The Top Safety Gear Needed for Pickleball

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, proving to be a great spring and summer sport for active individuals of all ages. With some high schools and colleges adapting clubs and local leagues for adults popping up continuously, now is the perfect time to make sure you have all the right pickleball gear.

Pickleball players need to stay on their toes because this sport involves rapid ball speeds, sudden direction changes, and close-range play. Injuries—especially to the eyes, ankles, and knees—are more common than many people expect. This is why it’s crucial to be prepared and have the products that prevent injury and enhance performance.

Eye injuries are one of the most common injuries in this sport, making protective equipment a must-have. Between swiftly moving, unpredictable balls , accidental paddle contact, protective eyewear prevents scratches and pokes and shields  eyes from high-speed impact.

Kitchen Blockers, the leader in lensless protective eyewear for pickleball, has announced a new partnership with Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin of Pickleball Mindset,to help make eye protection a standard.

“As pickleball continues to pick up speed, literally and figuratively, the conversation has to include how we protect players and help them stay on the court longer,” said Gingrich, a senior professional pickleball player. “With such a dramatic increase in eye-related hospital visits over the last few years, eye safety is a natural part of that evolution, and Kitchen Blockers leads that conversation.”

As the official lensless eyewear partners of USA Pickleball, DURR, and Junior PPA, Kitchen Blockers’ protective eyewear is comfortable with its slim fit, which is secure, lightweight, and breathable. Without lenses, there is no fogging, allowing the player to maintain visibility while keeping their eyes safe.

Players who prefer an option with a lens should check out the Onix Falcon Pickleball Eyewear.

While protective eyewear is the most important safety gear, court sneakers are the most important product overall. Pickleball shoes allow for stability when moving side-to-side. They also provide traction to prevent slipping on the court.

Our favorites include PB5’s Court2 pickleball shoe, which is as comfortable as they are stylish and performs extremely well.

More high-rated pickleball shoes include the Asics Gel-Renma, which are great on the wallet. This makes them a great option for those new to the sport. The Reebok Nano Corut and New Balance FuelCell 796v5 are also great options.

Pickleball is a high-energy sport that requires lots of lateral movements and forward lunges. Expect an occasional slip or fall when reaching for the ball. This is why proper protection for the knees and elbows is important for beginners, the older population, and those recovering from injuries.

Sporting goods stores and online retailers have plenty of options available. This includes the McDavid HEX knee and elbow pads that provide all the protection to prevent injury. The material is also lightweight and flexible for mobility, and has moisture-wicking properties to keep the athlete cool and dry.

KT also helps pickleball players perform and recover by supporting joints and helping to stabilize the ankles, wrists, and shoulders. This can help with tennis elbow and increase circulation to reduce minor aches and pains.

Gearing up with a pair of gloves is great for preventing blisters while also improving grip. The gloves can reduce the paddle slipping. A great pair inlcudes the Franklin Performance Pickleball Gloves, which are affordable for beginners while still providing hand protection. More serious players should check out the Selkirk Boost gloves for its second-skin feel for hand control during matches.