Using Basketball Shoes For Pickleball: 6 Things to Know From My Experience

Once I had an absolutely miserable experience playing with Adidas pickleball shoes, I decided to pivot to my Steph Curry basketball shoes.

The basketball shoes are old school Steph Curry shoes, but here’s what they look like.You will see that the grip is similar to the best pickleball shoes for men.

Firstly, using basketball shoes to play pickleball absolutely works great, so if you already have a pair, then you can get on the courts.

That said, there are 6 things I want you to know if you’re considering doing the same.

1. Basketball vs Pickleball

Obviously, you know the difference between basketball and pickleball, but let’s talk about how shoes may be designed differently.

Basketball shoes are designed for excellent ankle support to handle jumps and quick stops. These features are obviously also beneficial for pickleball players who want extra ankle protection. The cushioning also absorbs impact.

However, pickleball uses more lateral side-to-side movements compared to basketball, which involves much more forward and potentially backwards running movements.

So, basketball shoes may not provide as much lateral stability.

2. Shoe’s Weight

Basketball shoes are typically heavier than other athletic shoes due to the additional cushioning and ankle support, but my basketball shoes were actually lighter than some of my pickleball shoes.

While this weight provides stability, it can also slow you down during a pickleball match. 

Pickleball demands quick reactions, sudden direction changes, and rapid sprints, activities where lighter footwear could give you an edge.

3. Grip and Traction

Outdoor basketball shoes are built to offer traction on rough surfaces like concrete, while indoor basketball shoes are optimized for smooth courts. 

Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, so choosing the right type of basketball shoe is crucial. Indoor basketball shoes usually work well for indoor pickleball courts, while outdoor basketball shoes can handle the textured surfaces of outdoor pickleball courts. 

Be mindful, though, that over time, the sole of basketball shoes might wear down faster when used on pickleball courts, reducing traction.

4. Cost Considerations

I found great Reebok pickleball shoes under $30, but it was difficult to find any basketball shoes even close to that price range.

I had a difficult time finding great basketball shoes for under $100. That said, this may be a mute point, and you can find expensive pickleball or basketball shoes.

5. When To Use Basketball Shoes

Here are some reasons you should consider using basketball shoes.

1. You already own basketball shoes, and do not want to buy pickleball shoes.
2. You’re playing recreational pickleball occasionally.
3. You are playing pickleball on indoor courts, and your basketball shoes are also made for indoor basketball courts.

6. When NOT To Use Basketball Shoes

Here are some reasons you may want to ditch basketball shoes and purchase pickleball shoes.

1. You want to play competitive pickleball or plan to soon. You want every bit of speed and agility and specialized pickleball shoes may give you an advantage.
2. Outdoor pickleball courts may wear down basketball soles quickly, so you may choose pickleball shoes if you play on outdoor pickleball courts like me.
3. You play high intensity matches, and the lateral stability of basketball shoes won’t cut it for you.

Conclusion

I loved using basketball shoes for pickleball, but once I found the best pickleball shoes for men, I decided to hang up my basketball shoes for good.

That said, if you have a great pair of basketball shoes, you do not necessarily need to buy pickleball shoes to get on the courts and be competitive.