What to wear to padel

The short version

Wear what you'd wear to a gym session or a tennis match. Shorts or a skirt, a breathable top, and — this is the important bit — proper padel or tennis shoes. The shoes matter more than anything else.

Shoes — the one thing worth spending on

Padel courts have artificial grass surfaces. Running shoes grip too much and can cause ankle injuries. Tennis shoes or dedicated padel shoes have herringbone or omni soles that grip appropriately without catching.

Budget £50-90 for a decent pair. They'll last 6-12 months of regular play. This is genuinely the most important piece of padel equipment after your racket.

Clothing

Any breathable sportswear works. Most players wear shorts and a t-shirt or polo. For women, a sports skirt or shorts with a tank top is standard. The key qualities to look for are moisture-wicking fabric and freedom of movement — padel involves a lot of lateral steps and overhead shots.

Avoid anything with zips or buttons that could catch on the racket. Cotton absorbs sweat and gets heavy, so synthetic fabrics are better for longer sessions.

Indoor vs outdoor

For indoor courts, standard padel clothing works year-round. For outdoor courts in the UK, layer up in cooler months — a lightweight quarter-zip or long-sleeve base layer under a t-shirt works well. You warm up quickly once you start playing, so easy-to-remove layers are ideal.

In summer, a cap or visor helps with sun glare, especially on courts without shade.

Accessories worth having

Overgrip: A fresh overgrip on your racket handle improves comfort and control. They cost £2-3 each and should be replaced every few sessions.

Wristband: Sounds old-school but genuinely useful for keeping sweat off your grip hand.

Sports socks: Padel-specific or tennis socks with extra cushioning at the heel and toe make a noticeable difference in comfort.

For your first game

Don't overthink it. If you have tennis or gym shoes with non-marking soles, those will do for your first session. Most venues have dress codes similar to tennis clubs — clean sportswear, no jeans, no black-soled shoes that mark the court.

If you enjoy it (you will), invest in proper padel shoes before your second or third session. Everything else can wait.