Padel is no longer a niche sport you only hear about on holiday in Spain. Britain passed 1,000 padel courts in 2025, up from fewer than 100 just six years earlier, and peak-time slots at popular venues are now booked out days or weeks in advance. If you've been curious about joining in, or already play regularly, one of the first questions is simple: what do you actually wear? This guide breaks down the padel dress code, from court-ready trainers to the best activewear, and shows you how to shop the look for less at Secret Sales.
What Is Padel and Why Is Everyone Playing It?
Padel is a racket sport played in pairs (doubles) on a walled, enclosed court that's a little smaller than a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash — the scoring and rally feel like tennis, but the ball can bounce off the surrounding walls, much like squash — and it uses solid, strung-free paddles rather than rackets. It's also widely considered easier to pick up than tennis, which partly explains its explosive growth.
In the UK, the number of padel courts has grown dramatically since 2023, from around 350 courts to well over 1,000 today. Major leisure chains, independent clubs, and even public parks have invested in facilities. The sport attracts a broad age range and is genuinely social, making it appealing to people who want a proper workout with a fun, competitive edge. Simply put, padel fits modern life well.
What to Wear for Padel: The Basics
There is no strict dress code for recreational padel in the UK, but comfort, mobility, and grip underfoot are essential. Here is what to focus on.
Tops and Leggings or Shorts
Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric is the priority. You will be moving in short, sharp bursts, so you need pieces that stretch, breathe, and dry quickly. Fitted or semi-fitted silhouettes work better than oversized cuts, which can get in the way during lateral movements.
Women: Fitted leggings or sport skirts paired with a racerback or regular sport top. A matching set looks great and photographs well for those post-match social posts.
Men: Sport shorts with a slim fit (avoid anything too baggy) and a breathable polo or T-shirt. Many brands produce padel-specific polo shirts that sit neatly and move well.
The Most Important Piece: Your Trainers
This is where many beginners go wrong. Running trainers are not suitable for padel. The sport involves a lot of lateral movement, and you need a shoe with good side-to-side support, a non-marking sole, and ideally a herringbone tread pattern for grip on the artificial turf surface used on most UK indoor courts.
Look for court trainers or padel-specific shoes from brands like Asics, Adidas, Puma, and Babolat. A well-made pair does not have to cost a fortune, especially when you shop during a sale.
Accessories Worth Adding to Your Kit Bag
Once you have the basics sorted, a few small additions make a real difference to your comfort and performance on court.
Sweatband or headband: Keeps hair and sweat out of your face during fast rallies.
Sports socks: Padded, ankle-length socks reduce the risk of blisters, especially in new trainers.
Sports bag or backpack: Compact enough to carry your paddle, water bottle, and a change of clothes. Many players use a small rucksack rather than a traditional racket bag.
Cap or visor: Useful for outdoor courts in summer, particularly in the sunshine we have been seeing this August.
How to Build the Look Without Overspending
Premium activewear and court trainers from designer and performance brands can carry high price tags on the high street. The good news is that Secret Sales regularly features designer and branded sportswear at significantly reduced prices. From well-known activewear labels to premium trainer brands, the deals genuinely stack up.
Shopping this way also means you can invest in better quality pieces, the kind that wash well and keep their shape after dozens of sessions on court, without paying full retail. It's the smarter way to build a sport-specific wardrobe.
Shop Padel-Ready Styles at Secret Sales
Ready to put the kit together? Browse our curated edit of activewear, court trainers, sport accessories, and more at discounted prices. Whether you are just getting started or upgrading your current kit, you will find quality pieces at prices that make sense.
Shop padel-friendly pieces at Secret Sales now and get court-ready for less.
FAQs
Can I wear running trainers to play padel?
Running trainers are not recommended for padel. They are designed for forward movement and lack the lateral support needed on a padel court. Court trainers or padel-specific shoes with a herringbone sole provide much better grip and stability, and they help prevent ankle injuries during quick side-to-side movements.
Is there a dress code for padel in the UK?
Most recreational and club padel venues in the UK do not enforce a strict dress code, but non-marking soles on your trainers are almost always required to protect the court surface. Beyond that, comfortable, moisture-wicking activewear is the standard choice for both men and women.
What activewear brands are good for padel?
Performance brands such as Adidas, Nike, Asics, and Puma all produce activewear and footwear well suited to padel. Secret Sales regularly stocks discounted pieces from leading activewear and sportswear brands.
How much should I budget for padel clothing and trainers?
A solid starting kit, including court trainers, a top, leggings or shorts, and a few accessories, could cost anywhere from £80 to £250 at full retail. Shopping through an off-price retailer like Secret Sales can bring that figure down considerably, making it easy to dress properly for the sport without overspending.
