The pickleball shoe brand proving your footwear matters just as much as your paddle

The Kitchen Team

Your pickleball fanatics

Last Edited

Feb 13 2025

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Community

Pickleball is exploding in popularity, but many players still underestimate one critical piece of equipment: their shoes.

While paddles get most of the attention, the wrong footwear can limit performance, increase fatigue, and contribute to injury.

Running shoes lack lateral support. Tennis shoes, while closer in function, aren’t optimized for the unique movements of pickleball—shorter sprints, quick stops, and lateral pivots on a smaller court.

That’s where PB5star comes in. Founded by industry veteran Chris Gallagher, this new footwear brand is aiming to redefine pickleball shoes by merging high-performance technology with comfort, stability, and injury prevention.

Chris Gallagher knows footwear. With over 30 years of experience in the industry—including as the co-founder of Vionic Shoes, a brand built around medical-grade orthotic support—Gallagher has long understood the relationship between foot health and performance.

But it wasn’t until he retired to Palm Beach, Florida, that he saw the growing problem on pickleball courts: players wearing the wrong shoes.

“I noticed people in running shoes, casual sneakers, even flip-flops,” Gallagher says. “That’s a recipe for injury. Pickleball has unique movement demands, and I knew we could create something specifically for the sport.”

With his expertise and an experienced team, Gallagher launched PB5star with a clear goal: to deliver top-tier, sport-specific pickleball shoes that blend performance, durability, and style.

PB5star shoes, a breakdown of what makes them effective

What makes PB5star shoes different?

PB5star shoes aren’t just repurposed tennis shoes with a different label. They’re built from the ground up to meet the biomechanical demands of pickleball.

1. “Seat for your feet” structure & weight distribution

Think of PB5star shoes like a high-performance racing seat for your feet. Gallagher and his team designed them with a focus on weight distribution, lateral stability, and responsiveness.

The PB5 Court2 technology features a midfoot wishbone shank that enhances support while allowing flexibility.
Five durable, multi-directional rubber pods with outriggers assist with lateral movement and quick pivots.
A cushioned midsole absorbs impact while maintaining stability.

According to podiatrist Dr. Najwa Javed, this structure is essential for preventing common pickleball injuries.

“Pickleball involves sudden stops and quick direction changes, which put strain on the ankle, knee, and Achilles. If a shoe doesn’t provide proper medial and lateral support, injuries like Achilles tendinitis and calf strains become much more likely.”

2. Pickleball-specific traction & outsole design

The outsole of a pickleball shoe plays a critical role in grip, durability, and movement efficiency. Many brands use thermal plastic rubber (TPR), which is cheaper but can be too stiff and unforgiving. PB5star takes a different approach.

“We designed a proprietary rubber density that maintains flexibility without compromising durability,” Gallagher explains. “It’s like choosing high-performance tires for a sports car. A softer rubber might wear out slightly faster, but it delivers far better traction and responsiveness.”

3. Comfort without compromise

One of PB5star’s biggest innovations is merging the comfort of a walking shoe with the stability of a court shoe.

The heel includes a slight bounce effect to reduce impact without affecting court feel.
The toe box has controlled flexion, which allows natural movement without sacrificing support.
The materials are lightweight, breathable, and designed for long hours on the court.

Why you shouldn’t just wear tennis shoes for pickleball

Many players assume tennis shoes are good enough for pickleball. While they share some similarities, there are key differences:

Shorter Court = Different Movement Demands
- Tennis shoes are built for longer strides and baseline play. Pickleball requires quicker, shorter movements.
Different Lateral Support Needs
- Pickleball involves more frequent lateral adjustments and abrupt stops. PB5star shoes provide reinforced side support to prevent ankle rolls.
Impact on Foot & Lower Body Health
- Without proper midfoot support and controlled flexion, players are at higher risk for knee and Achilles injuries.

Dr. Javed reinforces this point: “A running shoe is built for forward motion. A tennis shoe is optimized for a different court size and style of play. Pickleball shoes need to support the unique start-and-stop nature of the game.”

PB5star's pickleball shoes grip the court

Recovery & injury prevention

Beyond performance, PB5star also considers how shoes affect recovery. Many players, especially beginners, don’t realize that improper footwear can extend recovery times after play.

“The most common injuries in pickleball—ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, and calf muscle tears—are often worsened by wearing shoes without proper support,” says Dr. Javed.

“Good shock absorption and stability are key to preventing these injuries and aiding recovery.”

PB5star addresses this with:

Shock-absorbing midsoles to reduce strain on joints.
A structured heel counter to minimize stress on the Achilles.
A balanced sole design that promotes smooth transitions between movements.

Beyond Shoes: PB5star’s vision for the sport

PB5star isn’t stopping at footwear. The brand is developing a full apparel line designed specifically for pickleball players, blending performance and style.

Additionally, the company is deeply invested in the growth of the sport. From grassroots events to partnerships with major leagues like the APP Collegiate League and PPA World Championships, the company is actively supporting the pickleball community.

“We’re not just a brand; we’re part of the sport’s evolution,” Gallagher says. “We want to bring innovation, style, and support to players at every level.”

Philanthropy & Giving Back

Beyond performance gear, PB5star has made community support a priority. The brand has partnered with organizations like Place of Hope (supporting children and families), PNOC (focused on pediatric brain cancer research), and FARE (Food Allergy Research).

“We want to stand for more than just great shoes,” Gallagher says. “We want it to be a brand that brings people together.”

See PB5star's entire catalog here.

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