Sneakers - which ones are good for playing table tennis and pickle ball?

palides2021

palides2021

Well-known Member
Location
MidAtlantic, USA
Yesterday, I fell while playing table tennis at the senior center. I was trying to hit the small ball that had gone over to the side, and I slipped and fell, scraping my elbow. No other damage than that, but maybe a bruise to my ego.

The program director at the center suggested I buy new sneakers. I've been using Propet Womens' TravelActive Fashion Sneakers from Amazon since pre-Covid, so I think I will take her up on her offer. Can anyone suggest any good sneakers? Maybe these that I use were not meant for active sports. They have material that expands (that's what attracted me to them because they were not tight).
 

palides2021 said:
Yesterday, I fell while playing table tennis at the senior center. I was trying to hit the small ball that had gone over to the side, and I slipped and fell, scraping my elbow. No other damage than that, but maybe a bruise to my ego.

The program director at the center suggested I buy new sneakers. I've been using Propet Womens' TravelActive Fashion Sneakers from Amazon since pre-Covid, so I think I will take her up on her offer. Can anyone suggest any good sneakers? Maybe these that I use were not meant for active sports. They have material that expands (that's what attracted me to them because they were not tight).
Click to expand...
Look here... https://www.sintensports.com.sg/how-to-choose-good-table-tennis-shoes/
 
No I never have... I don't play table tennis. My eldest brother played at championship level in the 60's.. but I don't think he wore any special shoes back in the day.. they probably weren't made..
 
Speaking from the pickleball perspective, what you want are shoes that sturdier and provide proper stiffness for stability and support in side to side movement. PIckleball speciific shoes are designed for this and have a tread designed for pickelball kinds of movements. This is distinctly different from walking or running shoes.

When I first started playing I was wearing the running shoes that I already had. When I switched some some pickleball specific shoes there was a noticeable difference and improvement in my lateral movements. (Now if my knees would just cooperate better!)

I settled on the Wilson Rush Pro Ace, here's the women's version. They have the Rush Pro and the Rush Pro Ace. The Ace variant has a slightly wider toe box - which I need. Scroll down on that page and you can read the technical info about the design.
 
Dr. Jekyll said:
Speaking from the pickleball perspective, what you want are shoes that sturdier and provide proper stiffness for stability and support in side to side movement. PIckleball speciific shoes are designed for this and have a tread designed for pickelball kinds of movements. This is distinctly different from walking or running shoes.

When I first started playing I was wearing the running shoes that I already had. When I switched some some pickleball specific shoes there was a noticeable difference and improvement in my lateral movements. (Now if my knees would just cooperate better!)

I settled on the Wilson Rush Pro Ace, here's the women's version. They have the Rush Pro and the Rush Pro Ace. The Ace variant has a slightly wider toe box - which I need. Scroll down on that page and you can read the technical info about the design.
Click to expand...
Are these synthetic tops, and how is the breathability? Do your feet sweat in them?
 
Jamala said:
I don't play table tennis or pickleball (don't know what that is)
but play a lot of tennis.
For years I have worn Asics and they are just great.
A bit pricey but worth it.
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Thanks, Jamala! I've heard of Asics, but the ones I saw on Amazon showed reviews stating they were small and narrow toed. I need a wider shoe. Will continue to look, though.
 
For table tennis I used to wear tennis shoes that were a little wide and mostly flat on the bottom for less rubber catching the floor and twisting my ankle. Had to also teach my feet to not attempt those out of reach shots. Play close to the table.
 
Lawrence00 said:
For table tennis I used to wear tennis shoes that were a little wide and mostly flat on the bottom for less rubber catching the floor and twisting my ankle. Had to also teach my feet to not attempt those out of reach shots. Play close to the table.
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I read that tennis shoes are too heavy for table tennis. I agree with you, @Lawrence00 about playing close to the table! I also have to avoid reaching too far out!
 
You received a lot of good advice already. I agree that a good support, comfort as well as a good stability shoe is needed for your moves. Generally a leather shoe will offer you that more than any other material used but they will also feel heavier on your foot. A wide shoe will give you more comfort in the toe area. I believe the sole is important as well for a particular sport. Ask your coach for advice for that. You want a shoe that moves with you but does not slide or stop you instantly in your foot movement.
I encountered a lot of foot problems with sports through my life. I used several brands through the years with great success.
You might like to look at Orthofeet, The Walking Company, Brooks, the Foot Store and Gravity Defyer. Some of those shoes are available on Amazon but they do not carry all models, so it is preferable to order straight from their website. In Florida, we have quite a few speciality foot stores so you might like to look if they are also available by you. It might be easier to make a choice.
Good luck with your shopping experience and enjoy your sport!
 
Rossana said:
You received a lot of good advice already. I agree that a good support, comfort as well as a good stability shoe is needed for your moves. Generally a leather shoe will offer you that more than any other material used but they will also feel heavier on your foot. A wide shoe will give you more comfort in the toe area. I believe the sole is important as well for a particular sport. Ask your coach for advice for that. You want a shoe that moves with you but does not slide or stop you instantly in your foot movement.
I encountered a lot of foot problems with sports through my life. I used several brands through the years with great success.
You might like to look at Orthofeet, The Walking Company, Brooks, the Foot Store and Gravity Defyer. Some of those shoes are available on Amazon but they do not carry all models, so it is preferable to order straight from their website. In Florida, we have quite a few speciality foot stores so you might like to look if they are also available by you. It might be easier to make a choice.
Good luck with your shopping experience and enjoy your sport!
Click to expand...
Thank you for your advice on the sports shoes! I also thought about leather, because it does mold with the foot. I might go to a foot store and try some shoes on!
 
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