Padel Shoes: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Grip & Support

Hey Padel friend,

Do you know this feeling? You want to sprint to the net for a short ball, but your feet can't find any grip. Or you land after a smash and feel a sharp pain in your knee. We often blame our own technique or the court, but the real culprits might be on your feet: the wrong shoes.

Many beginners make the mistake of entering the court with their running or indoor shoes. But padel makes very specific demands on our footwear. As your padel buddy from The Padel Society , I'll show you why special padel shoes are not a luxury, but a necessity, and how to find the perfect pair for you.

Why your running shoes should stay in the closet

Padel is a sport full of fast, explosive movements: sprints forward, abrupt stops, lateral lunges and, above all, countless turns (pivots). Your shoes have to handle all of that.

• Running shoes are designed for forward movement. They lack lateral stability, which massively increases the risk of ankle injuries when changing direction.
• Tennis shoes are already better, but paddle tennis courts often have more sand. The soles of paddle tennis shoes are specially designed for this surface.
• Indoor shoes have soles that grip wooden floors. On a sandy paddle court, they offer zero grip and are dangerously slippery.

The right padel shoe not only gives you safety, but also improves your performance because you dare to move more aggressively and quickly.

The Anatomy of a Padel Shoe: What Matters Most

A good padel shoe is a technological masterpiece that is based on three pillars:

The sole: The heart of the matter for grip and glide.

The sole is the most important distinguishing feature. There are mainly two variants:

• Herringbone pattern (clay sole): This is the gold standard for most paddle tennis courts, especially if they are sandy. The deep zigzag pattern grips the sand and provides excellent traction when starting. At the same time, it allows you to slide in a controlled manner during quick turns or lunges, which protects your joints.
• Omni-profile (dot sole): This sole has many small studs. It offers good grip on courts with less sand, but can lose grip more quickly on very sandy courts. For beginners, it is often a good choice, as it provides a very secure feeling.
• Hybrid profile (hybrid sole): More and more manufacturers are combining both profiles to unite the best of both worlds – grip through herringbone patterns and agility through omni elements.

Stability: Your guardian angel during rapid changes in direction.

Padel is a dance in a confined space. To prevent twisting ankles during the many lateral movements, padel shoes are reinforced on the sides. They firmly enclose your foot and give you the necessary confidence to fully commit to every exchange.

Damping: Land softly, play hard.

Every jump during a smash, every abrupt stop puts stress on your knees, hips, and back. Good cushioning (often through gel pads or special foams in the midsole) absorbs these impacts and prevents fatigue and injuries.

Internal link: The right shoes are the first step. Learn more about how to stay fit in our guide: How to avoid injuries in padel – expert tips .

Conclusion: An investment in your performance and health.

Buying special padel shoes is one of the best investments you can make for your game. You not only gain safety and performance, but also protect your body from injuries.

Our recommendation: For most places in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, you are best advised with a herringbone or hybrid sole . When trying them on, pay attention to a firm hold on the sides and a comfortable cushioning.

Now you're well-informed to make the right choice. Your feet will thank you!

See you soon on the court.