Why you need special padel shoes and how to choose them

Why you need special padel shoes and how to choose them

Every padel player is different. We each have a different playing style and a unique foot shape.

Choosing the right padel shoes can be challenging as there are many factors to consider. At Total Padel we pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge and experience, especially in helping customers find the perfect padel shoes that suit their needs and preferences.

This article will help you understand why you need flat shoes and how to choose them.

Time to dig deeper!


Why you need padel shoes

Apavi ir viens no svarīgākajiem sporta ekipējuma elementiem. Sportam piemērotu apavu, kuri atbilst jūsu vajadzībām, lietošana ir nepieciešama un palīdzēs:

  • avoid injuries,

  • spēlēt brīvāk,

  • pilnībā izbaudīt spēli.

When you run or go bowling, you wear shoes designed for sports.

It is often asked whether tennis shoes can be used for playing padel. Padel and tennis are different sports with different characteristics, so to play at your best you need the right shoes.

Šeit ir divi galvenie iemesli, kāpēc ir jālieto padela apavi:


1. Sportam specifiskas kustības

Padela un tenisa kustības ir atšķirīgas. Šī tabula parāda galvenās atšķirības:

Padel movements:

  • Pagriezieni un rotācija

  • Explosive jumps

  • Quick starts and stops

  • Short and explosive steps

  • Straujas virziena maiņas

Tennis moves:

  • Lateral movements

  • Longer side steps/gliding

  • Quick starts and stops

  • Short and explosive steps

  • Straujas virziena maiņas

To ensure optimal traction on different surfaces, it is important to wear shoes designed for specific movements.

Padel and tennis shoes are specially designed to provide the necessary support and reduce the risk of injury during play.

Considering the aforementioned movements, both types of shoes offer different characteristics:

Paddle shoes:

  • Maximum comfort

  • Lightness

  • Flexibility

Tennis shoes:

  • Additional lateral stability

  • Ankle protection


2. Sportam specifisks dizains

Not only are the movements different in paddle and tennis, but so are the court surfaces.

To adapt to different surfaces, the design of the shoe sole must be different.

Over the years, padel court surfaces have changed – from artificial grass with sand to artificial grass with less or no sand.

Although in the past players used tennis shoes with clay court soles, today special soles for padel shoes are required.

The soles of different brands of padel shoes differ, but they all have similar properties – they provide optimal grip and support the characteristic movements of the padel.


How to choose the right padel shoes

When choosing padel shoes, several factors should be considered:
playing style, shoe characteristics and foot shape.

Šeit ir trīs soļu ceļvedis:

    1. 1. Evaluate your playing style

      To determine what features you need in your shoes, analyze your playing style:

      • If you are an aggressive player who often moves laterally and changes direction quickly, choose shoes with lateral support and stability.

      • If you are a defensive player who likes long plays, cushioning and comfort will be important.

      • If you are a light and fast player who is constantly moving around the court, choose light and breathable shoes.


      2. Determine the required shoe features

      Stability and support

      • Shoes with lateral reinforcement and midfoot support will help prevent ankle twisting.

      • Look for shoes with reinforced sides and ankle support – this will improve safety and reduce the risk of injury.

Cushioning and comfort

  • Prefer models with sufficient cushioning that absorbs shock and reduces fatigue during long games.

  • Breathable materials (mesh or synthetic fabrics) will help keep your feet cool and dry.

Lightness and breathability

  • Lightweight shoes are suitable for quick movements and explosive steps.

  • They are usually made of lightweight materials with mesh panels or perforations to provide ventilation and flexibility.


3. Choosing the right shoes

Every player has a different foot shape. But don’t worry – we’ll help you find the perfect padel shoes for your feet.

  • We recommend measuring the length and width of your foot with paper and pencil.

  • Since brands use different size charts, use centimeters as a guide.

On our website you will find a size chart with centimeter indications that will help you find the right size for you.

Once you have determined your size, look at the “fit” details provided in the product descriptions to make sure the shoes you choose will fit you.


Final thoughts

Whether you are an experienced player or a beginner, padel shoes are very important.

In this article we looked at:

  • 2 main reasons why you need padel shoes;

  • how to choose the right ones for you.

Each sport has specific movements that require specific shoe design and functionality.