How to choose padel shoes

Not all court footwear behaves the same once you’re moving side to side. Use the checklist below to narrow down the best fit for your playing style, court conditions and comfort preferences.

• Grip & outsole pattern (traction for quick turns)
  Look for an outsole designed to “bite” when you brake and pivot. Many players prefer patterns that provide predictable traction on padel surfaces, helping prevent slips when you change direction. If you’ve ever felt your foot slide on a hard stop, your outsole choice is likely the first upgrade to make in your next pair of padel court shoes.

• Lateral stability & support
  Padel movements are rarely straight-line. Prioritise shoes that feel secure during side steps and quick shuffles, with a stable base and supportive upper. A good pair of padel shoes should reduce unwanted foot roll when you push off hard.

• Cushioning & comfort
  Cushioning isn’t just for running — it helps reduce fatigue during long sessions. If you play multiple times a week or spend time on harder courts, aim for a balanced feel: enough cushioning to stay comfortable, but not so soft that you lose court contact and responsiveness.

• Breathability & durability
  If you play often, durability matters. Look for reinforced areas in high-wear zones (especially around the toe and lateral side) and breathable materials to help keep your feet comfortable. Durable padel tennis shoes don’t need to feel heavy — they just need smart reinforcement in the right places.

• Fit & sizing tips (wide/narrow, how they should feel)
  Your padel shoe should feel secure in the heel and midfoot, without crushing your toes. If you’re between sizes, consider how you like your fit: snug for faster play, or a touch more room for comfort. If you have wider feet, prioritise a shape that doesn’t pinch across the forefoot.

• Court conditions (indoor/outdoor)
  If you mainly play on indoor courts, consistent traction is key. If you rotate between indoor and outdoor, durability and stable grip become even more important. The “best shoes for padel” are the ones that match where and how you actually play.

Best padel shoes for men and women

The essentials of great padel shoes are the same for everyone: reliable grip, solid lateral support and comfort that holds up through long rallies. That said, fit preferences and stability needs can vary — so it helps to choose a direction first, then refine by size, cushioning level and the kind of court time you do most.

Men’s padel shoes

When browsing men’s padel shoes (or mens padel shoes), many players lean towards stability and durability — especially if you play at a high pace, attack the net often, or put a lot of force into side steps and recovery sprints. The aim is simple: stay planted on quick turns and feel supported on every change of direction.

• Pick a stable base for confidence on hard lateral pushes and fast stops.

• Look for extra reinforcement if you play frequently or tend to wear shoes down quickly (toe drag, aggressive braking, high-intensity matches).

• Balance cushioning and responsiveness so you stay comfortable without losing that connected “court feel” you want from true padel court shoes.

Women’s padel shoes

With women’s padel shoes, the goal is the same: secure footing and control — with a fit that feels locked-in without being restrictive. The right pair of padel tennis shoes should feel stable through pivots, light enough for quick movement, and comfortable enough to keep your focus on the point, not your feet.

• Prioritise a secure heel and midfoot hold to feel stable during pivots and sharp direction changes.

• Choose all-round comfort if you play longer sessions or multiple matches in a row.

• Go for predictable traction so you can commit to movement with confidence — one of the key traits in the best shoes for padel for regular players.

Padel shoe brands that are taking the market by storm

Padel brands have been innovating year after year to create shoe models adapted to each type of player. Among all the brands you can find at Padel Market, we highlight 

Nox padel shoes

Known for their consistent feel on the court, they are a solid choice if you are looking for a reliable balance between grip, comfort and support. Chosen by Aagustin Tapia to continue surprising us on the padel court. 

Asics padel shoes

A classic that never fails if you are looking for comfort and stability. Often chosen by players who value a firm fit and secure stability during quick lateral movements.

Babolat padel shoes

A good option if you are looking for a versatile pair that is suitable for both regular training and matches. Its Michelin sole stands out, offering extra cushioning. 

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Padel shoes in the UK: delivery, returns & support

Buying padel shoes UK shouldn’t feel complicated — especially when sizing and comfort are personal. That’s why we keep the essentials clear: how long delivery takes, how returns work, and how to get help quickly if you need to swap sizes.

Delivery (UK)

• Estimated delivery time: around 7 days.

• Shipping cost: calculated according to weight (you’ll see the final cost at checkout before paying).

• Tracking: you’ll receive an order confirmation email, and once the carrier processes it, a tracking email.

Returns & exchanges (UK)

• Return window: you can return (or exchange) items within 14 calendar days from receiving your order.

• Condition: products must be new, unused, complete, and in their original packaging/seals.

• Costs: for voluntary returns (wrong size / change of mind), shipping costs aren’t refunded and return/shipping/customs charges may apply; if it’s a Padel Market error or a manufacturing defect, they cover the return costs.

• Process & refund timing: contact customer service to request the return; logistics arrange collection, and once received/checked, refunds are managed in ~14 days (depending on payment method).

If you’re unsure which pair to pick, focus on your priority first (grip, stability, or comfort), then filter by size and playing frequency. That simple approach usually gets you to the right padel shoe faster.

FAQs

What’s the difference between padel shoes and tennis shoes?

Padel involves more lateral movement and quick pivots in a smaller space. Many padel shoes are designed to provide predictable traction and stability for those side-to-side actions, while still keeping you comfortable through long rallies.

Are running shoes OK for padel?

They’re not ideal. Running shoes are built mainly for forward movement and cushioning, not for fast lateral pushes. On court, that can feel unstable and increase the chance of slipping on quick turns.

How should padel shoes fit?

Snug and secure in the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. You shouldn’t feel pressure points. If you’re between sizes, choose based on whether you prefer a performance fit (snug) or more comfort (slightly roomier).

Which outsole is best for padel courts?

Look for an outsole that offers reliable traction for braking and turning. The key isn’t just “more grip” — it’s predictable grip that lets you commit to movement without surprises.

How long do padel shoes last?

It depends on how often you play and your movement style. Regular players may notice wear in the outsole and upper sooner. If traction starts feeling inconsistent or the shoe loses stability, it’s usually time to replace.

What are the best padel shoes for beginners?

The best padel shoes for beginners are typically stable, comfortable and easy to trust from day one. Prioritise a secure fit, dependable traction and enough cushioning to stay comfortable while you build technique.

UK sizing: should I size up or down?

If you’re between sizes, consider how you like your fit and whether you’ll wear thicker socks. When in doubt, choose the option that avoids toe pressure and makes returns/exchanges straightforward. (Use your store’s sizing guidance here if you have it.)

Ready to upgrade your footing? Use the filters to find your size, your preferred feel on court, and the level of support you want. Whether you’re after an all-round pair for weekly matches or hunting the best shoes for padel that match your style, the right choice starts with grip, stability and a fit you can trust.