Training vs Running Shoes – What’s The Difference?

Training vs running shoes, what are the key differences? In this article, we’ll tell you about exact construction differences between each of these shoes that make them exceptional at their respective activities. 

Moreover, we’re going to talk about why those construction attributes play into different performances. And why would you wear a running shoe? why would you wear a training shoe? and what are they actually designed to do?

What Are Running Shoes?

What Are Trainers/Court Shoes?

You shouldn’t be wearing running shoes when you’re playing pickleball. Get yourself a good pair of pickleball shoes or multi purpose court shoes first and foremost think about your Safety. 

These shoes are safer to use on the court and much less likely to catch on an edge and sprain your ankle. Secondarily it might even help your overall game. So, if your lateral movement is better your game might be better.

Difference Between Running Shoes And Court Shoes – (Outsoles)

Let’s talk about basic difference between training vs running shoes. The treads that you have on a running shoe versus the treads on court shoes for pickleball. The running shoe treads are cut much more deeply into the sole and typically,

They’re cut with ridges across your shoe. Such that it’s going to Grip pulling you forward. 

Now the problem with This is when you’re playing pickleball with shoes like this. The grip is always going to want to pull you forward and you don’t get a lot of sideways Grip as well as the sole tends to be fairly sharp on the sides.

So, if you’re trying to move side to side there is a risk that you can catch the edge of a running shoe and it can cause you to trip and fall.

The treads on a court shoe are much smoother and they’re not cut as deep. They are typically cut in a diamond-shaped Pattern or herringbone or squiggly-shaped pattern. That’s traditionally what you’ll see in a court shoe.

The other difference is the edges are Rolled. They’re not sharp, they are made for moving side to side where you’re pushing off and when you drag that foot.

You don’t want to catch the edge and they’re rolled to help you to keep from doing that as you’re moving from side to side.

Running Vs Pickleball

When you think about running versus pickleball, there’s also a difference in the posture you maintain in running versus playing pickleball. Longer distance runners most of the time are very much upright trying to keep their bodies centered and balanced as they’re running. 

But when you’re playing pickleball, your position is ready. You’re always down with your paddle ready because you need to move from one side to the other side. 

So, again when you think about running it’s the heel-toe action and when you think about playing pickleball, it’s on the balls of your feet moving from side to side more.

Conclusion

Training vs running shoes: So, running shoes are designed to run forward with the heel-to-toe motion and it requires more heel and midsole cushioning. They’re lightweight and flexible but they have less lateral support and the sole edges tend to be sharp.

Court shoes are designed to support the forward and quick side-to-side movement. There’s less cushioning but that improves court feel. They’re heavier with more lateral support and the sole edges tend to be more curved.

So, you’re less likely to catch an edge and sprain an ankle. The tennis shoes are really far superior for pickleball than running or walking shoes.

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