Best Padel Shoes for Beginners: Top Picks and Buying Tips.

Are you a new padel player, eager to hit the court but unsure which shoes to wear? Or did you already have the painful experience of wearing regular sneakers for your first padel game?

In both cases, stay with us! In this article, we will explore the best padel shoes for beginners, highlight the key features to look for, and explain them with simple terms and vocabulary. We have selected the 5 best padel shoes for beginners. Let’s get started and find your perfect match to move like a pro.

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Why does choosing the right padel shoes matter?

As a beginner, when you start playing padel, your first thoughts often focus on which racket to buy. It’s normal, and it’s a good point. I invite you to read this article if you want to know more about “the best padel rackets for beginners”.

But what beginners often underestimate is wearing the right pair of shoes. Like finding the right padel racket, choosing the perfect pair of padel shoes is essential for beginner players. You might be thinking, "Can't I just wear my running shoes?" Well, you could, but here's why you shouldn't:

Padel is a sport made of quick moves, sudden stops, and fast changing of direction. Your everyday sports shoes aren't designed for this kind of motion.  Proper padel shoes offer stability, comfort, and grip, helping you move confidently and avoid injuries.

Choosing your first padel shoes: key criteria to consider.

Now that you know why padel shoes matter, let me detail the five key features to prioritize while selecting the ideal padel shoes for beginners.

• Grip and traction

• Comfort and cushioning

• Stability and support

• Breathability

• Durability

1. Grip and Traction

Padel courts are often made of artificial grass or sand, which can be slippery. So, if you are tired of sliding around like you are on an ice rink, shoes with excellent grip and traction will be needed to prevent you from slipping and sliding. Shoes with herringbone or zigzag patterns on the sole provide the best traction on padel courts.

2. Comfort and Cushioning

Playing padel involves a lot of quick movements, jumps, and sudden stops. Comfort is key, and believe me, your feet will thank you after a long match. Good cushioning absorbs shock and reduces the strain on your feet and joints. The most common cushioning option for padel shoes, particularly for beginners, is EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam. EVA foam offers a lightweight shoe with good shock absorption and is relatively inexpensive.

3. Stability and Support

Stability is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing ankle injuries. If you want to know more about the most common padel injuries, click here. Shoes with good lateral support help keep your feet stable during side-to-side movements. Reinforced uppers (the upper is the part of the shoe that covers the top of your foot) and a snug fit can provide the necessary support.

4. Breathability

Padel can be quite an intense sport, and your feet are subject to get hot and sweaty. Shoes made of breathable materials will keep your feet cool and dry, increasing overall comfort.

5. Durability

As a beginner, you might not want to invest in an expensive pair of shoes right away. However, durability is still important. Padel involves a lot of toe dragging and lateral movements, so your shoes need to resist the wear and tear. Look for shoes made with quality materials that can withstand the rigours of regular play.

Top 5 best padel shoes for beginners.

Here are our top picks for beginner padel shoes, chosen for their excellent mix of grip, comfort, stability, breathability, and durability.

1. ASICS Gel-Rocket 10

Why we picked them: These shoes provide nice shock absorption and support, which contribute to great overall comfort. Their breathable design and lightweight make them easy to wear for extended matches. The ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 is one of the beginners’ favourites.

Key features:

• Excellent shock absorption.

• Great stability.

• Breathability.

2. Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4

Why we picked them: If you like lightweight shoes, the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 is made for you. They offer a fantastic grip and traction thanks to the herringbone pattern sole on both artificial grass and sand courts. These shoes will also give great comfort with their cushioned midsole and upper breathable material.

Key features:

• Great grip and traction.

• Comfortable shoes.

• Excellent breathability.

3. Wilson Kaos 3.0

Why we picked them: Thanks to its very supportive upper part of the shoe, the Wilson Kaos 3.0 offers great stability. It is also a comfortable shoe with its cushioned midsole and lightweight. The outsole has been designed to offer you excellent traction in any condition.

Key features:

• Lightweight.

• Very Supportive.

• Comfortable.

4. Babolat Jet Mach II

Why we picked them: The perfect shoes for speed. If you base your game on rapidity, they will allow you to move quickly and efficiently on the court thanks to their lightweight. The Michelin outsole rubber offers high durability with outstanding traction and grip. The Babolat Jet Mach II is a perfect fit for beginners.

Key features:

• Lightweight.

• Durable.

• Exceptional grip.

5. Head Revolt Pro 3.0

Why we picked them: If you are looking for a perfect match of support, comfort, and stability, then the Head Revolut 3.0 is a perfect match. They provide a robust design as well, which increases the durability by resisting quick and dynamic movements of padel.

Key features:

• Great stability.

• Shock absorption.

• Excellent traction.

Conclusion.

For any sport, choosing the right equipment as a beginner is crucial. Wearing proper padel shoes will improve your performance and make the game more enjoyable. The right pair can be the difference between feeling confident on the court and struggling with discomfort and instability. We hope our selection of the best padel shoes for beginners helps you find the perfect fit. Remember these key criteria to look for when buying your shoes: grip and traction, comfort, stability and support, breathability, and durability.

Now it’s your turn! Get ready and buy your first pair of padel shoes to start playing padel with confidence. If you’re still not convinced, go and read our blog post about ‘Why should you try padel?’ and get inspired to start this beautiful journey.