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Our favorite picks
An under-$100 racket
Adidas Drive 3.4 Padel Racket
Versatile court shoes
Asics Women’s Gel-Challenger 15 Tennis Shoes
To enhance your grip
4on Total Grip Spray
A trusted ball brand
Head Padel Pro S 3 Ball Can
A sleek gym bag that’ll fit your racket
JanSport Recharge Gym Bag in Medium
This article is part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Laid-Back Living, an editorial package focused on screen-free activities to inspire you to go analog this year. We’ll be featuring articles and information on our favorite hobbies to help you find new ways to hit pause, connect with others and enjoy your free time.
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Pickleball may have been the “It” activity for the last few years, but there’s another racket sport exploding in the US: padel. I was first introduced to the doubles-based court game (which originated in Mexico in 1969) last summer when I took a lesson at Privé Padel in Montauk, New York. As someone who played tennis regularly as a kid, I was immediately hooked because of the two sports’s many similarities. After all, padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash.
My introduction to the fast-paced racket sport came at the perfect time, as I’d been considering new hobbies to help me unplug and connect in my free time instead of scrolling on my phone. While I dance and workout regularly to relieve stress, I wanted a new challenge that served up longevity benefits while allowing me to socialize at the same time.
Even if you don’t have prior racket-game experience like me, the experts I spoke with said padel is easy enough for just about anyone to pick up. “It is also well suited for a wide range of ages, including older players, due to its lower impact and emphasis on control and positioning,” Chris Moore, cofounder and president of Privé Padel, said.
So if you’re also looking for a fun activity that’ll actually motivate you to turn off the TV, connect with friends and boost your cardiovascular health, I recommend looking for a padel club near you (unlike tennis and pickleball, you can only play this game at a designated padel club because of the glass walls required).
But before you start lobbing or smashing a bandeja on the court, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. To help you get started, I asked padel pros and coaches what beginners need to start playing. I also included my favorite accessories I’ve discovered so far.
Best padel rackets
Wilson Blade LS V3 Padel Racquet
When picking a beginner padel racket, Dan Gottlieb, a New York City and Miami–based padel coach and founder of Sproga (who I took my first lesson with), recommends focusing on models that prioritize control, comfort and stability over anything flashy or powerful. “Padel is a feel-based sport. Your racket should help you understand the ball, not fight it,” he said. “That usually means a round shape, softer feel and a larger sweet spot.”
Gottlieb likes this one from Wilson, which is the lightest in the brand’s Blade V3 line. He said beginners should avoid stiff carbon rackets, which are typically used by advanced players to maximize power shots. Instead, he suggests getting a softer racket made of fiberglass or soft carbon with an EVA core, because this will “provide more comfort and a larger margin for error.” This racket fits into that category thanks to its fiberglass weave construction, which is more flexible and bouncy than carbon (aka more responsive to incoming balls — a critical feature if you’re new to the game).
Adidas Drive 3.4 Padel Racket
Erik Sanchez,racquet director at Padel United Sports Club in Cresskill, New Jersey, likes this under-$100 option that hits all the notes of a beginner-friendly padel racket. Its round body shape has a larger surface area than a teardrop or diamond style for more control, and it’s made of lightweight fiberglass and EVA rubber that’s easy to hold.
Nox X-Hero Red 2026 Padel Racket
When it comes to the best padel brands, both Gottlieb and Sanchez gave Nox their stamp of approval. Sanchez specifically highlighted this budget-friendly racket that’s ideal for those looking to play consistently and work their way to an intermediate level. The reasoning? Its hybrid design features a fiberglass face and a carbon frame — the latter of which is stiffer and more suitable for advanced players. So, if you plan on sticking it out for the long haul, this racket will progress with you as you level up your game.
Pallap Velocity Team Light Padel Racket
This is the racket I own, and I can confirm it’s suitable for a beginner like me. It’s lightweight, easy to grip and doesn’t weigh my hand down, so I can focus on making quick lateral movements across the court. It’s made of a combination of fiberglass and a carbon frame, so I can continue to use this as I progress to an intermediate level.
