Do you need special shoes for Padel? It’s one of the most common questions from people new to the sport. Do you actually need padel-specific shoes, or will your regular trainers do? Here’s the honest answer.
The Short Answer
Yes — you need proper court shoes for padel. Not necessarily shoes labelled “padel” specifically, but you absolutely need shoes designed for lateral movement on artificial grass surfaces. Regular trainers, running shoes, and gym shoes are not suitable for padel and using them puts you at a real disadvantage and increases your injury risk.
Do you need special shoes for padel: Why Regular Trainers Don’t Work for Padel
The sole is wrong. Running shoes and general trainers are built for forward motion — they have a heel-to-toe design optimised for straight-line movement. Padel involves constant movement, sudden stops with quick changes of direction. A running shoe sole provides almost no grip for these movements on an artificial grass court surface.
No lateral support. Padel shoes have reinforced sides that support your ankle and foot during sideways movements. Running shoes have almost none of this, therefore playing padel in regular trainers significantly increases the risk of rolled ankles and knee strain.
Wrong grip pattern. Padel courts use artificial grass with a sand infill. The herringbone sole pattern found on padel and clay court tennis shoes is specifically designed to grip this surface. A flat or running-specific sole will slip.
Do you need special shoes for padel: What Kind of Shoes Can You Use for Padel?
If you don’t have padel-specific shoes yet, here are your options in order of suitability:
1. Padel shoes — the ideal choice, designed specifically for the sport and its surface.
2. Clay court tennis shoes — a perfectly acceptable alternative. Clay court tennis shoes use the same herringbone sole pattern as padel shoes and provide similar lateral support. Many players use clay court tennis shoes for padel without any issues.
3. Indoor court shoes — better than running shoes but not ideal for outdoor artificial grass courts. The sole provides decent lateral grip but isn’t optimised for sand-infill surfaces.
4. Running shoes or trainers — not recommended. Use these only for your very first session if you have absolutely nothing else, and replace them before playing regularly.
Do you need special shoes for padel: Will the Wrong Shoes Damage the Court?
Yes — many padel clubs specifically prohibit shoes with flat rubber soles or running shoe soles because they can damage the artificial grass surface and leave marks on the glass walls. Always check your club’s footwear policy before playing. Turning up with unsuitable shoes may mean you can’t play.
Do you need special shoes for padel: How Much Do Padel Shoes Cost?
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Decent padel shoes start from around £30-50 for entry-level options from established brands. Mid-range padel shoes — which is where most players should aim — sit between £60-100 and will last well with regular play.
We’ve covered all the best options in our dedicated guides:
Do you need special shoes for padel: What to Look for in Padel Shoes
Herringbone sole: The defining feature of a padel shoe. This pattern grips artificial grass surfaces and provides the lateral traction the sport demands.
Lateral reinforcement: Look for shoes with reinforced sides that support sideways movement.
Fit: Go true to size or half a size up. Your feet expand during play and a tight fit leads to blisters quickly.
Weight: Lighter shoes help with agility. Anything under 350g per shoe is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear tennis shoes for padel?
Clay court tennis shoes yes — they use a similar sole pattern and provide adequate lateral support. Hard court tennis shoes are less suitable as the sole pattern isn’t optimised for artificial grass.
Can I wear football astroturf shoes for padel?
No — astroturf shoes have rubber studs or small blades that can damage padel court surfaces and won’t grip the glass walls correctly. They’re also not designed for the lateral movement demands of padel.
Do padel shoes need to be broken in?
Most modern padel shoes are comfortable from the first session, but wearing them around the house for a day or two before playing helps soften the upper and reduces blister risk.
How long do padel shoes last?
For a player going once or twice a week, expect 12-18 months from a mid-range shoe. The sole wears before the upper — if you’re losing grip on court, it’s time to replace them.
Can children wear regular trainers for padel?
The same rules apply — proper court shoes are recommended. Many brands produce junior padel or court shoes at affordable prices.
Ready to get the right shoes? Check out our guides to the best padel shoes for men and best padel shoes for women for the top picks at every budget.