The Importance of Good Shoes in Preventing Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball is winning over more and more people, and for good reasons: it's accessible, social, and good for your health. But behind its friendly side lies a sport that's more demanding on the body than you might think. And while we often take the time to carefully choose our paddle, we almost always overlook the most important gear for staying healthy: pickleball shoes.

A sport of starts, stops, and changes of direction

Pickleball isn't played in a straight line. Within seconds, you take a quick step toward the line, a sharp stop for a volley, a lateral move, then a step back to cover a lob. These short, repeated movements place intense demands on the ankles, knees, calves, and Achilles tendon. And those are precisely the joints that become more sensitive over the years.

Why prevention matters even more after 40

As we age, our tendons lose a bit of elasticity, our balance requires more attention, and our body recovers more slowly from injury. A simple sprain that would sideline a younger player for a few days can keep you off the court for several weeks. The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable — and it all starts with a good foundation on the ground.

The most common mistake: playing in running shoes

This is mistake number one, and it's understandable. You slip on your walking or running sneakers, comfortable for everyday use. The problem: these shoes are designed for forward motion, with a high sole and lots of cushioning at the heel. As soon as you push off to the side — the basic move in pickleball — this type of shoe becomes unstable. It's the perfect recipe for twisting an ankle.

Pickleball's real advantage: a wider toe box

This is the detail almost everyone ignores, and yet it's one of the most important points. During lateral movements and stops, your foot presses forward and your toes spread out to stabilize you. A shoe that's too narrow at the front compresses the toes: you lose stability, increase rubbing (blisters, blackened toenails), and tire more quickly.

A good pickleball shoe, on the other hand, offers a wider toe box that lets the foot spread naturally. The result: a more solid base during side-to-side movements, more comfort over time, and a foot that "works" the way it should. If there's just one comfort criterion you remember, this should be it.

The injuries that good shoes help prevent

The right shoe considerably reduces the risk of:

• Ankle sprains, thanks to better lateral support;
• Achilles tendinitis, by providing a stable base during stops;
• Plantar fasciitis (pain under the foot), thanks to proper cushioning and support;
• Knee pain, by better absorbing changes of direction.

What to look for to protect yourself well

Without becoming an expert, keep these few essential criteria in mind:

• A wide toe box: to let the foot spread and gain stability during lateral movements.
• Good lateral support: this is the most important point for avoiding sprains. The shoe must "hold" your foot when you push off to the side.
• Stable cushioning, without being soft: enough padding to protect your joints, but not so much that it throws you off balance.
• A grippy, non-marking court outsole: for good traction and clean stops, without slipping.
• A good fit: the foot shouldn't move around inside. Always try them on with your playing socks.

Favour brands that specialize in pickleball

Here's a valuable tip: choose companies that specialize in pickleball. These brands have genuinely studied the sport's movements and designed their shoes accordingly — lateral support, an adapted toe box, an outsole built for the court. It's no accident that they make a difference on the court.

At PB Sport, we particularly recommend Skechers, Joola, Selkirk, and Tyrol: well-known brands that develop shoes specifically for pickleball, combining comfort, stability, and durability.

When should you replace your shoes?

Many players wait until the upper is worn out. In reality, it's the support and the outsole that weaken first. Replace your shoes as soon as the sole becomes smooth, the foot feels less secure, or new pains appear. A shoe that "still looks good" isn't necessarily a shoe that still protects you.

In conclusion

At any age — and especially after 40 — good pickleball shoes aren't a luxury, but an investment in your health and your enjoyment of the game. A wide toe box, good lateral support, and a specialized brand: that's the winning trio for staying active longer, with confidence and without pain.

Want to play injury free? Our experts at PB Sport will help you find the shoe suited to your foot and your game — in store in Drummondville or online, with delivery across Canada.