Padel Equipment — What You Actually Need (and What You Don't)

The complete padel equipment checklist: racket, shoes, balls, overgrip, clothing and accessories — with specific recommendations and prices.

Padel is one of the most uncomplicated sports when it comes to gear. For your first match, all you really need is a racket (which you can rent) and sports clothing you probably already own. That said, investing in the right things at the right time makes the game noticeably better.

Here’s the honest checklist: what’s worth it, what’s optional, and what you shouldn’t waste money on.

Racket — The Essential

For your first sessions: rent one. Almost every padel venue in Austria offers rental rackets for €3–5. That’s plenty to find out if padel is your sport.

Once you know you’re sticking with it, buy your own. The difference is real — you learn the weight, the sweetspot, and your game improves noticeably faster.

For beginners: round shape, medium weight (345–365 g), foam core. Budget: €60–120 gets you a very good starter racket.

→ Full buying guide: Best Padel Rackets for Beginners

Quick picks:

Shoes — More Important Than You Think (But Not on Day One)

For your first sessions: come with whatever you have. Running shoes, indoor trainers, hard-court football boots — all fine. I started with running shoes myself.

Once you’re playing regularly (1–2x per week), it’s worth upgrading to proper shoes. Padel involves a lot of quick lateral movement, and for that you need:

  • Lateral stability (ankle protection during direction changes)
  • An artificial grass sole (herringbone or omni pattern)
  • Good cushioning for 60–90 minutes on hard surfaces

What doesn’t work long-term: studded boots, shoes with smooth soles.

Specific recommendations:

Alternatively: all-court tennis shoes work perfectly fine on padel courts if you already own a pair.

Balls — Small, Cheap, Important

Padel balls look like tennis balls but they’re not. They have less pressure and bounce lower — that’s crucial for the padel feel. Using tennis balls on a padel court technically works but feels wrong.

Balls are consumables. A can (3 balls) lasts 2–5 sessions depending on intensity. Fresh balls play noticeably better than worn ones.

Specific recommendations:

Tip: If you play often, buy a box of 24 cans — it’s significantly cheaper per ball.

Overgrip — The Underrated Game Changer

The tape on your racket handle wears out. A slippery grip means: you squeeze harder, your arm tires faster, your control suffers. A fresh overgrip for €2–3 makes a noticeable difference — it’s the cheapest performance upgrade you can buy.

Change it every 3–5 sessions, more often in summer.

Specific recommendations:

Tip: Always buy at least a 3- or 5-pack — singles cost more per unit and you’ll need them regularly.

Clothing — Come As You Are

Padel has no dress code. Wear whatever’s comfortable and lets you move freely. T-shirt, shorts, done.

A few practical tips:

  • Shorts with pockets are almost essential — you need somewhere to stash the second ball when serving. Many padel shorts have extra-deep ball pockets, but normal sports shorts with side pockets work just as well.
  • Breathable material helps, especially indoors with poor ventilation or outdoors in summer.
  • Dedicated padel clothing from brands like Bullpadel, Head or Nox looks great but isn’t necessary — regular sportswear does exactly the same job.

If you want to browse anyway:

Accessories — Nice to Have, Not Essential

This is all about personal preference. None of these are mandatory.

Sweatband: Can keep your grip hand dry, especially in summer. I play without. — Sweatbands on Amazon.de

Sports sunglasses: Useful on outdoor courts in sunlight, especially when looking up at lobs. Indoors you don’t need them. I play without here too. — Sports sunglasses on Amazon.de

Cap / Visor: Practical for outdoor play in summer. Any sports cap will do.

Racket bag: Protects your racket and has compartments for balls, grips and clothes. A regular backpack works fine at first. — Padel bags on Amazon.de

The Checklist at a Glance

Need right away (to try padel):

  • Racket (rent one → €3–5 per session)
  • Sports clothing you already own
  • Sports shoes you already own

Worth getting soon (once padel is your thing):

  • Your own racket (€60–120) → Buying guide
  • Padel balls (€5–7 per can)
  • Overgrips (€5–8 for a 3-pack)

Worth getting eventually (for regular players):

  • Padel/tennis shoes with the right sole (€50–120)
  • Racket bag

Don’t need:

  • Dedicated padel clothing (regular sportswear is fine)
  • Expensive accessories
  • Anything with “Pro” in the name if you’re a beginner

Tips for your first match? → 10 Padel Tips for Beginners Find a court? → All Padel Courts in Austria

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Last updated: 2026-03