The soles of padel shoes are the point of contact between the player and the court. Thanks to them the body is stabilized, movement is controlled and balance is maintained. The bottom of the shoe is not a simple detail: it is the basis of your performance and one of the factors that most influence injury prevention.
In PadelPROShop We have talked many times about how to choose the ideal footwear, but today we put the focus on the heart of each shoe: the sole. Understanding their differences will help you find the perfect balance between grip, slip and durability.
Types of padel shoe soles
The choice of sole makes the difference between sliding with control or losing traction on supports. In paddle tennis there are three main configurations: herringbone sole, omni sole and mixed sole. Each one responds to a style of play and a different type of surface.
Before you decide, think about the court where you play most often. The herringbone sole sneakers They do not behave the same on sandy carpets as on harder courts. Understanding this difference will avoid scares and make you move with more confidence.
Padel Shoes with omni sole
The omni sole It is easy to recognize: it has a surface covered with small rubber dots that generate constant contact with the ground. That microgrip pattern provides very direct traction on slopes with artificial grass and little sand.
Advantages and disadvantages of the omni sole
- Pros: Immediate grip, feeling of control, homogeneous response on indoor carpet or with little sand.
- Cons: on hard or cement courts the abrasion is greater and wear is accelerated; slides less than the tang.
When to choose it
If you play on carpets with a light sand load or are looking for a firm and predictable grip From the first step, the Omni sole fits you.
Padel Shoes with herringbone or clay sole
The herringbone sole —also known as clay sole— is the most iconic and preferred by many advanced players. Its zigzag pattern, inspired by clay tennis, allows you to slide without losing traction and offers a very smooth transition between grip and lateral movement.
Advantages and disadvantages of the herringbone sole
- Pros: controlled sliding, stable grip, sand evacuation thanks to the deep pattern, good durability on sandy carpets.
- Cons: when the relief wears out, the grip drops noticeably; On very dry slopes without sand it can feel “too free”.
When to choose it
If you prioritize slide with control to reach forced balls and you play in clubs with sandy carpets, the herringbone is your terrain. Brands like Asics or Adidas They bet on it in high-performance models.
Padel Shoes with mixed or hybrid sole
The mixed sole It combines the best of the previous two: herringbone in external areas to facilitate sliding and omni in internal areas to reinforce grip. It is a versatile option that adapts to almost any track and circumstance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the mixed sole
- Pros: balance between grip and sliding, great adaptability to clubs with different carpets, natural transition in changes of direction.
- Cons: It is not the most extreme in anything: if you are looking for maximum grip or maximum sliding, omni or herringbone will give you a specific plus.
When to choose it
If you alternate tracks or conditions throughout the week and want a intermediate point without giving up stability and comfort, the mixed sole is a safe bet. Therefore, the mixed sole sneakers They are so popular with versatile players.
What is the best sole for you?
There is no “perfect” sole for everyone. The choice depends on your style, frequency of play and usual surface. If you prioritize full grip, the omni sole offers immediate control. If you prefer slide without losing stability, bet on the spike. Are you looking for a middle ground? The mixed one balances sensations without compromising safety.
Trying different models and feeling the response on the court is the only way to discover which sole really suits you. Explore the padel shoes available in PadelPROShop, including collections of padel shoes for man and padel shoes for woman, and find the type of sole that makes your game flow from the first point.
