Pickleball enthusiasts, unite! What are the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Pickleball seems to be all the rage right now and you’re on the market for a new hobby. However, you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis and you’re not sure whether that’d be a good hobby for you.
A well-designed pair of pickleball shoes can cure your troubles, however, you’re unsure of where to start.
After all, plantar fasciitis makes you feel like your feet are on fire. And, pickleball’s all about movement – sprinting, stopping, and stepping in different directions around the pickleball court.
All that movement puts pressure on your feet, arches, ankles, knees, and hips. At the end of the day, sports aren’t meant for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
We’re kidding – you can totally play pickleball with the right pair of shoes that are going to alleviate some of that pressure, keep you supported throughout the game, and ensure you’re comfortable the entire time.
We suggest consulting with your doctor and getting your hands on custom orthotics because they’re going to make a world of difference. Other than that, we suggest spending some time researching the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis. We can get you started on that down below!
Can you battle plantar fasciitis with the right pickleball shoes?
Plantar fasciitis pain can prevent you from standing on your feet, walking, running, or playing – well, from playing pickleball.
By choosing the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can alleviate the pressure off of your feet and reduce the exhausting, neverending pain. Before you go shopping, make sure you keep your eyes peeled on a few features that promise to do exactly that.
Pickleball shoes are different from other shoes, for starters. Most pickleball shoes come with features such as non-skid, non-marking soles, good arch support, and lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort.
Pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, though, need to fit the right way and have the right amount of support all around. When you get your hands on a pair of pickleball shoes that fit the right way, you’re going to notice the difference within the first few minutes of wear.
On top of that, make sure you opt for shoes that offer enough mid-foot arch support, a wider toe box, and a deep heel counter. Of course, you’re going to notice the biggest difference in the way your feet feel if you get a pair of pickleball shoes that combine all these features.
Remember – you can always talk to a podiatrist to get custom orthotics you can wear with whichever shoes you’ve already got. We’re bringing you a few of our favorite up-to-date styles for all-day play, too.
So, what are the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis?
1. Hoka Bondi 8
Maximalist, chunky, fashion-forward, oversized. Need we say anything other than that to describe one of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis on the market?
We do need to say more, obviously, but we wanted to take a moment to appreciate the design, the craftsmanship, and the thought behind these shoes.
Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers are what a pickleball player’s dreams are made of! They’re cushioned for comfort, made with breathable, lightweight fabrics, and equipped with the widest toe box you’ve ever seen.
Hoka sneakers are great for walking, running, and playing different sports, but we do recommend going for chunkier styles such as Bondi 8 because they’re much more supportive and protective.
2. Acacia Sports Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro
Acacia Sports Tyler Loong Signature Edition Pro sneakers have pickleball written all over them – quite literally. And, these bad boys were designed to fit the standards of an official USA Pickleball game which means they’re equipped with pretty much everything you need and more.
With water-resistant midsoles, antimicrobial, silicone insoles, layers upon layers of foam, and great heel stability, they’re guaranteed to get you through the game free of pressure. Acacia Sports happen to be a favorite among professional pickleball players and footwear experts – which must mean something, right?
We do need to mention that these sneakers don’t offer different widths and players with narrow feet might not like them at all.
3. Skechers Viper Court Pro
So, a brand we know and trust, Skechers came out with Skechers Viper Court Pro sneakers specifically for pickleball players – and that’s how you know these sneakers mean business.
Where do we even start? Skechers Viper Court Pro sneakers are made with responsive, lightweight cushioning, arch support, rubber outsoles, and shock-absorbing insoles.
Moreover, they’re made with a breathable upper that allows airflow and keeps your feet dry throughout the game. Because they’re so light, these sneakers will have you bouncing around the court like it’s nothing. But you might want to try them on before you commit because they’re quite narrow and stiff.
4. Saucony Echelon 9
Saucony Echelon 9 sneakers are one of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, and here’s why. Right off the bat, they’re the most comfortable sneakers you’re ever going to put on your feet! They’re made with lightweight, breathable fabrics, plenty of padding, a thick footbed, and a snug, comfy midfoot.
Rather than having a stiff and sturdy frame (which seems to be common among sneakers aimed at people with plantar fasciitis and similar conditions), they’re super soft, comfortable, and plush. And, they’re compatible with orthotics which means you can count on added support, too.
5. Asics Gel-Renma
When you play pickleball, you move around the court a lot and you need footwear that supports your movements.
When you add plantar fasciitis to that equation, though, strong and stable footwear becomes a must-have. Worry not, though, because the Asics Gel-Renma sneakers come with a Trusstic technology that promises to enhance stability and control movement.
Add some rubber outsoles, cushioned, comfy insoles, and a gel base, and you get the perfect pair of pickleball shoes. And, they’re a great affordable alternative when you don’t have hundreds and hundreds of dollars to spend on a sport.
6. Adidas Gamecourt 2
We’re swooning over the Adidas Gamecourt 2 sneakers because they’re that cute.
A wide range of super fun colors, an attractive, on-trend design, and a bunch of positive reviews guarantee you’re spending your money on a sneaker that’s going to turn some heads on the court. Even if that’s not something that gets you going, you might end up distracting the opponent and scoring a point.
What makes these sneakers everyone’s favorite Adidas purchase, though? With a comfortable frame, lightweight fabrics, a mesh upper, and supportive padding, not much can go wrong. We suggest trying them on beforehand, though, because they’re rumored to be inconsistent with sizing.
7. Brooks Ghost 15
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t affect anyone who wears the Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers – at least that’s what the reviewers argue. We were drawn to them because of the great range of colors and widths, as well as the favorable features that make them perfect for pickleball.
Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers are made with DNA LOFT v2 midsoles, rubber outsoles, a plush heel and ankle collar, and a refined 3D fit print technology.
They’re breathable and lightweight which means they’re great for the summer. They’re easy to slip on and off, too. They’re a little more expensive than some of the other sneakers we mentioned beforehand, though.
8. Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler
Wilson seems to have thought “You want support? We’ll give you support!” when the brand created these sneakers. With the 4D Support Chassis, these are some of the most supportive sneakers on the market which makes them perfect for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Other than the remarkable support, you can count on comfort, stability, safety, and protection. Of course, they’re made with lightweight fabrics and a mesh upper to ensure you’re dry and chilly even on the hottest of days.
On the other hand, we do need to mention that there aren’t that many colors available at the moment which means you might not be able to choose a style that works for you.
9. New Balance 696 V4
When you’re on the hunt for the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, you might want to opt for something you can wear outside the court, too.
New Balance 696 V4 sneakers are super simple and sleek which means you can get away with wearing them when you’re running errands, grabbing a cup of coffee with friends, or walking to work.
But that doesn’t mean that these sneakers don’t belong on the court. They’re made with high-quality, hard-wearing fabrics, a mesh upper that allows airflow, and herringbone-patterned outsoles that prevent slipping and falling.
Before you bite the bullet and get them, though, know that they’re prone to wearing out sooner than some of the other sneakers we’ve mentioned beforehand.
10. Kuru Quantum
We can’t forget about the most fashion-forward sneakers out there, though. We’re ending the article with the Kuru Quantum sneakers that were designed to alleviate pressure off of your feet, whether that’s from plantar fasciitis or other feet-related problems.
Of course, they’re perfect for pickleball, too, because they’re made with Kurusole technology that provides you with enough arch and ankle support.
