Pickleball has taken over.
What started as a backyard pastime has become a nationwide obsession—played in parks, gyms, rec centers, retirement communities, and pro arenas. Fast-paced, social, and easy to pick up, it’s now the fastest-growing sport in America.
But with rapid growth comes a hidden downside: injuries.
And we’re not just talking minor bumps and bruises. We're talking hundreds of millions of dollars in healthcare costs, rising ER visits, and a growing number of players—especially older adults—finding themselves sidelined with sprains, strains, and stress fractures.
The Real Cost of Pickleball Injuries
In 2023, pickleball-related injuries cost Americans between $250 million and $500 million in healthcare costs, according to analysts from UBS. The surge in ER visits and insurance claims is being driven largely by sprains, strains, and fractures, especially in the ankles, knees, and feet.
If you're playing regularly—even casually—it's worth asking: are you doing enough to protect your body?
Breakdown of Estimated Medical Costs:
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Emergency Room Visits: Approximately 67,000 visits.
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Outpatient Appointments: Around 366,000 consultations.
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Outpatient Surgeries: An estimated 8,800 procedures.
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Hospitalizations: Roughly 4,700 admissions.
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Post-Acute Episodes: About 20,000 cases requiring extended care.
Common Injuries and Affected Demographics:
The majority of pickleball-related injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures, particularly impacting the wrists, ankles, knees, and feet. These injuries often stem from the sport’s quick pivots, lateral movement, and repeated impact on hard courts.
Notably, individuals over the age of 60 are the most affected group, accounting for more than 85% of reported injuries. For older players, even a minor misstep can lead to a significant setback.
But it’s not just seniors getting sidelined.
As younger and more competitive players enter the sport—bringing more speed and intensity to every point—we’re seeing a rise in overuse injuries, Achilles strains, and stress-related joint issues. The reality is, whether you’re 18 or 80, playing pickleball without the right gear, warm-up, or support system can put you at risk.
Most Common Pickleball Injuries
If you missed it, we did a full write-up on the most common injuries in pickleball and how to avoid them. From rolled ankles to plantar fasciitis, some issues are more preventable than you might think.
Read: The Most Common Pickleball Injuries (and How to Avoid Them)
Here’s the short version:
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Ankle sprains from sudden lateral movements
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Achilles tendon strains from explosive starts and stops
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Plantar fasciitis from repetitive impact on hard courts
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Knee stress from pivoting and lunging
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Toe jamming/bruising from abrupt deceleration in singles play
Warmups, mobility work, and proper technique all matter. But one of the most overlooked pieces of injury prevention? Your shoes.
What You Wear on Your Feet Matters—A Lot
Pickleball isn’t tennis—and it’s definitely not a jog in the park. It’s fast, it’s explosive, and it’s full of quick cuts, sharp pivots, and sudden stops on hard courts. That means your old running shoes? Probably not cutting it. And if you’re still rocking generic sneakers, especially in singles matches, you’re basically asking for a rolled ankle (or worse).
That’s why we built the SQAIRZ XRZ™ specifically for the sport.
How the SQAIRZ XRZ™ Helps You Play Safer
Here’s what makes the XRZ™ stand out when it comes to injury prevention and performance:
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Roomier Toe Box
Gives your toes room to splay naturally for better balance and less jamming during abrupt stops—especially helpful in singles. -
Smart Traction™ Outsole
Designed for indoor and outdoor pickleball courts with precise grip patterns that allow you to pivot without slipping. -
Lateral Stability Rails
Help reduce ankle roll risk and keep your feet aligned during quick side-to-side movements. -
Reinforced Medial Toe Cap
Protects against toe drag and abrasion—critical for aggressive movers and long rallies. -
NRG-Foam™ Midsole
Delivers responsive energy return and long-lasting comfort, even during tournament days or back-to-back games. -
Durability That Lasts
Players like Ava Ignatowich have put them to the test. She’s still on her first pair after months of singles play—no blowouts, no breakdowns, no plantar fasciitis flare-ups.
In a recent balance study, SQAIRZ shoes reduced ankle wobble by over 30% compared to Nike trainers—showing real potential to improve stability and help prevent injuries. That kind of control can make all the difference when you're chasing down a ball or planting hard for a shot.
Injury Prevention Starts Before the First Serve
Pickleball’s supposed to be your escape, not a one-way trip to urgent care.
But with injuries stacking up and players getting sidelined left and right, it’s time to stop winging it and start thinking smart. Not with overpriced gimmicks or trendy gear. With your shoes.
The SQAIRZ XRZ™ is made for the movement this sport demands. Built with the support of our Medical Advisory Board. Designed to stabilize, protect, and perform. From the reinforced toe cap to the Smart Traction™ outsole, it’s got everything your feet need to stay planted and pain-free. And yeah, it’s backed by a six-month sole warranty too.
You could wait until you become swamped with outrageous co-pays due to an injury. Or you could spend $160 now and play harder, longer, and safer.
So here’s the real question:
Would you rather gamble with your body, or gear up with something built to keep you on the court?
Get the support you need with the only pickleball shoe designed for performance and protection.