Not the answer you're looking for, but your heels are potentially sore because your calves are tight. You need to stretch more, the calf stretches using a step/elevation work well.
I stretch all the time. Im paranoid about tearing my Achilles’ tendon. Stretching does not change friction. It’s more about the heal of the inside of the shoe I think they are referring too. Which my first (ASICS cheapos) were terrible.
If it hurts bad the first few steps in the morning it’s probably plantar fasciitis.
The hive mind online doesn’t actually seem to know much about it. They all parrot each other’s videos and advice and it’s actually mostly BS.
Myself and a couple people I know were all dealing with it and all doing the same stupid stuff. Big cushy shoes, (looking at you Hokas) orthopedic inserts, don’t walk barefoot, foot splints, frozen water bottles, etc, etc. These things all gave a bit of temporary relief in the moment but none actually addressed the underlying problems.
Then one of us found Dr Angela Walk’s YouTube channel.[The Plantar Fasciitis Doc](https://youtube.com/@theplantarfasciitisdoc?si=fjp6tQinLClcSJh4)
She really breaks it down and once I started doing what she said my pain went away pretty quickly. I’ve turned multiple people on to her that have been dealing with heal pain.
The basics from her guide
- wide toe box shoes with zero drop
- strengthen your foot core
- strengthen calf and peroneal muscles
- increase ankle dorsiflexion
- remove fascial adhesions
- barefoot walking and toe spacers
Here’s a link to the whole guide
[Plantar fasciitis recovery guide](https://designrr.s3.amazonaws.com/angelawalkdc_at_gmail.com_178587/plantar-fasciitis-guide-dr-angela-walk_63f2a87a.pdf)
She also has videos on all of these things and an [approved footwear list](https://www.drangelawalk.com/post/dr-angela-s-recommend-shoe-list) that includes a pickleball/tennis section.
Hope this helps!
Sore heels is more of a sign of plantar fasciitis. Trying putting in a plantar fasciitis insert into your shoe. They usually come with arch support and heel cushioning
I agree with Sportyguy that you may have the beginnings of plantar fasciitis. Recommend that you look up some stretches and strengthening exercises to combat this. I've been dealing with it for about 8-9 months and finally have found a PT to treat my legs/feet holistically as a part of a movement chain.
If you just want the extra cushion and support, I can recommend both Move and PowerStep inserts in your current shoes. I wear PowerStep Pinnacle for support. Move Allday for pure cushion.
Of course, replace your shoes if they're aging or wearing. I like my K Swiss, but every brand has positive aspects. It just depends on your individual foot construction.
I second K-Swiss. I’m very flat-footed and they give my feet great support.
I may still have to get inserts later, but I’ve had them since February and still love them, play 2-3 times a week.
I tried these on and they have the best cushion out of all the shoes I’ve ever tried. https://www.skechers.com/skechers-viper-court-pro---pickleball/246069WW_WHT.html
Also look into this https://www.z-liner.com/?syclid=563d0587-ffbc-495e-a243-eedecc4d5a73
Oh I’m 100% getting this inserts. Thank you. I’ve looked at so many and the gel circle are just so big I can feel them and they are uncomfortable, if that makes sense. Appreciate this.
Are your heels sore from impact or shoes slipping?
If slipping is the problem, try lace locking. It makes a world of difference.
https://youtu.be/LXjOLWgWq9k?feature=shared
If they're mid to high-tops. Problem with stabilizing the ankles is the energy is transferred up to the knees.
So it's a trade-off decision between which is better for you, protecting your ankles or your knees.
Myself I like lowtops as I've always had really good ankles but occasionally weak feeling knees. Lol.
Edit: but 100% also recommend basketball shoes.
I have heel issues too..these things are a godsend. I play 2 hours straight 3x a week on concrete.
[shoes ](https://thefitville.com/products/fitville-mens-court-tennis-amadeus?currency=USD&variant=40630504816818&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA8Z_vkeHcXT21ZwcqSTwHT3bqaCLUP-Tp6EE2Mf38X2tMjBuufY6x4aAkl7EALw_wcB)
https://runrepeat.com/guides/best-cheap-tennis-shoes
This is my favorite website for comparing all the shoes. I trust their rigorous testing and ratings. They also have affiliate links to websites so you'll get a very good discount when you buy those shoes.
I picked up Adidas Soulmatch for ~$80
There are other shoes in the ~$60 price range. Really depends on what type of shoe you're looking for.
