Are Basketball Shoes Good for Pickleball?

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming one of the fastest growing sports in America. As more players take up this fun paddle sport, questions arise about the best footwear for pickleball.

Can you wear basketball shoes for pickleball? Or are specialized pickleball and tennis shoes better? In this article, we’ll analyze the pros and cons of basketball shoes for pickleball and discuss what to look for in proper pickleball shoes.

The Rise of Pickleball and Footwear Considerations

Since its invention in 1965, pickleball has rapidly grown from a backyard pastime to a full-on sports phenomenon. Today there are over 4.8 million pickleball players in the U.S., with courts and tournaments sprouting up everywhere (Sports & Fitness Industry Association). But with this growth comes an array of equipment questions for new players. When it comes to footwear, one of the most common queries is: can you wear basketball shoes for pickleball?

Many new pickleballers already have basketball shoes at home. And at first glance, they seem like they could work. But there are some important differences to consider between basketball and pickleball footwork and court conditions. Basketball favors vertical jumps and sudden stops. Pickleball requires quick side-to-side shuffling and lateral motions. The cushioned hardwood of indoor basketball differs greatly from outdoor pickleball surfaces like asphalt or sport court tiles.

For casual backyard play, basketball shoes may suffice. But for more serious pickleball, specialized shoes design specifically for the lateral motions and court traction of the game are recommended by most experts, as we’ll explore below.

The Case For and Against Basketball Shoes for Pickleball

Basketball shoes are designed for the constant jumping, stopping, and direction changes of hoops. So it would seem they could translate well for pickleball footwork. Here are some potential benefits of wearing basketball shoes for pickleball:

Impact Protection: Basketball shoes offer thick cushioning to absorb impact from running and jumping. This can help protect feet and joints during play.
Ankle Support: Mid- and high-top basketball shoes provide more ankle stability to prevent rolls and twists. The ankle support can be beneficial in pickleball.
Traction: Basketball shoes are built to grip hardwood floors for quick cuts and stops. Their tread and traction control can provide decent grip on indoor pickleball courts.

However, there are some definite downsides to wearing basketball shoes for pickleball:

Lack of Lateral Support: Basketball shoes prioritize forward and backward motions over lateral support. But pickleball requires constant side-to-side footwork. So basketball shoes may lack the lateral stability ideal for pickleball.
Less Traction on Outdoor Courts: Outdoor pickleball is played on varying surfaces like asphalt, concrete, or sport court tiles. Basketball shoes are designed for indoor floors and may slip more frequently on outdoor pickleball courts.
Heavier Weight: Basketball shoes tend to be heavier with more padding and stability features. The extra weight can slow down footwork and speed for quick pickleball movements.
Lack of Breathability: The heavier, padded basketball shoe design also makes them less breathable. Feet can get hot and sweaty more quickly in pickleball’s fast-paced play.

So in summary, basketball shoes provide some benefits like cushioning and ankle support. But the lack of stability and traction optimized for pickleball makes them less than ideal for serious play.

Pickleball Pros Tend to Favor Tennis Shoes over Basketball

When observing high-level competitive pickleball players, you’ll notice most wear tennis shoes rather than retrofitting basketball shoes. As the USA Pickleball Association explains, tennis shoes better match the quick side-to-side movements in pickleball. They offer better lateral support and stability for fast footwork.

Tennis shoes also provide optimal traction on both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Their herringbone tread pattern grips nicely on the variety of playing surfaces. And tennis shoes are lighter in weight than most basketball shoes, prioritizing responsiveness and speed.

Major athletic brands like ASICS, New Balance, and Adidas now manufacture high-performance pickleball shoes modeled after their tennis shoe technology. So for serious and frequent play, a purpose-built pickleball or tennis shoe is recommended by most experts and professionals.

Key Features to Look for in a Pickleball Shoe

If you’re in the market for footwear specifically designed for pickleball, here are some of the ideal features to look for:

Lateral Support: A must for quick side-to-side movements. Look for stability cage systems and supportive synthetic overlays.
Cushioning: Thick cushioning in the midsole absorbs impact while playing.
Low Profile: A low-to-the-ground design facilitates faster footwork and response.
Breathability: Mesh panels and ventilation keep feet cool and dry on the court.
Traction: Herringbone tread or similar grip patterns are ideal for indoor and outdoor play.
Durability: Abrasion-resistant layers reinforce high-wear areas for extended shoe life.

Popular pickleball shoe models from brands like Asics Gel Rocket 9, New Balance 1296v2, and Prince Pickleball Shoes offer these beneficial features tailored specifically for the sport.

Conclusion: Basketball Shoes Work in a Pinch But Pickles Shoes Ideal

In conclusion, while basketball shoes can be serviceable for casual backyard pickleball, they lack some sport-specific design elements to make them ideal for frequent play.

Their heavier weight, weaker lateral support, and subpar traction on outdoor courts make them less optimal than purpose-built tennis or pickleball shoes. For players looking for peak footwork performance and injury prevention, a specialized shoe designed for the lateral motions and quick cuts of pickleball is a wise investment.

But in a pinch, basketball shoes can get you through a game if that’s all you have on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play pickleball with basketball shoes outdoors?

Basketball shoes can be used for outdoor pickleball in a pinch. But their traction is designed for indoor courts, so they are more prone to slipping on surfaces like asphalt or sport court tiles. Outdoor pickleball shoes or tennis shoes with herringbone tread offer better grip.

Are basketball shoes better than running shoes for pickleball?

Basketball shoes are generally better than running shoes for pickleball because they provide more lateral support and stability. Running shoes are designed for forward motion which differs from pickleball’s lateral footwork.

What do professional pickleball players wear?

Most professional and competitive pickleball players wear shoes specifically designed for tennis or pickleball. Major brands like ASICS, New Balance, Adidas, Prince and more now manufacture pickleball shoes. The lateral support and traction suits the sport’s needs.

Can I use cross-training shoes for pickleball?

You can wear cross-trainers for pickleball. They provide decent traction and support. But their well-rounded versatility means they aren’t specialized for pickleball. Shoes designed just for pickleball or tennis still offer optimal performance.

Do pickleball shoes have more cushioning than tennis shoes?

Pickleball shoes sometimes have slightly more cushioning than standard tennis shoes to absorb the impact from the ball. But the overall designs are quite similar, prioritizing support and responsiveness. Tennis shoes work very well for pickleball.

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