In padel, like in every sport, shoes are your foundation: they affect how you move, how safe you are, and how much control you feel during every point. Still, many players underestimate how important they are. If you are playing in the wrong shoes, you might be putting your game and your body at risk without realizing it.
Why running shoes should never be used for padel!
At first, using your running shoes might seem fine. You already have them, they feel light and comfortable, and they work well for other sports. But the moment you start playing seriously, the problems appear quickly.
Running shoes are not made for padel. They are designed for straight-line movement, not for sudden stops or lateral steps. They do not offer the ankle support you need, especially when you defend near the glass or chase a ball at full speed. Every change of direction increases the risk of twisting your ankle. The surface of a padel court is also much more abrasive than most people think. Running shoes get damaged very fast on the abrasive padel court surface, losing grip quickly and lacking the reinforced toe protection that padel shoes provide, which means they wear out faster and leave your feet less protected.
So not only are they uncomfortable, they become dangerous: you should never play padel in running shoes.
Are tennis shoes a better option?
Tennis shoes are clearly a better choice than running shoes. Especially if you already own a pair, they might feel more stable and give you a better grip.
That said, they are still not made for padel. Tennis shoes are designed for a different surface with different types of movement. If you play on a padel court that still has a lot of sand, tennis shoes made for clay can work fairly well. But on newer lower-sand courts, they can actually grip too much.
This extra grip might seem like a good thing, but it can be risky. If your foot gets stuck during a fast movement, your knee takes the pressure. That is how injuries happen, and it can be avoided with the right footwear.
Tennis shoes are closer to what you need, but they are not ideal. They were not made for padel, and that makes a difference.
Why padel shoes are the right choice
Padel shoes are made specifically for padel. That is the key difference.
They are designed to support your movements in every direction. They adapt to the surface, whether it is a very sandy court or a more modern one. They help you stop, slide, and recover with more control. They protect your ankles and reduce pressure on your knees.
Padel shoes also include special cushioning to give you more bounce and extra power when you have to start or accelerate quickly. This cushioning helps reduce fatigue and improves your explosiveness on the court.
They also last longer since they are built for the abrasive surface and the rhythm of the game. You do not feel like you are fighting with the court: you feel connected to it.
Once you try a real pair of padel shoes, the difference is immediate, you move more freely, you feel safer, and your confidence on court goes up.
Where to find the right pair
At Padel USA, you can find a wide selection of padel shoes from the best brands in the sport. Brands like Head, Babolat, and Wilson have already proven themselves in the tennis world, and now they bring all that experience to padel. Their shoes are designed to handle the specific demands of the game, with comfort, grip, and durability in mind.
Whether you are just getting started or playing at a high level, there is a model for you.
Conclusion
Running shoes are not made for padel. Tennis shoes are not made for padel. Only padel shoes are built for the movement, the surface, and the intensity of the sport.
If you care about your safety, your comfort, and your performance, switching to proper padel shoes is one of the best decisions you can make. Your feet will thank you, and so will your game!