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Home»Pickleball News»Come And Try Out The New Dr. Scholl’s Pickleball Sneaker At Keswick Hall, VA!

Come And Try Out The New Dr. Scholl’s Pickleball Sneaker At Keswick Hall, VA!

Adam HowarthBy Adam Howarth09/10/2023Updated:09/10/20235 Mins Read
The Dink It sneaker - image by Dr. Scholl's
The Dink It sneaker - image by Dr. Scholl's
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We have published a few articles recently talking about the rise of pickleball injury, so it is encouraging to see a company with the reputation of Dr. Scholl’s announce it has developed a specialized pickleball sneaker. 

For the more fashion-conscious among us, it is doubly comforting as the shoe looks great as well as offering protection from foot- and ankle-related injuries!

Meticulously Crafted

Tristain Venables, a distinguished tennis and pickleball professional at the esteemed hotel and country club Keswick Hall located just east of Charlottesville, says the women’s “Dink It Pickleball Sneaker” has been meticulously crafted to address the agility and stability requirements of pickleball players on the court.

Keswick Hall Albemarle County east of Charlottesville. image by Keswick Hall
Keswick Hall, Albemarle County east of Charlottesville. – image by Keswick Hall

Keswick Hall has established a collaboration with Dr. Scholl’s to provide this specialized sneaker directly to their patrons in conjunction with the unveiling of the Hall’s new pickleball courts.

Venables told The Daily Progress, “Pickleball requires a lightweight shoe with lateral movement. It’s important to have that good lateral movement” in a shoe.

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A post shared by DR. SCHOLL’S SHOES (@drschollsshoes)

Surge In Popularity

The introduction of this new shoe comes when pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity at Keswick Hall, which recently expanded its facilities in June with the addition of two new pickleball courts.

Venables noted that seasoned tennis players are often taken aback by the challenge that pickleball presents despite its outward resemblance to a scaled-down version of tennis when viewed from the sidelines.

“They realize it’s harder than it looks,” says Venables. “It surprises a lot of tennis players. Tennis players can pick it up immediately — and there’s some unlearning to do.”

Cushioned Court Surfaces

The design of the new pickleball courts took into account the distinctive sound the hard plastic perforated balls make – something we have reported on extensively.

“The perimeter of the court is surrounded by trees for noise deafening,” says Venables.

The court surfaces are cushioned to suit hard- and clay-court enthusiasts alike. The more forgiving material is designed to absorb shock, bearing those delicate knee and ankle joints in mind. 

“It’s definitely softer on the body, especially on the knees [but] it’s still a hard court,” Venable points out.

Enhancing Depth Perception

The courts also feature three distinctive colors to divide the important areas of the court. The non-volley zone or kitchen is red, while tan and blue are used for the other zones.

Venables explains the colors enhance depth perception to aid in play.

He adds, “It’s so much more fun when you understand the different areas of the court and how to use it. It’s worth learning it the right way.”

As we know, it was mainly older players that propelled pickleball into popularity, as it initially gained traction in senior living facilities and retirement homes. However, Venables pointed out that an increasing number of young adults and children are now embracing the sport.

The Dink It sneaker - image by Dr. Scholl's
The Dink It sneaker – image by Dr. Scholl’s

A Membership Exceeding 600!

To emphasize the point, enthusiasts founded a pickleball club 10 miles east at the University of Virginia just two years ago.

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A post shared by Pickleball Club at UVA (@pickleballclubatuva)

The club has already amassed a membership exceeding 600, and furthermore, several of the university’s conventional tennis courts have been repurposed into pickleball courts.

“Not Intimidating At All”

“Anyone can play pickleball. If you can play ping-pong, you can play pickleball,” Venables continues. “It’s not intimidating at all and allows different levels to play together.”

Keswick Hall will remain open, come rain or shine, so just because summer is over, you won’t have to hang up your paddle until it comes around next year.

“We’ll keep them open, like our tennis, year-round,” says Venables.

The “Dink It” sneaker is priced at $70, and players using the Keswick Hall courts have the option to test them out during play before making a purchase decision. 

Glowing Review

The sneakers received the following glowing review from a user on zappos.com: 

“I just got these and wore them on the pickleball court yesterday for outdoor play. Honestly, wasn’t expecting much, but these are great sneakers! They are amazingly comfortable, have a supportive insole, and provide the lateral stability needed for the quick movements needed in the game.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DR. SCHOLL’S SHOES (@drschollsshoes)

Sadly, they won’t make me a better player, but I do think they will help to decrease the risk of falling. 

I am a 6½ and purchased a 7 to give enough room for hot feet and socks. The fit was perfect.”

Lateral Cutting And Responsive Movement

The Dr. Scholl’s site describes the shoes as follows:

  • In independent lab testing, its shoes beat competitors on stance time for lateral cutting, responsive movement, peak push-off force, and overall cushioning and comfort.
  • The topcloth, toe box, and heel counter are partially made from recycled materials.
  • Microfiber partially made from recycled bottles or faux leather.
  • Lace-up front with a padded heel for a secure fit.
  • Anti-microbial, anti-odor Insole Technology with cushioning, comfort, & support. Insoles crafted with cushy, algae-infused BLOOM® foam.
  • Lightweight, flexible construction moves with you.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DR. SCHOLL’S SHOES (@drschollsshoes)

Keswick Hall Tennis Shop

The tennis shop at Keswick Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and stocks an assortment of Keswick-branded gifts.

It also provides a comprehensive selection of racquet services, strings, and grips.

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Adam Howarth

When I first started writing about pickleball, I hadn't appreciated the huge range of related features it encompasses: from building communities and players fighting against court closures to overcoming health challenges and raising money for charity, it's a whole new world! I love the stories about the smaller towns from the farthest-flung corners of the U.S. and how those residents have adopted pickleball to create friendships and community spirit.

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