Best Padel Shoes for any Skill Level
Padel shoes are not specifically designed based on skill levels but rather based on the type of court surface and playing style, making them suitable for players of all levels. However, certain features of padel shoes can better support players as they advance in skill.
Why Padel Shoes Are Important for All Players
Padel shoes are specifically designed to provide:
- Lateral Support: Padel involves a lot of quick side-to-side movements, so the shoes offer stability and support to prevent injuries.
- Grip: The outsole is tailored to padel courts (usually sand-filled or non-sanded artificial turf), providing the right balance of grip and slide.
- Cushioning: They protect joints from impact during high-intensity movements.
- Durability: Padel shoes are designed to withstand wear and tear from the rough turf surfaces.
Can Anyone Play Padel with Padel Shoes?
Yes! Any player, regardless of skill level, can play with padel shoes. In fact, it’s highly recommended for all players to use padel shoes rather than regular sports shoes. Using running or non-padel-specific shoes can increase the risk of slipping, poor grip, or even injury due to a lack of lateral support.
Key Tips for Choosing Padel Shoes
- Court Surface: For sanded courts, choose shoes with a herringbone pattern for grip. For non-sanded courts, opt for shoes with a smoother outsole.
- Comfort: Ensure a good fit with enough cushioning to avoid blisters and discomfort.
- Durability: If you play frequently, invest in durable shoes to save money in the long run.
Wilson Bela Tour
Designed and inspired by the legend, Fernando Belasteguin, the Bela Tour padel shoes are perfect for the advanced padel player looking to bring their game to the next level. Upgrades in technology, including a 4D torsional chassis composed of only one piece and a 360° padel specific outsole, make these shoes even more comfortable and stable while sprinting and turning on the padel court. Add in the fact that the mesh is 100% recycled, the sockliner is 50% recycled, and the TPU film is 55% recycled, you will be untouchable in these sustainable shoes.
Asics Gel Resolution 9
When it comes to high performance shoes that specialize in stability, and durability, the Asics Gel Resolution 9 Padel sets the bar high. Beyond the stability and durability that these shoes are known for, the flexibility and comfort has been improved, and is some of the best in class. The combination of a more flexible upper, paired with a more extensive Dynawall stability piece towards the heel, allows these shoes to feel more stable, but also more dynamic at the same time. The midsole provides layers of cushioning to help add energy to every step, while giving the comfort needed for hours of court time. Asics High Abrasion Rubber compound on the outsole features a design specifically made for padel courts.
Babolat Jet Premura 2
The new Jet Premura Padel shoe is throwing out the rulebook. With an innovative design featuring two big ventilation areas on the upper and a reduced weight, the Babolat Jet Premura Padel is outstandingly comfortable and breathable. Thanks to the even more flexible sole and latest Matryx technology, you’ll feel sensations you’ve never felt before on when on the attack and hitting the trickiest shots off the glass.
Head Motion Pro
Developed with Head’s pro players, the new Head Motion Pro Padel is Head’s first shoe engineered specifically for padel. The shoe features a fully integrated elastic sock construction for comfort and support. For breathability, the shoe offers a mesh upper and perforations in the outsole and midsole. Created with small air cells, the DynaFoam midsole is highly responsive and lightweight for great comfort. Stability comes from the combination of the TPU midfoot shank, the reinforced upper and the Lateral Control+ technology. The outsole features a unique outsole pattern and special rubber compound developed for padel courts. It guarantees great traction and durability.
Wilson Hurakn Pro
The Wilson Hurakn 2.0 Padel is designed for aspirationalist players looking for agility on the padel court. In order to being able to move in all directions with more flexibility, Wilson reworked the outsole pattern which is inspired by a cat’s paw pads. 4 circular zones allow easy rotation movements on padel courts. Thanks to the mesh upper, this shoe is light in weight and breathable. The Fused 8 EVA midsole foam offers great cushioning. The shoe features the Pro Torque Chassis Light technology to offer stability in a lightweight and flexible package.
If you’re just starting out or unsure, go for versatile padel shoes suitable for all courts and playing styles. As your game improves, you can explore specialized options that suit your needs better!