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Tennis & Pickleball Shoes for Women That Are Perfect for on (And Off) the Court
These sneakers are a must-have for tennis and pickleball lovers.
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Now that warmer weather is upon us, court sports are taking over! Tennis and pickleball shoes are known for being incredibly versatile and stylish. Woman's World connected with Jewels Busenberg, Senior Running/Cycling Footwear Buyer for Zappos, to get her take on the best tennis sneakers and pickleball shoes for women. Shop her favorites below!
The difference between tennis and pickleball
"Take On’s ROGER Clubhouse PRO, with the design of a lifestyle sneaker but the attributes of a comfy performance style to fit every lifestyle," Busenberg says. "While these court sneakers are stylish, there is much to consider when choosing the best style to start out with."
She elaborates: "Pickleball and tennis are similar given they’re both racket sports. They often take place on the same surface and require styles that offer sturdy lateral support. However, there are key differences between these sports that will help you in choosing the right shoe to help you succeed and prevent injury."
How to choose the best pickleball shoes
Like color analysis, pickleball is having a moment. Many people might think tennis and pickleball are similar, but there are a few stand-out differences! "For those interested in picking up pickleball, the most distinct difference is the size of the court," says Busenberg. "Because it is a smaller surface, pickleball emphasizes quicker forward motion and directional changes. I caution anyone thinking of using their tennis shoes for pickleball since tennis shoes might not have enough forward traction to stop you from slipping."
Comfort, support, traction, and ventilation are all considerations Busenberg recommends when shopping for pickleball shoes. "Ideally, you’d choose a shoe with a wide and high toe box to help prevent bruising on the toes from abrupt stops and forward-and-backward motions," our shoe expert tell us. "Additionally, consider looking for shoes with great arch support and stability with a more pronounced tread pattern that will help increase your grip on the court and prevent sliding. Bonus points if the shoe has an extra cushion to absorb shock and an upper layer to help keep the foot cool."
Expert pickleball shoe picks
Asics GEL-Renma
Best Pickleball Shoes for Women
Features You'll Love
3 colorways available
TRUSSTIC™ technology midsole for added improves support while reducing excessive twisting.
Features wider gauge to create smoother and more balanced movements.
Asics GEL-Dedicate 8 Pickleball
Best Athletic Shoes for Women
Features You'll Love
2 colorways available
Upper of the shoes is crafted with polyester, synthetic overlays, and synthetic mesh and the lining is made using polyester and synthetic mesh.
Round toe design and lace closure of the shoes is designed to give you a superior fit.
How to choose the best tennis shoes
"Now if you’re looking to get into tennis, there are a few more things to consider when choosing the perfect shoe," Busenberg continues. "The first thing is the surface. Tennis is often played on a hard concrete surface, but sometimes, you might find yourself on either grass or clay. If you’re playing on clay, consider the Asics GEL-Resolution 9 Clay as your top choice, however, it’s most likely you’ll be playing on a hard court."
When shopping for the right tennis shoes, focus on traction. Busenberg says "most soles will have a herringbone or zig-zag pattern allowing the wearer to grip the court, and a flatter sole with minimal tread so players can move quickly." She says tennis shoes usually have specialized features that help stabilize you, like reinforced sides and grooves for quick lateral movements and shell cups that help keep the foot sturdy and prevent ankle injuries.
But if you’re looking for Zappos’ stamp of approval, consider the following!
Best Tennis Sneaker for Women
Features You'll Love
4 colorways available
Open herringbone tread for traction on multiple surfaces
Hidden CloudTec® cushioning for a plush, bouncy ride
Medial overlays protect against tearing during slides
Sizing Note: Customers say these run small, so you may want to size down!
Asics GEL-Resolution 9
Best Pickleball Shoes for Women
Features You'll Love
4 colorways available
DYNAWALL™ and DYNAWRAP™ technology improve stability
PGUARD™ technology increases durability in the outsole's toe and heel area
"Considering the toll these sports take on your ankles and knees, the right shoe can make a difference in your game and prevent unwanted injury," Busenberg concldues. That's why it's important to invest in the right shoe!
"As you consider the above tips, don’t forget to know what type of surface you’re playing on, make sure your heel doesn’t slip, and ensure that there is at least a half inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe to allow for swelling."
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