For padel, wear court shoes with lateral support, breathable sports clothing, and a few simple extras such as a towel, water bottle and spare grip. The shoes matter most because padel is full of short stops, turns and side steps.
Last checked: 24 June 2026.
Quick checklist
| Item | First session | Regular play |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Best court trainers you own | Padel or suitable tennis court shoes |
| Top | Breathable sports T-shirt | Moisture-wicking top plus spare |
| Bottoms | Shorts, skort, leggings or joggers | Light kit that does not restrict lunges |
| Layers | Light sweatshirt or jacket | Warm-up layer for outdoor or winter sessions |
| Small kit | Water and towel | Water, towel, spare grip, balls and bag |
What matters most
Padel looks relaxed until you actually play a few rallies. You are pushing sideways, stopping hard, turning off the glass and making small recovery steps. That is why footwear comes first.
Activewear is fine for padel. You do not need a specialist outfit for a first game, but you do need kit that lets you move, reach and lunge without fuss.
Shoes: the non-negotiable bit
For a one-off taster, suitable court trainers may be enough if the venue allows them. For regular play, running shoes are not ideal because they are built mainly for forward movement. Padel needs lateral support, secure fit and grip that suits the surface.
If you already own clay-court tennis shoes, they may be a decent crossover option. If you play weekly, padel or suitable tennis court shoes are a better first upgrade than a more aggressive racket.
Clothing by court type
| Court type | What to wear | Extra check |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor | Light breathable kit | Bring a towel and spare top; indoor courts can get warm quickly |
| Covered outdoor | Sports kit plus removable layer | Check wind and temperature, not just rain |
| Outdoor | Layered kit and grippy shoes | Bring a dry layer for after play |
| Evening session | Warm-up layer plus normal sports kit | Check lighting and temperature drop |
What clothes work best?
Keep clothing light, breathable and easy to move in. Avoid anything that catches around the shoulder or feels tight when you lunge. In summer, a sports T-shirt and shorts or leggings will do. In winter or for outdoor courts, add a warm-up layer you can remove once rallies get going.
A spare top in the bag is useful, especially for indoor sessions, longer socials or if you are heading somewhere afterwards.
Small extras worth packing
- Towel: useful for hands, face and the occasional optimistic slide.
- Water bottle: padel rallies can run longer than new players expect.
- Overgrip: a worn or slippery grip makes control harder and encourages you to squeeze the racket too tightly.
- Cap or beanie: useful for outdoor sessions depending on the season.
- Frame protector: handy if you are using your own racket and still learning where the walls are.
- Spare balls: useful for private bookings, because racket hire does not always mean balls are provided.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Buying an expensive racket before sorting shoes.
- Wearing running trainers for regular play.
- Choosing heavy cotton layers that hold sweat and feel cold between games.
- Forgetting water, then blaming the racket when your legs go.
- Turning up with no spare grip when your handle already feels glossy.
What to buy first
- Use hire or borrowed racket for the first session.
- Sort suitable court shoes if you plan to continue.
- Add breathable clothing and a spare layer.
- Buy overgrips, balls and a towel once you book private courts.
- Choose your own racket only after you know how often you will play.
Useful next step
If you are building a simple starter bag, browse padel clothing for tops, shorts and layers, then add practical extras from padel accessories. If you are also moving from borrowed kit to your own setup, compare options in padel rackets after you have sorted shoes and comfort.
FAQs
Do I need specialist padel clothes?
No. Comfortable sports clothing is enough. Prioritise movement, breathability and layers for the weather.
Are tennis shoes OK for padel?
Often, yes. Clay-court tennis shoes are commonly close to padel footwear because they offer grip and lateral support. Running shoes are usually the weaker choice for regular play.
Should beginners buy shoes or a racket first?
If you can hire or borrow a racket, buy suitable shoes first. Better movement helps every shot and reduces the chance of slipping around the court.
What should I wear for outdoor padel in the UK?
Wear breathable kit with a removable warm layer. Outdoor sessions can feel chilly before and after play, even when the rallies get warm quickly.
Can I wear jeans or casual trainers?
For a proper session, no. Jeans restrict movement and casual trainers usually lack court grip and support.
