Choose Pickleball Shoes for Women: As pickleball soars in popularity as one of the fastest-growing sports, more women are taking up the paddle for fun, fitness, and competition. The swift motions of this paddle sport call for specialized footwear that grips the court and supports quick lateral movements. When starting in pickleball, investing in proper shoes should be one of the first equipment purchases you make. But with so many options on the market, it can get confusing to select the right model.
This guide will walk through the unique features to look for in women’s pickleball shoes. We’ll compare court shoes, cross trainers, and trail shoes so you can determine the best type for your playing needs. Plus get sizing tips, break-in advice, and recommendations for top-rated models for women. With knowledge of what makes for an ideal pickleball shoe, you’ll play more comfortably and avoid injury.
What to Look for in Women’s Pickleball Shoes
Traction
The sole needs to grip slick pickleball court surfaces to allow swift momentum changes without slipping. Herringbone tread patterns provide a multi-directional grip.
Lateral Support
Reinforcements along the medial and lateral sides give stability for all the side-to-side shuffling.
Cushioning
The midsole should have adequate padding to absorb impact yet be responsive enough for quick positioning.
Ventilation
Mesh panels and perforations allow air flow so feet stay cool and dry during active games.
Durability
Premium materials withstand several hours of play per week without breaking down.
Types of Pickleball Shoes for Women
There are three main pickleball shoe categories to consider:
Court Shoes
Court shoes prioritize lateral support and stability with a low-to-the-ground feel for quick footwork. Leather and synthetic options are available.
Cross Trainers
Cross trainers offer versatile cushioning to transition smoothly from pickleball to the gym or jogging path.
Trail Shoes
For outdoor pickleball, trail shoes provide grip and protection on semi-rough ground.
Choose Pickleball Shoes for Women: Factors to Evaluate
As you shop, keep these factors in mind:
- Weight
Lighter shoes around 11 ounces boost maneuverability while heavier shoes around 13 ounces promote stability. Choose what works best for your needs and play style.
- Toe Guard
A toe guard protects against wear from toe drags. Look for full wraparound toe protection.
- Heel Support
Features like external heel counters improve rearfoot stability to prevent ankle rolls.
- Ventilation Zones
Mesh panels and small perforations allow air flow to keep feet cool and blister-free.
- Insole Cushioning
5-10 mm of EVA foam or PU supplies responsive shock absorption. Ortholite is also cooling.
Finding Your Size
Getting the size right guarantees top comfort during play. You can determine your ideal size by:
- Getting fitted at a specialty store.
- Tracing your feet and measuring the outline.
- Trying on shoes with athletic socks.
- Ensuring 0.5-1 inch space between the longest toe and shoe tip.
- Checking the midfoot fits snugly when laced.
- Walking and jogging in potential sizes.
Don’t settle for poor-fitting shoes. Finding your true sizing enhances support and prevents discomfort.
Choose Pickleball Shoes for Women: Breaking Them In
New pickleball shoes require a break-in period to maximize comfort.
- Wear them around the house briefly.
- Bring backups until worn in.
- Use shoe stretchers on tight spots.
- Try various lacing techniques.
- Use older insoles to conform to new ones.
With some patience and the right methods, stiff new shoes become game-ready after just a few test runs.
Top Women’s Pickleball Shoe Recommendations
Popular current models that consistently earn strong reviews include:
Court Shoes
- Asics Upcourt 4 – Extremely lightweight yet stable court shoe. Runs true to size.
- New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Sport – Provides precise footing and injury protection. Size up 0.5 according to reviews.
- Prince Pickleball Shoe – Classic court look with total floor grip. Tends to run slightly large.
Cross Trainers
- ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 – Excels both on the court and in the gym with plush cushioning. True to size.
- Adidas Barricade Club 3 – Offers excellent traction and forefoot protection. Size up 0.5 sizes.
- New Balance 696v3 – Great budget cross trainer for just $60 with reliable cushioning and traction.
FAQs About Choose Pickleball Shoes for Women
Yes. Pickleball movements differ from other racket sports, requiring shoes geared for quick starts, stops, and side shuffling specific to the game.
Traction, lateral support, cushioning, ventilation, and durability are tailored to the sport of pickleball.
Expect to spend $50 – $150. Shoes under $75 are suitable for beginners while the $100+ models cater to frequent competitive players.
Not always. Due to variances in models, it’s ideal to actually try on shoes or carefully measure feet to find the ideal size rather than going by the usual size.
With proper care, playing 2-3 times per week, expect 6 months to 1 year from a pair before losing significant support and traction. Rotating between two pairs extends lifespan.
Conclusion: Choose Pickleball Shoes for Women
Finding the perfect pair of women’s pickleball shoes enables you to play at your best with enhanced comfort. Evaluate your foot type, playing surface, and frequency demands when selecting among the growing style and brand options. Don’t hesitate to try several pairs to determine the ideal fit for your needs and budget. With the right pickleball shoes, you can focus attention on sharpening skills rather than struggling with discomfort or slipping during play.
Reference: https://www.totalpickleball.com/LC/Selecting_Pickleball_Shoes.html