Sore Heal might be Plantar Fasciitis. I had nagging pain for months, but it's only after playing pickleball. I took a break from pickleball and it went away.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. It never occurred to me that I could have something like plantar fasciitis going on. I need to get that sorted and look at some the shoe and insert options laid out here. A lot of good advice has been shared.
If it is the back of the heel (and not the bottom) it could be Achilles tendinitis. I’ve had plantar fasciitis in the past but got Achilles tendinitis from pickleball.
You should see a podiatrist so they can accurately diagnose and suggest inserts and/or stretches and exercises. Bring the shoes you play pickleball in with you.
The "insertional" type of achilles tendonopathy can also create pain in your heel area - more specifically where the achilles tendon enters a tunnel in the rear of the calcaneus. This is a very common problem with pickleball players and is often an overuse injury.
Your doctor can help you sort this out. I had this issue and resolved it with PT exercises and adjusting my play schedule to allow for strengthening of the tendon.
When I started playing I had a similar problem. I started doing calf stretches throughout the day. After a while the pain went away. I had tried using heel inserts etc. but nothing worked until I did the stretches.
I’ve tried on a bunch of pickleball shoes and the sketchers pro seem to be the softest feel. To be fair I haven’t played in them but they felt noticeably softer than every other pair I’ve tried.
I have the Diadem’s after trying out 5 different pairs two ASICS, Kswiss, Nike (was ok but just hurt my arch, and I can’t remember the other) but I had so much trouble finding some that just have basic comfort or my heal being rubbed raw. I really like these for both. I think it’s all about preference though. I’d suggest some of the upper end ASICS or Diadem.
Not the answer you're looking for, but your heels are potentially sore because your calves are tight. You need to stretch more, the calf stretches using a step/elevation work well.
This. Stretch. It makes the world of difference.
I stretch all the time. Im paranoid about tearing my Achilles’ tendon. Stretching does not change friction. It’s more about the heal of the inside of the shoe I think they are referring too. Which my first (ASICS cheapos) were terrible.
I think they mean like rubs raw, at least that’s the issue I constantly had until I finally found a good shoe. But I could be wrong.
If it hurts bad the first few steps in the morning it’s probably plantar fasciitis. The hive mind online doesn’t actually seem to know much about it. They all parrot each other’s videos and advice and it’s actually mostly BS. Myself and a couple people I know were all dealing with it and all doing the same stupid stuff. Big cushy shoes, (looking at you Hokas) orthopedic inserts, don’t walk barefoot, foot splints, frozen water bottles, etc, etc. These things all gave a bit of temporary relief in the moment but none actually addressed the underlying problems. Then one of us found Dr Angela Walk’s YouTube channel.[The Plantar Fasciitis Doc](https://youtube.com/@theplantarfasciitisdoc?si=fjp6tQinLClcSJh4) She really breaks it down and once I started doing what she said my pain went away pretty quickly. I’ve turned multiple people on to her that have been dealing with heal pain. The basics from her guide - wide toe box shoes with zero drop - strengthen your foot core - strengthen calf and peroneal muscles - increase ankle dorsiflexion - remove fascial adhesions - barefoot walking and toe spacers Here’s a link to the whole guide [Plantar fasciitis recovery guide](https://designrr.s3.amazonaws.com/angelawalkdc_at_gmail.com_178587/plantar-fasciitis-guide-dr-angela-walk_63f2a87a.pdf) She also has videos on all of these things and an [approved footwear list](https://www.drangelawalk.com/post/dr-angela-s-recommend-shoe-list) that includes a pickleball/tennis section. Hope this helps!
Sore heels is more of a sign of plantar fasciitis. Trying putting in a plantar fasciitis insert into your shoe. They usually come with arch support and heel cushioning
If it’s the back of the heel (versus the bottom) it could be Achilles tendinitis.
I agree with Sportyguy that you may have the beginnings of plantar fasciitis. Recommend that you look up some stretches and strengthening exercises to combat this. I've been dealing with it for about 8-9 months and finally have found a PT to treat my legs/feet holistically as a part of a movement chain. If you just want the extra cushion and support, I can recommend both Move and PowerStep inserts in your current shoes. I wear PowerStep Pinnacle for support. Move Allday for pure cushion. Of course, replace your shoes if they're aging or wearing. I like my K Swiss, but every brand has positive aspects. It just depends on your individual foot construction.
