Padel is faster, more dynamic, and requires many more lateral movements and sudden sprints than almost any other sport. If you step onto the court in regular running shoes or old tennis shoes, you're asking for injuries (and you're guaranteed to lose grip).
But what should you look for when buying the perfect padel shoe? And which top brand best suits your playing style and feet? We list the three absolute giants — Asics, Babolat, and Bullpadel — for you.
What should a good padel shoe offer?
Before we look at the brands, three characteristics are crucial when making your choice:
- Grip (Tread): Most padel courts have sand (whether visible or not). You need a specific tread (often a fine herringbone pattern or special padel studs) to avoid slipping.
- Cushioning: You jump a lot, and the surface (concrete with artificial grass) is hard. Good cushioning relieves your knees and back.
- Lateral stability: Because you move sideways constantly, the shoe must fit snugly around your foot so you don't twist your ankle.
The Big Three: Which brand suits you?
In our specialty store, we deliberately work with the three best brands on the market. Each brand has its own 'superpower'.
1. Asics: The King of Comfort and Cushioning
Asics has been one of the most worn brands on Dutch courts for years. Why? Because of their legendary GEL™ technology.
- Features: Unbeatable cushioning, stability, and maximum joint protection.
- For whom? Players who seek comfort or are prone to injuries and have narrower feet.
2. Babolat: 100% Padel-Specific (With Michelin Grip)
Babolat, together with tire manufacturer Michelin, developed the ultimate padel sole. Where other brands adapted tennis shoes, Babolat developed shoes from scratch for padel.
- Features: Extreme grip, enormous flexibility, and a very light construction.
- For whom? The agile player who makes many quick, short turns.
- Known lines: The Babolat Jet Premura (worn by pros, super light) and the Movea (for extra support).
3. Bullpadel: 100% Focus on Padel (For All-Rounders and Attackers)
While many sports brands have become big in tennis or running, Bullpadel is a brand that focuses purely and solely on padel. Everything they develop is designed with the unique movements of the padel sport in mind.
Although they are known for their shoes for the aggressive player (with the 'Rotox' rotation system for quick turns near the glass wall), Bullpadel has a very wide range. Whether you are a controlling all-rounder looking for comfort from the baseline, or an explosive attacker storming the net; Bullpadel has a specific model for every playing style.
- Features: Innovative technologies, sleek designs, and specific models for every playing style.
- For whom? Players who like a brand that is 100% focused on padel. From the tactical controlling player to the performance-oriented attacker.
- Known lines: The Bullpadel Hack and Vertex series for attackers, and their comfortable all-round models for optimal control.
Need advice? We help you online and offline!
Can't quite figure it out online? In our physical specialty store, the coffee is ready, and we take ample time to analyze your feet so you leave with 100% size advice and the perfect shoe.
But even if you prefer to shop from your armchair, we won't leave you stranded. With this blog and our online service, we try to help our webshop customers just as well! When ordering online, pay close attention to the fit of the different brands:
- Asics: Generally runs a bit narrower and also a bit smaller. We often advise online to order a (half) size larger than your usual shoe size.
- Babolat: Fits very compactly and firmly around the foot.
- Bullpadel: Often offers that little bit of extra comfort and space at the forefoot.
Still unsure about the right size or the model that suits your playing style? Check our online size charts, send us a message via chat, or visit our store for real size advice!