What Your Pickleball Shoes Say About You
From flashy to functional, every pair makes a statement
When we play someone new, we look for little clues about what to expect once the game starts. Many people start by checking out their paddle, but we have a bit of a foot thing, we look at their shoes. Whether they’re gliding across the court in the newest Montis Pickleball footwear or showing up in your old gym sneaks, their kicks are quietly sending a message. So what exactly are they saying? Let’s take a look.
HOKAs: Comfort is King (or Queen)
If you’re wearing HOKAs on the pickleball court, one thing is clear: you’re not about to sacrifice comfort for quick pivots. Cushioning is your love language. You’ve likely tried a few pairs before settling on these marshmallow-clouds-for-feet, and while they’re technically running shoes, you’re more interested in joint preservation than split-step agility. You might not be the fastest player out there—but your knees are feeling great, thank you very much.
Other Running Shoes or Cross Trainers: Pickleball Curious
Maybe you grabbed your old Brooks or Asics, or even Reeboks from the back of the closet. They're broken in, they work, and hey—running and working out is kind of like pickleball, right? You’re here to have fun, maybe get a little cardio, and you’re not quite ready to invest in purpose-built footwear just yet. This shoe choice suggests you’re dabbling in the sport, or possibly resisting the inevitable gear obsession that hits around week four. Spoiler: you’ll cave.
Tennis Shoes: Practical and Paddling Hard
Wearing tennis shoes says you’ve either done some homework or played a bunch on the big court (tennis). You understand that quick direction changes, toe-drags, and the occasional kitchen-line lunge require a bit more than your weekend runners. You value function, durability, and grip. You also probably argue (correctly) that tennis shoes and pickleball shoes are basically cousins—and you're not wrong. You're just court-smart.
Pickleball-Specific Shoes: Game Face On
This means you are probably on your 5th paddle and now you know you need the right shoes. Pickleball specific shoes like the ones from Montis are calling you now. You read reviews, watched footwork videos on YouTube, and probably know what "heel-to-toe drop" means. You’re not just playing—you’re training. These shoes say you’re either already a beast on the court, or you’re becoming one. Expect compliments, but also expect opponents to come at you harder. Your shoes scream, “Let’s go.”
Basketball Shoes: Old Habits Die Hard
Rocking basketball shoes on the pickleball court? That says you’ve probably played a lot of hoops in your day—and muscle memory runs deep. You like ankle support, thick soles, and maybe even a little swagger in your step. These shoes can actually hold their own on a pickleball court, especially for indoor play, but they’re also heavier and built for vertical motion more than lateral bursts. Still, wearing them tells people you’ve got athletic instincts, court awareness, and probably a few pickup game stories to share. You’re not new to competition—just new to this particular court.
In the end, your footwear choice is just one way you express your pickleball persona. Whether you’re here for competition, connection, or comfort—your shoes are part of your story. So lace up, step out, and let your soles do some of the talking.
