Everyone thinks running shoes work on court. Her

Why so many players still wear running shoes on the padel court

Walking into a club on a Friday night you’ll see it: players in sleek, cushioned running trainers, convinced they’re doing the sensible thing. Running shoes are designed for forward motion and long-distance cushioning. Padel is a different animal - a sport of short bursts, sharp lateral moves and sudden stops. Yet many amateur and even club-level players default to running shoes because they’re comfortable, easy to find and often cheaper than a specialised court shoe.

This mismatch is not merely aesthetic. Wearing running shoes on court creates a small but steady toll on performance, joint health and confidence. Players don’t always notice the difference until they’ve lost a point because they slipped on a quick change of direction, or they feel nagging knee pain after a few sessions. The belief that "any trainer will do" remains widespread, which is why it’s worth pulling apart the issue.

How wrong shoes raise your injury risk and limit your game

Padel movement places different stresses on the foot and ankle compared with running. The main effects of using inappropriate footwear are visible in three areas: injury risk, movement inefficiency and equipment wear.

Higher injury risk: Running shoes offer limited lateral stability. Repeated sideways loading in a cushioned running shoe increases the chance of ankle sprains, strained medial tendons and even knee torque from excessive pronation. Small slips when cutting for the ball lead to acute injuries. Over time, micro‑trauma accumulates. Reduced court movement: Soles made for road grip do not provide the same traction pattern padel courts require. You might find yourself overcompensating with smaller steps, hesitating on pivots or being reluctant to drive forward from a low stance. Those tiny losses of speed add up in tight rallies. Faster shoe degradation and hidden costs: Materials in running shoes can wear unevenly on padel surfaces. The result is poor grip sooner, the need to replace shoes more often, and money lost on a false economy. Ill-fitting soles can also damage the court surface, which club managers notice.

Urgency increases if you play competitively or often. One small twist to avoid a ball can mean a long layoff. If you want to keep improving and avoid recurring aches, footwear deserves attention before pain appears.

Three reasons players default to running shoes

Understanding why this happens helps fix it. These three causes are common and fairly easy to address once you know them.

Availability and habit.

Running trainers are everywhere. Most people own a pair. Habit is powerful - if something feels fine for jogging, it must be fine for sport, right? That convenience beats the perceived hassle of finding court-specific models.

Marketing blur and mainstream fashion.

General sports brands cross-promote and create lines that look suitable for multiple uses. Casual sneakers designed for city wear mimic sport silhouettes, so style wins over functional fit. Many retailers do not separate padel shoes from general court shoes, which confuses buyers.

Cost and misinformation.

Some think padel shoes are expensive extras. Others rely on peer advice and get told "I play fine in my runners." Without visible, immediate failures, it\'s hard to convince someone to change gear. Clubs rarely educate members about footwear tech, so the myth persists.

How Spanish padel brands change the footwear equation

Spain is the epicentre of padel culture, and Spanish brands have been refining court-specific footwear for years. Names like Bullpadel, NOX, Siux, Drop Shot and Joma have focused R&D on match realities rather than road running. Their advances address the three pitfalls above by making functional shoes easy to buy, desirable to wear and tailored to how people actually move on court.

Here’s what they bring to the table and why it matters:

Sole geometry designed for lateral traction: Specialised herringbone and hybrid tread patterns grip sand and synthetic turf differently from running soles. The result is quicker, safer pivots and fewer slips on common club surfaces. Reinforced lateral support: Many Spanish models include medial and lateral reinforcements, integrated shanks and firmer midsole zones to resist collapse during side-to-side cuts. That structure reduces torsion and the risk of ankle inversion. Targeted cushioning: Padding is tuned for short, explosive movements - denser under the heel for impact and responsive foam under the forefoot for quick push-offs. You get protection without the soft, sinky feel that makes lateral moves unstable. Durability for abrasive courts: Toe caps, outsole rubbers and stitched overlays extend life even under heavy slide play. That lowers long-term costs compared with using running trainers in the same conditions. Style that respects function: Colourways and collaborations make padel shoes look desirable off court, removing the fashion excuse for wearing inappropriate footwear.

That combination flips the argument: you no longer choose between performance and style. Spanish brands tend to offer clear entry points at different price levels, making the transition less intimidating.

5 Practical steps to swap to court-specific padel shoes

Switching need https://uk.modalova.com/zine/padel-styles-quiet-revolution/ not be confusing. Here are five direct steps to adopt the right shoe and get the most from it.

Match the sole to your court surface.

