PRODUCTS
GOOD TIMES
Pickleball turns 57 this year! Celebrate its longevity, and ever-growing popularity, in this unisex, retro-feeling T-shirt that offers timeless style on and off the court. The cotton top is available in 15 different colors, including heathered Kelly green, maroon, pink, navy, and dark gray. That’s enough options to delight people with radically different tastes—much like the game itself! TopChoiceApparel Pickleball Shirt, $15 to $17, in sizes S to 3XL; etsy.com/shop/TopChoiceApparel
HOT FOOT
Here’s one new way to get your kicks: Acacia Sports, a leading maker of pickleball footwear, just launched its elite-level shoe, Signature Edition. Inspired by the playing styles of pros Tyler Loong and Corrine Carr—who weighed in on the design—the super-lightweight shoe is engineered to offer speed, agility, and comfort for long hours on the court. That translates to an exceptionally strong heel counter to support ankles during lateral movements; mesh for breathability; a supportive, flexible upper; and an outsole made of anti-wear rubber with elevated heels to increase leverage, control, and balance. The Signature Edition comes in two styles: Solar, a vivid orange and black in standard men’s sizes that Loong says “stands out on the court”; and Sky, a white-with-light-blue pair for women that Carr appreciates for their sleek-looking lines. Acacia Sports Signature Edition shoes, $140 per pair.
TAKE COVER
No matter your style, you can show it with one of Palms-O-Aces washable paddle covers, which come in eight different patterns, from pink flamingos to gray camo. The 3mm EPE foam–padded protective sleeve insulates your paddle from chips, dings, and scratches in between games, helping your equipment stay in playing shape longer. And an outer layer of water-resistant polyester keeps it dry should you and your doubles partner get caught in the rain. Each one fits most standard-size paddles, comes with a one-year warranty, and, despite the company’s tropical-sounding name, is made by a family-run business based in the Pacific Northwest. Palms-O-Aces Padded Pickleball Paddle Cover, $20; amazon.com
NOTES TO SELF
Jot down letters to friends or pre-game gear lists pickleball-style with a notepad from stationer Gina Richard. Customize it with your monogram on top, or turn it into a gift for your doubles partner with their initials. The 50-sheet tear-off notepad comes in two sizes, and Richard’s online shop, Hello Notely, also has pickleball-inspired stationery, gift cards, and more. Hello Notely Monogram Pickleball Notepad, $ 14 for 6.5×4.5 inches, $16 for 7.75×5.25 inches.
GOT YOU COVERED
Bring some pickleball love to the coworking space, café, library, or office with Chloe de Campos’s sharp computer sleeve. The foam padding protects laptops from scratches and minor impacts, and the easy-to-clean polyester fabric means a damp cloth should be able to wipe away any markings. The one thing it can’t safeguard you from is interruptions from pickleball fans asking where you got it. Pickleball Pattern Laptop Sleeve by Chloe de Campos, $39; redbubble.com
NAILED IT
Packing a suitcase for vacation, duffel for a pickleball tournament, your backpack for the court, or a handbag for the day? Whatever your plans, this adorable nail kit—which comes with a six-piece set of high-quality, long-lasting stainless steel tools— will keep your digits neat and game-ready. Pickleball Nail Kit, $12; racquetinc.com
CLEAN SWEEP
In the last few years, handwashing has become serious business. But who says we can’t have fun while we’re at it? These handmade pickleball-shaped soaps are formed in a mold made from a regulation-size ball. They come in a fragrant trio: honeysuckle-scented yellow, eucalyptus-spearmint green, and sweet pea pink. That’s a slam dink in our book. Off the Wall Pickleball Soapballs, $33 for a set of three.