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Our Top Picks
| Product image | Product name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ASICS Gel Rocket 9Editor Rating : 4.7 | 4.7 | Check Price |
 | Prince T22Editor Rating : 4.5 | 4.5 | Check Price |
 | ASICS Gel Resolution 8Editor Rating : 4.4 | 4.4 | Check Price |
 | ASICS Gel RENMAEditor Rating : 4.4 | 4.4 | Check Price |
 | Fila Volley Zone SneakerEditor Rating : 4.3 | 4.3 | Check Price |
 | New Balance Fresh Foam LavEditor Rating : 4.2 | 4.2 | Check Price |
Best Shoes to Protect Your Achilles for Pickleball
When it comes to pickleball, one of the most important aspects to consider is the shoes you wear. This is especially true if you’re dealing with Achilles tendonitis, a common issue among athletes. Here are some criteria to consider when choosing the best shoes:
- Adequate Heel Support: Shoes with proper heel support can help alleviate the strain on your Achilles tendon.
- Cushioning: Good cushioning can absorb the impact while playing, reducing the stress on your Achilles tendon.
- Fit: The shoes should fit well and not be too tight or too loose. A poor fit can lead to unnecessary strain on your Achilles tendon.
Based on these criteria, here are some of the top shoes for Achilles protection in pickleball:
ASICS Gel Rocket 9
ASICSBUY NOW ON AMAZON| Closure | Traditional lacing closure |
|---|---|
| Material | Rubber sole, Rubber and gum rubber outsole |
| Size | 6.5 to 14 |
| Features | Molded-EVA midsole provide enhanced cushioning and shock absorption. Features a rear and forefoot GEL Cushioning System that offers shock-absorbing support at toe-off and offers superior movement and support through the gait cycle. Designed with Trusstic System Technology that reduces the weight without compromising the structural integrity of the shoe |
| Color | 7 |
ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Shoes. Crafted with synthetic and mesh, these kicks are your new best friend on the court. They’re not just shoes, they’re your secret weapon.
Why, you ask? Well, they’ve got this nifty EVA midsole. It’s like a trampoline for your feet, giving you that extra bounce and cushioning. But here’s the kicker – they’ve got a special Trusstic System technology. This tech wizardry reduces the weight of the sole unit, yet keeps the shoe’s structure intact.
Now, let’s talk about your Achilles. These shoes have a removable sock liner. You can swap it out for a medical orthotic if needed. Plus, the Forefoot GEL Cushioning System softens the blow during the impact phase. So, your Achilles stays protected, and you can keep smashing those serves.
| PROS | CONS |
|
✔️Quality: High-quality construction. The shoe is durable and long-lasting. ✔️Comfort: The shoes are very comfortable, with good foot support and cushioning. ✔️Traction: The shoes have good sole grip, which is important for maintaining stability during fast-paced games like pickleball. ✔️Breathability: The upper part of the shoe is partially made of fabric, which enhances breathability and keeps your feet cool during intense games. |
❌Size: The shoes run a bit small, especially when worn with thick socks. It might be a good idea to order a half size larger than your usual size. |
My Ratings:
- Traction: 4.5
- Durability: 4.7
- Outsole durability: 4.6
- Comfort: 4.8
- Lightweight and speed: 4.7
- Support and stability: 4.8
- Overall: 4.7
Prince T22
PrinceBUY NOW ON AMAZON| Material | 100% Synthetic and mesh |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 to 13 |
| Features | Wishbone shank for increase midfoot stability, PRC 1000 outsole provides unmatched durability, 4Foot Wrap to help create a glove like fit while locking the foot in place |
| Color | 12 |
Prince T22 Shoes, a blend of style and substance. Crafted with synthetic and mesh, these shoes offer a snug fit, akin to a glove. Mesh panels ensure breathability, keeping your feet fresh. A rubber sole provides unmatched durability, ensuring longevity.
A unique feature of these shoes lies in their design. They boast a slightly elevated heel height, providing a cushioned footbed. This design element reduces strain on your Achilles, offering support for pronation.
These shoes come with a 4Foot Wrap, locking your foot in place, offering stability and reducing the risk of injuries. The Wishbone shank enhances midfoot stability, ensuring a comfortable and safe game.
| PROS | CONS |
|
✔️Comfort: The comfort of these shoes is great, noting the excellent shock absorption and foot support. ✔️Durability: The shoes are durable and long-lasting, with no significant wear and tear even after several months of use. ✔️Performance: Perform well on the court, offering good traction and stability. |
❌Insole: The original liner does not offer much support. However, the shoes can accommodate inserts for those who need additional arch support. |
My Ratings:
- Traction: 4.5
- Durability: 4.5
- Outsole durability: 4.5
- Comfort: 4.6
- Lightweight and speed: 4.4
- Support and stability: 4.6
- Overall: 4.5
ASICS Gel Resolution 8
ASICSBUY NOW ON AMAZON| Size | 6 to 15 wide |
|---|---|
| Color | 11 |
| Material | Rubber sole |
| Miscellaneous | Imported |
| Features | Flexion Fit Upper, PGuard Toe Protector, DYNAWRAP Technology, AHAR Plus Outsole. Trusstic System technology |
These ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 shoes offer a blend of comfort, durability, and style. Their unique design includes a Flexion Fit upper, providing a snug fit without compromising support. The DYNAWRAP technology ensures midfoot stability, keeping your foot centered during swift movements.
