Padel Kit Checklist: Everything You Need for Your First Game

So you've booked your first padel game. Nice one – you're about to find out why everyone's hooked. The good news is you don't need much kit to get started. Here's exactly what to bring, what can wait, and a few tips so you turn up ready to play.

The essentials

1. A padel racket

Most clubs hire rackets, which is fine for a first try. Once you're playing regularly, your own racket gives you the same feel every session and soon works out cheaper than hiring. For beginners, look for a light, round racket with a soft core and a carbon frame. Our guide to beginner rackets under £100 explains what to look for, and Spark is built exactly for this stage.

2. An overgrip

The most underrated bit of kit in padel. A fresh overgrip stops the racket slipping when your hands get sweaty and protects the handle underneath. If you're hiring, it's even more worth it – you have no idea who held that handle last. Grip 'n' Rip is made to padel length, so it wraps on in a minute with no cutting.

3. Padel balls

Padel balls look like tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure, which suits the smaller court and the walls. Some clubs include balls with the booking; others sell them at reception. If in doubt, bring a fresh tube – it's good padel etiquette.

4. The right shoes

Padel is all short sprints and quick changes of direction on artificial grass, so trainers with good side-to-side support matter. Padel or tennis shoes with an omni or herringbone sole are ideal. Running shoes aren't built for lateral movement and can slide on sandy courts.

5. Comfortable sportswear

Breathable shorts or leggings and a sports top you can move in. Nothing fancy required.

6. Water

Rallies are longer than you expect. Bring a bottle and use the changeovers.

Nice to have

Spare overgrips – so you're never stuck with a slippery handle.

A padel bag – keeps racket, balls and shoes together.

A small towel and wristband – for sweaty summer sessions.

A cap and sunglasses – for outdoor courts on bright days.

Warm layers – for winter evenings. Our guide to playing padel in the cold has more tips.

Protective eyewear – optional, but some players like the peace of mind at the net.

Before your first game

Book a court

Most clubs use apps like Playtomic or their own booking systems. In London? Here are 10 of the best places to play.

Learn the basics

Five minutes on padel rules will save a lot of confusion, especially on serves and the walls.

Arrive 10 minutes early

Time to wrap a fresh overgrip, warm up and meet your partner.

Pick up a few quick wins

Our 5 quick padel tips will have you playing smarter from the first rally.

Your padel kit checklist

☐ Racket (your own or hired)
☐ Fresh overgrip (plus a spare)
☐ Tube of padel balls
☐ Padel or tennis shoes
☐ Comfortable sportswear
☐ Water bottle
☐ Towel / wristband
☐ Layers or cap, depending on the weather

Get set up with VIBEPADEL

Starting out? Spark (£69.99) plus a 3-pack of Grip 'n' Rip overgrips covers the two things that matter most. Stocking up? Buy any 3 overgrip packs and get £5 off plus free UK delivery.

FAQs

Do I need my own racket for my first padel game?

No. Most clubs hire rackets. It's worth getting your own once you're playing regularly.

Can I play padel in running shoes?

You can, but they're not ideal. Padel involves lots of side-to-side movement, so shoes with lateral support and an omni or herringbone sole are safer and grip better.

Are padel balls the same as tennis balls?

They look similar, but padel balls have slightly lower pressure to suit the smaller court and the walls.

See you on court – and bring the vibe.