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Best padel shoes
Wilson Hurakn Pro V2
Wilson Women’s Hurakn Pro V2 Padel Shoes
According to Sanchez, not all workout shoes will work on padel courts. “It’s best to use padel shoes or clay court tennis shoes, as they provide the grip and stability needed on the court.”
He pointed me to these padel-specific kicks, which he said “offer great traction and stability, especially for the fast side-to-side movement in padel.”
Wilson Men’s Hurakn Pro V2 Padel Shoes
The Hurakn model is also available in men’s sizing, and both options offer ample arch support, traction and the type of lightweight design necessary to prevent injury while performing the quick, lateral movements essential to the game.
Adidas Crazyquick
Adidas Women’s Crazyquick Lightstrike Padel Sneakers
According to Gottlieb, “Shoes are the most important piece of equipment in padel.” He added that it’s just as critical to consider what not to look for as what to look for when it comes to padel shoes. “Running shoes are not built for this,” Gottlieb said. “They are too soft and too elevated. Chunky soles and lifestyle sneakers also increase risk because they lack structure and grip.”
These Adidas shoes are made just for padel and feature a “low to the ground” profile, so you can be confident you’ll be safe and secure on the court.
Adidas Men’s Crazyquick Boost Padel Sneakers
Both Sanchez and Gottlieb recommend lacing up in the men’s version of these shoes. Though the men’s and women’s version have slightly different names, these shoe styles are nearly identical.
The lightweight, low-profile design of these shoes accommodates fast reactions on the court. Plus, they feature a stabilizing Slingframe construction to keep feet secure while moving side-to-side.
Asics Gel-Challenger 15
Asics Women’s Gel-Challenger 15 Tennis Shoes
According to Moore, “You can start with tennis shoes, especially if you are just getting into the sport,” he said. “As you play more, it helps to look for shoes with good grip for sand-dressed courts, strong lateral support and overall comfort.”
These Asics tennis shoes, which Gottlieb likes, are a solid option as they have stability features and full-length outsoles for softer landings on tennis and padel courts.
Asics Men’s Gel-Challenger 15
These shoes are also available in men’s sizing, but both versions feature thicker collars to keep your feet in place and boast the brand’s Wingwall technology placed in the sidewalls, which offers additional support and stability for side-to-side movements integral to both tennis and padel.
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Best padel accessories and clothing
4on Total Grip Spray
Just as pointe dancers put rosin (a natural resin from pine trees) on the soles of their shoes to promote friction and prevent slipping, padel players can use a grip spray on their racket. Sanchez said this formula from 4on is “the best one out there.” It’s activated by humidity, which then creates a sticky feeling for a more secure grip.
JanSport Recharge Gym Bag in Medium
While you could buy a bag from a high-quality padel brand to hold all your gear, as a beginner, you may not be ready to invest in that kind of accessory. As someone who also prioritizes style, a lot of the pro versions out there also didn’t match my design-forward needs — until I found this gym bag. It not only has a separate compartment for your shoes, but its unique curved shape and longer body can accommodate a padel racket, balls and everything else you’d need to take to the court or gym.
Head Padel Pro S 3 Ball Can
You likely won’t need to provide your own balls when you’re playing padel because they’re typically available at clubs. However, if you want to practice bouncing the ball on your racket at home, you can’t go wrong with a can from Head, which is a brand the pros back and one I’ve used since playing tennis in elementary school.
Alo Match Point Tennis Skirt
This is my go-to skirt for tennis, padel, pickleball or even daily walks. Unlike a lot of traditional tennis skirts, its design is sleek and pleat-free, so it doesn’t flap around while I chase the ball, which can be distracting. I pair it with my favorite Alo socks (I have at least five pairs), and I instantly feel ready to tackle the court!
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Ponyflo Alex Active Hat
How many times have you tried to squish a ponytail into your baseball hat? In my experience, one too many times. Enter: Ponyflo, which makes clever hats with a built-in hole in the back to fit your bun or ponytail so you don’t have to sacrifice your slicked-back hairstyle for sun protection.
Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, SPF 50+
If you’re playing on an outdoor padel court, a trusty SPF you’ll actually want to reapply is a nonnegotiable. Since discovering this easy-to-use Abib Airy sunstick this summer, I’ve looked forward to reapplying sunscreen on the go because of its mess-free design. I especially like to use it on my hands and arms.
