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How to choose shoes for padel: do tennis or running shoes work?
Shoes are the one piece of gear worth thinking about before your very first game. Padel is all lateral movement — and the wrong sole is the fastest route to a twisted ankle.
Contents
Find a court →In short
- Padel is full of side steps and sudden stops — shoes must hold the foot firmly.
- Running shoes are the worst option: built for forward motion only.
- Tennis or stable all-court shoes are fine for a start.
- Key criteria: lateral support, stable sole, good grip, snug fit.
Good news: you probably already own something suitable. Here is how to check — and what to look for when you buy dedicated shoes later.
01Why shoes matter in padel
Padel involves constant lateral movement, sharp stops, turns and short sprints. Your foot must be firmly fixed: if the shoe slides or fails to hold the ankle, the game becomes less controlled — and the injury risk grows with every rally.
02Do running shoes work?
Running shoes are not the best choice. They are built primarily for forward motion, with soft tall cushioning and narrow soles, while padel is mostly sideways. A soft high sole in a lateral lunge is exactly how ankles get rolled.
For one first careful game, clean running shoes with decent grip will survive. For regular play — no.
03Do tennis shoes work?
Tennis shoes usually work much better than running shoes: they are designed for lateral movement, stops and court play. If you own a pair — wear them to your first games with confidence.
04What to look for when buying
- Lateral support — the upper holds the foot in side lunges.
- Stable, flat-ish sole — no tall soft cushioning.
- Grip — herringbone tread works best on artificial turf courts.
- Snug fit — the heel does not lift, toes have a little room.
- Durability — padel wears the outer edge of the sole quickly.
Dedicated padel shoes are a great second purchase — after the racket question is settled and you play weekly.
FAQ: common questions
Can I play my first game in running shoes?
If the sole is clean and grips well — one careful game is acceptable. But plan on court shoes if you continue.
Are padel and tennis shoes the same?
Very close. Padel shoes often have a herringbone sole tuned for artificial turf; tennis shoes are a solid substitute.
How long do padel shoes last?
For 1–2 games a week — roughly a season. The outer sole edge wears first; check it, not the looks.
Do expensive shoes play better?
Above the mid range you pay for weight savings and materials. Stability and grip exist at moderate prices too.
Ready to get on court?
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