Padel shoes: why running shoes aren’t a good choice

Padel courts are surfaced with artificial grass topped with sand. The sand helps the ball bounce evenly, but it’s slippery underfoot. That’s why shoes are the most important part of your kit – more important than an expensive racket.

Why running shoes don’t work

Running shoes are built for moving forwards. They have a soft, high sole and little support at the sides. In padel you’re constantly moving sideways, braking and changing direction, so your foot rolls over the edge of the shoe. The result is slipping and ankle sprains, the most common padel injury.

What to look for

• Sole: a herringbone pattern or a hybrid sole for sand-filled artificial grass. It grips the surface without holding too much sand.
• Lateral stability: a firm heel and reinforced sides hold your foot when you brake hard.
• Reinforced toe: on low shots your toes often drag along the court.
• Cushioning: enough for jumping on smashes, but not too soft.

Tennis shoes as a substitute

If you don’t have padel shoes yet, clay-court tennis shoes will do the job well. They have a similar sole and lateral support. Indoor shoes with smooth soles aren’t suitable, as they have no grip on sand.

When to replace them

Once the pattern on the sole wears down, especially under the toes, the shoes start to slip. Check them after every season – more often if you play several times a week.

On the courts at 10ka on Alibegovac, good shoes are the only thing you need to bring – you can rent a racket and balls are provided. Before you play, do a quick warm-up.