Are volleyball shoes good for pickleball? Volleyball and pickleball, are both fast-paced games and require agility. But they differ in playing style and court conditions. In volleyball, there is a high net, and players have to pass the ball over a high net without letting it touch the ground. On the other hand, pickleball has smaller courts with lower nets. The main objective is to play precise shots.
Volleyball often involves more explosive actions and high jumps, pickleball tends to emphasize strategy, finesse, and quick action. These differences in playing style can have a direct impact on the type of footwear you should wear for each sport.
If you haven’t invested much in your pickleball gear or you’re just a beginner, there might be a question in your mind “are volleyball shoes good for pickleball?”
In this blog, we will guide you on whether can you wear volleyball shoes for pickleball and how can you differentiate between volleyball shoes and pickleball shoes. Read on to know what do podiatrist says about it so you’ll make a fine decision about your footwear.
Are Volleyball Shoes Good For Pickleball?
Yes, you can wear volleyball shoes for pickleball, especially if you’re a beginner or an occasional player. Volleyball shoes offer good grip and are designed for quick movements, which are important in pickleball.
However, there are some drawbacks to wearing volleyball shoes for pickleball. These drawbacks might not make a big difference if you’re just starting out or playing seasonally, but they could affect your performance if you’re a professional player. Here are the reasons why:
Reasons You Should Not Wear Volleyball Shoes For Pickleball
For your better understanding, we have listed the crucial reasons if you are going to wear volleyball shoes to play pickleball:
Sole Design
Volleyball shoes typically have gum rubber soles designed for indoor courts. Pickleball is often played on outdoor surfaces or mixed indoor/outdoor courts. The soles of volleyball shoes may not provide optimal traction on these surfaces, leading to slips and instability during playing. The thin volleyball sole wears out more quickly on pickleball surfaces unlike pickleball shoes for indoors.
Weight
Volleyball shoes tend to be heavier compared to specialized pickleball shoes. This extra weight can hinder quick lateral movements, agility, and overall court mobility, which are essential for pickleball.
Cushioning
Volleyball shoes prioritize cushioning for high jumps and landings, while pickleball requires more lateral movement and quick footwork. Their outsoles are more cushioned, while pickleballs require extra cushioning around the arch. The cushioning in volleyball shoes may not provide the right support for these types of movements, potentially causing discomfort or injuries (like plantar fasciitis and knee pain).
Durability
Pickleball involves a lot of lateral movements and quick stops. Volleyball shoes may not be as durable in these conditions as dedicated pickleball shoes, as they do not have reinforced lateral pads which can lead to quicker wear and tear.
Toe Drag
Pickleball players often perform toe drags to reach low shots. Volleyball shoes typically have reinforced toes for jumping but may not provide the necessary durability and protection against toe drag abrasion (i.e., they do not have a lifted toe box).
Performance Impact
For professional or highly competitive players, minor differences in footwear can have a significant impact on performance. Pickleball shoes are specifically designed to meet the demands of the sport, providing excellence in terms of grip, agility, and comfort.
How Can You Differentiate Between Volleyball Shoes & Pickleball Shoe
It’s essential to understand the key differences between pickleball shoes and volleyball shoes to make an informed choice between them. Here are a few differences between them based on four crucial aspects: outsole, cushioning, lateral support, and toe box:
Outsole
Volleyball shoes typically feature gum rubber outsoles optimized for indoor courts. They provide excellent grip on smooth, polished surfaces. Pickleball shoes often come with non-marking, herringbone-patterned outsoles that offer reliable traction on both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. This versatile design is suitable for various playing surfaces.
Cushioning
Volleyball shoes prioritize cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas to absorb shock from high jumps and landings. Pickleball shoes usually have more balanced cushioning throughout the midsole, emphasizing comfort and support for lateral movements and quick direction changes.
Lateral Support
While volleyball shoes provide decent lateral support, they are primarily designed for forward and backward movements, as seen in volleyball. While Pickleball shoes are designed to offer enhanced lateral support. They feature reinforced midsoles and lateral stabilizers to help players maintain stability during side-to-side movements, a common requirement in pickleball.
Toe Box
Volleyball shoes often have a sturdy and reinforced toe box, suitable for jumping and blocking but may not offer as much flexibility for toe drags. On the other hand, Pickleball shoes typically have a more flexible toe box, allowing for ease of movement and toe drags, which are common in pickleball when reaching for low shots.
Final Words
Are volleyball shoes good for playing pickleball? Volleyball shoes may be appropriate for casual pickleball players or for those who are just starting out. However, investing in pickleball shoes is better for professional pickleball players which are designed for pickleball’s unique demands. Specialized pickleball shoes provide better traction, comfort, and support, which can make a noticeable difference in performance and overall experience of the game.
