When you are playing pickleball sport, you must have the best shoes to protect your Achilles. These shoes will protect your feet and let you play the game without any break or discomfort caused to Achilles tendonitis. You need to find the right pair of shoes that gives enough support to your ankle and reduce pain while promoting healing. Undeniably, a pickleball game needs you to make quick movements. If you are dealing with an Achilles problem, then we have listed out the top 10 best shoes that you can wear and play pickleball.
Looking for specific shoe recommendations that prioritize both Achilles protection and overall performance? Check out our guide to the Best K Swiss Pickleball Shoes for Men’s. These shoes are not only tailored for pickleball enthusiasts but also offer features that contribute to Achilles’ safety and comfort.
Best shoes to protect your Achilles for pickleball
We have reviewed each of the shoes thoroughly and given the pros and cons. The shoes we have suggested in this article will protect the feet and allow you to play the pickleball game despite injuries. Wearing the shoes will reduce the strain put on the Achilles tendon. The cushioning will reduce stress and absorbs impact.
1. ASICS Gel Rocket 9
If you are looking for the best shoes to protect your Achilles, then this is an ideal option for you to go with. The shoes are crafted with synthetic material and come with mesh to circulate cool air around them. Indeed, these are the best companion for every player that allows them to run, jump and move around the court to hit wonderful shots.
The shoes have an EVA midsole. It makes you feel like you are on a trampoline giving you extra cushioning and great bounce. The wizardry adds less weight to the sole and keeps the structure of the shoe intact. The shoe has easy to-remove sock liner. The forefoot Gel kind of cushioning will reduce the blow you experience during the impact phase. Wearing the shoes and playing the pickleball game will keep your Achilles protected. You can as always keep smashing serves.
Pros
- Construction is strong
- Shoe is durable
- Offer excellent sole grip
- Comfortable to wear
- Enough foot support and excellent cushioning
- Fabric offers enough breathability and keeps the feet comfortable despite playing the game intensively
Cons
- Shoes are smaller and may not fit when worn with socks
Specifications
- Size – 6.5 to 14
- Material – Rubber sole, gum rubber outsole
- Closure – lacing closure
- Colour – 7
2. Prince T22
Prince T22 shoes are a combination of both substance and style. These are made with synthetic and mesh material to offer a snug fit. Wearing this makes you feel like a glove. The mesh panels inside the shoe will offer enough breathability and keep the feet fresh always.
The rubber sole equipped with the shoes is highly durable and lasts longer. The shoe has a unique design and comes with elevated heel height offering you with cushiony footbed. The design will put less strain on Achilles besides offering pronation support. The shoe has a 4-foot wrap that keeps the injuries at bay while playing. The wishbone shank offers greater stability to the midfoot besides turning your game safe.
Pros
- Absorbs shock and offers enough foot support
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Withstand extreme wear and tear despite using for a longer period
- Perform well on the court
- Offer excellent traction and enough support
Cons
- The original liner will not offer you the much-needed support
Specifications
- Material – synthetic and mesh material
- Size – 6 to 13
- Colour – 12
3. Fila volley zone pickleball shoe
If you want shoes that puts less strain on Achilles, then you can go for Fila volley zone. The mesh offers enough breathability and lets your feet move flexibly without letting them cramp up inside. The logo printed on the upper side adds style to the shoes. The front lace-up closure will offer you a secure fit without letting the shoe to goes off while you are on a swing in the game.
You do not have to worry about slippery and falling while making quick movements in the court. The padded collar and tongue would provide you with the additional comfort and support required. These are essential when playing the game intensively. There is a soft fabric lining on the top that will give a glove-like fit. You can remove moulded EVA sock liner. The shoes are lightweight. Initially, when you wear the shoes you feel a little tight but as you keep wearing you start to feel comfortable. It is a must to have with every pickleball enthusiast to style up the game.
Pros
- Breathable
- Highly durable
- Offer secure fit and come with a front lace-up closure
- Padded collar
- Soft lining fabric for a comfortable fit
- Easy to customize and removable EVA
Cons
- Colour options are not many
Specifications
- Size – 8
- Colour – Pink
- Material – Synthetic
- Sport – Pickleball
4. K-Swiss express light pickleball shoes
If you want shoes that are known for performance and put less pressure on your Achilles, then look no further and buy this brand of shoes. It is made of synthetic material to last longer despite wearing and gaming with them longer. The shoe is equipped with a rubber sole to offer you the traction required on the court. The unique features of the shoes are its AOSTA-7.0 rubber compound. It comes with a dense outsole and higher durability from heel to toe.
