So you've booked your first padel court. Excellent decision. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason — it's social, easy to pick up, and seriously fun. But before you step onto the glass-walled court, you need the right gear. This checklist covers every essential (and a few smart extras) so you can show up prepared and focus on what matters: having a great time.
The Non-Negotiables
1. Padel Racket
Your racket is the single most important piece of equipment. Padel rackets are solid (no strings) with a perforated face and a wrist strap. For beginners, look for a round or teardrop shape — these offer a larger sweet spot and more control, which is exactly what you need while developing your technique. Mid-weight rackets between 360 and 370 grams give a good balance of power and manoeuvrability.
Many clubs offer rental rackets for newcomers, so you can try a few sessions before investing. When you're ready to buy, beginner-friendly rackets start from around £30–£80, making padel one of the most affordable racquet sports to enter.
2. Padel Shoes
Footwork is everything in padel. The sport involves constant lateral movement, quick direction changes, and sudden stops — regular running shoes are not designed for this and can increase your risk of injury. Padel-specific shoes feature a herringbone tread pattern for grip on artificial grass or concrete courts, reinforced toe protection, and lateral stability support.
If you're not ready to buy padel shoes immediately, hardcourt tennis shoes are a reasonable temporary alternative. Avoid trail runners, basketball shoes, or anything with a chunky sole — you need a low, stable platform that keeps you connected to the court.
3. Padel Balls
Padel balls look like tennis balls but are slightly smaller with lower internal pressure, giving them a more controlled bounce — especially important when balls hit the glass walls. A standard three-ball can is enough to get started. Most clubs supply balls for bookings, but having your own ensures you're never caught out for a casual hit.
Clothing: Comfort, Performance, and Style
4. Performance Top
Choose a lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirt or polo that allows full arm movement. Padel involves a lot of overhead shots and quick upper-body rotation, so restrictive cotton tees are not ideal. Look for recycled polyester or technical blends with Quick Dry properties. Cuera's padel t-shirts are designed specifically for these demands — breathable, anti-sweat, and built to keep you cool during long rallies.
5. Shorts or Skirt
For men, padel shorts with deep pockets for holding balls are a game-changer. A flexible waistband and quick-dry fabric keep you comfortable throughout a match. For women, options include padel shorts, 2-in-1 skirts (with built-in short tights for comfort and coverage), or padel dresses. The key is unrestricted leg movement and fabric that handles sweat without clinging.
6. Socks
Don't underestimate socks. Padel-specific or sport socks with cushioned soles and arch support reduce fatigue and prevent blisters during the quick lateral movements that define padel. Avoid thin cotton socks — they bunch, slide, and offer zero protection. Find performance socks in our accessories collection.
Smart Extras
7. Cap or Visor
Most padel is played outdoors, and sun protection matters. A lightweight cap keeps the sun out of your eyes during serves and overhead smashes. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials so your head stays cool.
8. Padel Bag
Once you're playing regularly, a dedicated padel bag keeps your gear organised and your racket protected. Even a compact backpack with a racket sleeve is a worthwhile upgrade from stuffing everything into a gym bag.
9. Overgrip
An overgrip wraps around your racket handle, improving comfort and absorption. They're inexpensive (a few euros each) and should be replaced every few sessions as they wear down. A fresh grip makes a noticeable difference in how securely you hold the racket during sweaty rallies.
10. Water Bottle
Hydration is basic but often forgotten. Bring a water bottle to every session. Padel is more physically demanding than it looks, and staying hydrated keeps your focus and reaction time sharp throughout the match.
Starter Sets: The Easy Option
If assembling individual pieces feels like too much, curated starter bundles take the guesswork out of it. Cuera's Men's Padel Essentials and Women's Bundles package key clothing items together at bundle pricing — a practical entry point that ensures everything works together in terms of fit, fabric, and style.
You're Ready
Padel has a low barrier to entry, but the right gear makes the experience significantly better from day one. Start with a suitable racket, proper shoes, and comfortable performance clothing. Add accessories as you get hooked — and if padel's track record is anything to go by, you will get hooked.
Explore Cuera's beginner-friendly collections to kit yourself out with premium men's padel clothing and women's padel clothing that are built to last.
