Padel Equipment
Everything you need to buy and nothing you don't. Expert guides to padel rackets, shoes, balls, and accessories — with level-specific advice so you don't over-invest as a beginner or under-invest as you improve.
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Rackets
The most important piece of padel equipment. Shape, weight, and core material all affect how the racket plays.
How to Choose a Padel Racket
Choosing the right padel racket depends on your level, playing style, and budget. Beginners should prioritise control (round shape), while advanced players can opt for power (diamond shape).
Read guidePadel Racket Shapes: Round, Diamond & Teardrop Explained
The three main padel racket shapes — round, diamond, and teardrop — each suit a different playing style. Round rackets are forgiving for beginners; diamond shapes maximise power for advanced players.
Read guidePadel Racket Weight: How to Choose the Right Weight
Padel rackets typically weigh between 340g and 390g. Lighter rackets are easier to manoeuvre and gentler on the arm; heavier rackets generate more power. Your level and physical condition should guide your choice.
Read guideAre Padel Rackets Strung? Understanding the Core Material
Padel rackets are not strung — they have a solid face with holes and a foam core. There are no strings to break or restring. The racket's playing characteristics come from the foam type and face material.
Read guideFootwear & Clothing
Court-specific shoes prevent injury and improve movement. Clothing for padel is similar to tennis.
Padel Shoes: What to Wear and Why It Matters
Padel-specific shoes or clay court tennis shoes with herringbone soles are essential for grip and ankle safety on artificial turf courts. Running shoes and hard-court trainers are a common — and risky — mistake.
Read guideWhat to Wear to Padel: Clothing & Footwear Guide
Wear comfortable sportswear and padel-specific shoes (or clay court tennis shoes). Avoid running shoes and hard-court tennis shoes — the wrong footwear can cause injuries on padel courts.
Read guideAccessories & Extras
Overgrip, eyewear, and a decent bag round out your kit without breaking the bank.
Padel Overgrip: How to Wrap and When to Replace
An overgrip wraps over your racket's base grip to improve feel, absorb sweat, and prevent slippage. Replacing it regularly is one of the cheapest and most effective maintenance habits in padel.
Read guidePadel Eyewear: Do You Need Protective Glasses?
Padel eyewear (protective glasses or goggles) is recommended for players who wear prescription lenses and for anyone wanting eye protection. The sport doesn't mandate eyewear but racket contact incidents do occur.
Read guidePadel Bag Guide: What to Look For
A good padel bag protects your racket, keeps your gear organised, and is built for the specific dimensions of padel equipment. Here's what to look for when buying one.
Read guidePadel Accessories: What Else You Need to Play
Beyond racket and shoes, a few accessories make a real difference to comfort and performance: a padel bag, wristbands, a cap, and spare overgrips are the core kit for regular players.
Read guideBalls
Padel balls look like tennis balls but are slower, with lower pressure. Not all balls are equal.
Padel Equipment FAQs
What do I need to play padel for the first time?
Most padel clubs hire out rackets and sell balls, so you can try the sport with just shoes. For your first session, borrow or hire a racket. Once you're hooked, invest in your own — start with a round-shaped beginner racket around £60–£100.
What's the difference between padel racket shapes?
Round rackets have a high sweet spot, are forgiving, and suit beginners. Teardrop rackets balance control and power, making them popular for intermediate players. Diamond rackets concentrate power at the top, but require good technique — typically used by advanced or competitive players.
Do I need padel-specific shoes?
Yes, if you're playing regularly. Padel courts use artificial turf or clay, and padel shoes have a herringbone sole pattern designed for these surfaces. Running shoes or gym trainers can cause slipping and increase injury risk from the sport's lateral movements.
How often should I replace padel balls?
Padel balls lose pressure faster than tennis balls due to the solid racket face impact. Recreational players typically replace them every 3–5 sessions. Competition-level players often use fresh balls each session. Pressureless balls last longer but have a different feel.