Pickleball has exploded in popularity, and with it, a wave of so-called “pickleball shoes” has hit the market. But here’s the problem—most of these shoes are just repackaged tennis or generic “court shoes.” They aren’t designed for the unique demands of pickleball, and that means players are missing out on the performance, stability, and support they actually need.
At SQAIRZ, we took a different approach. Instead of slapping a “pickleball” label on an existing shoe, we built one from the ground up—specifically for the way pickleball is played.
The Problem: Why Are Players Wearing Tennis Shoes?
For years, pickleball players have had no real choice when it came to footwear. Before brands started rebranding tennis shoes as “pickleball shoes,” players had to wear either tennis shoes, running shoes, or other athletic footwear that wasn’t actually designed for the sport.
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Tennis shoes were the closest match, offering some lateral support and durability. But since they were designed for a different sport, they lacked the specific traction, weight balance, and movement support pickleball demands.
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Running shoes were a popular alternative because they were lightweight and cushioned. But they’re designed for straight-line motion, not lateral movements, making them a recipe for rolled ankles and instability.
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Generic “court shoes” marketed for multiple sports—basketball, volleyball, or racquetball—provided durability but didn’t account for the fast-paced movement patterns of pickleball.
As pickleball grew, big brands saw an opportunity to cash in. Instead of designing a real pickleball shoe, they took the easy route: rebranding their existing tennis models with new colors and a fresh marketing campaign.
The problem? These shoes weren’t actually built for pickleball. Players were still wearing footwear that wasn’t made for their sport—they just didn’t know it yet.
The fact is, the movements in pickleball are unique. The stop-and-go bursts, constant pivots, and quick lateral shifts put completely different pressures on the feet than tennis or any other sport. Wearing the wrong shoes doesn’t just affect comfort—it affects performance, balance, and even injury risk.
That’s why we created the XRZ™, the most advanced pickleball shoe ever built.
Why Pickleball Shoes Need to Be Different
Pickleball requires rapid lateral movements, explosive starts, quick stops, and constant balance shifts—all within a small court. Unlike tennis, which involves more baseline rallies and long strides, pickleball puts constant pressure on the feet, demanding more stability and grip.
Here’s what most tennis shoes don’t account for:
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Lateral Stability – Pickleball players spend more time in lateral motion than forward-backward movement. A shoe without reinforced sidewalls can lead to rolled ankles or foot fatigue.
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Grip vs. Slide – Tennis shoes are designed to allow sliding on hard courts, but in pickleball, that can lead to loss of control. True pickleball shoes typically have a multi-directional grip tread outsole—like the XRZ™—that supports quick cuts and stops, giving players maximum control.
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Weight & Agility – Many tennis shoes are bulkier, built for endurance over long rallies. Pickleball players need a shoe that is lightweight and responsive, designed for quick bursts of speed and fast transitions.
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Toe Drag Protection – Pickleball requires a lot of low, crouched play at the net, where toe drag is common. Many “pickleball” shoes fail to reinforce this high-wear area leading to quick wear and blowouts.
These missing elements actually make a big difference in both performance and injury prevention. That’s why we designed the XRZ™ to actually support the way the game is played.
The XRZ™: The First Pickleball Shoe Engineered for Performance
SQAIRZ partnered with top pickleball professionals to develop the most comprehensive pickleball shoe on the market. Every design element of the XRZ™ was carefully crafted to enhance movement, stability, and comfort—without compromise.
1. Smart Traction Outsole
Unlike tennis shoes, which often feature outsoles that promote sliding, the XRZ™ features our multi-directional herringbone Smart Traction system, which grips the court exactly when and where you need it. The unique pattern allows for explosive lateral movements and controlled stops, helping you move with confidence.
Why it matters: A proper pickleball shoe should enhance your ability to cut, pivot, and recover—without sacrificing control.
2. Reinforced Lateral Support
Most tennis shoes lack the sidewall stability needed for pickleball’s fast lateral shifts. The XRZ™ features reinforced sidewalls and a structured heel cup to prevent ankle rolls and provide extra support during quick changes in direction.
Why it matters: Weak side support leads to instability, making it harder to control movements and increasing the risk of injury.
3. Wider Toe Box for Balance & Comfort
A narrow toe box can cramp the foot, leading to discomfort and instability. The XRZ™ features SQAIRZ’s signature wider toe box, allowing for better balance and weight distribution while reducing foot fatigue over long matches.
Why it matters: Balance is everything in pickleball. A cramped toe box limits your ability to stay centered and in control during fast-paced play.
4. Reinforced Toe Cap for Durability
Many pickleball players drag their toes when dinking at the net or executing quick lateral slides. The XRZ™ features a reinforced toe cap to protect against excessive wear and tear—something most court shoes don’t address.
Why it matters: More durability means your shoes last longer, even during aggressive play.
5. Lightweight, Responsive NRG-Foam™ Midsole
Pickleball requires constant movement and rapid reaction times. Heavy, cushioned tennis shoes can slow you down, while a stiff sole can make it harder to stay agile. The XRZ™ features our NRG-Foam™ midsole, providing the perfect balance of cushioning and energy return, keeping players light on their feet without sacrificing support.
Why it matters: A proper pickleball shoe should absorb impact without feeling sluggish, allowing players to stay quick and reactive.
Why Professionals Like Zane Navratil Trust the XRZ™
When we designed the XRZ™, we didn’t guess—we worked with top professionals like Zane Navratil to ensure it met the demands of the sport.
“I’ve been playing for 11 years, so I have a good sense of what is important in a shoe for optimal pickleball performance. I wear the XRZ™ because it's built specifically for pickleball.” – Zane Navratil
Zane knows what works on the court. His insight helped refine our design to ensure it delivers the right combination of traction, stability, and responsiveness.
The Bottom Line
Most so-called pickleball shoes are just repackaged tennis shoes that don’t provide the right support, grip, or durability for the sport. SQAIRZ is changing that with XRZ™—the first truly purpose-built pickleball shoe.
If you want to play your best, you need a shoe designed for the way pickleball is actually played.
Outlast and outplay with XRZ™.
Discover the XRZ™ Pickleball Shoe Today