What makes a great padel shoe?

A quality padel shoe can elevate your game by providing the right blend of grip, stability, and comfort on court. We did some research on what makes a great padel and this is what we found:

• Grip & Sole Pattern: Padel is usually played on artificial turf with sand, so outsoles with a herringbone (clay-court style) or hybrid tread are ideal. These patterns dig into the sand for traction while still allowing controlled sliding . Padel-specific shoes often use modified herringbone or added small studs to prevent your foot from getting too stuck (which can strain your knees). Good padel shoes will balance grip and the ability to pivot quickly.
• Stability & Support: Lateral support is crucial: padel involves sharp side-to-side movements and quick pivots. Look for features like reinforced sides or straps that lock down your midfoot. Sturdy uppers and technologies (like ASICS’s Dynawall or other midfoot supports) keep your ankles and feet stable during those sudden changes of direction.
• Cushioning & Comfort: Padel may not involve marathon running, but there’s plenty of jumping for smashes and lunging for volleys. Good shoes use cushioning (EVA midsoles, gel inserts, etc.) to absorb shock and protect your knees and heels. A plush, responsive midsole also keeps you comfortable in long matches. Breathable uppers (mesh panels or vents) help keep your feet cool and comfy on hot days.
• Durability: Padel can be tough on shoes due to the abrasive sand and court friction. High-wear areas (like the toe and inner foot) should have durable rubber or protective coatings. Many padel shoes use outsoles developed with tire companies (e.g. Michelin) for an extra durable rubber compound. A well-built shoe should handle several months of frequent play without falling apart.
• Padel-Specific Design: While you can use tennis shoes for padel, dedicated padel shoes are tuned for the sport’s quirks. They often have 360-degree flexibility (for those awkward shots off the glass), reinforced toes for wall contacts, and a slightly higher heel to assist ready position. For example, some padel models add pivot points and extra grooves in the forefoot to aid quick turns unique to padel.

Why Not Just Wear Running or Tennis Shoes? Regular running shoes are a no-go for padel – they’re built for forward motion, not lateral stability. Using them on a padel court is asking for a rolled ankle since they lack side support and have too much grip in the wrong pattern. Tennis shoes (especially clay-court versions) are a closer match and many players do use clay tennis shoes for padel . In fact, padel shoes evolved from clay tennis shoes because of the similar surface. However, padel-specific shoes typically tweak the design for quicker pivots and the sport’s constant quick bursts and stops . They often feel a bit more flexible in the forefoot and sometimes lighter than a tennis shoe, with outsole tread optimized for artificial turf. Bottom line: if you’re serious about padel (or playing frequently), investing in padel shoes will give you better support and traction – and reduce injury risk, compared to generic trainers. As many experienced players will tell you, good shoes are even more important than an expensive racket when you’re starting out !

Now, let’s dig into the top padel shoe picks of 2025. We’ve scoured player forums, pro reviews and our own court experiences to recommend the best shoes in each category, from overall performers to budget-friendly options. (Spoiler: your feet are about to thank you!)

Best Overall Performance: Babolat Jet Premura 2

For the padel enthusiast who wants it all – traction, agility, support – in one flashy package. The Jet Premura 2 is Babolat’s flagship padel shoe and a favourite among advanced players (including some World Padel Tour pros). Babolat retained its hallmarks from previous Jet models: it’s ultra lightweight and has a 360° flexible sole that lets you sprint, stop, and pivot lightning-fast without feeling clunky. Two molded side supports on the upper give you great lateral stability for aggressive cuts and quick changes of direction . In other words, you can chase down smashes or counter a tricky vibora with confidence your shoes won’t wobble.

The Jet Premura 2’s outsole was co-developed with Michelin, featuring a unique tread that’s a hybrid of herringbone and small studs for optimal grip on padel turf and durability over time . Reviewers consistently praise its traction – it grabs when you push off, but still allows a slight slide when you need to reach that wide ball. Despite the excellent stability and grip, the shoe feels amazingly nimble on your feet. Babolat’s latest Matryx EVO fabric (a Kevlar-strengthened mesh) keeps the upper supportive yet breathable, and they even shaved a few grams off this version to make it lighter. Under the heel, Babolat’s KPRS-X cushioning tech absorbs hard landings (think jumping for a bandeja smash) to reduce stress on your heels and knees .

Overall, the Jet Premura 2 has earned its spot as the go-to “no compromise” padel shoe of 2025

Best Value for money shoe: Joma Slam

For players seeking great performance without the high price tag. If you want bang-for-buck, look at the Joma Slam. This shoe is considered “price-quality unbeatable” option in padel – and for good reason. Joma is a Spanish brand that has been the official shoe of the World Padel Tour in past seasons, known for durable construction at reasonable prices. The Slam model (also sometimes labeled T.Slam or Slam WPT) combines stability, comfort, and durability in a package usually priced much lower than the flashy big-brand shoes.

Don’t let the price fool you: the Joma Slam can hang with the best. It sports a high-abrasion rubber outsole with a deep herringbone tread, which provides outstanding grip on sandy courts and lets you change directions quickly without slipping. (In fact, its tread pattern is so effective that one user quipped it had “pretty solid grip” even compared to his more expensive shoes.) The midsole uses Joma’s ReactiveBall cushioning – a fancy name, but essentially it means the foam is tuned to absorb shocks and provide a soft, responsive feel underfoot. Translation: your feet stay comfy even in long matches or training sessions.