A standout feature? The Trusstic System technology. This reduces sole unit weight while maintaining structural integrity, offering a protective shield for your Achilles. The technology helps prevent overextension, reducing the risk of Achilles tendon injuries.
The AHAR Plus Outsole, strategically positioned, enhances durability by 50% compared to standard ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. This means your shoes will withstand the test of time, even with regular, intense use.
| PROS | CONS |
|
✔️Comfort: I like how comfortable these shoes are, noting the excellent shock absorption and foot support. ✔️Durability: The shoes are durable and long-lasting, with no significant wear and tear even after several months of use. ✔️Protection: The shoes have added protection at the front, which is beneficial for players who tend to drag their feet when they stop. |
❌Size: The shoes run narrow, even in the wide-width option. It might be a good idea to order a half size larger than your usual size if you have wide feet. ❌Weight: Feel heavier than the previous model (Gel-Resolution 7). |
My Ratings:
- Traction: 4.5
- Durability: 4.4
- Outsole durability: 4.4
- Comfort: 4.6
- Lightweight and speed: 4.2
- Support and stability: 4.6
- Overall: 4.4
ASICS Gel RENMA
ASICSBUY NOW ON AMAZON| Size | 6 to 14 |
|---|---|
| Color | 5 |
| Material | Faux Leather sole |
| Features | Synthetic leather overlays, Solution dye sockliner, TRUSSTIC technology, Wrap-up outsole and wider gauge, Flex grooves in the outsole |
| Miscellaneous | Made in the USA or Imported |
Achilles, meet your new best friend: ASICS Men’s Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes. These bad boys, crafted in the USA, are more than just a pretty face. They’re a blend of style, comfort, and technology, designed to keep your feet happy and your game strong.
The synthetic leather overlays? They’re not just for show. They’re there to provide durability, ensuring these shoes can keep up with your most intense pickleball matches. But that’s not all. The TRUSSTIC technology, a unique feature of these shoes, works to improve stability. It’s like having a personal bodyguard for your feet, keeping them steady and secure with every step you take.
But what about your Achilles? Well, that’s where the magic happens. The wrap-up outsole and wider gauge are designed to create smoother and more balanced movements. This means less strain on your Achilles, reducing the risk of injuries.
And let’s not forget about the flex grooves in the outsole. They’re there to improve flexibility, allowing your feet to move more naturally. This means less pressure on your Achilles, allowing you to play longer and harder without worrying about injuries.
| PROS | CONS |
|
✔️Comfort: Great shocking absorption and foot support. ✔️Performance: Perform well on the court, offering good traction and stability. ✔️Design: The shoes have a sleek design and are also suitable for casual wear. |
❌Weight: I feel a bit heavy, which might affect my speed and agility on the court. |
My Ratings:
- Traction: 4.5
- Durability: 4.4
- Outsole durability: 4.4
- Comfort: 4.6
- Lightweight and speed: 4.2
- Support and stability: 4.6
- Overall: 4.4
Fila Volley Zone Sneaker
FilaBUY NOW ON AMAZON| Size | 7 to 14 |
|---|---|
| Color | 9 |
| Material | 100% Synthetic, manmade sole |
| Closure | Front lace up closure for a secure fit |
| Features | Padded collar and tongue for added support and comfort, Soft fabric lining, Removable molded EVA sockliner |
| Miscellaneous | Imported |
Achilles, that vital tendon, deserves protection. Fila’s Volley Zone Sneakers offer just that. Crafted in the USA, these shoes boast a rubber sole, providing a sturdy base. A unique feature, the Energized midsole, offers extra cushioning, ensuring comfort and reducing strain on your Achilles. The shoe’s width? Slightly wide, accommodating various foot shapes. The arch? Slightly low, offering support where it’s needed. The herringbone rubber outsole adds traction, durability, and stability, further safeguarding your Achilles from potential injury. A pivot area in the forefront enhances traction, aiding in swift, safe movements.
