VERYTHING ABOUT PICKLEBALL SHOES YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW

EVERYTHING ABOUT PICKLEBALL SHOES YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW

PART #1: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SIZE AND FIT  WHEN PURCHASING A NEW PAIR OF PICKLEBALL SHOES

The goal is to find a pickle ball shoe that does not inhibit your foot’s natural motion. Proper fitting shoes allow your feet to move and work the way nature intended. And prevent injuries to other parts of the body.

Here are some tips on purchasing a new pair of pickle ball shoes:

• Wear the same socks and custom made Orthotics that you will play in, when shoe shopping. 
• Do not attempt to buy shoes online, go to a store and try them on.
• Select a sports shoe store that knows about pickle ball .
• I can personally recommend “Holabird Sports, 9220 Pulaski Hwy, Middle River, MD 21220, 566-860-1416, www.holabirdsports.com.
• Make sure the salesperson is knowledgeable about pickle ball and experienced in shoe size fitting and comfort.
• Check on the store’s shoe return policy after purchase.
• Select shoes by how they fit your feet, not by the size on the label.
• Select a shoe that fit’s the shape of your foot, length and width.
• Take the removable insole out and see how your foot fits against the insole as a template.
• Is there room at the toes or does you foot spill over the insole? 
• If no room to spare or your foot is larger than the insole, this shoe will not fit comfortably.
• Keep going half size up until the shoes are obviously too big, then step back one half size to a fit that still leaves room at the end of your toes.
• Take your time and try several shoes on, preferably at the end of the day when you feet are most flattened and swollen.
• Always try both shoes on.
• If feet are slightly different size, fit the larger foot.
• The size of your feet changes as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes.
• The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
• Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot.
• Make sure your toes have room to splay with a roomy toebox.
• During the fitting process, make sure there is enough space (3/8" to 1/2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up.
• Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
• Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.
• A proper fit accounts for the natural expansion of the foot upon ground contact.
• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk.
• Walk in the shoes around the store on hard floors and carpeted floors to make sure they fit and feel right.

Shoes that don’t fit correctly can create a muscular imbalance in the body  that contributes to foot, knee and hip injuries. A good shoe fit makes for happy feet . . . But when the shoe don’t fit  . .  don’t buy it!