What impresses many players is the Slam’s stability. The upper has reinforced sidewalls and an ergonomic fit that keeps your foot securely in place during lateral moves . There’s also a built-in support piece (Joma calls it “Stabiliss” or similar) on the side to prevent ankle rolling. The shoe feels a tad wider than some premium models, which is great if you have medium or wide feet or just prefer a roomier toe box. Another highlight is durability – Joma uses a tough rubber compound (developed with tire manufacturer Michelin in some versions) on the outsole and added extra thick material in high-wear areas.

Overall, the Joma Slam hits the sweet spot for club players, beginners, or anyone on a budget. You get a comfortable ride, reliable grip and support, and respectable longevity – all without emptying your wallet. It’s not the absolute lightest shoe around, and the styling is simpler, but performance-wise there’s little compromise. Value tip: If you’re a casual player or just starting out, you don’t need a $150 shoe – a “decent brand” padel shoe like Joma will do the job just fine. The Slam proves you can get top features (stability, cushioning, herringbone sole) at a fraction of the price of the big names. Keep an eye out for Joma’s latest colorways tied to pro tournaments (e.g. Premier Padel editions) for some cool style at the same affordable price.

For newbies beginners: ASICA Gel-Padel Pro 5

For the new or casual player – supportive, comfy, and kind on the wallet. Starting out in padel, you want a shoe that offers good support and grip, but you probably aren’t ready to splurge on top-tier gear. Enter the ASICS Gel-Padel Pro 5. This is a wildly popular entry-level padel shoe that hits the sweet spot for comfort, performance, and price. One club player described them as “good, cheap and comfortable” – exactly what beginners need .

The Gel-Padel Pro 5 is built on ASICS’s rich court shoe expertise. It features GEL cushioning in the rearfoot, which means when you’re running or hopping around learning those Bandeja shots, the impact on your heel is softened and your feet won’t ache as much after play. The upper combines synthetic leather overlays with mesh panels, giving a nice balance of support and breathability . Translation: your foot feels securely held (reducing injury risk) but the shoe also feels light and airy, not like a stiff brick. Beginners often praise how they can put these on and play comfortably with almost no break-in time.

Traction-wise, the Gel-Padel Pro 5 usually comes with a hybrid herringbone outsole suitable for multi-court use. It grips well on padel turf – you can move confidently without slipping, which is crucial when you’re getting used to the movements. (If you’re coming from running shoes, you’ll immediately feel the improved grip and lateral stability.) The shoe isn’t as aggressively stable or cushioned as ASICS’s higher models, but it’s more than enough for a new player. In fact, padel clubs are full of players wearing this model or its predecessors, because it simply gets the job done. It’s also a bit lighter and less bulky than some high-end shoes, which new players tend to appreciate as they get used to moving around the 10x20m court.

One of the biggest advantages here is confidence and injury prevention. As a beginner, the last thing you need is to twist an ankle because you wore running shoes or to skid and fall because your sneakers had no grip. A decent padel shoe like the Gel-Padel Pro 5 will give you that necessary lateral support and court-specific traction . In fact, seasoned players often advise beginners: invest in a pair of padel or tennis shoes early on, even more so than a fancy racket. Shoes impact your movement and safety, and ASICS Gel-Padel Pro is a trusted starter choice.

The Gel-Padel Pro line is also affordable – it won’t cost much more than a generic sneaker, and it often goes on sale. This means you can start playing padel without a big upfront cost, and once you wear them out (or advance your game), you can then decide if you want to move up to a pricier model. But many recreational players stick with this shoe for years. It provides that signature ASICS comfort (thanks to the GEL) and respectable durability for the price.

In summary, the ASICS Gel-Padel Pro 5 is a beginner’s dream: forgiving on the feet, grippy on the court, and gentle on the wallet. Lace these up, and focus on improving your volleys and lobs rather than worrying about your footing. And as your love for padel grows, you’ll know you have a solid foundation (literally!) to build on.

Conclusion: Find your footing

Whether you’re a weekend padel warrior or training daily for tournaments, the right shoes make a world of difference. Grip, support, comfort, durability – we all have our priorities, and luckily today’s padel shoe market offers something for everyone. Beginners can start with a reliable, no-nonsense shoe like the ASICS Gel-Padel Pro 5 to develop confidence in their movement. Frequent players might invest in the all-around performance of a Babolat Jet Premura 2 or the long-lasting support of a Babolat Movea to keep them playing strong month after month. If you practically live on the court or have sensitive feet, a comfort-oriented model like the Bullpadel Vertex Vibram might be your best option. And for those on sandy courts or clay-style surfaces, a grippy outsole like on the Asics Gel Resolution 9 Clay ensures you won’t miss a step (literally).

The bottom line is, proper padel shoes are worth it. They don’t just boost your game – by providing stability and cushioning, they also help prevent injuries so you can keep enjoying padel for the long run . We’ve done the digging and highlighted some of the best options in each category, but the “best shoe” ultimately is one that fits your feet and style. So consider the recommendations above, think about your own needs (do you slide a lot? need extra cushion? on a tight budget?), and you’ll surely find a great match.

Which shoes do you play with and prefer?

Have a good week!
Jacques & James