Are Basketball shoes good for Pickleball

Pickleball, and basketball are only similar in being played on courts. Both are court sports, but in fact if we analyse them deeply then pickleball is a paddle court sport, while basketball is an athletic team sport. Their equipment like uniforms, bags and shoes are totally different from each other. 

You may also wonder about knowing that these are both court sports then the question will arise in  your mind  also that “Are basketball shoes good for pickleball”? Then the answer is “Basketball shoes are not good for pickleball” . It is also not recommended to play pickleball in basketball shoes. 

In this article, We have a detailed discussion about “Are basketball shoes good for pickleball”? If not good then what feature makes it unfavorable to play pickleball in basketball shoes.

Are basketball shoes good for pickleball? Detailed Answer

Below is a detailed comparison of the features of basketball shoes and the requirements for pickleball shoes.

Requirements of Pickleball Shoes

Pickleball court specific traction, lateral support, stability and well cushion comfort are requirements of pickleball shoes. Most of the demands of pickleball shoes can be fulfilled by basketball but basketball’s athletic nature requires equipment with aggressive features.

From the above requirements it is clear that you cannot wear basketball shoes and they are not suitable also. This aggressive approach for basketball makes the requirements excessive and these factors separate them clearly. 

So, All the requirements of basketball shoes are not required of pickleball shoes.

Use Of Basketball Shoes for Pickleball

The use of basketball shoes for pickleball is only possible with indoor courts. It is feasible to indoor court due its good traction and grip for indoor pickleball courts. Pickleball is a game of logic and precision while basketball is the game of physical endurance. 

It cannot provide the results you want in the long run. You will not be able to play pickleball in basketball shoes for a long time. For precise and accurate performance, it’s recommended to use specialized pickleball shoes.

Basketball shoes are completely different from pickleball shoes. These are thick and heavy. Their soles are very thick, which is beneficial for high jump but can hinder in quick stops and steps. The major drawback of these thick soles is a waste of energy which can negatively affect your performance and will ultimately lead to fatigue and serious injuries. 

Also, high-tops of basketball shoes provide extra ankle support for high jumps while pickleball shoes should have lateral support to control lateral movements.

Before deciding, review the following pros and cons.This guide will make you mindful to consider basketball shoes for pickleball or not.

Pros and Cons of using Basketball shoes for Pickleball

You should not wear basketball shoes for pickleball but still you have no option and going to basketball shoes for pickleball then you must be aware of its pros and cons. After reading this you will be able to make a decision forward.

Pros

Here are the details of the advantages of using basketball shoes.

Good for Hard Surface

The basketball shoes Good for Hard surface. You can use it for asphalt or concrete courts. From the past experiences it shows suitability on the hard surfaces. 

Durability and Breathability

Basketball shoes are very durable. Basketball shoes are made with high-quality materials for durability. Due to the use of high-quality materials it also offers good breathability 

Thick Cushion

Thick cushion is the primary requirement of basketball and pickleball shoes. But the basketball shoes offer both inside and outside thick cushions to aborb the shock of high jumping. This thick cushion can help the players to help players jump high to put the ball in the basketball net and to prevent injuries. Pickleball demands only thick outsoles.

High Stability

High stability is the requirements of both sports. The basketball shoes offer more stability than pickleball shoes. It is the pros for both basketball and pickleball players because of the thick cushion. It is helpful for basketball to reduce impacts on a player’s knee while pickleball also demands it for quick stops and side to side movements.

Cons

These are the detailed drawbacks of using basketball shoes for pickleball.

High Arch Support

Because of the high tops design basketball shoes offer high arch support and little lateral support. It can be a cause of injuries on pickleball courts. 

 Heavy Weight

The weight of basketball shoes is greater than pickleball shoes. The normal weight of pickleball shoes starts from 9 ounces to 13 ounces while the basketball shoes start from 15 ounces to 20 ounces which is a huge difference. This weight will reduce your stamina and performance on court.

Basket Court Sole Traction

Sole traction of  basketball shoes is for only the basketball court. As we discussed, it is only possible to wear for indoor courts not for outdoor courts. This court specific traction is an advantage for basketball while a disadvantage for pickleball. It increases the chance of slipping over the pickleball court and results in major injuries. 

Not flexible

Basketball shoes are not so flexible to control the lateral movements and quick stops as well. It will become loose during the lateral movements. The absence of flexibility is also a con of basketball shoes. When you are going to use basketball shoes for pickleball keep this in mind.

Little Lateral Support

Basketball shoes offer very little lateral support while high lateral support is the primary requirement of pickleball shoes. This feature also disqualifies them and a clear answer is “Nope” for the question “ Are Basketball Shoes good for Pickleball”.

What Professionals Say About Using Basketball Shoes for Pickleball?

Professionals Say that Using Basketball Shoes for Pickleball  is highly risky. Zero lateral support, no traction for pickleball court, more than 13 ounces of weight are the factors which make them unfavourable for pickleball. 

Basketball heavyweight shoes will damage your stamina which is the clear indicator to lose the game. You can not perform quickly to maintain the pace. Absence of lateral support and court specific traction is also a sign of not recommendation. These factors will lead to serious knee and ankle injuries. 

Professionals advise both new and experienced pickleball players to use specialized pickleball shoes for optimal performance.

My Personal Experience

Everyone has their own choice to choose pickleball shoes. After the analysis of more than 10 pairs of shoes, including basketball shoes. I could not find it helpful. Basketball shoes are designed with traction for basketball courts and are heavy with thick cushioned soles, whereas pickleball shoes require good traction, rubber outsoles, stability, and comfort. 

So, According to personal experience you should not wear basketball shoes and these are not good for pickleball. 

Conclusion

After the deep analysis about “Are basketball shoes good for pickleball” you have ample of knowledge to stay away from such types of mistakes. Pickleball only needs stability and perfect fitness of shoes. It should be lightweight with the grip which can support lateral movements, ankle support and feel relaxed. Consider these factors and keep these requirements in your mind. You should be wise. Its specifications are not the same while pickleball demands the shoes according to its court-specific traction, lateral support and comfortability. So, hence Basketball shoes are not good for pickleball.

FAQs About Basketball Shoes for Pickleball

Can I use basketball shoes for pickleball?

No, You cannot use basketball shoes for pickleball because of heavy weight, no lateral movement support, court specific traction and high shock absorbing out soles. 

What advantages do basketball shoes provide for pickleball?

Thick Cushion, ample traction due to more weight, high ankle support and high shock absorbing features are the advantages basketball shoes provide for pickleball. 

Are there drawbacks to using basketball shoes for pickleball?

As we know that the pickleball needs side to side movements and lateral movement while there is no lateral support and flexibility for this.  Basketball shoes are not designed for pickleball courts. if you perform this action in basketball shoes while playing pickleball then there is more chances of fractures of knees and ankle. So, These are the most significant drawbacks to using basketball shoes for pickleball.

Can you wear basketball shoes for playing pickleball?

Officially absolutely not. However If you are playing unofficially, you can wear basketball shoes for playing pickleball. Wearing basketball shoes for pickleball can be a big mistake, which may result in a loss or injury.