Difference Between Tennis & Pickleball Shoes
While there are a lot of similarities between tennis and pickleball shoes, generally speaking, pickleball shoes are lighter and specifically made for use on hard courts.
The main reason for these differences is that pickleball is played on a small court with quicker bursts. The shoe design reflects these tighter movements.
For example, pickleball shoes have more flexible mesh uppers and slightly less cushioning for a more light-weight and breathable fit so you can dash after every dink.
Another difference is in the construction of the shoe soles. Pickleball shoes are engineered for hard courts while tennis shoes have different patterns for a variety of play surfaces, like clay and asphalt.