Herringbone soles are ideal for sand-based and outdoor synthetic turf courts; omni-pattern soles work for indoor synthetic courts with less loose sand. If you rotate between surfaces, choose a hybrid or carry a pair for each surface.

Prioritise fit over brand name.

Padel shoes should feel snug across the midfoot with a little room in the toe box. Try them on later in the day when feet are slightly swollen. Wear the socks you use for play and simulate lateral moves in the shop if possible.

Test for lateral support and heel lock.

Use a heel-lock lacing technique to secure your foot and try quick side steps and pivots. If the shoe allows a stable, controlled slide and your foot doesn't roll inward, the support is adequate.

Break them in with purpose.

Wear new shoes for short sessions first. Start with drills and light matches to let the materials settle. Avoid buying shoes that feel uncomfortable and assuming they will "stretch in" excessively - that is often a sign the shape is wrong.

Rotate and maintain.

Alternate between two pairs for heavy weekly players. Clean the outsoles of sand and grit after each session, dry naturally, and store in a ventilated bag. Replace shoes when the tread wears down or when midsole compression reduces responsiveness.

Advanced techniques to optimise shoe performance

Custom insoles: Use a thin, supportive insole to correct pronation or add arch support. That can reduce knee pain and improve stability. Keep the insole low-profile to avoid sacrificing shoe room. Heel-lock lacing patterns: A surgeon's knot or two-hole lacing locks the heel without overtightening the forefoot. That small change reduces slippage and improves confidence in aggressive court moves. Heat-moulding where available: Some shoes offer heat-mouldable collars or orthotic shells. If the brand supports it, a brief moulding session at a specialist can tailor the heel cup for your anatomy. Outsole repairs: Instead of tossing shoes at first sign of wear, consider local cobblers who can re-glue or patch soles designed for court life. This extends life for heavy users.

Quick win: Immediate changes that improve your court experience

Here are three things to try before you buy a new pair. They offer near-instant gains and prove the point that small adjustments matter.

Re-lace with a heel lock: Simple, free and reduces heel lift immediately. You’ll feel more secure on every serve and volley. Swap to thin, grippy socks: Thicker running socks can allow the foot to slide inside the shoe. Thin, performance socks increase tactile feedback and help lock the foot in place. Clean your current soles: Remove sand and grit from the tread before a match. Often poor grip is simply down to clogged soles, and cleaning restores traction for several sessions.

Thought experiments to test your assumptions

These mental exercises help justify the switch and clarify your priorities.

The match you can’t afford to lose: Imagine a tight final point where a wrong shoe causes a slip and you lose. How much would you have paid to avoid that moment? Use that value to set a budget for footwear. The season without pain: Picture a season with no recurring ankle niggles. Consider the savings in physio and missed practice. Would two pairs of purpose-built shoes feel expensive in that light? Return on investment: Estimate how many hours you play each month. Divide the shoe cost by those hours to see cost per hour. Compare that to the cost of a single physio visit. Often the maths favours sensible equipment investment.

What you'll feel and how fast after switching to padel shoes

Switching produces a sequence of effects you can expect at each stage. Here’s a realistic timeline so you can measure progress without unrealistic promises.

Time Typical changes What it means for your game Immediate (session 1) Noticeably better grip, less heel slip, more confidence in lateral cuts Fewer slips, smoother pivots, ability to attempt sharper angles Short term (1-4 weeks) Reduced soreness after play, improved push-off feel, better balance in volleys Longer practice sessions, fewer recovery days needed, steadier footwork Medium term (1-3 months) Fewer minor injuries, increased speed and court coverage, greater shot confidence Higher win rate in tight games, more consistent performance under fatigue Long term (season) Lower cumulative injury risk, predictable shoe replacement schedule, improved technique Better progression in technique and conditioning, cost savings from less treatment

These outcomes depend on consistent use, correct choice and sensible shoe care. They also vary by playing intensity and individual biomechanics. But the cause-and-effect is clear: shoes designed for padel reduce the mismatch between movement demands and footwear capability, so your body works more efficiently and with less risk.

Final pointers for buying smarter

Buy at a specialised retailer when possible. Staff can compare models for your foot shape and court surface. Prioritise fit and sole pattern over marketing blur. A mid-range pair that matches your court is better than an expensive fashion trainer that does not. Track the hours you play. Replace shoes when you see midsole compression or loss of traction - not by a fixed calendar date alone.

If you want to keep progressing, treat footwear as part of your training, not a cosmetic afterthought. Spanish padel brands make that choice easier by combining function, durability and appealing design. Swap the myth that running trainers will do and give your feet the right tools for the job - the court, your body and your scorecard will thank you.