Pickleball’s most bizarre celebration? Launching a shoe into the stands
Two pros have now celebrated wins the same questionable way: by taking off their shoes and launching them into the crowd. It’s odd. It’s kind of gross. And it needs to end fast.
The first (and most head-scratching) instance came from Federico Staksrud at the MLP Finals.
After Jorja Johnson sealed the DreamBreaker, the New Jersey 5s stormed the court. But while his teammates cheered and hugged, Staksrud started running around and then took things a step further: shoes off, socks off… and into the crowd they went.
It wasn’t just unconventional, it was completely out of nowhere, and honestly one of the most baffling post-match celebrations you’ll see.
Like… the adrenaline was that high? A simple jump-around celebration wouldn’t cut it—Staksrud had to go full footwear removal? It was bizarre. Then again, I haven’t won an MLP Final, so maybe there’s a level of hype I’m not qualified to understand.
Still, imagine being in the stands and seeing a sweaty sock flying straight at you. That’s nightmare fuel. No shade to Staksrud—it wouldn’t matter whose sock it was—that’s objectively gross. Mid-match, heat-of-the-day, fully soaked… you don’t need to think too hard about what that thing smelled like. It’s just icky.
And somehow, it got even weirder. The Instagram humor account @memesofpickleball shared a screenshot from eBay showing a user selling Staksrud’s allegedly game-worn sock from the championship for $150 plus shipping.
It somehow got even more unhinged with how the seller described the sock: “The Look: Clearly used and worn from elite-level pickleball. Lightly discolored in all the right places with signs of intense match play. The Scent: Authentic, unwashed aroma that smells like a sweaty Argentinian guy after a long, hard-fought battle. Opening the shipping bag is strictly at your own risk.”
After reading that, you start to question everything—the timeline, the internet, humanity as a whole.
So yes, Staksrud’s sock moment was already outrageous. But it didn’t end there.
A few weeks later, Alix Truong kept the trend alive overseas at the PPA Asia Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup. After winning gold in women’s doubles with Jessie Irvine, Truong celebrated by taking off her Kamito shoes… and tossing them into the crowd.
According to @memesofpickleball, Truong absolutely launched that shoe—hard enough that it nearly took someone out. No one was hurt, and obviously there was no bad intent. But still… why is this even a thing?
Let’s be real for a second. If an NBA legend hands out his Jordans after a big game, it makes sense. There’s history, value, and real collector appeal. The scale of the sport, the brand, the moment—it all adds up.
But a used pickleball sock? Or a pair of worn-in $100 court shoes? What are we doing?
Fans at these events want something meaningful. A signed ball from Truong and Irvine. A game-winning paddle from Staksrud. Something they can display, keep, and actually treasure. Not sweaty footwear they can’t use, probably wouldn’t want to touch, and definitely didn’t ask for, especially when it’s not even signed.
And if you’re someone who does see value in a game-worn sock (yes, eBay seller, this is about you)… that might be the most concerning part of all.
So yeah, consider this a polite request to the pros: keep the shoes on.
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