Padel shoes: what to look for

Shoes are the most underrated piece of padel gear. The game is all short sprints, side steps and quick stops on artificial grass. The right pair helps you move faster and more safely; the wrong pair can make you slip, or hurt your ankles and knees.

Do you really need padel shoes?

For your first session, any court shoe with good lateral support is fine. If you're going to play regularly, a proper pair of padel shoes is worth it. Padel is played mostly on sand-filled artificial grass, and the movement is mainly sideways: side steps, quick changes of direction, sudden stops at the net. Shoes built for padel give you grip on that surface and support for that movement.

Why not running shoes?

Running shoes are built for forward motion. They usually have soft, high cushioning and little side support, which can make you feel unstable when you change direction. Their outsoles aren't designed for sand-filled grass either. Many coaches and retailers advise against them on a padel court.

Padel shoes vs tennis shoes

Tennis shoes are much closer, and many people start in them. The main differences:

• Surface: tennis shoes are designed for hard courts, clay or grass. Padel shoes are designed for padel surfaces, especially sand-filled artificial grass.
• Sole: padel shoes use sole patterns that grip in sand without clogging.
• Reinforcement: many padel shoes have extra protection at the toe and sides, where they wear from dragging and quick stops.

A clay-court tennis shoe with a herringbone sole can be a reasonable stand-in while you're starting out, though padel-specific soles often have a deeper tread for sand-filled grass.

Sole types: herringbone vs omni

Both main types work on padel courts, and advice on which suits sandier courts varies between brands and retailers. The practical test: try a pair on the courts you actually play on. If you slip or feel stuck, try the other sole type or a hybrid.

What to look for

• Lateral support: the shoe should hold your foot in place when you push off sideways.
• A stable, low platform: enough cushioning for comfort, but not so much that you feel wobbly.
• Grip without stickiness: you want to stop quickly but still be able to turn.
• Durability at the toe: padel shoes wear fastest at the front and on the inside.
• Breathability, especially if you play outdoors in hot weather.

Getting the fit right

1. Try them on in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly bigger, and with the socks you play in.
2. Leave about a thumb's width of room at the front.
3. Check the heel: it shouldn't slip when you walk or move sideways.
4. Do a few side steps and quick stops in the shop. Your foot shouldn't slide inside the shoe.

When to replace them

Look at the sole. Once the pattern at the front of the foot is worn smooth, the grip is gone and you're more likely to slip. Also check the upper: if the shoe no longer holds your foot firmly, or the cushioning feels flat, it's time for a new pair. How long that takes depends on how often you play and on the surface.

Shoes for kids

Children grow fast, so a mid-range junior court shoe with a herringbone or omni sole is plenty. What matters most is a good fit and sideways support, not the brand. Our Kids Edition has more advice for young players and parents.

The rest of your kit

Shoes, a racket and balls are all you need to start. If you're still choosing a racket, see our best padel rackets for beginners and our guide on how to choose a padel racket. If you've never played, read the rules of padel first. They take about five minutes.

Quick checklist

1. Court shoes, not running shoes.
2. Herringbone, omni or hybrid sole to suit your club's courts.
3. Firm sideways support and a heel that doesn't slip.
4. A thumb's width of room at the toe.
5. Replace them when the front of the sole is worn smooth.

Indoor vs outdoor courts

Indoor courts are usually cleaner, with less loose sand and no rain, so grip is more consistent. Outdoor courts can be dusty, sandy or damp, depending on the weather. If you mostly play outdoors, test your shoes on those courts, since grip can change with sand and moisture, and look for a breathable upper for hot days.

Looking after your shoes

• Use them only on court. Walking on pavement wears down the sole pattern quickly.
• Knock the sand out after each session.
• Let them dry at room temperature, not on a radiator or in a hot car.
• Loosen the laces to take them off, rather than pushing them off with the other foot.

Common questions

Can I wear my padel shoes for tennis?

On clay or artificial grass, often yes. On hard courts, a padel sole may wear down quickly, so a hard-court tennis shoe is the better choice there.

Are expensive padel shoes worth it?

Not necessarily. For most club players, a mid-range shoe with the right sole and a good fit does the job. Higher-end models may add lighter materials, more durability or extra stability, which matter more if you play several times a week.

Socks and insoles

Good socks matter more than people think. Sport socks with some padding at the heel and forefoot reduce blisters and help the shoe fit snugly. If you use custom insoles, take them with you when you try on shoes, as they change the fit. Most padel shoes have a removable insole, so swapping one in is usually easy.

One last tip: if your feet or knees hurt after playing, don't just push through it. Check your shoes first, and if the pain continues, have it looked at.

Sources

• FIP Rules of Padel (official rulebook)
• Tennis Nuts: why you need padel shoes
• Tienda Padel Point: herringbone vs omni soles