Padel is one of the easiest racket sports to pick up, and one of the cheapest to start. You do not need a wardrobe of specialist gear for your first few games. What you do need is the right footwear, comfortable clothing you can move in, and a few small extras that make the session more enjoyable. Here is a clear, honest breakdown of what to wear, what to bring, and what you can leave at home.
What to wear
Padel is played in short, sharp bursts: lunges, quick changes of direction, the odd sprint to chase a lob off the back glass. Your clothing should let you move freely and stay cool.
- Breathable sportswear. A moisture-wicking T-shirt or technical top will keep you far more comfortable than cotton, which soaks up sweat and stays heavy. Shorts, leggings, or a skort all work; pick whatever you would happily run in.
- Layers for cooler days. If you are playing on an outdoor or uncovered court in winter, a light long-sleeve top or zip-up that you can shed once you warm up is ideal.
- Avoid anything restrictive. Jeans, heavy joggers, or stiff fabrics will fight you on every lunge.
There is no dress code to worry about as a beginner. Comfort and freedom of movement matter far more than the logo on your kit.
The one thing that really matters: your shoes
If you take one point from this guide, make it this. Proper court shoes are the single most important piece of kit, and the most common thing beginners get wrong.
Padel courts have an artificial grass surface, usually filled with sand. Running shoes are built for forward motion on roads, with cushioned, smooth or knobbly soles that do not grip well sideways. On a padel court they slip on the sand and offer almost no lateral support, which is exactly when ankle rolls happen.
What you want instead:
- A herringbone (or "fishbone") tread. This zig-zag pattern is designed to bite into sand-filled surfaces and release cleanly, giving you grip when you push off and stop. It is the standard sole for padel and clay-court tennis shoes.
- Lateral stability. Court shoes are reinforced around the sides to support the quick side-to-side movements padel demands.
- A lower, more stable profile than a running shoe, so you are closer to the ground and less likely to turn an ankle.
Dedicated padel shoes are best, but clay-court or all-court tennis shoes with a herringbone sole are a perfectly good starting point. Please do not play in running shoes or casual trainers; it is the fastest route to a slip or a twisted ankle.
Grip and overgrip
Your racket comes with a grip already fitted, so you are ready to play out of the box. As you progress, most players add an overgrip: a thin, tacky wrap that goes over the original grip. It improves feel, soaks up sweat, and is cheap to replace when it wears smooth. Carrying a spare overgrip in your bag means you can swap a sweaty one mid-session and keep a confident hold on the racket.
What is provided vs what to bring
This varies, so it is worth a quick check before you go. As a beginner:
- Rackets can often be hired or borrowed, so you do not have to buy one before your first hit.
- Balls are sometimes provided and sometimes not, so it is sensible to have a tube of your own. Padel balls look like tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure; buy padel-specific ones rather than tennis balls.
- Water is rarely something to rely on being handed to you. Bring your own.
When in doubt, assume you need to bring everything except the court itself.
A simple beginner's kit checklist
- Court shoes with a herringbone sole (not running shoes)
- Breathable T-shirt or top and comfortable shorts, leggings, or a skort
- Racket (borrowed, hired, or your own)
- A tube of padel balls
- Water bottle, filled
- A spare overgrip
- A wristband or two, to keep sweat off your hands and racket handle
- A small towel and a light layer for cooler days
- Plasters or tape, in case of a blister while your hands toughen up
Get the shoes right, dress for movement, pack water and a spare grip, and you have everything you need for a great first session. The rest you can build up as you fall for the game.
