe.
- Your toes should have room to spread out and move around.
Pickleball shoe heel fit
- There should be a slight amount of movement in the heel, as long as there is no slipping.
- You also do not want any friction in the heel.
Shoe width
- Your pickleball shoes should also give you some extra space between the side of your feet and the shoe.
- You will want a small amount of room to work with as you move side-to-side, since that is an important piece of the pickleball game.
Weight
- Your pickleball shoes should be lightweight so it does not slow you down.
How do I know my right pickleball shoe size?
The best way to know if your pickleball shoes are the right size is to try them on. Many stores will help you decide the best size for you. If you are ordering online, many brands will give you tips — based on your normal shoe size — to figure out the best fit for you. Most online stores will also allow you to return unused pickleball shoes if you order them and they do not fit correctly.
