Guide · Gear
Padel shoes: how to choose the right pair
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This guide rounds up published advice and reviews. Off The Glass has not tested these products.
Footwear is one of the first things coaches mention to beginners. This guide rounds up what the LTA and published UK buying guides say. Off The Glass has not tested any shoes. For specific models, see our roundup of the best padel shoes in the UK for 2026.
Do you need padel shoes?
Not straight away. The LTA says beginners can use suitable court trainers, while more advanced players may want padel-specific shoes that better suit the surface. What it does advise against is running shoes, which are mainly designed for moving forwards. Source: LTA Padel: How to get started playing padel.
What to look for
The sole
Most UK courts are artificial grass dressed with sand. Padel Review calls a herringbone (clay) sole the best all-round choice, because the zig-zag pattern grips while still letting you slide under control. Omni soles, covered in small studs, bite harder on sandy outdoor courts but can feel grabby indoors. Source: Padel Review: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
Lateral support
Padel is a side-to-side game. Both Padel Review and Padel Mad warn that running shoes lack the sideways stability it needs. Source: Padel Review: Best padel shoes UK 2026; Padel Mad: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
Cushioning
If you play twice a week or more, Padel Mad suggests putting midsole cushioning near the top of your list. Source: Padel Mad: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
Fit
European-made shoes often run narrow, Padel Mad notes, and many players go up half a size. Try them on in person if you can, and buy from somewhere with easy returns. Source: Padel Mad: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
Padel shoes vs tennis shoes
Suitable court trainers, such as tennis shoes, are a reasonable place to start, according to the LTA, while padel-specific trainers can better suit the playing surface. Padel Review notes that most UK courts are sand-dressed artificial grass, which is what padel soles are designed to grip. Source: LTA Padel: How to get started playing padel; Padel Review: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
What do padel shoes cost?
In Padel Review's guide, picks ran from about £57 at the budget end to about £158 for tour-level shoes. Padel Mad listed its budget pick at about £45 to £65. These are typical prices quoted at the time and will change. Source: Padel Review: Best padel shoes UK 2026; Padel Mad: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear running shoes for padel?
It's not recommended. The LTA says running shoes are mainly designed for forward movement, and padel needs grip and lateral support. Source: LTA Padel: How to get started playing padel.
Can I use tennis shoes for padel?
To start with, yes. The LTA says beginners can use suitable court trainers. Source: LTA Padel: How to get started playing padel.
What is the best sole for padel shoes?
Padel Review calls herringbone the best all-round choice for UK courts, with omni soles gripping harder on sandy outdoor courts. Source: Padel Review: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
Do padel shoes run small?
European lasts often run narrow, Padel Mad says, and many players go up half a size. Source: Padel Mad: Best padel shoes UK 2026.
