What do you wear when playing pickleball?

How you dress yourself, including the shoes you lace up, will go a long way to determining how you feel and how you play. Pickleball’s a fast-moving game which requires lots of changes of direction, and you'll need shoes and clothing that allow you to move freely and quickly if you’re to enjoy yourself to the full.

You don’t want to wear anything restrictive or uncomfortable. While comfort and performance are key when deciding what to wear for your next pickleball game, you may also wish to take the chance to express your own personal style. 

What shoes should you wear for pickleball?

Pickleball's an athletic sport. You're constantly changing directions and moving from side to side as well as forwards, backwards and diagonally. That's why it's so important that you wear the right shoes.

If you choose the wrong shoes, you won't feel supported or comfortable on court, and you'll be at greater risk of injuries such as rolling your ankles. Of all the decisions you must make when deciding what to wear on the pickleball court, the most important one is choosing your shoes. 

Can you wear running shoes?

This isn't recommended as running shoes are essentially designed for forward movement. When what you require is footwear that is built for moving in all directions, with extra support for going sideways. There's another reason why running shoes aren't ideal for pickleball - you want a shoe with a more durable rubber outsole, as that's going to cushion and support your foot for longer, especially if you play on more abrasive outdoor courts.

If you’re playing indoors, you should wear a non-marking shoe that won't leave any marks on the surface. With all the changes in direction in pickleball, it’s crucial your shoes provide you with good grip, as the last thing you want is to be slipping over on court.

What’s the difference between tennis shoes and pickleball shoes? 

There isn’t a huge difference between tennis shoes and footwear designed specifically for pickleball, as in both sports you’re making explosive movements in all directions.

How often should you change your pickleball shoes?

That depends on whether you choose shoes with a thicker, more durable sole, or ones with lighter, thicker soles which won’t be so hardwearing. It also depends on how often you play.

If you're on court several times a week, you’ll probably find you need to change your shoes more often. If you're an occasional pickler, your shoes will tend last for longer. Keep an eye on the grip on the sole as if that starts to wear away, it will impact your performance and confidence.

Should your game style influence the shoe you wear?

Your own game style and fitness level will help to determine the shoe you select. If your speed around the court is one of your main strengths as a pickleball player, you may wish to choose a lighter shoe. Other picklers prefer a heavier shoe that offers higher levels of stability and durability.

Is there a dress code for pickleball?

No, anything goes, which for some is part of the sport's appeal, as you can have your own individual style on court. Style matters for some picklers as they play better when they feel good about what they’re wearing.

If you feel like wearing bright colours or striking prints on court, then do it, and equally if you opt for a more muted, minimalist aesthetic, that’s fine too. Be as bold, casual or elegant as you wish. Maybe even wear a T-shirt showing your love for pickleball.

What should you wear for pickleball?

You're sure to play to a higher level if you're training or competing in premium sportswear that is made with breathable, soft, comfortable materials and innovative technologies. And – this is important - which allows you to move quickly in any direction. For ultimate comfort and performance, you may want to invest in sportswear that is built with sweat-wicking technologies that help to keep you cool and dry, even as a match becomes more intense. What you wear also depends on the climate and whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

What should women wear on court?

Just like in tennis, women tend to wear a T-shirt with shorts, a skirt or skort, or perhaps a dress. If it's colder, women may wish to put on a tracksuit, or tights or pants with a hoodie, sweatshirt or light jacket.

What should men wear on court?

Men tend to wear a T-shirt or polo shirt and shorts. On colder days, they can wear a tracksuit or pants with a hoodie, sweatshirt or light jacket.

Caps, visors, eyewear and headbands

To keep the sun and your hair out of your eyes, or just because it's your style, you can choose to wear a cap or visor. Some picklers like playing in eyewear as it helps them to see clearly in bright conditions while also offering UV protection. A headband stops perspiration from getting in your eyes while adding to your sporty style.

Gloves and wristbands

Wearing a glove will help to keep your hand cool and dry, which will improve your grip on your paddle while also enhancing comfort. A wristband will help to absorb the perspiration, keeping you more comfortable as it heats up on court.