There is also DURAWRAP technology used in making the shoes to offer you an extra line of defence from toe dragging. It comes with 180-degree plantar support to boost mid-foot stability. It helps you to make quick movements on the court. The sock liner has a unique cell structure to manage moisture. It wicks moisture and keeps the feet healthy and dry. The DRAGGUARD technology is resistant to abrasion. It is ideal for you to play wearing these shoes outdoors and indoors.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Comes with toe protection
- Offer good grip
- Highly stable and comfortable to wear longer
Cons
- Not available in different sizes
- Initially, the fit may feel uncomfortable
Specifications
- Size – 5
- Sex- women
- Weight -9.7 ounces
- Colour – Asphalt, steel Gray and peach
5. Head tour team pickleball shoes
These shoes are ideal for players who want to keep their Achilles protected. The shoe offers enough comfort and excellent cushioning required to stay comfortable until the game is over. It also offers an extra layer of protection to the feet. The Durasoft upper layer makes the shoes lightweight. It also gives additional support to the feet. The shoe has cushioning at the midsole to reduce the strain put on the Achilles tendon.
The Grid 2.0 offers a durable rubber outsole for extra traction on the court. It avoids you from slipping and falling in the court. This can in turn aggravate the Achilles tendons issue. The low-profile design of shoes allows you to make quick movements on the court.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- The design offers quick movements
Cons
- Not breathable and you may feel crammed wearing it longer
- Offer only limited colour options
Specifications
- Gender- men
- Size – 11
- Colour – Black and white
- Material – 100% synthetic
6. Adidas Barricade pickleball shoes
Achilles tendon problems can be addressed with these shoes. Indeed, it tops the list to offer you the comfort and style required. These are brilliant on the court and let you perform at your best. The shoes come with a forged mesh upper area to offer enough breathability. It offers you the durability and stability required at the sole and toe area. These shoes are certainly for serious pickleball players.
The grip at the strong midfoot tank to the low ground forefoot will give you a great feeling when you are hitting the ball from different positions. It comes with strong soles that allow you to play indoors and outdoors. The shoes offer you excellent traction and reduce the risk of slipperiness or twisting in the court. The mesh material makes the shoe breathable.
Pros
- Hard-wearing insole and outsole are perfect to play pickleball outdoors
- Mesh offers greater stability
- Lightweight
- Durable and highly stable
Cons
- Pricey
Specifications
- Weight – 6.5 ounces
- Gender- men
- Colour – white and black
- Material – 100% synthetic
7. New balance fresh foam X Lav V2
The new balance fresh foam X lav V2 is an ideal choice if you are suffering from injuries on your feet. The shoe will have fresh foam on the midsole to offer you the comfort and cushioning required. The upper area is meshy to offer you enough breathability and flexibility. It also gives you a secure fit to play a pickleball game.
The shoes are cost-effective and offer much-needed Achilles protection. The cushioning on the footbed is ideal for pickleball players who want comfort as their priority.
Pros
- The midsole has to foam to offer support and cushioning
- Mesh on the upper area offers breathability
- Secure and comfortable fit to boost performance
- High value for the money invested
Cons
- Colour options are less
- Not suitable for all foot types
Specifications
- Weight – 921 grams
- Colour – white laser blue
- Shoe width – medium
8. Nike Zoom vapour cage 4
For people who are willing to invest a good amount of money in pickleball shoes that protect them from foot injuries and put less pressure on their Achilles, then Nike is an outstanding choice. The shoes come with a great design to wrap around the ankle to offer enough stability and protection required. The shoe is highly durable and can withstand extreme wear and tear.
The zoom air unit offers excellent cushioning while TPU midfoot shank offers good support while making lateral movements in the court. The shoe delivers great performance and offers Achilles protection. It is durable, stable and offers cushioning required for serious pickleball players.
Pros
- Supportive design to offer excellent ankle stability
- Responsive zoom air unit offers comfort
- TPU midfoot shank gives great support while making quick movements in the court
- Quality construction
- Highly durable
Cons
- The price is higher compared to other options
- Colour options are limited
Specifications
- Weight – 1.65 pounds
- Gender – men
- Colour – Black/Metallic Silver
9. Mizuno Wave lightning Z6
These shoes can be worn while playing pickleball or volleyball since it offers enough protection to your Achilles. It also gives enough support and comfort required for you to play the game. The shoes are a combination of cushioning, durability and higher stability. Innovative technologies are used to make the shoes and to offer a comfortable fit to the wearer.