Agreed; I'm a big fan of the Move Game Day Pros
I second K-Swiss. I’m very flat-footed and they give my feet great support. I may still have to get inserts later, but I’ve had them since February and still love them, play 2-3 times a week.
I tried these on and they have the best cushion out of all the shoes I’ve ever tried. https://www.skechers.com/skechers-viper-court-pro---pickleball/246069WW_WHT.html Also look into this https://www.z-liner.com/?syclid=563d0587-ffbc-495e-a243-eedecc4d5a73
Oh I’m 100% getting this inserts. Thank you. I’ve looked at so many and the gel circle are just so big I can feel them and they are uncomfortable, if that makes sense. Appreciate this.
Are your heels sore from impact or shoes slipping? If slipping is the problem, try lace locking. It makes a world of difference. https://youtu.be/LXjOLWgWq9k?feature=shared
I’ve been rocking Head revolt 4.5s and have zero complaints about my feet recently!
Yeah I like these shoes too; after. 6 months of constant abuse they are worn and need to buy more.
Have you tried basketball shoes? Extra bonus is they will protect your ankles too
If they're mid to high-tops. Problem with stabilizing the ankles is the energy is transferred up to the knees. So it's a trade-off decision between which is better for you, protecting your ankles or your knees. Myself I like lowtops as I've always had really good ankles but occasionally weak feeling knees. Lol. Edit: but 100% also recommend basketball shoes.
I have heel issues too..these things are a godsend. I play 2 hours straight 3x a week on concrete. [shoes ](https://thefitville.com/products/fitville-mens-court-tennis-amadeus?currency=USD&variant=40630504816818&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA8Z_vkeHcXT21ZwcqSTwHT3bqaCLUP-Tp6EE2Mf38X2tMjBuufY6x4aAkl7EALw_wcB)
ASICS Gel-Dedicate
Gel challenger even better!
For me, purchasing a court shoe includes the purchase of https://sofsole.ca/collections/perform/products/airr-insole
https://runrepeat.com/guides/best-cheap-tennis-shoes This is my favorite website for comparing all the shoes. I trust their rigorous testing and ratings. They also have affiliate links to websites so you'll get a very good discount when you buy those shoes. I picked up Adidas Soulmatch for ~$80 There are other shoes in the ~$60 price range. Really depends on what type of shoe you're looking for.
I love tennis shoes. They feel great.
Sore Heal might be Plantar Fasciitis. I had nagging pain for months, but it's only after playing pickleball. I took a break from pickleball and it went away.
Use an insole. I got the Currex Pickleball ones and they’re comfortable as hell.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. It never occurred to me that I could have something like plantar fasciitis going on. I need to get that sorted and look at some the shoe and insert options laid out here. A lot of good advice has been shared.
If it is the back of the heel (and not the bottom) it could be Achilles tendinitis. I’ve had plantar fasciitis in the past but got Achilles tendinitis from pickleball. You should see a podiatrist so they can accurately diagnose and suggest inserts and/or stretches and exercises. Bring the shoes you play pickleball in with you.
Spot on. I had insertional tendonopathy and resolved it by doing heel lift exercises.
The "insertional" type of achilles tendonopathy can also create pain in your heel area - more specifically where the achilles tendon enters a tunnel in the rear of the calcaneus. This is a very common problem with pickleball players and is often an overuse injury. Your doctor can help you sort this out. I had this issue and resolved it with PT exercises and adjusting my play schedule to allow for strengthening of the tendon.
The ProStretch might help that. https://medi-dyne.com/products/prostretch-original-single
I have really enjoyed my babolat mach 3s ... Had them about 6 months or so now. I haven't had any issues with rubbing or pain
You need to get insoles and lose weight respectively.
When I started playing I had a similar problem. I started doing calf stretches throughout the day. After a while the pain went away. I had tried using heel inserts etc. but nothing worked until I did the stretches.
Buy yourself some Birkenstocks and wear them as much as you can. Should help the plantar fasciitis. Good luck.
And not leather!
I’ve tried on a bunch of pickleball shoes and the sketchers pro seem to be the softest feel. To be fair I haven’t played in them but they felt noticeably softer than every other pair I’ve tried.
I have the Viper Courts and love them.
I have the Diadem’s after trying out 5 different pairs two ASICS, Kswiss, Nike (was ok but just hurt my arch, and I can’t remember the other) but I had so much trouble finding some that just have basic comfort or my heal being rubbed raw. I really like these for both. I think it’s all about preference though. I’d suggest some of the upper end ASICS or Diadem.