You don’t need to buy much to start playing padel. You can rent a racket at many centres and buy balls on site. At the very start, shoes are the only thing worth spending money on.
What do you need for padel?
- shoes with a sole suited to sand-filled artificial turf;
- a racket, which can be a rented one at first;
- balls, usually sold in tubes of three;
- a bag, if you play regularly;
- accessories: an overgrip, a frame protector and protective glasses if you need them.
In what order should you buy equipment?
| Order | Item | When | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shoes | before your first game or right after it | traction and support for lateral movement |
| 2 | Balls | from your first game | old balls bounce less |
| 3 | Racket | once you’ve played several times and are sticking with it | by then you know what suits you |
| 4 | Overgrip and frame protector | with the racket | a better grip and protection for the racket |
| 5 | Bag | when you play every week | keeps your kit together and protected |
How much does padel equipment cost?
The biggest price differences are in rackets. Brands’ top models are made for strong players, and their recommended retail price is often over €250. Models suited to beginners are much cheaper, and a more expensive racket won’t make a beginner a better player.
Balls are a small but recurring cost. At Padel Shark in Pärnu, for example, a tube of three balls cost €8–10 and renting a racket cost €3 per game, as of 26 September 2026. Shoes are a one-off purchase and not worth skimping on.
Should you buy a new or used racket?
A used racket is a good choice for a beginner, as long as it’s in good condition. Before you buy, check that:
- there are no cracks in the frame or the face;
- the face hasn’t blistered or come away from the frame;
- nothing rattles when you shake the racket;
- the wrist strap is intact.
Bear in mind that a racket in constant use loses stiffness over time. If the seller says it has had two seasons of heavy play, don’t expect it to feel like a new one.
How do you look after your equipment?
- Don’t leave your racket and balls in a hot or cold car. Extreme heat and cold are bad for the racket’s materials and for the pressure inside the balls.
- Stick a frame protector on the top of the racket frame. It protects the frame when the racket touches the ground or the glass.
- Dry your shoes and bag after playing.
- Change the overgrip when it gets slippery.
How do racket shapes differ?
| Shape | Balance | Characteristics | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | low, towards the handle | large sweet spot, control | beginners and players who prefer control |
| Teardrop | medium | a compromise between control and power | most recreational players |
| Diamond | high, towards the head | more power, a smaller sweet spot set higher up | experienced attacking players |
We cover weight, balance and materials in more detail in our guide to choosing a racket.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play padel with a tennis racket?
No. A padel racket has no strings, it’s shorter, and a wrist strap is compulsory.
Do I need to buy padel clothing?
No. Ordinary sportswear is fine. