If you’re new to padel, you may be wondering if tennis shoes are okay to wear. And the answer is: yes! Tennis shoes are perfect for padel. Here are 4 reasons why:
Padel is a racquet sport that is similar to tennis, but played on a smaller court with very short artificial “grass”. And it is key for you not to be slipping and sliding on the surface.
- Tennis shoes are designed for lateral movement, which is essential in padel. The quick side-to-side movements and sudden stops required in padel put a lot of stress on your shoes. Tennis shoes are constructed to handle these types of motions smoothly and safely.
- Tennis shoes have excellent traction and grip, which is crucial for padel’s fast-paced play on a short, artificial grass court. The herringbone tread patterns on most tennis shoes grip the court well, allowing you to change directions and react quickly without slipping.
- Tennis shoes provide ample stability and support. Padel is tough on your ankles, knees, and feet as you pivot and cut sharply across the court. Proper support and stability from tennis shoes can help prevent painful or serious injuries during play.
- Tennis shoes are comfortable! Padel matches often last 1-2 hours, so you want shoes that feel great the whole time. Tennis shoes are designed for extended wear and provide cushioning right where you need it most.
So there you have it: 4 reasons why tennis shoes are perfect for padel. Now go out and enjoy the game.
Why do I need support and stability from my shoes when playing padel tennis?
Padel requires a lot of sudden stops, plants, and side-to-side motions. This fast-paced lateral movement can strain your ankles and feet. Shoes without adequate stability put you at risk of rolling an ankle or injuring your feet on abrupt stops. Proper support helps lock your foot in place and prevent hazardous twisting.
I’ve been playing padel since January 2022 and my favorite shoe is the Drop Shot padel shoe (and also Head). It has excellent stability from its chevron outsole pattern while still being lightweight and comfortable. The soft rubber tread provides great traction without slipping on the court. With the right tennis shoes like these, you can perform at your best in padel!
I really love the chevron pattern and the soft rubber pattern on the outer sole.
But there are a lot of fine brands out there like Wilson and the popular Babolat.
Can you use regular or indoor shoes for padel?
