Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Now Is the Moment: What Pickleball Athletes Say About the Day One-ners

Now Is the Moment: What Pickleball Athletes Say About the Day One-ners

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Have you ever spent a day around pickleball courts? If yes, then you’ll notice something right away: the energy is different.You’ll feel that it’s lighter, louder, and more communal. There’s music everywhere, friends cheering from the sidelines, and players who say that they’re just playing for fun but are built like champions. In short, it’s a whole new world of recreational sports.

And for professional Pickleball athletes like Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa and Leander Lazaro, the fun comes with serious hustle. They endure hours of drills, endless rallies, and the kind of footwork that leaves your legs buzzing after the game ends and definitely sore the next day. But if there’s one thing that they’ve both learned from the rigorous years of training, it all goes back to the shoes. Not just any shoes, but the perfect fit for the court.

Because before the paddle, before the strategy, before the wins, you need a reliable pair that you can always trust. And here’s the kicker: Skechers has the shoe that checks every box for your game.

All Laced Up to Rally the Court

For Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, sports have always been second nature. With 18 years of experience in tennis, where 16 of those were competitive, she also became a part of the national training pool of obstacle sports. These milestones shaped her into the athlete she is today. So when she got into Pickleball, she was all in.

SJ is now one of the country’s top Pickleball players and the newly-appointed captain of Southeast Asia Surge Team.

“I loved it immediately and played nonstop,” she shares. “I’m not chasing wins. I’m chasing progress. And I guess that’s what keeps me on top.”

SJ’s mindset shows in how she trains: extended periods, repetitive drills, and constant movements. It’s the kind of routine that tests not just skill, but endurance…especially on your feet.

So when it comes to footwear, she doesn’t overcomplicate things. She just knows what works.

“I need something comfortable and stable. Not too rigid, not too soft. And it has to last,” she says. “The Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 I have are perfect for me.”

It’s a simple checklist, but a serious one. Because even the smallest discomfort, a blister, slip or sore arch can throw everything off, especially when you’re in court for hours.

Every Step Counts for the Love of the Game

Leander Lazaro’s pickleball story started differently. Before becoming a professional Pickleball player, he had to get creative in order to improve.

Going back to 2021, when the sport was still growing locally, Leander resorted to watching YouTube tutorials, studying tournaments, observing how athletes move, and learning from anyone willing to share tips. What began as curiosity quickly turned into an obsession to get better.

“I genuinely love training and learning,” he says. “That love for developing my craft is a big reason why I’m playing at this level today.”

That same mindset guides everything he does, including his choice of go-to sneakers on the court.

“For me, it’s comfort, stability, and style,” he explains. “I need shoes that can handle quick movements and long hours, but still look good too.”

And that’s exactly the sweet spot that drew him to Skechers Pickleball shoes, especially the Skechers Viper Court series.

“They cover all of it. I can train hard and still feel supported,” he shares. “I’m genuinely happy that they’ve stepped into the pickleball space.”

In all honesty, when you’re playing multiple matches a day, the last thing you want to think about while you volley or serve is your feet.

 

Why the Right Shoes Matter More Than You Think

They say that Pickleball is a rare sport that’s both competitive and social. It may look casual from the sidelines, but the movements are quick, lateral, and reactive. So you need the most comfortable and tailored shoes to avoid your feet from sliding, your ankles wobbly, and your knees ache.

Technically, it’s tough on the body, and even tougher on the wrong pair of shoes. SJ learned that realization the hard way.

“I’ve had shoes that were too rigid and gave me blisters,” she says. “Or ones that made my feet roll inward. That’s scary, you could sprain your ankle.”

For SJ, the right pair of shoes means freedom to move confidently and not second-guess every step once you enter the court. Leander agrees.

“You don’t necessarily need something labeled ‘pickleball,’ but you need proper court shoes. Lateral support is everything. When you feel stable, you react faster and focus better.”

At the end of the day, it all comes down to safety and performance. Because wearing shoes that aren’t designed for court play can increase the risk of slipping or injury.

In other words, the right shoes don’t just protect you—they help you play your game.

 

Comfort is the Real MVP

When it comes to professional athletes, they’re very particular about the shoes that they’re using in every gameplay. Does it feel good enough to last from warm-ups to rallies? Will it survive long training days? Is it a pair that’s designed to wear straight from practice to dinner?

So if you’re looking to check all the boxes for stability, comfort, and top-notch game performance, you might want to try the Viper Court Pro 2.0 from Skechers. These are the kind of sports shoes packed with innovative tech and special features, made just for Pickleball, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.

FOR HER

 

FOR HIM

 

Now that you’ve known what makes Skechers stand out, it’s time to find the pair that fits your game and your lifestyle. The kind that moves with your life, whether on the court, on the streets, or just out and about. Because comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential, an investment. So check out your nearest Skechers store today and step into the shoes made for your pace.

Looking for the right shoes to start your Pickleball journey? Follow Skechers on Facebook and Instagram to choose the best fit for you!