Most running shoes, high heels, flip-flops, and worn-out sneakers are the worst shoes to wear for pickleball.
I’ve played and tested pickleball shoes for years, and I can tell you exactly why the wrong shoes ruin your game and risk injury. This guide explains the worst shoes to wear for pickleball, why they fail, how to spot them, and what to wear instead. You’ll get practical tips, real-world examples from my court time, and clear steps to protect your feet and improve your play.
Why shoe choice matters for pickleball
Choosing the right shoe affects performance, safety, and comfort. The wrong shoe limits quick side-to-side moves and can cause slips or ankle twists. Knowing the worst shoes to wear for pickleball helps you avoid common mistakes. I’ll explain how sole design, support, and tread matter for the court.
The worst shoes to wear for pickleball
Below are the main shoe types that cause problems on the pickleball court. Each entry explains why it’s a poor choice and what can go wrong.
Running shoes
Running shoes prioritize forward motion and cushioning. They have deep heel-to-toe drops and soft foam. That design makes them poor for lateral quickness and stable pivots, earning them a spot among the worst shoes to wear for pickleball.
- Problems: poor lateral support, sticky outsole wears fast, too much bounce.
- Real example: I slipped while shuffling in a running shoe and felt unstable during a quick volley.
High heels and dress shoes
These are obvious offenders. High heels and dress shoes have narrow heels and hard soles that are unsafe on any court. They are unquestionably one of the worst shoes to wear for pickleball.
- Problems: no traction, high injury risk, damage to court surface.
- Personal note: Never wear dress shoes to a social game. You won’t last one rally.
Flip-flops and slide sandals
Open sandals offer zero lock-in and almost no traction. They can fly off or twist a toe when you sprint. Flip-flops are classic worst shoes to wear for pickleball.
- Problems: no heel support, no lateral protection, likely to cause trips.
Minimalist or barefoot shoes
Extremely thin-soled shoes reduce shock protection and increase risk of joint pain. On hard courts, they often feel harsh and provide little grip. Minimalist shoes can be among the worst shoes to wear for pickleball for players who need cushioning.
- Problems: minimal cushioning, less lateral stability, increased impact.
Worn-out sneakers
Even a good shoe becomes dangerous when the tread wears flat and the midsole compresses. Old sneakers lose support and traction, making them one of the worst shoes to wear for pickleball.
- Problems: degraded grip, collapsed arch support, uneven wear causing instability.
- Tip: Rotate shoes and replace them when outsole patterns fade.
Trail or hiking shoes
Trail shoes have heavy tread patterns and rigid soles. The deep lugs catch on court surfaces and reduce smooth pivots. They can be in the list of worst shoes to wear for pickleball because they hinder quick movement.
- Problems: heavy, uneven traction, poor lateral feel.
Cleats and studs
Any shoe with cleats or metal studs will damage court surfaces and cause unsafe movement. They are always bad for indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Cleats are among the worst shoes to wear for pickleball for both players and facilities.
- Problems: court damage, excessive grip that prevents safe pivots.
Platform shoes and thick-soled fashion sneakers
Thick platforms raise your center of gravity and make lateral moves risky. They can cause ankle rolls and quick falls. Platform shoes fit the criteria for the worst shoes to wear for pickleball.
- Problems: high instability, awkward foot placement.
How to spot if your shoes are among the worst for pickleball
Use this quick checklist to test your shoes before you step on court. If any item is true, consider a change.
- The outsole pattern is smooth or flat.
- The shoe feels squishy and unstable during side steps.
- The heel lifts too high when you shuffle.
- The shoe slips on court paint or damp spots.
- The shoe sole has deep lugs or studs.
If one or more points match, your shoes may be among the worst shoes to wear for pickleball. I once kept a pair of casual gym shoes that checked all five. After one bad twist, I switched to proper court shoes and felt the difference immediately.
What to wear instead: features of a good pickleball shoe
A good pickleball shoe balances traction, support, and comfort. Look for these features when shopping.
- Lateral support that stabilizes side-to-side movement.
- Flat, grippy outsole with court-friendly tread.
- Durable rubber that resists wear on hard courts.
- Moderate cushioning for shock absorption without excess softness.
- Secure heel and toe lock to prevent slippage.
- Lightweight but stable construction.
Try shoes labeled for court sports or tennis. They are built for quick lateral moves. I recommend trying shoes on later in the day when feet swell. Walk and mimic game moves to test stability.
Caring for shoes so they don’t become the worst shoes to wear for pickleball
Proper shoe care prolongs life and performance. Here are simple steps I follow to avoid wearing bad shoes on court.
- Rotate between two pairs to let midsoles decompress.
- Clean soles to keep traction high and remove debris.
- Air-dry shoes and avoid direct heat that breaks down foam.
- Replace shoes every 300–500 hours of play or sooner if tread wears.
- Store shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent material breakdown.
Regular checks saved me from a mid-match breakdown when a sole separated. A small investment in care keeps shoes court-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions of the worst shoes to wear for pickleball
What are the single worst shoes to wear for pickleball?
High heels and flip-flops top the list because they lack traction and support. Both create immediate safety hazards and poor playability.
Can running shoes be used for pickleball?
You can use running shoes, but they are not ideal. They lack lateral support and wear quickly on court surfaces.
How often should I replace pickleball shoes?
Replace shoes every 300–500 hours of play or sooner if tread wears down. Watch for uneven wear or compressed midsoles.
Are cross-trainers better than running shoes?
Yes, cross-trainers usually offer better lateral support than running shoes. They are a safer choice for court play.
Can court shoes be used on any pickleball surface?
Court shoes are designed for hard courts and many outdoor surfaces, but avoid shoes with deep lugs on smooth courts. Choose shoes made for the court type you play on.
Will shoe tread damage a pickleball court?
Cleats, studs, and very rough lugs can damage court surfaces. Smooth, court-friendly rubber is best to protect your court.
Conclusion
Wearing the wrong shoes hurts your game and risks injury. Avoid the worst shoes to wear for pickleball by choosing stable, court-specific footwear and caring for it regularly. Start by checking your current shoes with the checklist and try a court shoe if any item fails. Share your shoe wins or fails in the comments, subscribe for more gear guides, or test a recommended pair at your next game.