Which shoes to choose? Introducing our 100% padel range

The foot is a masterpiece of the human body. Along with the ankle, it forms a mechanical structure that comprises 26 bones, 33 joints and just over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. 

We all know that our feet provide essential support for our bodies and that it’s thanks to them that we are able to move around. But did you know that our movements also affect the knee, hip, spine and neck? Choosing the right footwear is therefore crucial for protecting our feet. It’s also important to think about what sorts of activities our footwear will be used for and for what length of time.  

When we go bowling, we don’t think twice about changing into bowling shoes. The same applies for playing padel: special shoes are required to help us feel comfortable and minimise the risk of injury. 

If you’ve ever been on a padel court with regular shoes – perhaps a pair you use for running or take to the gym – you might have noticed that your knees or even your hip or back hurt afterwards. It’s not because you’re getting old! The problem is that your footwear isn’t right for padel. 

Often, padel fans ask why they need special shoes to practice the sport. The answer is simple: Footwear specially designed for padel can help to prevent injuries and maximise your potential as a padel player. 

Along with your racquet, footwear is one of the key elements required for playing padel, so making the right choice is essential, especially given that the sport involves a lot of turning, stopping suddenly, moving, and jumping.    

What are the features of good padel shoes? 

The first factor to take into consideration when choosing padel shoes is where you’re playing. The type of court you play on matters because playing on concrete is not the same as playing on synthetic turf courts. 

We asked Vicente Calvo (BSc Physical Activity and Sports Science, INEF; MSc High Performance, COE; Physical Trainer to Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano López and Marta Ortega for the Davis Cup) for his tips on the main things to look for in a pair of padel shoes. 

SAFETY: If you watch a game of padel, the first thing you’ll notice is that the movements are intense and abrupt, with continuous position changes and pivoting when playing off the walls. The game involves constant stopping, starting, jumping and landing, which means players frequently bend their legs. When you play for two or three hours a day, you realise you need specific padel footwear that combines different features to suit your individual needs, based on your physical fitness level, technique and the type of court you play on. 

COMFORT: Padel shoes must be comfortable and adapted to the individual needs of the player. The shoes need cushioning, especially in the heel area. They also must provide sufficient support for the player's feet. 

PERFORMANCE: Padel shoes need to be able to withstand different levels of wear and tear throughout the game, which vary based on the player’s level, body weight, and how much they have trained. 

What’s special about Babolat shoes? 

Since 1875, Babolat has always stayed in step with the best technology for manufacturing materials. Thanks to a collaboration between Michelin and Mondo, who designed the soles of our padel shoes, we’ve become pioneers in the field as the first brand to develop a shoe specifically designed for padel.  

The Babolat 100% padel range features shoes to suit every player, made using cutting-edge technology to ensure that each movement, turn and sudden stop is as comfortable as possible and minimizes the risk of injury. 

Why choose Babolat padel shoes? First and foremost, our shoes have been specifically developed for padel and feature technologies that protect your feet, allowing you to enjoy your game. Some of these features include: 

• 100% padel soles with perfect grip. The best option for synthetic turf, featuring herringbone for the sand, and omni for artificial grass. 
• Ultra-flexible sole thanks to the grooves or flex channels built into the soles, which increase flexibility and improve the dynamics of the shoe. 
• Hygienic, antibacterial soft foam insoles for maximum comfort.  
• A special material cut from one single piece made from Kevlar® and polyamide fibres to guarantee optimal lateral stability as well as greater flexibility, durability and breathability. 
• Shock absorption system. The EVA pad made from high-quality foam effectively absorbs shocks to protect the heel.
• Two straps for adjusting the midsole, perfectly adapted for padel movements.

Choosing the right padel shoe will improve your performance, comfort and safety – and your feet will thank you.  

Let Babolat help you choose the right shoe for you, from our 100% padel range.  

Discover our padel shoes