7 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Pickleball Shoes
When you’re picking out a new pair of shoes to play pickleball in, it’s important to make sure you choose the right ones. Not all shoes are created equal when it comes to this sport, and making a few common mistakes can cost you in terms of both comfort and performance.
In this article, we’ll show you 7 of the most common mistakes people make when choosing pickleball shoes so that you can avoid them.
In This Post
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Shoe Type
One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing pickleball shoes is picking the wrong shoe type. There are three main types of shoes that are suitable for pickleball: tennis shoes, court shoes, and cross-trainers.
- Tennis shoes are the most popular type of shoe among pickleball players. They provide good traction and are comfortable to wear. However, they don’t offer much support for lateral movements, so they’re not ideal if you play a lot of doubles.
- Court shoes are designed specifically for court sports like tennis, badminton, and pickleball. They have good lateral support and provide good traction on the court. However, they can be a bit stiff and uncomfortable for some people.
- Cross-trainers are a type of shoe that combines features of both tennis shoes and court shoes. They have good lateral support and traction, and they’re usually more comfortable than court shoes. However, they can be a bit more expensive than other types of pickleball shoes.
Mistake #2: Not Checking the Fit
Another common mistake people make when choosing pickleball shoes is not checking the fit. It’s important to make sure your shoes fit well because ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, calluses, and other foot problems.
To check the fit of your pickleball shoes, put them on and walk around in them for a few minutes. Make sure they’re not too tight or too loose. You should also make sure there’s enough room in the toe box so that your toes don’t feel cramped.
Mistake #3: Buying the Wrong Size
The third mistake people often make when choosing pickleball shoes is buying the wrong size. This can be a problem because pickleball shoes tend to run small. So, if you’re normally a size 8 in tennis shoes, you might need to buy a size 9 or 10 in pickleball shoes.
It’s also important to keep in mind that pickleball shoes don’t stretch as tennis shoes do. So, if you buy a pair of pickleball shoes that’s too small, you might not be able to wear them at all.
To avoid this mistake, make sure you try on pickleball shoes before you buy them. And if you’re buying them online, make sure you check the size chart and order a size up if you’re unsure.
Mistake #4: Not Checking the Return Policy
Another mistake people make when choosing pickleball shoes is not checking the return policy. This can be a problem because pickleball shoes are often expensive, and you might not be able to return them if they don’t fit or you don’t like them.
Before you buy pickleball shoes, make sure you check the return policy. Most retailers will allow you to return pickleball shoes if they’re in new condition and within a certain time frame (usually 30 days). However, some retailers have stricter return policies, so it’s always best to check before you buy.
Mistake #5: Not Checking the Warranty
Another mistake people make when choosing pickleball shoes is not checking the warranty. This can be a problem because pickleball shoes are often expensive, and you might not be covered if they break or develop a manufacturing defect.
To avoid this mistake, make sure you check the warranty before you buy pickleball shoes. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on their shoes. However, some brands have a shorter warranty or no warranty at all. So, it’s always best to check before you buy.
Mistake #6: Not Checking the Materials
The sixth mistake people make when choosing pickleball shoes is not checking the materials. This can be a problem because some materials are better than others for pickleball shoes.
The best material for pickleball shoes is synthetic leather. This material is durable and breathable, and it offers good support. However, it can be a bit more expensive than other materials.
Another good material for pickleball shoes is mesh. This material is lightweight and breathable, and it’s usually more affordable than synthetic leather. However, it might not be as durable or offer as much support as synthetic leather.
The worst material for pickleball shoes is a canvas. This material is lightweight and breathable, but it’s not very durable. It also doesn’t offer much support.
To avoid this mistake, make sure you check the materials before you buy pickleball shoes. And if you’re not sure which material is best for you, ask a salesperson or pickleball coach for advice.
Mistake #7: Not Checking the Reviews
The final mistake people make when choosing pickleball shoes is not checking the reviews. This can be a problem because you might buy a pair of pickleball shoes that’s not good quality or doesn’t fit well.
To avoid this mistake, make sure you check the reviews before you buy pickleball shoes. You can find reviews on retailers’ websites, pickleball forums, and online directories. And if you’re still not sure which pair of pickleball shoes to buy, ask a friend or family member for their opinion.
Now that you know the seven mistakes people make when choosing pickleball shoes, you can avoid them and choose the right pair of shoes for you. Just remember to keep these mistakes in mind when you’re shopping, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect pair of pickleball shoes.
