I’m afraid to report that we had an injury of one of our players on the courts
yesterday. A broken wrist and slight concussion were the result of a fall.
Though there is no way to be sure, Marian and I suspect it may have been
related to the use of running-type shoe.
Running shoes are made for going in a straight line and for providing a lot of
heel support for when landing on the heel. They are not made for lateral
support and for stopping fast, things we do every moment in pickleball.
Some people say a good shoe is the most important piece of equipment we need.
You can get the same paddle professionals use for $120 - $150, but if you’re
laid up with an injury it doesn’t matter how good it is.
Here is a great article (it’s long, but worth reading). It starts with some
specific brands recommendations but I don’t think that’s as important as the
information provided farther on in the article.
https://www.pickleballportal.com/gear/best-pickleball-shoes/ ;
<https://www.pickleballportal.com/gear/best-pickleball-shoes/>
But to summarize:
1. Get a shoe that is comfortable and fits well.
2. Make sure the shoe is made for hard courts. Our courts do have a small layer
of acrylic gel but they also have sand in the paint so they grip very well.
Soft shoes will wear down quickly. Generally an outdoor tennis shoe is best
(though some makers have come out with pickleball-specific shoes).
3. Make sure you wear clean, high-quality socks.
4. And NEVER wear running shoes or hiking shoes.
If you’re going to play indoors this winter, it’s worth also getting an indoor
shoe. These have gum rubber on the bottom and prevent slipping. A racquetball
or volleyball shoe works great.
_
Ken Brummel-Smith
723 Michele Dr.
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
850-228-8787 (cell)
kenbrummelsmith@xxxxxxxxx
ken.brummel-smith@xxxxxxxxxxx
