Arguably the most common pickleball injuries experienced in the knee or ankle area could have been prevented by wearing proper shoes. Many people new to the game will step onto the court without even thinking about what type of shoes they are wearing. They will grab whatever pair of athletic shoes they have handy, and begin playing. A case can be made that the single most important piece of equipment you buy when first starting out, is NOT a paddle - but is in fact YOUR SHOES!
Court shoes that allow you to move and shuffle around the court without too much trouble are ideal. You must be able to move forward and backpedal without your shoe catching on the floor.
We have been told and learned first hand (the hard way) that running shoes are the WORST type of shoe for pickleball. They have a tendency to grab and stick to the court at the worst time. This can lead to torn or pulled muscles from the foot, ankle, calf, knee, leg, back, or neck.
Court shoes allow for the proper amount of give. The soles are more flat and smooth. They do not have deep treads like running shoes. The treads on court shoes are much smaller and closer together which allow them to slide. The correct shoes are a must. A good pair of court shoes will help prevent serious injury. This is by far the easiest way to avoid the most common of pickleball injuries.