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"e top traits pickleball players should be looking for in a pickleball shoe are comfort, lateral stability and lightweight maneuverability," asserts Dave Dorsey, racquet sports sales manager, Mizuno. While the game of pickleball has similar demands as tennis, Dorsey explains, the playing space is tighter in pickleball and requires less full- speed footwork. erefore, pickleball players need support for lateral movements, but the shoe doesn't need to be a bulky and heavy more traditional "baseliner" tennis shoe. A more appropriate shoe for pickleball would be lightweight to help facilitate explosive movements and would be very comfortable to allow for all-day play. "Pickleball players that want to take their game to the next level should look for a shoe that offers great step-in comfort, stability, and durability," concurs Dave Limke, senior business manager, Penn & Footwear, HEAD. e company's new HEAD Motion Pro Pickleball shoe has been specifically engineered for pickleball, with features designed for pickleball-specific movements, notes Limke. ese sport-specific details include a tread pattern optimized for high wear areas and a curved last of the shoe to improve propulsion, among other features. "Regardless of whether you are new to the sport or have been playing for a while, consumers are looking for lightweight and comfortable shoes that offer stability and support to handle quick movements, and breathability especially in warmer regions," chimes in Greg Smith, VP of product development & merchandising, Skechers. "Pickleball is a fast-paced and high-intensity sport and Skechers Pickleball shoes feature signature comfort and performance innovations that provide athletes what they need to focus on their game." Skechers is focused in on the 'Comfort that Performs' concept as a key point of differentiation. e brand works directly with two of the top pickleball professionals in the world – Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau. "Their feedback has helped to optimize some of our key comfort technologies including Arch Fit, Relaxed Fit, and Goodyear rubber outsoles designed to maximize performance and enhance the experience at all levels of play," says Smith. Here, we look at some of the top brands and styles hitting winners in this market. n HEAD / MOTION PRO PICKLEBALL e first shoe from HEAD created specifically for pickleball, the Motion Pro has the extra durability picklers need — players frequently move from side to side and oen spend hours on court each day. Along with extra tread around the outsole for grip, the shoe also has a hard-wearing rubber toecap. e shoe also boasts a breathable mesh, midfoot cooling system. e midsole features lightweight, highly responsive DynaFoam, and the TPU midfoot shank, reinforced upper and Lateral Control+ tech combine to deliver excellent stability. MSRP $129. K-SWISS / EXPRESS LIGHT is lightweight and breathable shoe is built for both new and frequent players and offers superior stability with a 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis and interlocking fibers in the heel grip lining to prevent slippage. e Aosta rubber compound out- sole provides heel-to-toe durability, while the DragGuard adds abrasion resistance. Plus, the Durawrap on the upper offers extra defense against excessive toe-dragging. e design features a K-Swiss Pickleball logo and customized Pickleball sock liner. MSRP $110. sportstylemag.com • sportstyle July/August 2024 • 37

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