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Over the months I’ve been learning how to play Padel, I’ve started to figure out what works well when it comes to what to wear for playing Padel. There are a few things that really determine what you should wear which include the weather – some courts are outdoors or uncovered – and also the surface of the court you’re playing on.
Most recently, I headed over to Rocket Padel Ilford for a panel lesson and to test out some shoes.
Understanding the Basics of Padel
Padel is a dynamic racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, played on an enclosed (walled) court about one-third the size of a tennis court. Typically played in doubles, padel features a net in the center and walls around the court, which players use strategically to return the ball.
The sport is highly engaging due to its fast pace and the need for quick reflexes, agility, and tactical thinking. Unlike tennis, where power plays a significant role, padel emphasises ball placement, precision, and teamwork. Players must constantly move up and down the court, lunging for low balls, jumping for overhead smashes, and making quick directional changes to maintain the rally.
Choosing the right kit / outfit for padel will allow for ease of movement, enhance comfort, and safety on the court. Proper clothing allows for unrestricted movement, enabling you to to perform those quick lateral movements, lunges, and jumps essential for the game. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics help regulate body temperature, to keep you cool and dry during intense rallies.
Well-fitted kit also prevents issues like chafing and discomfort, so you can focus on your performance rather than adjusting your clothing – you basically won’t even think about what you’re wearing when you’ve made good choices.
Additionally, wearing the right shoes with proper grip and support reduces the risk of slips, falls, and injuries, providing stability on the court. I learnt the hard way that my super cushioned running shoes were the worst choice I could make!
Choosing Your Padel Outfit
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need for your padel session:
- top
- bottoms (leggings, shorts, skirt)
- outerwear (jackets and hoodies)
- footwear
- accessories (socks, hat, sunglasses etc)
When it comes to choosing what to war for padel, selecting the right tops, bottoms, and outerwear is crucial for enhancing performance and comfort on the court.
Tops should be made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, with options ranging from sleeveless and short-sleeve to long-sleeve based on weather conditions and personal preference.
Bottoms, whether shorts, skirts, or leggings, should offer flexibility and freedom of movement, with some featuring convenient pockets for ball storage. For outerwear, lightweight jackets and hoodies are ideal for warming up or playing in cooler weather, with layering being a key strategy for temperature regulation.
Each piece of clothing should strike a balance between fit, function, and comfort to ensure players can move freely and stay focused on their game.
If you’re using your own racket, then don’t a racket bag and your racket(s).
The Importance of Layering
The first time I ever played padel was in November so although the court was covered it was pretty cold in there. Once we got moving though, I got hot and sweaty quickly, which highlights the importance of layering.
Wearing layers when playing padel will keep you comfortable, allowing you to maintain an optimal body temperature prevent overheating in warmer conditions or help you to retain heat in cooler environments.
When you stop playing and start to cool down is also when you’ll need to throw those layers back on!
Best Shoes For Padel Tennis
Proper footwear for padel provides the necessary support, stability, and traction to handle dynamic actions, reducing the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains, blisters, or stress fractures.
Additionally, well-designed padel shoes offer cushioning to absorb the impact of jumping and running, which helps protect your joints and improve overall comfort during prolonged play.
The right shoes can significantly impact your ability to move efficiently and react swiftly to the ball, ultimately boosting your confidence and effectiveness on the court in addition to injury prevention.
I bought myself some shoes for padel when the Road to Paris Olympics collection launched at adidas. They’ve got a decent choice of mens and womens tennis clothes, in addition to tennis shoes.
I went for the adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4.1 Tennis Shoes (sized up to 5.5UK from my usual 5UK) which are designed to support extreme lateral movements with a reinforced, lightweight mesh upper.
In conclusion, selecting the right attire for padel is essential for optimising performance, comfort, and safety on the court. From breathable tops and flexible bottoms to specialised footwear and strategic layering, each element of your outfit plays a crucial role in enhancing your game.
Proper clothing and shoes not only improve mobility and stability but also help regulate body temperature, allowing you to focus on your performance without distraction. Investing in high-quality, sport-specific gear ensures you stay comfortable and protected, reducing the risk of injury and maximising your enjoyment.
My closing advice would be not to overthink your outfit when you go for your first padel lesson or game and to remember to wear sunscreen, especially if your court is uncovered!
Elle