High-energy sports demand high-performance equipment. Whether you’re competitive in tournaments or playing for fun, the best pickleball accessories work with your body to deliver agility, comfort, and responsiveness. Everyone knows the basics: your paddle and pickleballs. But accessories like compression socks, paddle weights, or supportive insoles make an important difference, especially on back-to-back tournament days or during longer sessions. 

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best pickleball accessories for performance and recovery. From compression for cramp prevention to vibration dampeners, here's what serious players use.

These 9 top accessories make pickleball smoother, better balanced, and all-around more fun.

When you’re repeatedly hitting the pickleball with your paddle, vibrations travel through the wrist, elbow, and forearm. Sometimes, this goes unnoticed; but for some players, a more dampened feel is preferable. Additionally, your arms will thank you for the smoothness. 

Adding protective edge tape to your paddle also reduces scratches and chips. It will help your paddle last longer. However, check current regulations for sanctioned competition: the 2026 USA Pickleball Rulebook covers where tape can go.

Weighted tape allows experienced players to change the balance and feel of a paddle without purchasing a new one. 

Adding weight toward the top of the paddle can increase swing weight and potential power. Weight on the sides can improve stability on off-center contact, while weight closer to the handle or throat can provide stability without making the paddle feel as top-heavy. Ben Johns is known to add weighted tape around the lower sides and throat of his paddle - this gives him increased stability and control.  

Ben also uses two grips, to help him increase the feel on his paddle. This works for players with larger hands or for those who often feel the paddle slipping from their hand (especially on hot days!). 

Long rallies put strain on the calves and lower legs. The result isn’t just heavy-feeling, tired limbs: you may also struggle with cramps and swelling. During long bracket days, wearing medical-grade compression can be a lifesaver. Graduated compression is tighter at the ankles and gradually decreases pressure up the leg, which studies show can stimulate upward blood flow. This can help prevent swelling and energizes the legs during play. Additionally, compression socks and leggings support the joints and muscles. When you’re running, sliding, and repeatedly landing on a hard surface, they may reduce the impact on the muscles and give extra stability.  

Wear Vim & Vigr compression socks during long bracket days to keep fatigue at bay, or as a recovery tool in between matches. The way compression socks stimulate blood flow also contributes to better assist in the delivery of oxygen and nutrition to the muscles. This reduces the time it takes to recover and gets you back on court feeling fresher.  

Make sure you pick the right fabric for your conditions: 

• Moisture-wick nylon is the strongest option for hot courts and high-sweat environments: lightweight, flexible, and designed to keep your feet cool. 

• Merino wool is perfect for temperature control as it keeps feet cool in the heat and warm in the cold; also great for recovery with soft, hypoallergenic fibers.

• Cotton can be a good choice for soft, comfortable all-day wear or for shorter rallies.

• Choice nylon or Classic nylon offer flexibility and sleek, athletic feel, with durable stretch and firm support on high-impact play. 

For players who want a little more support through the leg, Vim & Vigr compression leggings provide the same graduated support, while also applying therapeutic pressure to the upper legs and supporting the pelvic area. They can be particularly useful during warmups or post-match recovery. Research has shown that compression socks improve recovery time from intense exercise. 

Our tip: If you’re new to compression, start with 15-20 mmHg level - this is the lightest level of pressure and can be worn for several hours from the first go. You can choose to go up in compression level once you’re used to the sensations or if you find that you need extra support. 

Pickleball includes lots of stopping, pivoting, and lateral movements. Most often, you’ll play on hard courts that can feel tough on the feet. This is where added comfort from gel insoles can keep you playing for longer and enjoying the game more.  

Pickleball-specific cushioning to look for:

• Matches your arch height

• Keeps the heel stable (no moving in the shoe or coming out!)

• Does not make the shoe too tight

A key benefit of performance-oriented gel insoles is that they prevent the feet from moving inside the shoes, reducing the risk of getting blisters. Pair them with compression socks and you’ll lower the risk of hot spots, rubbing, and discomfort.

Because of how much you’re moving laterally during pickleball, ankle stability is key. Often, there’s a high risk of injury by rolling or spraining an ankle. This is why athletic tape or even a low-profile ankle brace is essential for providing support to players who have a history of ankle instability. 

Our tip:  Ensure you know how to apply ankle tape correctly to be useful. It also can loosen as you sweat, so if you’re playing in a tournament, check it in between matches and re-apply as needed.  

Another thing many pickleball players forget is how dehydrated you can get on court. Additionally, tournament schedules can have you playing several matches in a row with limited recovery time. Replacing the minerals and electrolytes lost in sweat can be a game changer - for cramp prevention, better digestion, and improved performance. 

Chewable tablets with electrolytes are easy to carry and take on during breaks. Their advantage is also that they don’t have to be taken with lots of fluid. Pickleball players can find that drinking lots of water (with or without electrolytes) makes them uncomfortable on court. However, make sure you do drink some water with your chews. 

Our tip: Choose a product that matches your sweat requirements. Salt is the main electrolyte lost in sweat, but potassium and magnesium are linked with good muscle function and cramp prevention. If you can’t do a personalized sweat test, try different brands in training and adjust based on what works. 

Dirt and debris can make a pickleball paddle less effective, so keeping yours clean can improve your game. Ensure you use a manufacturer-approved paddle eraser to remove residue. This type of product also negates the need to use any cleaning products that can affect the paddle surface. 

