OnOff Journal / Buying guides
The useful question is not simply whether a shoe says “padel” or “tennis”. It is whether the exact model matches your court, fits your foot and feels secure through the movements you make.
Start with the outsole and your court
ASICS identifies the sole and upper as important differences in padel footwear, and advises choosing for the surface you play on. Its guidance also notes that herringbone tennis outsoles can be effective for padel. That makes an absolute “all tennis shoes are wrong” rule unhelpful.
Ask your club what surface you use and check the manufacturer's intended use for the model. Do not judge traction from colour, price or an image of the shoe's upper. A close look at the outsole is more useful.
| Check | Question to answer | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Is this model intended for the court I use? | Assuming every court needs the same tread |
| Fit | Does my heel feel held, without uncomfortable pressure? | Choosing solely from your size in another brand |
| Movement | Can I make controlled lateral steps and turns comfortably? | Assessing only how it feels standing still |
| Condition | Is the tread intact and the upper secure? | Keeping a worn-out pair because the model was expensive |
A padel-specific example from our range
The HEAD Motion Pro 1.5 Padel Men's product description lists a padel-specific outsole developed with Mondo, a dual-mesh upper, DynaFoam cushioning and Lateral Control+ support. These are concrete features to compare with another model; they do not tell us how the shoe will fit your foot.
Check the exact Motion Pro 1.5 model and available sizes before ordering. Men's, women's, lace and BOA versions should not be treated as interchangeable product listings.
A simple fitting checklist
- Use the socks you normally play in.
- Lace the shoe as you would for a match and check heel hold.
- Check toe room and pressure across the forefoot.
- Make a few controlled steps and turns indoors, within the retailer's returns conditions.
- Compare any pressure points with your current pair, rather than expecting an uncomfortable fit to become right later.
Do you need to change your current tennis shoes?
If the manufacturer identifies your model as suitable for your surface, the shoes fit well and they remain in good condition, compare before replacing them solely because of the category name. If you cannot identify the model or its intended surface, send us the details and a photo of the outsole.
For a new purchase, narrow the range by court suitability first, then fit and budget. Browse our padel shoes collection and compare actual sizes and specifications. No shoe can guarantee injury prevention.
Sources: ASICS equipment guidance and ASICS on padel outsoles; HEAD product details linked above.
Explore the collectionAsk the OnOff team