How Acacia Sports is Innovating Pickleball Footwear
When it comes to pickleball, the paddle usually gets all the attention – but your shoes might just have the biggest impact on performance. As the game gets faster and more competitive, shoes designed specifically for the court have never been more important.
Why Pickleball Specific Shoes Matter
Pickleball demands a lot from your feet. From quick lateral shifts to split-second stops and sprints, the game puts pressure on joints and muscles in ways that standard athletic shoes just aren’t built for. Court-specific footwear is designed to support these movements, offering better grip, reinforced stability, and long-lasting comfort where it counts.
A Family Business Rooted on Innovation
That’s exactly where Acacia Sports comes in, a family-run business that’s been designing footwear for over 25 years. Originally known for serving niche sports like broomball and curling, Acacia quickly recognized pickleball’s unique demands and dove in with purpose.
They keep their ears to the court, working side by side with players to fine-tune every detail in real time. As Rashid Khan of Acacia Sports put it,
“Acacia is deeply invested in the growth of pickleball and remains committed to empowering players of all ages and abilities.”
That player-first mindset shows in every detail of their footwear – from cushioning and traction to fit and feel.
Inside the Next Generation Line
The Acacia Sports DreamShot Shoes
Acacia’s latest release, the Next Generation line – features three distinct models, each tailored to a different style of play:
FreshShot: Built for stability and endurance, perfect for players with aggressive lateral movements.
ClearShot: Lightweight and breathable, made for quickness and agility, ideal for those who prioritize speed.
DreamShot: Engineered specifically for women, blending speed, stability, and comfort for optimal performance.
Each shoe includes Acacia’s CloudGel insoles (think airflow meets cushioning), wider toe boxes, and target reinforcements to reduce strain during long rallies.
Built for the Court – and the Community
Tyler Loong wearing his signature Acacia shoes.
Instead of guessing what players need, Acacia collaborates with them to get it right. They were one of the first to launch signature pickleball shoes, collaborating with pros like Tyler Loong and Corrine Carr to ensure performance and durability in real-world conditions.
In one of their social posts, Acacia shared:
“As a family-run business, Acacia is proud to be part of a sport that brings friends, families, and communities together through a shared passion for being active and having fun.”
That sentiment sums up why Empower Pickleball sees Acacia as a company helping shape the culture of the sport. Every design choice reflects intention, grounded in the realities of play and the relationships that made the sport what it is.
If you’re looking to take your game (and your feet) seriously, court-specific shoes like Acacia are a smart place to start.
