Anyone who Table tennis wants to be successful, often only pays attention to the racket.
But when we Sportcenter Wittenau When we watch players, we often see that the feet are neglected. But a good game starts at the base!
Good table tennis shoes not only ensure comfort, but are also essential for stability and balance during fast rallies. Here you can find out what characteristics a good shoe needs to have so that you can play your match with us safely and successfully.
How should table tennis shoes be made?
Switching to special footwear can be a real „aha“ experience. If you are unsure what to pack for your visit to our store, pay attention to these factors:
- Pay attention to comfort & breathability There's nothing worse than shoes that pinch. As an avid player, you will often spend hours standing (or running!) at our tables. Your feet need to feel comfortable. Make sure the shoe is breathable (mesh fabric) to avoid excessive sweating during long matches.
- Damping vs. ground contact Table tennis shoes need to absorb shocks to protect your joints during fast movements. Important: Unlike running shoes, however, they should have a thin sole have. A low center of gravity ensures direct contact with the ground and prevents you from twisting your ankle when changing direction quickly.
- Individual fit and support Every foot is different. The shoe must fit snugly in order to provide optimum support during lateral movements (side-steps). A slipping foot in the shoe will cost you milliseconds - and possibly the point.
- Lightweight Table tennis is the fastest rebound sport in the world. Heavy shoes slow you down and tire out your legs. A good shoe should almost feel like it's not even there so that you stay agile.
- Grip (liability) - and our house rule Some players like extreme grip, others want to glide („slide“) easily. For most recreational players, a grippy rubber sole is ideal to enable explosive starts. Important note for the Sportcenter Wittenau: Please make sure that your shoes have a light-colored, abrasion-resistant sole (non-marking) have. This not only guarantees your own grip, but also protects our high-quality sports floors for all guests.
- Stiffness and flexibility A good shoe is a compromise: it must be stiff enough to stabilize the ankle (lateral stability), but flexible enough in the forefoot area to allow quick lunges.
Summary: Checklist for your shoe purchase
Before you come to us next time, check your shoes for the following points:
- Lightweight and breathable material.
- Thin sole and flat heel for direct ground contact.
- Handy, but light-colored indoor sole (non-marking).
- Reinforced side areas for stability during abrupt stops.
- Avoid running shoes! These often have too thick, spongy soles and drastically increase the risk of injury when playing table tennis due to the high center of gravity.
Ready to break in your new shoes?
Do you have the right footwear to hand? Then test the difference directly on the slab!
Book your table tennis table at the Sportcenter Wittenau here
We look forward to seeing you (and your fast feet) with us!
See also:
- How to choose the perfect table tennis bat
- The official table tennis rules
- Ping pong vs. table tennis - what's the difference?
- 3 tips for faster reactions in table tennis
- How table tennis balls are made: A look behind the scenes
- How does point scoring work in table tennis?
- Learning table tennis: The most important basics for your start
- Table tennis doubles: the official rules explained simply