It is ideal for people who are looking for shoes that offer Achilles protection in the court. Wearing this allows you to get through the match easily. This brand has a D-flex groove in the mid-footwear to allow the player to turn at greater speed and make a shift in the direction they want effortlessly.
Pros
- Excellent support
- Great cushioning to the Achilles tendon
- Durable outsole to offer better traction
- Highly durable
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Lightweight
- Move swiftly in the court to hit powerful shots
Cons
- Colours are limited
Specifications
- Weight – 1.4 pounds
- Gender- Women
- Colour – White/black
10.ASICS Gel Resolution 9
It is yet another model of shoes from ASICS that are suitable for players who are looking for shoes that can offer Achilles protection. The shoe offers enough support to the feet and is a great choice for players who are looking for comfort and higher stability.
The construction of the shoe is durable and comes with advanced features. It is perfect for the ones who are seeking comfort and attain better performance on the court.
Pros
- Excellent stability and enough support to the Achilles area of the body
- Enough cushioning for great comfort
- Highly durable
- Excellent traction
- Secure fit
Cons
- Colour options are limited
- May be smaller in size than given
Specifications
- Size – 6 to 15
- Colour- White and black
- Weight – 1.64 pounds
- Gender- men
Conclusion
Investing in the right set of shoes is important for serious pickleball players to protect their feet from injuries and attain excellent performance on the court. We have provided a quick review of the top 10 best shoes that can be worn by pickleball players to protect Achilles’ tendons. The shoes offer enough stability, cushioning and comfort for players. We have provided the pros and cons for each and by now you might have decided the best one that suits your play style and needs. Be it you are a beginner or an experienced player, hope this guide might have been helpful in confidently buying the shoes to play a pickleball game.
Ensuring your gear meets your needs is essential, whether it’s shoes for Achilles protection or paddles for your gameplay. If you’re also interested in budget-friendly options for your pickleball equipment, take a look at our guide to the Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100. Combine the right footwear with the perfect paddle to optimize your pickleball experience.”
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best shoes to protect your Achilles for pickleball.
1. Why do I need special shoes to protect my Achilles for pickleball?
A: Specialized shoes designed for Achilles protection provide additional support and cushioning in the heel area. This helps minimize strain on the Achilles tendon during the dynamic movements of pickleball, reducing the risk of injury.
2. What features should I look for in shoes that protect the Achilles for pickleball?
A: Look for shoes with adequate heel cushioning, proper arch support, and a secure fit around the ankle. These features contribute to reducing pressure on the Achilles tendon and enhancing overall comfort.
3. Can I use any type of athletic shoes for pickleball?
A: While you can play pickleball in various athletic shoes, those specifically designed for court sports, like tennis or volleyball, often provide the necessary support for lateral movements and the heel area, which is crucial for Achilles protection.
4. Are there specific shoe brands known for Achilles protection in pickleball shoes?
A: Certain athletic shoe brands focus on creating footwear with enhanced heel support and Achilles protection. It’s a good idea to explore brands recognized for producing shoes tailored to court sports.
5. Are high-top shoes better for Achilles protection in pickleball?
A: High-top shoes provide added ankle support, which can indirectly benefit the Achilles tendon. However, the effectiveness of the shoe also depends on its overall design, cushioning, and arch support.
6. Can proper shoes eliminate the risk of Achilles injuries in pickleball?
A: While proper shoes play a significant role in injury prevention, no footwear can completely eliminate the risk of injuries. It’s essential to maintain proper warm-up routines, use appropriate playing techniques, and listen to your body during gameplay.
7. How do I know if my shoes are offering adequate Achilles protection?
A: Shoes with good Achilles protection should feel comfortable in the heel area, offer cushioning upon impact, and provide proper arch support. If you experience discomfort or strain while playing, it might be worth considering different footwear.
8. Can I wear orthotic inserts in my pickleball shoes for extra Achilles support?
A: Yes, custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can enhance Achilles support in shoes. However, ensure that the shoes have enough space to accommodate the inserts without causing discomfort.
9. Do I need to replace my shoes frequently for continued Achilles protection?
A: Over time, the cushioning and support in shoes can degrade, affecting their ability to protect the Achilles. It’s recommended to replace your shoes regularly, especially if you notice signs of wear or reduced comfort.
10. How do I find the right fit for Achilles-protective pickleball shoes?
A: Visit a sports store to get your foot properly measured, and try on various shoe brands and styles. Look for a secure fit that doesn’t constrict your foot, especially around the heel and ankle areas.