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How to choose the best padel gear for beginners
When you’re just starting out, the pros I spoke with said you shouldn’t spend top dollar on padel equipment right off the bat. “Beginners are best served staying in the lower-to-mid price range as they develop their feel for the game,” Gotllieb said. “In padel, performance is less about premium materials and more about control, comfort and consistency.”
To get started, Gottlieb said you only need an easy-to-control racket and proper court shoes (you also need balls, but those are usually provided at the club). “Nice-to-have additions include a quality overgrip and something like the Hesacore Grip, which can improve feel and your connection to the racket. A bag and breathable apparel help, but they are secondary,” he added.
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for in a padel racket and shoes to prevent injury while learning the game:
Pick a lightweight racket
When picking out your first padel racket, the experts agreed it should be light and soft. “Heavier or stiffer rackets can be harder to control and, when paired with less-developed technique, may increase the risk of injuries like tennis elbow,” Sanchez said.
The padel racket’s material determines how lightweight or soft it’ll be. Beginners should look for models made with fiberglass as it’s softer, comfier and offers easier power, whereas carbon is stiffer, more durable and better for more advanced players, according to Sanchez.
Gottlieb added that beginners should also avoid “head-heavy power designs and textured faces built for spin. Those features reward precision, but early on they tend to expose mistakes.”
In my experience perusing online, most rackets will designate whether they’re beginner-friendly, so it’s easy to find one for your skill level, and you shouldn’t have to scrutinize the materials too much.
Wear sneakers made for lateral movement
Like with any activity, one of the biggest mistakes you could make is wearing the wrong footwear. Padel involves constant side-to-side movements, so you need a pair of shoes that’ll keep your feet secure and safe while moving around quickly.
The experts I spoke with recommend wearing clay court or tennis shoes. When in doubt, here are the features padel shoes should have:
- Stability and lateral support
- A low profile (aka no elevated, cushiony running shoes)
- Grip for turf or sand courts
- Secure heels
Of course, with any sport or game you play, the gear won’t make you a pro overnight. “The right equipment will not replace skill, but it will accelerate how quickly you find it,” Gottlieb said.
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FAQs
No, you cannot play padel on tennis courts. You can only play the sport at padel clubs because the game requires courts surrounded by glass walls, which are used to bounce balls back during the game.
According to Sanchez, “The best padel racket brand comes down to personal preference and play style.” That said, there are a lot of brands to choose from, which can be a bit overwhelming.
The experts I spoke with all agree that the big names, like Adidas, Wilson, Siux, Nox and Head, are a good place to start. “They’re some of the most established names in the sport and offer a wide range of rackets at different price points, from beginner to professional,” Sanchez said. “Each brand also has multiple lines, so you can find something whether you’re looking for more control, power, or comfort.”
The experts I spoke with like Kanso, Vala Padel and Blanca Padel for more specialized gear.
Yes, padel is similar to tennis. According to Moore, “Players with tennis experience often pick it up faster due to a familiarity with racket sports, although it can take some adjustment to adapt to the different style of play.” Sanchez noted that tennis players will find playing off the glass walls the most challenging adjustment.
If you’ve played multiple racket sports, you have an even stronger advantage. “The mix of skills — solid strokes from tennis and comfort using walls from squash or racquetball — translates really well,” according to Sanchez.
With that said, if you’ve never played a racket sport, the coaches I spoke with said padel is fairly accessible, and it’s easy to learn the basics.
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dan Gottlieb, New York City and Miami–based padel coach and founder of Sproga
- Chris Moore, cofounder and president of Privé Padel
- Erik Sanchez, racquet director at Padel United Sports Club in Cresskill, New Jersey
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
For this article, CNN Underscored senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus tapped padel coaches and experts to ask them about the best padel gear for beginners. Kraus, who has experience with various racket sports including tennis and pickleball, recently started playing padel.
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Tamara Kraus is the senior lifestyle editor for CNN Underscored based in NYC. She oversees Underscored’s lifestyle vertical, including fashion, beauty, home, gift guide and health and fitness content. In her free time, she’s dancing at 305 Fitness, at Rumble boxing it out or hanging with her cats.
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