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Picking the Right Outfit for Padel
If you have just booked your first padel session, you are probably wondering what to wear. The good news is that padel does not have a strict dress code at most clubs. But the right clothing and footwear can make a real difference in how you move, how comfortable you feel, and even how well you play.
Padel is fast, involves lots of lateral movement, and is usually played on artificial turf with sand infill. That surface matters when choosing shoes, and the quick changes of direction matter when choosing clothes. Here is everything you need to know before stepping onto the court.
Padel Shoes: The Most Important Purchase
Shoes are the single most important piece of padel gear outside your racket. The artificial grass surface with sand is slippery compared to a hard tennis court, so you need footwear designed for grip and lateral stability.
Look for shoes with a herringbone or omni-sole tread pattern. These rubber outsoles are specifically designed for artificial grass courts, providing traction without digging into the turf. Brands like Asics, Adidas, and Bullpadel all make padel-specific shoes with this kind of sole.
Avoid running shoes. They are built for forward motion and offer little lateral support, which increases your risk of ankle rolls during side-to-side movement. Standard tennis shoes for hard courts can work in a pinch, but their soles tend to wear down faster on artificial turf and may not provide the same level of grip.
When trying on padel shoes, pay attention to:
- Lateral support: The shoe should feel snug around the midfoot without squeezing your toes
- Cushioning: You will be on your feet for 60 to 90 minutes, so good heel and forefoot cushioning helps
- Breathability: Mesh uppers keep your feet cooler, especially for indoor courts