What do you wear to play padel?

For padel you wear: a moisture-wicking sports top (not cotton), athletic shorts or leggings with stretch fabric, padel-specific shoes (not running shoes — the sole pattern is different for artificial turf), and athletic socks with cushioning. Women often wear tennis skirts or skorts, which are completely standard. The most important item is padel shoes — running shoes provide insufficient lateral support for the stop-start movements of padel.

Can you wear running shoes for padel?

Running shoes are not recommended for padel. They lack lateral ankle support needed for the constant side-to-side movements, and the running shoe sole (designed for forward motion) can slip or catch on the sand-filled artificial turf that most padel courts use. Padel-specific shoes have herringbone or omni-directional soles designed for artificial turf grip and reinforced lateral support to prevent ankle sprains. If you're playing casually for the first time, any non-running court shoe is safer than running shoes.

What shoes do you wear for padel?

Padel shoes are designed for the sport's artificial turf surface. Look for a herringbone sole pattern (the most common choice for sand-filled turf courts) and strong lateral support around the ankle. Top padel shoe brands include Adidas (Barricade Padel), Asics (Gel-Padel), Head (Sprint Pro Padel), Wilson (Rush Padel), and Bullpadel. Prices range from €40 for entry-level to €130 for premium models. Visit a specialist racket sports shop for your first pair if possible — fit is critical.

Is there a dress code for padel?

Most padel clubs have no formal dress code beyond standard sportswear — athletic clothing and appropriate footwear. Some clubs require court-specific shoes (no dark-soled shoes that mark the court). A small number of private clubs may have dress standards similar to tennis clubs (all-white clothing, etc.) but this is the exception. Casual recreational padel venues have no dress requirements beyond reasonable sports attire.

Beginner guide

What to Wear for Padel

The complete padel clothing guide: technical top, shorts or leggings, padel shoes (the one thing you must get right), socks, and what to pack in your kit bag.

The short answer

Top

Moisture-wicking tee

Bottoms

Stretch shorts / leggings

Shoes

Padel-specific (not running)

Socks

Cushioned athletic socks

Top

Essential

A moisture-wicking sports top is all you need. Look for lightweight polyester or nylon fabrics that move sweat away from the skin. Padel is an intense interval sport — you will sweat. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and becomes heavy.

Men

Short-sleeve or sleeveless technical T-shirt. Many clubs allow tank tops. In cold weather, a light long-sleeve base layer works well.

Women

Sports top with built-in bra support or separate sports bra under a technical tee. Sleeveless designs are popular because of shoulder movement freedom.

Brands

Wilson, Head, Adidas, Nike, Nox, Bullpadel all make padel-specific tops, but any quality sportswear brand works.

Avoid

Cotton T-shirts, compression tops (restrict shoulder rotation), anything with loose fabric that catches your racket on swings.

Shorts or leggings

Essential

Padel requires full freedom of movement in the hips and legs — deep lunges, side steps, and split-steps. Choose stretchable athletic shorts or leggings. Many women wear skirts with integrated shorts (same as tennis).

Men

Athletic shorts with a stretch fabric — 5–7 inch inseam ideal for court sports. Avoid basketball shorts (too long, impede movement on court).

Women

Sports shorts, leggings, or tennis skirts with integrated shorts. Skorts are especially popular in Spain and Italy — entirely acceptable on any court.

Brands

Any technical sports brand. Padel-specific brands like Nox, Siux, and Bullpadel make padel shorts, but tennis or running shorts are equally fine.

Avoid

Denim, cargo shorts, tight jeans, or non-stretch fabric. Anything that restricts lateral hip movement will hurt your game.

Padel shoes

Essential

Padel shoes are the most important piece of equipment after the racket. They are specifically designed for the artificial turf surface — with herringbone or omni-directional sole patterns that grip the sand-filled turf without catching. Running shoes are not safe for padel.

Men

Padel-specific shoes from Adidas (Barricade), Asics (Gel-Padel), Head (Sprint), or Wilson (Rush). Match the shoe to the court surface — herringbone sole for sand-filled turf (most common).

Women

Same categories as men. Women-specific fits are available from all major padel brands. Fit is everything — visit a specialist shop if possible for your first pair.

Brands

Adidas, Asics, K-Swiss, Head, Wilson, Bullpadel, and Nike all make padel-specific footwear. Budget options exist from €40; premium from €80–€130.

