Gear — borrow first, buy smart

In one minute

Padel gear is simpler than it looks. Most beginners should borrow first, then buy the basics once they know they will keep playing. Start with padel shoes that grip a sandy court, a round, soft, lighter racket that forgives mishits, and FIP-approved balls that are built for padel’s lower-bounce game. This is a dynamic guide and is reviewed annually — check your club’s rental stock before you spend money.

Borrow first

Most clubs rent or lend rackets, and that is usually the smartest first step. You learn whether you play once a month or once a week before buying anything.

In Ireland, the Padel Federation of Ireland club finder lists venues with racket rental, including Bushy Park in Dublin and Padel 54 Degrees North in Moira. If your club has a reception desk, ask there first.

Shoes: buy for the court, not the treadmill

Padel is a sideways sport. You sprint, stop, split-step, and push off laterally all the time. That is why shoes with lateral support and a padel or clay-style outsole matter more than running shoes.

If you play on sand-filled outdoor turf, herringbone is the safe default. On indoor or less sandy courts, an omni or mixed sole can feel easier to move in. The bigger point is simple: the shoe has to grip without locking you in place.

Court type	Good starting sole	Why
Outdoor sand-filled turf	Herringbone	Best grip on sandy artificial grass
Indoor or less sandy court	Omni or mixed	Easier side-to-side movement
Any court	Stable, non-marking padel shoe	Better support than runners

Padel shoes help because they add grip, shock absorption, and ankle support. Running shoes are built for forward motion; they are not made for padel’s sideways load.

If you want a deeper rule-of-thumb, start with court & rules so the shoe advice makes sense with the court surface.

Racket: start forgiving, not flashy

Your first racket should help you keep the ball in play. That means:

• Round shape — biggest sweet spot, most control
• Soft EVA core — more comfort, less vibration
• Light weight — roughly 345–360g is a sensible beginner zone
• Control over power — a racket that forgives mishits beats one that looks fast on paper

Shape	Sweet spot	Best for	Beginner take
Round	Centre of the face	Control and consistency	Best first racket
Teardrop	Slightly higher	Balance of power and control	Good later
Diamond	High in the head	Power	Too unforgiving for most beginners

If you are torn between two rackets, pick the more forgiving one. For day one, control matters more than a bigger smash.

Balls: use proper padel balls

Use FIP-approved padel balls.

They look like tennis balls, but they are a bit less pressurised and slightly smaller, so they bounce a little less and play a little slower. That lower bounce is part of why padel feels so different off the glass.

When the balls feel flat, dead, or slow off the glass, replace them.

Where to try or buy in Ireland

Best route: borrow at your club, then buy once you know what you like.

The Padel Federation of Ireland club finder is the safest starting point because it lists real Irish and Northern Irish venues, and some of them rent rackets. If you are in Northern Ireland, the LTA equipment guides are also useful.

If a shop page is trying to sell you a full catalogue on day one, ignore the noise. Your first goal is to get on court, not to collect kit.

Try this next time

1. Borrow a round racket and play 60 minutes.
2. If you play on a sandy outdoor court, wear herringbone-soled padel shoes.
3. Ask your club what balls they use, then buy the same type.
4. Only after a few sessions, decide whether you actually need to buy.

For honest 2026 budgets, spec tiers, and what to ignore, see Gear refresh (2026).

Common mix-ups

• “Running shoes are fine for padel.” Not really — they do not give the sideways support padel needs.
• “Diamond means better.” For beginners, it usually means harder-to-control mishits.
• “Any ball is fine.” Use FIP-approved padel balls so the bounce feels right.
• “I need everything now.” Borrow first. Buy later.