Growing up in Asia, academic success was everything, and the pressure was intense. I sacrificed sleep, studying late into the night, which took a toll on my mental health. My only relief came from sports—especially during my daily PE class. For that hour, I could escape, move freely, and connect with others in a way that felt light and fun.

When my parents sent me to the U.S. from Taiwan, I felt even more pressure. My father sacrificed his savings to give me a chance at a better future, and I knew I had to succeed. But it was lonely. Being far from family, I had to navigate a lot alone. Friendships became my lifeline—they were my family when mine was far away.

That’s where pickleball came in. It became more than just a game; it was my way to connect with people, release stress, and feel like myself again. On the court, I found joy and friendships, but I faced challenges. I twisted my ankle twice, and friends experienced even worse injuries. I saw players wearing basketball shoes to avoid ankle rolls, making it clear the game lacked proper stability shoes.

I realized I could make a difference. I wanted to design shoes that offer stability and comfort, allowing players to enjoy the game without fear of injury. That’s how Solase Pickleball Shoes was born. After a year of research and collaboration with manufacturers and designers, we developed pickleball shoes with three key features: a mid-cut designt, a wider toe box, and a reinforced toe cap for durability. This combination provides the perfect balance of support and comfort, keeping you on the court longer.

At Solase, our mission is about more than just making shoes. Having personally faced the pressures that can affect mental health, I know the power of sports to heal, connect, and uplift. That’s why a portion of our profits supports mental health organizations, promoting wellness and resilience through sports. Solase is more than footwear—we’re helping players feel confident, connected, and supported both on and off the court, building a community of strength and belonging.

Solase Pickleball is my way of giving back to the sport that has brought me so much joy, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

The Solase logo, inspired by the Chinese character “心” (heart), symbolizes joy, connection, and my desire to make a difference. On the court, I found confidence and happiness, and I realized that combining my love for the game with my dream of starting a business was the perfect path forward. Solase Pickleball Shoes was born out of a passion to enhance the player experience and leave a lasting impact on the sport.

But our logo is more than just a design—it’s an invitation. It encourages everyone to act on their passion. One powerful lesson I learned while creating Solase Pickleball Shoes is that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin. Just take that first step. Every move forward brings you closer to where you need to be. Through asking questions, learning, and persevering, we found our way to creating the best pickleball shoes possible.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment or ideal conditions to pursue your passions or dreams. Whether it’s a hobby or a life goal, take that first step and make it happen