Padel Shoes

What to look for when buying Padel Shoes?

In this video we delve into the characteristics of a padel shoe. It is not about a specific brand or model, more about what you need to look for when padel shoe shopping. Specifically, flexibility, width and the grip of the shoe.

What to Look for in Padel Shoes

Can I use my running shoes for padel? Or what about my hardcourt tennis shoes? We’ll go over what to look for in padel shoes and the answers to these frequently asked questions below.

Padel involves repeated lateral movement, changes of direction and different court surfaces, so footwear should provide suitable support, comfort and traction for the surface you play on.

In this article, we will guide you on what to consider when choosing padel shoes in three simple steps: flexibility, width and traction.

Step 1: Flexibility for Quick Movements

One important aspect of padel shoes is their flexibility. Given the sport's need for quick pivots and lateral movements, your footwear needs enough flexibility to let your feet move comfortably. When evaluating padel shoes, pay attention to how well they bend both through the soles and the toe area.

The Padel School Tip: Bend the shoe with your hand at the midsole and at the toe in order to get a feel for its flexibility.

Shoes will often soften slightly with use, but they should still feel comfortable and appropriate from the beginning.

Step 2: Finding the Right Width

The width of your padel shoes plays a significant role in comfort and stability. It is important to find a shoe that offers enough space for your feet without being too loose or too tight.

Different people have different foot widths, so try shoes on where possible rather than choosing purely by brand or appearance.

The Padel School Tip: Many brands and lines within the same brand have different widths, so try a few in order to find the one that suits you best.

If a shoe is too narrow it may feel uncomfortable during lateral movement. If it is too wide, your foot may slide inside the shoe. The best fit is secure without feeling restrictive.

Step 3: Choosing Grip for the Court Surface

Traction requirements vary with the type of padel surface. Traditional sandy artificial-turf courts often suit a deeper herringbone tread, while newer textured or lower-sand surfaces may work better with a less aggressive or more all-court sole.

A deep zig-zag herringbone sole can provide useful traction on sandier surfaces. On courts with less sand or a different turf system, too much grip can feel restrictive, so match the outsole to the surface you use most often.

The Padel School Tip: Ask your club what type of surface it uses and which sole patterns players commonly find suitable there.

Summarising Padel Shoes

When choosing padel shoes, focus on flexibility, the right width and suitable grip for your court surface. Comfort and stability matter more than choosing a particular brand or model.

FAQ:

Can I use my tennis shoes for padel?

It depends on the tennis shoe and the padel surface. Clay-court tennis shoes often use a herringbone sole and can work well on sandy padel courts. Some all-court shoes may also suit newer padel surfaces. Check the traction and stability rather than assuming every tennis shoe will behave the same way.

Can I use my running shoes for padel?

Running shoes are primarily designed for forward movement. For regular padel, a shoe designed for racket-sport movement will usually provide more appropriate lateral support and court-specific traction.