A common question is what is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball shoes and can I use an indoor pickleball shoe outside? Whilst the shoes are almost identical they feature one key difference which is related to their respective playing surfaces.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Pickleball Shoes:
Indoor pickleball shoes often feature a gum rubber or a soft and grippy rubber outsole. The reason for this is indoor courts feature floorboards or sometimes varnished floorboards so you need an almost sticky grippy surface on them. Gum rubber or a soft outsole is the most grippy for this surface allowing the shoes to not slip and slide everywhere.
Outdoor Pickleball on the other-hand is played on rougher, harsher surfaces. These surfaces require a much more durable, hard wearing rubber. The tread pattern is often different also since there is already a lot of friction there needs to be slightly less resistance.
Can I wear outdoor pickleball shoes indoors?
Whilst the easy answer is yes, there are a few things to bear in mind. The tread pattern is often not as good as indoor shoes and you will likely be slipping around the court slightly more. There are however a few exceptions to this rule! There are quite a few shoes that are suitable for both, they may feature a more durable rubber outsole (although often not quite as durable as a purely hardcourt or outdoor pickleball shoe) and aggressive tread pattern (such as a herringbone pattern) a great example of this is the Salming Rebel Geo.
Can I wear indoor pickleball shoes outdoor?
You definitely can! Although you will likely wear through them much quicker so whilst the answer is yes we certainly don't recommend it.
Can I wear tennis shoes for Pickleball?
There are a fair few differences between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes (to be covered in a different article) however the short answer is yes you can. Although it isn't optimal. Whilst the sports feature some commonalties in terms of movements the needs are very different. Tennis shoes are heavier (they need a sturdier outsole because of the service and jumping motion) and less flexible when compared to pickleball shoes.