Are Running Shoes or Basketball Shoes Better for Pickleball?

Spoiler: Neither. Here’s Why You Need Pickleball-Specific Footwear Like DAPS.

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, attracting players of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Whether you’re playing casually at a local park or competing in tournaments, one thing becomes clear the moment you step onto the court: your footwear matters. A lot.

Naturally, most new players look to the shoes they already own—usually running shoes or basketball sneakers—and wonder:

“Are these good enough for pickleball?”

It’s a fair question. But the answer isn’t about what’s “good enough.” It’s about what’s designed for the sport—and what’s not.

So, are running shoes or basketball shoes better for pickleball?

Honestly? Neither. And here’s why.

 

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Understanding the Demands of Pickleball

Pickleball isn’t just a mashup of tennis, ping pong, and badminton—it’s a high-intensity game with short bursts of movement, lateral shuffling, quick pivots, and sudden changes in direction. You’re constantly stopping, starting, and shifting side-to-side. That requires a shoe with:

• Superior lateral stability

• Responsive grip and traction

• Reliable ankle support (without restricting mobility)

• Energy return for fast footwork

• Court-specific cushioning

Most off-the-rack athletic shoes aren’t engineered for this kind of movement. Let’s break it down:

 

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Why Running Shoes Are a Bad Fit for Pickleball

Running shoes are built for—you guessed it—running. In one direction. On predictable surfaces. They focus on forward momentum, shock absorption, and long-distance comfort.

Here’s where they fall short for pickleball:

1. Zero lateral support 

Pickleball demands quick side-to-side movements. Running shoes? They’re designed for heel-to-toe motion. When you try to make a sharp lateral cut in running shoes, your foot can slip over the edge of the sole. That’s a rolled ankle waiting to happen.

2. Cushioning built for distance, not agility

That marshmallow-like foam feels nice on a jog, but on the court, it can delay your reaction time. You want responsiveness, not softness.

3. Outsoles made for pavement, not court grip

Running shoe treads are made to handle sidewalks and trails, not pickleball courts. This means less traction and more slipping.

Bottom line: Running shoes were never meant to help you stop, pivot, or explode sideways. Wearing them for pickleball is like trying to play baseball in flip-flops.

 

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What About Basketball Shoes?

At first glance, basketball shoes seem like a better match. After all, basketball also involves quick stops, lateral moves, and court surfaces.

But again, pickleball ≠ basketball. Here’s the problem:

1. Heavier and bulkier

Basketball shoes tend to be heavier and more padded to absorb impact from jumps and landings. On a pickleball court, this extra weight can slow your reactions and sap your energy over time.

2.  High tops ≠ ankle freedom

While some players think high-tops offer better ankle protection, they can actually restrict the kind of fluid, lateral movement pickleball demands. You need support and freedom, not a cast around your ankle.

3. Different traction patterns

Basketball shoe soles are optimized for indoor hardwood courts—not textured pickleball surfaces like outdoor asphalt or gym floors. That means grip issues can still happen, especially during quick shifts.

Bottom line: Basketball shoes may work better than running shoes—but they’re still not built for pickleball. They’re heavier, stiffer, and designed for vertical movement and full-court sprints, not the tight, explosive motion patterns of a 44x20 pickleball court.

 

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So, What Shoes Are Best for Pickleball?

That’s easy: shoes built for pickleball.

Not repurposed tennis shoes. Not court shoes with new laces. Not hybrid designs labeled “multi-sport.”

We’re talking about pickleball-first engineering—designed from the outsole up to meet the demands of modern play.

That’s where DAPS comes in.

 

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Why DAPS > Running Shoes or Basketball Shoes

DAPS isn’t just another shoe brand trying to ride the pickleball wave. We’re fourth-generation footwear designers who built the DESI Low and DESI Mid from the ground up for this sport. Every stitch, sole, and curve is intentional—and performance-tested by pros and lab-validated by Heeluxe, the gold standard in footwear biomechanics.

Here’s what sets DAPS apart:

 

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Built for Lateral Movement

Our outsole isn’t borrowed from a tennis or basketball mold—it’s designed specifically for the stop-and-go rhythm of pickleball. A high-friction rubber matrix combined with a directional herringbone pattern gives you superior grip on any court surface—indoor or out.

Energy Return You Can Feel

The midsole uses ETPU, a high-performance foam that gives you explosive energy return without sacrificing comfort. That means more bounce in your step and less fatigue in your legs—especially in long matches.

Stable, Not Stiff

A carbon fiber shank provides torsional support during pivots, while the overall frame keeps you locked in laterally without restricting your movement. No more sliding or rolling when you reach for that wide dink.

Breathable, Lightweight, All-Day Wearability

Both DESI models feature a breathable upper and Bluemaka™ insoles for comfort that lasts from warmup to happy hour. We made sure these shoes feel as good off the court as they perform on it.

Low or Mid? You Choose.

• DESI Low: For players who prefer speed, freedom of motion, and court feel.

• DESI Mid: For those who want added structure and a touch more ankle support.

Either way, you’re getting purpose-built performance—not compromises.

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Still Thinking About Using Running or Basketball Shoes?

Let’s play it out:

• You show up with your running shoes. You feel great… until you slide into the kitchen and tweak your knee.

• You lace up your basketball sneakers. You’re stable… until your feet feel like bricks by game three.

• You try your old tennis shoes. Decent, but they weren’t made with the pickleball movement map in mind.

Or… you just skip the guesswork and put on DAPS.

With DAPS, you get footwear designed only for pickleball. No compromises. No crossovers. Just better movement, better grip, better play.

 

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What the Pros (and the Data) Say

We don’t just rely on fancy marketing. We back it up with real-world performance:

• ✅ Lab-tested by Heeluxe

• ✅ Validated for better dynamic movement, ground force reaction, and court control

• ✅ Trusted by professional pickleball athletes and coaches

DAPS was designed to outperform running shoes, basketball shoes, and tennis shoes—on the court where it counts.

 

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Final Verdict: Don’t Pick Between Running or Basketball Shoes. Pick DAPS.

If you’re serious about your pickleball game—whether you’re a weekend warrior, a league regular, or chasing medals—then your footwear should be as dialed in as your drop shot.

Running shoes? Wrong tool for the job.

Basketball shoes? Close, but no paddle.

DAPS? Engineered to win.

So instead of settling for what’s in your closet, choose the shoe that’s built for the court you play on, the moves you make, and the performance you expect.

 

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Ready to Elevate Your Game?

Shop the DESI Low or DESI Mid today.

Join the players who are lacing up smarter and moving sharper.

Because when your shoes are built for the game, your whole game rises.

Shop Now →