| PROS | CONS |
|
✔️Comfort: Comfortable. I feel Shock absorption and foot support are ok ✔️Performance: Perform well on the court, offering good traction and stability. ✔️Style: The shoes have a sleek design and are also suitable for casual wear. |
❌Insole: The original liner does not offer much support. However, the shoes can accommodate inserts for those who need additional arch support. |
My ratings:
- Traction: 4.5
- Durability: 4.4
- Outsole durability: 4.4
- Comfort: 4.6
- Lightweight and speed: 4.2
- Support and stability: 4.6
- Overall: 4.3
New Balance Fresh Foam Lav
New BalanceBUY NOW ON AMAZON| Size | 5 to 15 Wide |
|---|---|
| Color | 9 |
| Material | Rubber sole, REVlite midsole, Ndurance outsole |
| Features | Full-length Ndurance outsole provides superior traction and durability to help get more wear out of the shoe, Toe drag tip provides exceptional durability in high-wear areas, PROBANK for lateral stability |
Innovative and stylish, these New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X Lav V2 Hard Court Shoes offer an unparalleled blend of comfort and performance. Crafted with a FitWeave upper and mesh collar, they provide a snug, yet flexible fit, ensuring your feet feel secure and airy. The FRESH FOAMx midsole offers precision cushioning, absorbing shock with each stride, reducing the impact on your joints, and protecting your Achilles tendon. The Ndurance outsole, full-length and robust, offers superior traction and durability, ensuring you can move swiftly and confidently on the court. The ProBank feature adds lateral stability, reducing the risk of ankle twists. These shoes are not just footwear; they’re a shield for your feet, offering protection and comfort in a sleek package.
| PROS | CONS |
|
✔️Comfort: Customers have praised the comfort of these shoes, noting the excellent shock absorption and foot support. ✔️Performance: Users have reported that these shoes perform well on the court, offering good traction and stability. ✔️Design: The shoes have a sleek design and are also suitable for casual wear. |
❌Ankle Collar: The ankle collar of the shoe is high and can cause chafing |
My Ratings:
- Traction: 4.5
- Durability: 4.4
- Outsole durability: 4.4
- Comfort: 4.6
- Lightweight and speed: 4.2
- Support and stability: 4.6
- Overall: 4.2
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It’s common among athletes, especially those involved in sports that involve running and jumping, like pickleball.
The condition is typically caused by a sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of exercise activities. It’s prevalent among athletes due to the repetitive and high-impact nature of sports.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. So, always ensure you’re wearing the right shoes and taking adequate rest between games to protect your Achilles tendon.
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
Choosing the right shoes for Achilles Tendonitis involves considering several factors:
- Fit: The shoes should fit well, not too tight or too loose. They should comfortably accommodate your feet without causing any discomfort.
- Support: Look for shoes that provide good arch and heel support. This can help alleviate the strain on your Achilles tendon.
- Cushioning: Shoes with excellent cushioning can absorb the impact while playing, reducing the stress on your Achilles tendon.
- Material: The material of the shoes should be breathable and lightweight. This can help keep your feet dry and comfortable during the game.
- Sole: The sole of the shoes should be non-slip to prevent any accidents on the court.
The Role of Pickleball Shoes in Protecting Achilles Tendon
Playing Pickleball can put a lot of strain on your feet and especially your Achilles tendon. That’s where the role of pickleball shoes comes into play.
- Protection of Achilles Tendon: Pickleball shoes are designed with specific features to protect your Achilles tendon. They have ample cushioning in the heel area to absorb shock and reduce stress on the tendon.
- Stability and Support: These shoes also provide stability to prevent excessive foot movement inside the shoe, which can lead to Achilles tendonitis. They have a firm heel counter that cradles the heel and provides lateral support.
- Flexibility: Pickleball shoes are flexible in the forefoot area, allowing for natural foot movements during play. This flexibility can help prevent overstretching of the Achilles tendon.
Tips for Preventing Achilles Tendonitis in Pickleball
Here are some tips to prevent it while playing pickleball:
- Proper Warm-up and Cool-down: Always start your pickleball session with a proper warm-up to prepare your muscles and tendons for the activity. After the game, perform a cool-down to help your body recover.
- Stretching: Regular stretching exercises for your calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help maintain their flexibility and strength, reducing the risk of injury.
- Wearing the Right Shoes: As mentioned above, wearing the right pickleball shoes can provide the necessary support and cushioning for your Achilles tendon.
- Gradual Increase in Intensity: If you are new to pickleball or returning after a break, gradually increase your playing intensity. A sudden increase can put too much stress on your Achilles tendon.
It’s always better to prevent an injury than to treat one. So, take these precautions and enjoy your game of pickleball!
FAQs
How do you prevent Achilles tear pickleball?
Why does my Achilles hurt after pickleball?
What kind of shoes work for weak Achilles?
Conclusion
Choosing the right shoes for pickleball is crucial in protecting your Achilles tendon and enhancing your performance. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so take the necessary precautions and enjoy your game!
