W's PB5 Après Sport Flip Flop | Black

Pickleball shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. You want enough room in the toe box for comfort while ensuring good lateral support to prevent slipping. A secure heel fit is also crucial for stability during quick movements.

Key features include excellent traction, lateral support, cushioning for shock absorption, and breathability.

While running shoes are optimized for forward motion and tennis shoes cater to the specific demands of tennis, neither is ideally suited for the unique movements in pickleball. Pickleball requires quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and rapid pivots, necessitating footwear that provides specialized support and traction. Wearing shoes not designed for these actions can increase the risk of injury and may hinder performance.​

The PB5 Court2 shoes are specifically engineered to meet the demands of pickleball players. Key features include:​

: This innovation offers superior lateral support, crucial for the sport's frequent side-to-side movements, enhancing stability and control during play. ​

: The insole provides ample cushioning to support both the heel and arch, ensuring comfort from the very first wear and reducing foot fatigue during extended matches. ​

: Designed to handle quick sprints and sharp pivots, the outsole delivers the necessary grip and durability for intense play.

Yes! Pickleball shoes, like our PB5 Court2, are designed with superior lateral support, cushioning, and traction—features that also benefit tennis players. Since pickleball involves quick side-to-side movements, sudden stops, and rapid pivots, our shoes provide excellent stability and grip, making them a great choice for tennis as well.

In fact, the Dynamic Stability Assist™ Technology in our PB5 Court2 shoes enhances balance and control during lateral movements, which translates seamlessly to tennis. Plus, the advanced cushioning system supports the heel and arch, reducing foot fatigue during long matches on the court.

So if you're a multi-sport athlete or just want a versatile court shoe, pickleball shoes can absolutely be worn for tennis!

The PB5 Court2 shoe weighs 11.1 ounces for a women's size 7 and 12.9 ounces for a men's size 10. Please note that weights may vary slightly across different sizes.​

The PB5 Court2 shoe features a heel-to-toe drop of 5 millimeters (mm). Heel drop refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of the shoe. In running shoes, heel drops typically range from 0 mm (zero drop) to 14 mm, with 10 mm being the most common.

The PB5 Court2's 5 mm heel drop positions it in the low to moderate range, offering a closer-to-the-ground feel. This can enhance stability during lateral movements, which are frequent in sports like pickleball.

Why is heel drop important?

Heel drop influences foot positioning and movement mechanics:​

Promotes a more natural foot position, encouraging midfoot or forefoot striking. This can enhance balance and proprioception but may increase strain on the Achilles tendon. ​

Offers a balance between natural foot positioning and cushioning, suitable for athletes seeking versatility.​

Provides additional heel cushioning, beneficial for those who heel strike or require extra support, but may reduce ground feel.​

For court sports, a moderate heel drop like that of the PB5 Court2 can offer an optimal mix of stability for lateral movements and sufficient cushioning for comfort.

pickleball-specific shoes are designed for the unique movements of the game—quick lateral cuts, sudden stops, and dynamic pivots. The right footwear can enhance your performance and comfort, keeping you focused on your game.

Lateral Stability & Support

Pickleball involves frequent side-to-side movements. Running shoes are built for forward motion, whereas pickleball shoes offer reinforced sidewalls and structured support to help keep you steady during quick directional changes.

Optimized Traction for Court Surfaces

Pickleball shoes have outsole patterns designed for hard or clay courts, helping provide consistent grip and smooth movement so you can play with confidence.

Cushioning & Comfort for Every Step

With all the quick steps and stops in a game, having the right balance of cushioning and responsiveness matters. The PB5 Court2’s advanced insole and 5mm heel drop provide comfort and support while maintaining a close-to-the-ground feel for agility.

Durability Where You Need It

Pickleball shoes are made to withstand the demands of the sport—especially in high-contact areas like the toe and outsole. Compared to running or cross-training shoes, pickleball shoes are built with longevity in mind for court play.

Ankle Sprains: Occurs when ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn, often due to rapid lateral movements.​

Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically resulting from repetitive stress or sudden increases in activity.

Knee Strains: Involves overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons around the knee, often due to abrupt movements.​

While precise statistics on the percentage of pickleball injuries directly attributed to improper footwear are limited, it's widely acknowledged that inadequate shoes can contribute to injury risk. For instance, wearing shoes without proper lateral support may increase the likelihood of ankle sprains. Similarly, insufficient cushioning can place additional stress on the Achilles tendon and knee joints. Therefore, selecting footwear designed for the specific demands of pickleball can play a role in enhancing comfort and performance on the court.​

Note: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

With our 30-Day Match-Fit Promise, you can take your PB5 Court2 shoes for a real test—on the court, in a match, or during practice.

If they don’t feel right for any reason within 30 days of purchase, you can return them—even if you’ve worn them during play.

We want you to feel completely confident when choosing our shoes, and that means giving you time to truly experience the fit, performance, and comfort firsthand. No stress. Just solid support.