How to Pick the Best Kicks for Your Next Padel Game
Do you want to level up both your game and style by shopping for padel shoes but don’t know what to look for? Don’t worry we have you covered! We’re here to make sure you strut with power and style at court in no time!
It’s not a secret that players take their shoe game seriously whatever game they might play. And this is for a good reason. The sole is the soul of an athlete, one may say. Having sneakers that might be designed to improve your speed, agility and comfort improve your outcomes on the court.
If you’re just trying out padel for the first time, you will get away with a pair of regular coaching sneakers. But trust, me this game is addicting. Might as well invest in good quality sneakers that would take you further in your padel experience.
First things first, don’t fall into the trap of buying tennis sneakers. They’re not the same.
This is a common mistake, especially for tennis players that venture into padel tennis. Usually, they think that since the game is relatively the same, you can just go for your regular tennis kicks. But it’s just not the same.
The main difference is in the material and the mobility. Usually, tennis shoes don’t come with a herringbone sample within the sole that provides the proper grip on sandy padel courts. If we’re looking for the best padel shoes, we need one that has a gorilla grip on the court for sudden turns.
Another thing is that movement in padel and tennis is different. So you’ll definitely have to shop at another aisle for these specific motions. In padel, your progress extra vertically and have more rotational moves. In contrast, tennis shoes are designed for horizontal movements. This is why padel sneakers have less stiff soles to facilitate rotation and are softer for elevated flexibility.
“Get a grip!” That’s a saying you’d want to remember when looking for padel shoes.
You’ll need shoes that have the correct grip to play correctly and, most importantly, to play safe.
There’s a sweet spot between too much grip and too little that you need to look out for. In excess, it limits mobility and wears on the knees and joints. Too little grip could waste your time throughout quick actions, and you are prone to more accidents.
To be safe, always choose shoes with a firmer grip over those with less. Your safety is our number one priority.
To find out what grip is best for you, you’ll need to check your club’s padel court. Roughly sandy courts and indoor courts make a big difference. You’ll need more grip for smoother surfaces, while you can just let the sand do the work for you if it’s already rough.
A sole with a herringbone material is best on sandy courts. It could also work on smoother tracks, though some folks assume they offer an excessive amount of grip.
Choose sneakers with stability.
The key to choosing the right padel shoe is looking for one that offers stability within the paddle’s vertical actions and rotations.
Nowadays, shoe brands offer lots of options when it comes to shoe stability. Lighter shoes designed for speed offer less ankle support but give more flexibility.
The level of stability will depend on your preferences and physique. A heavier player usually wants more stable shoes to avoid injuries.
Time flies by when playing padel. Make sure you have good cushion care for long periods of play.
After hours of playing on the court, good, padel shoes reduce feet fatigue. Get a shoe that’s snug in all kinds of actions like fast stops, turns, and jumps.
A pair of padel sneakers with good cushioning makes your feet much less drained. Make sure to check the cushioning to avoid accidents in court. Nowadays, shoe brands now design with state-of-the-art technology and even offer replaceable soles.
Buy shoes depending on how often you play. For those that love to work hard and play hard, this is for you!
Your shoe is your best friend. Better to invest in high-quality sneakers that would last long if you’re an avid player. Elite shoes often come at a higher price point but last longer and offer better stability. Make sure the shoes you pick will last you through your ups and downs in the padel court.
For casual players, you don’t have to spend a fortune on padel shoes. Just make sure you prioritize the appropriate sole and good cushion, and you’re good to go!
