Short answer: wear breathable sports clothing and stable court shoes. Shoes matter more than the outfit. Padel involves side steps, pivots, short sprints and quick stops, so running shoes or fashion trainers are not ideal for regular play.
Last checked: 25 June 2026. Always check venue rules, especially for indoor courts, club dress codes and surface-specific footwear advice.
The beginner kit list
| Item | Need level | Beginner advice |
|---|---|---|
| Court shoes | High | Prioritise lateral support and grip |
| Racket | Medium | Hire first if possible |
| Sports clothing | High | Choose movement and sweat control |
| Water bottle | High | Indoor courts can feel warm |
| Overgrip | Useful | Helps comfort and control |
| Balls | Useful | Check whether venue provides them |
Shoes first
Footwear is the most important clothing decision. Padel is a lateral sport. You will shuffle, brake, pivot, recover from glass rebounds and move quickly toward the net. Running shoes are designed mainly for forward motion and can roll or slide unpredictably during side movements.
Padel-specific shoes or suitable tennis court shoes are usually better. Ask the venue what outsole works on its surface. Some artificial turf courts with sand behave differently from hard indoor surfaces.
Related guide: best padel shoes.
Clothing
Choose clothing you can lunge, twist and reach in. Shorts, skorts, leggings, breathable tops and lightweight layers all work. Avoid restrictive jeans, heavy cotton layers or anything that limits overhead movement. If playing outdoors, bring layers because waiting between points can feel cooler than the rally itself.
Relevant collection: padel clothing.
Racket and accessories
Many venues rent rackets, and hiring is sensible for your first few sessions. When buying, beginners usually do better with a comfortable round racket rather than a stiff power model. Add an overgrip if the handle feels slippery. A wrist strap should be used correctly because padel rackets are designed with safety straps.
Relevant collections: padel rackets and padel accessories.
Indoor versus outdoor kit
Outdoor padel adds weather decisions: sun protection, cap, warmer layers and possibly a change of top. Indoor padel is more predictable but can still become warm in long sessions. Bring water either way. If you sweat heavily, a spare grip or towel helps more than most expensive accessories.
What not to wear
- Running shoes for regular play.
- Fashion trainers with poor grip.
- Restrictive jeans or heavy clothing.
- Jewellery that could catch during movement.
- New shoes straight into a competitive match.
Rules and safety context
Official padel rules require a suitable racket and ball, and venue rules may cover footwear or court conduct. Beginners do not need elite kit, but they do need safe, appropriate basics.
Official sources: LTA beginner padel guide and FIP official documents.
Bottom line
Start with shoes, comfortable clothing, water and a hired racket. Buy specialist kit only after you know you will keep playing. Good footwear and freedom of movement will help your game more than buying every accessory on day one.
FAQ
Can I wear tennis shoes for padel?
Often yes, if they suit the surface and support lateral movement.
Do I need padel clothes?
No. Any breathable sportswear that lets you move well is fine.
Should I buy a racket before my first session?
No. Hire or borrow first if possible.
