What to Wear for Pickleball if You’re Over 40!

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Pickleball may be more forgiving than tennis, but that doesn’t mean anything goes when it comes to what you wear.

Especially for players over 40, comfort, safety, and confidence on court are non-negotiable.

The wrong gear can lead to sore joints, limited mobility, or even injuries — and let’s face it, nobody wants to feel awkward, overheated, or underprepared during a game.

Whether you’re returning to sport or picking up a paddle for the first time, here’s what to leave in the wardrobe — and why.

Tips on What Not to Wear for Pickleball.

Pickleball may be more forgiving than tennis, but that doesn’t mean anything goes when it comes to what you wear.

Especially for players over 40, comfort, safety, and confidence on court are non-negotiable.

The wrong gear can lead to sore joints, limited mobility, or even injuries — and let’s face it, nobody wants to feel awkward, overheated, or underprepared during a game.

Whether you’re returning to sport or picking up a paddle for the first time, here’s what to leave in the wardrobe — and why.

What Not to Wear for Pickleball:
Women over 40

Item	Why to Avoid
Cotton T-shirts	Retain sweat, feel heavy, and chafe — opt for moisture-wicking fabrics.
Loose-fitting yoga pants	Can snag or ride up during play, limiting agility. Go for compression or athletic leggings.
Flip-flops or walking shoes	No grip or ankle support. You need proper court shoes for lateral movement.
Oversized sun hats	Great for gardening, not for quick turns and volleys — choose a visor or snug-fitting cap.
Unstructured sports bras	Lack of support can cause discomfort and distraction — pick performance options designed for movement.

What Not to Wear for Pickleball:
Men over 40

Item	Why to Avoid
Old running shoes or cross-trainers	Lack the lateral stability needed for quick pivots — invest in court-specific shoes.
Heavy cotton polos	Trap heat and restrict movement — look for breathable, stretch performance polos.
Baggy basketball shorts	Can bunch up or catch during play — choose moisture-wicking athletic shorts with a good fit.
Thick crew socks	Cause overheating and bunching — switch to low-profile, breathable court socks.
Baseball caps with metal fasteners	Can cause discomfort or fall off mid-game — pick a lightweight cap with secure fit.

Hopefully, that’s given you some tips on what NOT to wear for Pickleball

Now let’s take a look at our recommendations for what to wear next time you hit the Pickleball court!

What to Wear for Pickleball

Shoes to Wear for Pickleball

This could be your most important investment to get ready for Pickleball ?

Court-specific shoes.

While pickleball isn’t as explosive as tennis, it demands constant side-to-side movement on hard surfaces.

Proper shoes can help prevent plantar fasciitis, knee strain, and slips.

What to look for:

Non-slip outsoles (look for indoor vs outdoor versions)
Lateral support
Cushioned midsoles for joint relief

Most of the major brands now produce pickleball specific footwear here are some great options whatever your player rating.

Top Pickleball Court Shoe Picks for Players 40+:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

Diadem Court Burst:
Diadem might be better known for their Paddles and Tennis rackets, but the recent move to footwear has brought that same quality and innovation they have built their brand on since 2015.These Court Burst Pickleball shoes are extremely comfortable, grippy, fast and supportive.The Court Burst comes in several colourway options – our favourites are probably the white and teal.Price Guide: $135 (highly recommend this virtual “try-on” tool in the Diadem store)
Dink Club Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (5/5)

Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 ShoeSkechers, known for their comfort and style, are making big moves into the sportswear market, and a Pickleball range is one of their new lines.So good are the Skechers Viper Court Pros that they are the official shoe of the PPA TourThe Viper Court Pro 2.0 was launched in January 2025.It is a lightweight court shoe with responsive cushioning and great ankle support.We all know Skechers is a brand built around footcare and support and these Viper Courts have a built-in “Arch Fit” insole system developed with professional podiatrists to give optimal stability during sprints and rapid direction change.This all makes the Viper Court Pro 2.0 an excellent footwear choice for players over 40 looking for comfort, protection against injury and value.Price Guide: $125
Dink Club Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (4.5/5)

ALSO CONSIDER:

K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball:

Built specifically for Pickleball and highly rated by players for fit and support.

They are another great pair of Pickleball court shoes whatever you’re experience.

We find the K-Swiss shoes comfortable, durable, with high-traction soles and built-in Plantar arch support.

They are also extremely lightweight making them perfect for warmer climates.

Our favourite colourway is probably Rasberry Sorbet in the K-Swiss Pickleball women’s range.

Price Guide: $105
Dink Club Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (4.5/5)

Babolat Jet Mach 3:

Babolat’s Pickleball Court Shoes are one of the most popular shoes with pro players like Ben Johns.

Designed to be lightweight, durable and comfortable. Featuring a premium Michelin sole with a thick tread that will outlast many competitor shoes. Babolat use additional foam around the heel to provide extra cushioning and shock absorbtion and our tester found the rounded “rocker” heel made it easier to change direction

At just $72 they represent great value for high-quality footwear.

Price Guide: $72
Dink Club Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (4/5)

ASICS Gel-Resolution X Court Shoe:
Built to last these ASCIS Gel Resolutions have all the comfort, style and traction grip you’d expect from a premium Pickleball shoe brand.

But they also feature unique DYNALACING closure which keeps your foot stable and secure as you sprint in and out of the kitchen or across the court.

We quite like the Saxon Green and Birch colourway for men or the Coastal Blue for Women.

Not the cheapest pair of court shoes to wear for Pickleball but they are a high performance option.

Price Guide: $162
Dink Club Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (4/5)

Best Clothing Options For Pickleball

Gone are the days of cotton T-shirts and baggy shorts.

For peak performance and comfort, choose moisture-wicking, breathable, and UV-protective fabrics.

Look for clothing with these features instead when thinking about what to wear for Pickleball:

Lightweight polyester or Dri-FIT materials
Stretch waistbands and ergonomic cuts
Built-in UV protection for outdoor play

PB5star Founder Gives Apparel Tips for Pickleball Players

Pickleball Style Suggestions for Women Over 40:

You want to feel confident, stylish and athletic – but still be able to move freely.

Many brands now offer flattering and functional options designed with mature athletes in mind.

Style Tips:

Tennis-inspired skorts or athletic skirts with pockets
Athletic joggers or leggings
Sleeveless performance tops
Lightweight cap-sleeve tees with ventilation panels
Racerback tanks + full-length compression leggings
Performance material sleeveless athletic dresses
Add a pop of color with bright visors or patterned tops
Layer top clothing from well-fitted high-impact sports bras through to lightweight long-sleeved tops or mid-layers