NOX AT10 Lux
Best overall
- Sole
- Herringbone
- Strength
- Grip and stability
- Brand
- NOX
- For
- Regular players
Good
- Excellent grip on sand turf
- Supportive on lateral moves
Less good
- Premium price
Best for: players who play two or more times a week.
The short answer
Buy a padel-specific or clay-court shoe with a herringbone (or omni) sole, a reinforced toe and firm side support. The NOX AT10 Lux, Babolat Jet Premura and Head Motion Pro are well-reviewed choices for regular players; Decathlon's Kuikma PS Pro is the budget pick.
The picks
Babolat Jet Premura
Best lightweight
- Sole
- Padel-specific
- Strength
- Light, fast
- Brand
- Babolat
- For
- Quick movers
Good
- Light and fast
- Good court feel
Less good
- Less cushioned than heavier shoes
Best for: fast, agile players who move a lot at the net.
Head Motion Pro (BOA)
Best fit
- Sole
- Padel-specific
- Strength
- Locked-in fit
- Brand
- Head
- For
- Stability
Good
- BOA dial gives an even, secure fit
- Stable on hard stops
Less good
- Fit system adds cost
Best for: players who want a locked-in feel and ankle confidence.
Kuikma PS Pro (Decathlon)
Best budget
- Sole
- Padel-specific
- Strength
- Value
- Brand
- Decathlon
- For
- Beginners
Good
- Very good value
- Easy to buy and return
Less good
- Wears faster with heavy use
Best for: beginners and casual players.
Side by side
| Product | Sole | Strength | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOX AT10 Lux | Herringbone | Stability | Regular players | Premium |
| Babolat Jet Premura | Padel sole | Lightness | Quick movers | Upper mid |
| Head Motion Pro (BOA) | Padel sole | Fit | Stability | Upper mid |
| Kuikma PS Pro (Decathlon) | Padel sole | Value | Beginners | Budget |
Specs from the makers and independent reviews; check the exact year's model before buying. Prices change daily, so we link to live prices instead of printing them.
How to choose padel shoes
Sole
Herringbone or omni soles grip sand-filled artificial grass without catching. Smooth or running soles slide; hard-court soles can grip too much and stress your knees.
Support
Look for a firm heel and side wall. Most padel injuries are ankles twisted on a sideways stop.
Toe reinforcement
You drag your back foot on serves and low volleys. A reinforced toe stops it wearing through.
Fit
Try them on in the afternoon, with your playing socks. Your toes shouldn't touch the front on a hard stop.
Not sure which level you are? Read padel gear by level, or put any two rackets head to head on the racket stats page.
Questions
Can I play padel in running shoes?
You can, but you'll slide on sand-filled turf and the soft upper won't support sideways moves. It's the most common cause of twisted ankles in new players.
Are tennis shoes OK for padel?
Clay-court tennis shoes with a herringbone sole work well. Hard-court shoes are less ideal on padel turf.