Switching Shoes Mid-Match in Pickleball: Smart Move or Risky Reset?

The Match-Changing Move: What Happens When You Switch Shoes Mid-Game in Pickleball?

During a county-level pickleball match in Manchester, a player slipped twice in the first game. She looked at the soles of her indoor court trainers, sighed, and headed to her kit bag. A few moments later, she returned in a different pair. They were wider, newer, and offered better grip. From the outside, it seemed like a minor adjustment. On court, it shifted everything.

In most racket sports, changing footwear during a match is unusual. In pickleball, where play surfaces vary and movement relies on subtle precision, it can be a calculated risk or a necessary correction. Whether it improves performance, unsettles rhythm, or introduces new hazards depends on the situation and, increasingly, on the court surface beneath your feet.

Why Do Players Change Shoes Mid-Match?
At leisure centres, community halls, and outdoor courts across England, players experience a wide range of court conditions. Unlike sports played on standardised turf or hardwood, pickleball in the UK often takes place on multipurpose surfaces such as badminton courts, school gyms, converted tennis courts, or netball asphalt. Players may find that their chosen footwear does not always respond well.

“I’ve changed shoes mid-match a few times,” says Matt Clifford, who plays regularly in club leagues across the South West. “Sometimes the floor is too slick, or my old trainers start sliding. I keep a backup pair with better grip just in case.”

Other common reasons include:

Discomfort from blisters, swelling, or arch fatigue, which can lead players to switch to something roomier or more supportive

Grip issues due to a worn sole or an unfamiliar surface

Moisture or condensation affecting traction, particularly on outdoor courts

A psychological reset that offers a change of sensation and mindset

The decision is rarely made lightly. For players competing at any level, including friendly club matches, timing, comfort, and performance all intersect when footwear is involved.

What Changes Physically When You Switch Shoes?
Footwear influences biomechanics. Changing trainers mid-match alters the way your foot contacts the ground, how your joints absorb force, and how your body reacts to lateral movement. This change can be positive if the new shoe matches the demands of the court, but it may also introduce unexpected variables.

“You’re shifting the entire interface between your body and the floor,” explains Claire Redfern, a physiotherapist based in Leeds who works with recreational athletes. “If the shoe has a different sole profile or support level, your ankle, knee, and hip alignment can all be affected instantly.”

This shift may improve grip or reduce fatigue. However, it may also lead to overcompensation, especially in players prone to favouring one leg after injury. There can also be delayed reaction time as your body adjusts to the new sole, and a risk of blisters or strain if the new pair is not fully broken in.

Redfern advises players to test both pairs during warm-up if they anticipate switching. “Your nervous system needs rehearsal. It’s not just about the material. It’s about how your body uses it.”

The Mental Impact
Aside from the physical effects, switching shoes can alter the psychological rhythm of a match. Some players see it as a tactical reset, breaking the opponent’s momentum or regaining control after a shaky start. For others, it can feel disruptive and affect focus.

“There’s definitely a mental shift,” says Kate Holloway, a county-level competitor in the East Midlands. “Sometimes, I feel stronger after changing shoes, like I’ve taken action. But other times, I’ve rushed the decision and ended up more distracted.”

Athletes often associate a particular pair of trainers with confidence or past success. Swapping footwear mid-match can either reinforce that belief or challenge it.

In doubles, there is also the dynamic with your partner. A shoe change might prompt concern, adjustments to playing style, or even a loss of momentum while waiting. In timed formats or tournament settings, a pause to change gear can interrupt the flow of the game for everyone involved.

Coach and Organiser Perspectives
In England’s growing pickleball community, coaches and organisers are starting to consider footwear more seriously. It is no longer just a matter of comfort. It is increasingly viewed as a factor in performance and safety.

At the London Pickleball Academy, instructors encourage players to bring two pairs of trainers to all indoor sessions. “We run drills on different surfaces,” says coach Thomas Avery. “Sometimes the grip is better with gum rubber soles. Other times, you want more cushioning or lateral stability. The key is being prepared.”

Tournament organisers share similar concerns. At the North West Open held in Preston, backup footwear is permitted but subject to restrictions. Players may only leave the court during changeovers or with the umpire’s permission.

“We don’t want a player running to change shoes every few points,” says event director Suzanne Fielding. “But if someone is sliding dangerously or clearly uncomfortable, we allow a switch. The goal is to keep players safe and matches flowing.”

When It Works and When It Backfires
Changing shoes mid-match can absolutely be the right decision, but only if the replacement pair is properly prepared. That means they are already broken in, matched to the surface, and have been used during warm-up or in previous sessions. They should feel comfortable from the first step.

Players who neglect these guidelines often pay the price. At a club match in Brighton, one player changed into a brand new pair straight from the box. Within two points, his footwork slowed. By the end of the game, he had developed an ankle ache that sidelined him for the rest of the evening.

On the other hand, some players credit a well-timed shoe change with turning the match around. “I went from sliding to slicing,” jokes Clifford, reflecting on a match in Bournemouth. “The second pair gave me the traction I needed to stay aggressive at the net.”

What Players in England Should Know
For most recreational and competitive pickleball players in England, the key is preparation. Given the variety of court types, from polished leisure centre floors to gritty outdoor surfaces, having a reliable backup pair is sensible. But it is not just about having them. It is about knowing when and how to use them.

Switching shoes mid-match can offer a performance lift, a confidence boost, or relief from discomfort. It can also introduce risk, break your rhythm, or leave you more vulnerable if the new pair is untested.

Pickleball continues to expand across England, and attention to detail matters more than ever. Knowing your footwear, preparing your options, and trusting your feet may just make the difference between slipping behind and stepping ahead.