Most men turn up to their first few padel sessions in running trainers. It works for a week or two, then you lunge for a ball in the corner, the shoe rolls, and the soft sole slides on the sand. Good padel shoes for men fix both problems: a grippy sole made for artificial grass and a firm upper that holds your foot when you change direction.
Below are six pairs worth your money, all available on Amazon UK and all checked for stock. Because padel brands mostly use the same sizing as their trainers, you can usually order your normal size.
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Our top picks at a glance
| Shoe | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| adidas Courtquick | Most players | Check price |
| HEAD Motion Team 1.5 | Stability | Check price |
| Wilson Bela Tour | Advanced players | Check price |
| Wilson Hurakn Lite | Light, quick feet | Check price |
| ASICS Game FF Padel | Cushioning | Check price |
| K-Swiss Ultra Court Padel | Court feel | Check price |
1. adidas Courtquick: Best All Rounder
If you want one pair and no fuss, start here. The Courtquick is a proper padel shoe rather than a tennis shoe with a new name, and it is one of the most popular padel shoes on Amazon UK. Cloudfoam padding makes it comfortable straight out of the box, while the Bounce midsole takes the sting out of long sessions on hard indoor courts.
The Adituff toe is worth knowing about too. Padel players drag the front of the foot on low volleys, and that reinforced toe stops the upper wearing through. The fit is regular, so it suits most feet.
2. HEAD Motion Team 1.5: Most Stable Padel Shoes for Men
HEAD built this one purely for padel, and it shows in the details. A plastic shank under the midfoot stops the shoe twisting, and the Lateral Control system keeps you over the sole when you push off sideways. There is also a Lockdown Strap across the top that holds the foot in place.
In short, it is a good choice for heavier players or anyone with dodgy ankles. The padded tongue and soft mesh mean it does not feel stiff, despite all that support. Drift Defense on the toe adds extra protection for players who drag their back foot.
3. Wilson Bela Tour: Best for Advanced Players
Fernando Belasteguin spent years as world number one, and Wilson designed this shoe with him in mind. It is aimed at players who already move well and want a shoe that keeps up. The 4D chassis gives a firm, stable base, and the outsole has a padel pattern all the way round, so grip does not drop off when you land on the edge of the shoe.
Wilson also says it needs no breaking in, so you can wear it for a match on day one. It is a serious shoe, however, and casual weekend players will probably be just as happy with the Courtquick.
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4. Wilson Hurakn Lite: Lightest Pick
Some players hate a heavy shoe. If that is you, the Hurakn Lite is worth a look. The engineered mesh upper is light and breathes well, which helps on a warm evening at an outdoor club. Underneath, Fused 8 foam and an Ortholite insole give a responsive, cushioned ride.
The outsole uses a mix of patterns in the forefoot and heel for grip on sand covered grass. On the other hand, a lighter upper offers a little less support than the HEAD, so it suits nimble players more than big hitters who lean on their shoes.
5. ASICS Game FF Padel: Best Cushioning
ASICS are known for running shoes, so it is no surprise the comfort here is excellent. The cushioning is soft enough for players with sore knees or heels, and the shoe is light enough not to slow you down.
The sole uses a clay court pattern, which is what you want on a padel court. That zigzag tread grips the sand on artificial grass far better than a smooth all court sole. Meanwhile a synthetic upper keeps it durable and a breathable lining keeps your feet cooler.
6. K-Swiss Ultra Court Padel: Best Court Feel
K-Swiss have made tennis shoes for decades, and this pair takes that know how onto the padel court. It sits low to the ground, so you feel the court under your feet, which some players love for quick footwork at the net.
A heel lock keeps the back of the foot secure on lateral moves, and the DuraWrap on the forefoot protects against toe drag. It is a good alternative if you find the bigger brands a little bulky.
Do Men Really Need Padel Shoes?
Yes, if you play more than once a month. Running trainers are built to roll forward, with soft foam and a smooth sole. Padel is all short sideways movements on artificial grass covered in sand, so that kind of shoe slips and gives little support. As a result, it is easy to roll an ankle.
Tennis shoes are a reasonable halfway house. A clay or omni court tennis shoe has a similar sole, whereas a hard court tennis shoe is too smooth for most UK padel courts.
What to Look for in Padel Shoes for Men
- A herringbone or clay court sole for grip on sand covered grass.
- A firm side wall and heel counter to stop the foot rolling.
- A reinforced toe if you drag your back foot on volleys.
- Enough cushioning for hard indoor courts, especially if you are a heavier player.
- A wide fit option if your feet are broad; HEAD and adidas both run fairly generous.
How Should Padel Shoes for Men Fit?
Snug at the heel, with a thumb width of room at the toe. Your foot should not slide inside the shoe when you stop quickly. Also, try them on with the socks you play in, since thicker sports socks can take up half a size. For socks and the rest of the kit, see our guide to the best padel wear.
Padel Shoes for Men FAQ
Can I use tennis shoes for padel?
You can, as long as they have a clay or omni court sole. Hard court tennis shoes are too smooth for sand covered courts.
How long do padel shoes last?
For someone playing twice a week, a pair usually lasts six months to a year. Once the tread in the forefoot is worn flat, grip drops off quickly, so that is the time to replace them.
Are padel shoes different for women?
The technology is the same, but women’s versions use a narrower last. Our guide to padel shoes for women covers them, and our best padel shoes page has the top five for both.
Need a new racket to go with the shoes? Our best padel rackets guide is the place to start.
