Playing pickleball is a great way to stay active and have fun with others. But if you’re going to play your best, you need to make sure that you have the right gear.
One of the most important pieces of equipment for pickleball players is their shoes, which help give them traction on the court and prevent injury. Knowing when it’s time to replace your pickleball shoes can be tricky, but we’ll go over some tips to help you figure out when it’s time for a new pair.
Read on for more information about when to replace pickleball shoes, and what signs indicate that it’s time for an upgrade!
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4 Reasons You Should Replace Pickleball Shoes
Tennis shoes wear out more slowly than pickleball shoes. Concrete is a much harder material than tennis courts, so you play on a concrete surface when you play tennis. When your shoes start looking a bit worn, you should swap them out for a new pair to avoid slipping or premature wear and tear.
Even if you’re perfectly happy with your pickleball shoes, here are four reasons you should change them.
- Avoid Wrong Shoes That Lead to Injuries – There are some risks associated with pickleball, even though it’s a relatively low-impact sport. You can get injured by wearing the wrong shoes, especially if you’re playing on a surface that’s not optimal for your shoes.
- A Good Pair of Shoes Can Improve Your Game – It is just as important to wear the wrong shoes to avoid injuries. An example, you’ll be able to move around the court more easily if you wear shoes with lots of traction. Especially if your opponent wears the wrong shoes, this gives you an advantage.
- Cool and Dry Shoes Are Essential – When it’s hot outside, wear shoes that will keep you cool and dry while playing pickleball. Sweating and becoming wet and uncomfortable on your feet is the last thing you want.
- Be Safe With Perfect Shoes – Always pay attention to your surroundings when you’re playing pickleball. Your ability to move quickly and easily could be adversely affected if you wear the wrong shoes.
These four reasons should be more than enough to convince you to change your pickleball shoes. You will have fun playing pickleball if you wear comfortable shoes that are well-suited to the surface you will be playing on. So, choose the right shoes for your game.
Click on pickleball tips for beginners for an in-depth understanding of the topic.
How to Tell if My Pickleball Shoes Are Worn Out?
In court shoes, worn-out soles are the most obvious sign that you should replace them. When the outer sole, usually made of hard rubber, has worn into the midsole, you should replace your shoes. Also, if your shoes have a compromised midsole or their shock-absorbing capability has been reduced, you should change them immediately.
In order to determine whether your shoes are worn out, you can place them on a flat surface and see if they sit unevenly. There will also be obvious creases on completely worn-out shoes. If your shoes have fabric linings, you can also tell that the shoes are worn-out. A player’s shoe will erode this fabric lining the more they wear it out. Sometimes even a toe or two will try to escape!
Learn about how long does a pickleball ball last for better understanding.
How Long Do Pickleball Shoes Last?
This is the trickiest question to answer, as it totally depends on a different range of factors. Some factors are listed below:
- Type & Quality – In addition to the “cheaper” entry-level shoes made of lightweight rubber soles and more basic materials, there are also higher-end shoes made of more durable materials and tougher rubbers. Some shoes from K-Swiss and HEAD come with a 6-month warranty on their outsoles, so you should expect them to last longer.
- Type of Court – In hot weather, hard courts are notorious for consuming outsoles, so you must wear shoes that will stand up to their harsh demands. On outdoor courts, always wear an all-court or outdoor court shoe, not a shoe with a gum rubber sole designed for indoor play that can get destroyed.
- Playing Style – Competitors and tournament players wear their shoes out more quickly than moderate, recreational players. Because heavier players exert more pressure on their shoes, their shoes will wear out faster.
- Usage Frequency – Daily or long-term use of your shoes will cause them to wear out faster compared to someone who only plays once or twice a week. Due to the fact that the shoes are designed for a single purpose, deviating from that purpose will damage them. Even going to and from the courts in street shoes is fine. Court shoes should only be worn on the court.
How To Increase The Lifespan Of Your Pickleball Shoes
Your court shoes will last longer if you rotate them, keep them clean, only use them for court-related activities, and allow them to dry out between wearings. As well, we recommend players invest in two pairs of good quality court shoes and rotate them between games. Your shoes will last twice as long if you do this, allowing you to purchase them less frequently.
Keep your shoes out of the dryer and out of direct sunlight. Whenever possible, you should dry your shoes naturally. Dry the shoes with a towel and place a newspaper or paper towel inside the sole after washing. You can, however, dry your shoes for a very limited period if you think they are heat-resistant. Five minutes is the maximum time recommended by experts.
Uncover the details of good pickleball shoes to play without any hurdles.
FAQs
It’s important to find pickleball shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for the surface on which you will play. A lightweight pair of shoes with good traction is also a good choice. Ask your pickleball friends for recommendations if you’re unsure which shoes to buy.
There is no need to wear running shoes for pickleball games. For pickleball, you need lateral stability that running shoes don’t typically offer.
Instead of being multipurpose athletic shoes, pickleball shoes have a design specific to the sport. A sturdier pickleball shoe provides stability while accommodating rapid cutting and lateral movements.
Final Words
Confidently, we were able to serve you the appropriate content related to when to Replace Pickleball Shoes.
Let’s quickly recall!
Pickleball shoes should be replaced when the sole and upper show signs of wear and tear. The time frame for this varies depending on the player’s playing style, surface area, and frequency of play.
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes after about three months to make sure you get the maximum performance out of them. Taking care of your shoes also ensures safety for yourself and other players by reducing slipping or tripping hazards on the court.
So when in doubt, consider replacing those pickleball shoes! Play your best with the right shoes.
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
