The best shoes for padel offer strong grip and lateral support, as the game involves quick, side-to-side movement. Padel-specific or tennis court shoes are ideal — they’re designed for sharp stops, pivots, and court traction, often with non-marking soles and good ankle support. Running trainers aren’t suitable as they’re built for straight-line motion and lack the stability needed on court. If you're just starting out, flat-soled gym shoes are fine — but once you're hooked (and you will be), investing in proper padel shoes makes a big difference.