Padel shoes: what to look for
Padel is played on artificial grass with sand in it, and it's all short sprints, stops and side steps. A padel shoe is built for exactly that: a sole that grips the sand and an upper that holds your foot when you change direction.
Updated 30 September 2026. No sponsored picks: we don't sell kit and nobody paid to be mentioned.
The sole: herringbone or omni
Most padel courts are artificial grass with sand worked into it. Herringbone soles have deep zigzag grooves that cut through loose sand, so they grip best on sandier courts. Omni soles have small studs or dots and suit cleaner courts with less sand. Hybrid soles mix the two, which is a safe bet if you play at different venues. For indoor courts, the LTA's guide also suggests non-marking soles.
Side support and cushioning
Padel is sprints, sudden stops and side steps. Padel shoes are built for that fast lateral movement, with an upper and sole that hold your foot when you change direction. Running shoes are built mainly for moving forwards, with soft, high soles that can feel unstable once you start planting hard to the side.
Can you wear tennis shoes for padel?
Clay-court tennis shoes, yes: both the LTA and Pro:Direct say they're the closest alternative to padel shoes, because they use the same kind of herringbone sole. If you already play tennis on clay, start in those.
Getting the fit right
- Try shoes on late in the day, with the socks you play in.
- Leave about a thumb's width at the toe. Padel stops are sudden and your foot slides forward.
- Your heel shouldn't lift when you walk. Lace to the top eyelet if it does.
Questions people ask
- Can I wear running shoes for padel?
- You can, but they're built for moving forwards and give little side-to-side support. A padel or clay-court tennis shoe is much better.
- Are tennis shoes OK for padel?
- Clay-court tennis shoes are the closest thing to padel shoes, because they use the same herringbone sole.
- What is the difference between padel shoes and tennis shoes?
- Mostly the sole. Padel shoes have a herringbone, omni or hybrid sole for sandy artificial grass, and are built for quick lateral movement. Clay-court tennis shoes are the nearest match.
