What Rec Players Want and Need in a Pickleball Shoe

Sponsored by PB5star to keep OPP free for readers.

We’ve tried several pickleball specific shoes over the past few months and the difference is remarkable. Some just didn’t feel that great, and one brand actually strained my achilles tendon whenever I played in them. So having the right shoes can make all the difference. But what do recreational players actually want in a shoe? Maybe you’ve seen shoes touting the top-ranked pro that plays in them, but that may not translate to the likes of us. We put out the call to the Open Play Post community for some feedback on pickleball shoes in general, and in PB5star, here’s what we got.

Take Jenny, a casual player from Florida, who initially thought she needed a super lightweight shoe to stay fast and agile. “I thought lighter was better,” she says. “But I kept slipping during quick moves. Turns out, stability is more important than just being light.” You need to find that sweet spot between light weight and stability.

That’s a common misconception. Stability, along with good arch support and a solid grip, helps prevent those accidental slips and ankle twists. PB5Star shoes are built with a reinforced midsole and a wider base, giving players that extra confidence during fast pivots and split steps on the way to the kitchen. And as Joyce says, “they’re light and don’t feel like clown shoes”.

Then there’s Mike, who tried PB5star shoes here in the Hamptons recently, who says breathability was his priority. “I wanted my feet to stay cool, especially during summer sessions,” he shares. While breathability is important, Mike loved the heel bounce and energy return that added a bit more pep to his step when playing. 

And then there’s Marie. She wants a stylish shoe she can wear for more than just pickleball. “I don’t want to feel like I’m out of place if I want to go grab coffee or run errands after a game,” she says. Marie was tired of athletic shoes that looked like they belonged on the court but didn’t fit her style for everyday wear. She summed it up by saying “I don’t want to look like a dork”.

In the end, the perfect pickleball shoe is about finding that harmony among features. PB5Star clearly meets the mark with its stability, breathability, and manageable weight, helping players of all levels perform their best without discomfort or distraction.