SPONSORED CONTENT | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION—
WHY INSOLES ARE IMPORTANT
As tournaments slowly start to
open back up, player safety is a
top priority for the sport. When
athletes begin conditioning their
bodies to get back into shape,
injuries will start to happen. What
can begin as small tweaks, aches
and pains can turn into long-term
ailments as the season progresses.
When pain starts to affect a player’s
game, it becomes essential to find
a solution to the problem. To make
pickleball pain-free for all athletes,
Zelus, a high-performance insole,
has partnered with USA Pickleball
to share how to start playing safely.
Here are three tips that pickleball
players should consider before
stepping onto the court.
1. Your feet are special.
Everyone’s foot is unique.
From high arches to flat feet and
everything in between, there is a
right fit for everyone. The key to
finding the right solution for an
athlete is to consider where they
are experiencing any pain at the
end of a match or tournament.
Some of the high-pain areas are
the metatarsal area, the heel and
the arch. Zelus developed the
Olympus line by breaking down
how each one of these areas
can receive the best support and
cushion. Incorporating SmartCells
Cushioning Technology in the
high-impact areas of the foot with
an EVA foam-covered arch offers a
complete solution for athletes.
2. Support starts from the
ground up.
The hard pickleball courts are a
great playing surface for the ball
to bounce on, but are hard on the
feet and joints. Courts don’t protect
players from pain as they change
direction, or run down a dink
shot. As these repetitive actions
take place throughout the match,
players’ feet are taking the initial
impact. This action reverberates
straight up the kinetic chain to
affect the knees, ankles and back.
With responsive cushioning and
proper support at the base, players
will be able to go another match
at that moment when their body
typically starts to say “NO MORE.”
3. Injury Prevention
Preparing for a match the right
way is a powerful tool when
trying to prevent an injury from
happening. Some of the easiest
methods are drinking water,
stretching, and using the proper
equipment to get your body ready
to play. Staying hydrated reduces
the chances of cramping and
exhaustion. Loosening up before
a match reduces the chance of
pulling a muscle. Athletes who use
insoles that support, cushion and
stabilize their body when they play
prevent more serious injuries from
happening, such as plantar fasciitis.
Caring for an athlete’s body by
taking these steps can help prevent
injuries throughout the season.
Zelus has designed products
with the players’ well-being as
the main focus. They are insoles
that can prevent injuries, improve
performance and reduce pain
for players. They are here to
support all pickleball athletes
looking to safely get back onto
the court and keep playing for as
long as they can. Learn more at
Zelusinsoles.com/pickleball.
#FeelTheZeal
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 | MAGAZINE 67