Your grip is also important. We saw that Ben Johns uses an overgrip over his original paddle handle because he prefers a thicker feel. Having some replacement overgrips with you if you travel to a tournament is a really easy way to keep your paddle feeling good in your hands. 

Grip enhancer spray is also a popular way to counter the effects of sweat - but make sure you check that yours is compatible with the grip material and that it’s tournament legal (some events restrict their use). 

One of the simplest pickleball accessories is a plain cooling towel. Wet it, wring it out and place it around the neck or over the shoulders between games. It will provide instant heat relief, especially when playing outdoors. 

Our tip: For indoor play or on a particularly hot day, place your wet towel in a cool bag next to your drinks. When you take it out, the cooling will be that much stronger. 

If you’re using a portable net, it can sag or lean during practice. With a measuring tool, you can check that it’s at the correct height, while with a tension tool you can control the tension and reduce sagging. This is useful for players who organize games on temporary courts instead of at permanent pickleball facilities. 

We’ve covered accessories that improve the pickleball experience and performance, but let’s not forget the basics!

The paddle is a core piece of kit. Choose yours based on weight, shape, handle length, sweet spot, and balance. As a rule, lighter paddles are easier to work with and are good for beginners, while heavier ones give more stability and power.  Beginner pickleballers may also enjoy using wider paddles thanks to a more forgiving hitting area.  

Our tip: For tournaments, make sure your model is on the relevant list of approved paddles.  

Choosing your pickleballs needs to take into account where you’ll play. Indoor and outdoor pickleballs are different: indoor ones are usually lighter and have larger holes; outdoor ones are heavier, as they are made with more materials to withstand the elements. 

Make sure you kit yourself in appropriate pickleball court shoes. Anna Leigh Waters works closely with her sponsor Nike to develop shoes adapted to the sport, and in particular to the lateral movement of pickleball. Look for footwear with non-marking outsoles where required, a stable base, secure heel hold, and good lateral support. Cushioning for hard courts is a bonus. 

Glare and sun damage are both important risks when playing outdoor pickleball. World champion and pickleball superstar Anna Leigh Water is often seen head to toe in white, never without her visor. Wearing a visor or cap makes it easier to see, while also keeping sweat from dripping into your eyes. 

Sports sunglasses are also a good accessory for visibility and UV protection, especially in bright conditions. 

Absorbent wristbands help keep perspiration away from your hands and paddle grip. They are especially useful in humid weather or for players who sweat heavily.Carry a spare pair during tournaments so you can switch to dry wristbands between matches. 

A dedicated bag helps you keep your pickleball gear all in one place: paddles, balls, court shoes, clothing, snacks, and a water bottle. Useful features to look out for include padded paddle compartments, a separate ventilated shoe section, and small zipped compartments for valuables. Ideally, look for a bag where you can separate your dry clothing from the sweaty outfit you’ll take off after a game. 

When you’re just starting out, don’t feel the pressure to buy a lot of accessories right away. Start with some basics: 

• An approved pickleball paddle

• Indoor or outdoor balls (or both)

• Court shoes

• Wristbands and/or a visor (prioritize the visor for outdoor play)

• A dedicated gear bag

• Compression socks for comfort and performance

Compression will be useful when you are increasing your playing frequency, but good footwear and gradual progression should be your first priorities.

If you play frequently, you’ll identify recurring problems or needs to address. Now is the time to invest in: 

• Insoles if your feet become tired

• An overgrip if the paddle slips

• A cooling towel for outdoor play

• Moisture-wick compression socks for long sessions

• A paddle eraser if recommended for your paddle surface

• Ankle support if advised after a previous injury

Our tip: Don’t modify your paddle just because you see professionals doing it. Weighted tape is great for performance, but only when you know how to use it correctly. 

At tournament level, you’ll need gear that performs reliably over several matches and recovery tools to keep you going at your best.  

Think about: 

• Two approved paddles (have a backup)

• Replacement overgrips

• Several approved pickleballs

• Compression socks or leggings

• Electrolytes and water

• A cooling towel

• Ankle tape or a familiar brace

• Spare socks and clothing

• Recovery snacks

• Sunscreen and a visor

• Basic first-aid supplies

Compression socks are particularly easy to integrate as a recovery or injury-prevention tool because they can be worn during play, while waiting between matches or during the journey home. Select moisture-wick nylon for hot, high-sweat conditions, merino wool for changing temperatures or nylon when you want flexible, durable support. 

Pick your next pickleball socks.

The best pickleball accessories are the ones that solve real problems. They keep your paddle secure, help organize your gear, protect you from sun damage, or help you avoid injury. Start with the basics, then add performance accessories as you become more competitive, according to play conditions or issues you identify.

For the optimal support on long tournament days, explore our Vim & Vigr athletic compression socks or full-length compression leggings.

Brown, F., Gissane, C., Howatson, G., van Someren, K., Pedlar, C., & Hill, J. (2017). Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 47(11), 2245–2267. Read it here.

Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in Therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.

Sugahara, I., Doi, M., Nakayama, R., & Sasaki, K. (2018). Acute effect of wearing compression stockings on lower leg swelling and muscle stiffness in healthy young women. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 10.1111/cpf.12527. Advance online publication. Read it here.