Avoid

Running shoes (insufficient lateral support — ankle injury risk), flat-soled court shoes not designed for artificial turf, football boots or cleats.

Socks

Essential

Athletic ankle or crew socks with padding at the heel and ball of foot. The stop-start nature of padel puts high stress on the foot — thin fashion socks lead to blisters and discomfort very quickly. Padel-specific socks exist but any quality sports sock works.

Men

Ankle or mid-crew length. Look for cushioned sole and moisture-wicking fabric.

Women

Same requirements. Low-cut invisible socks do not provide enough protection — opt for at least ankle height.

Brands

Falke, Stance, Nike, Adidas. Any sports performance sock works well.

Avoid

Thin fashion ankle socks, cotton-only socks, compression socks (restrict ankle movement).

Padel bag

Optional

A padel-specific bag carries 1–3 rackets plus your kit, water, overgrips, and balls. Not essential when starting out — any sports bag works. As you play more regularly, a dedicated padel bag keeps equipment protected and organised.

Men

Backpack-style for carrying to courts. Larger rectangular bags hold 2–3 rackets and all kit for regular players.

Women

Same options. Many women prefer backpack-style for commuting. Branded padel bags are a popular gift for new players.

Brands

Head, Wilson, Nox, Bullpadel, Adidas. Bags range from €30–€150.

Avoid

Putting your racket loose in a gym bag where it can knock against hard objects and crack the frame.

Wristband / sweatband

Optional

Useful if you sweat heavily from your hands or wrist. A sweatband prevents grip slip in hot or humid conditions and helps keep your overgrip dry longer. Optional but cheap and effective.

Men

Wristband on the racket arm. Some players wear a headband to keep sweat out of their eyes.

Women

Same. Headbands are especially useful for players with longer hair on outdoor courts in warm weather.

Brands

Wilson, Head, Nike. €3–€8 each.

Avoid

Wearing a compression wrist brace unless prescribed — it restricts wrist movement needed for shots.

Padel shoes by court surface

The sole pattern on your shoe should match the court you play on.

Sand-filled artificial turf (most common)

The standard surface for padel courts worldwide. Small rubber or sand granules fill the turf fibres.

Recommended sole

Herringbone sole or omni-directional pattern

Examples

Adidas Barricade, Asics Gel-Padel Pro, Head Sprint Pro Padel

Carpet / indoor courts

Some indoor venues use a carpet surface without sand. Less abrasive and slightly faster.

Recommended sole

Omni-directional sole or multi-court sole

Examples

Any padel shoe labelled 'all-surface' or 'omni' works well

Crystal / glass floor courts (rare)

A handful of venues use clear glass or crystal flooring. Unusual surface.

Recommended sole

Smooth omni sole — herringbone can catch on crystal flooring

Examples

Check with the venue — some require specific footwear

What to pack in your padel kit bag

✓Padel racket (+ spare if you own one)Must

✓Padel shoesMust

✓Sports top + shorts / leggings (+ spare top for doubles)Must

✓Athletic socks (bring a spare pair for long sessions)Must

✓Water bottle (750ml minimum)Must

✓Overgrips × 2–3 (cheap, light, change them regularly)Must

○Sweatband or wristband

○Small towel

○Extra padel balls (check with your group first)

○Sports sunscreen for outdoor play

○Warm-up layer / jacket for cold mornings

Related guides

Padel Shoes Guide

Deep-dive on sole types, surfaces & features.

Read

Padel Racket Guide

Round vs diamond vs teardrop shapes explained.

Read

Equipment Guide

All padel gear — rackets, shoes, balls, accessories.

Read

Padel Grip Guide

Continental grip, overgrip size & replacement.

Read

Beginner's Guide

New to padel? Everything you need to get started.

Read

Find a Coach

A coach will make sure you show up with the right kit.

Read

Recommended padel clothing

We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site free for players and coaches.

Bullpadel Liron T-Shirt

Moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch. Designed for padel movement patterns.

€25–€35via PadelNuestro

Coming soon

Head Padel Shorts

Lightweight court shorts with ball pocket and elastic waistband. Quick-dry fabric.

€20–€30via Amazon

Coming soon

Start playing padel

Gear sorted — now find a coach to get you started right

A certified padel coach gets beginners playing proper points within two sessions. No self-taught bad habits, no frustration — just fast, structured progress.

Madrid London Barcelona Paris Stockholm

Find a Coach Near You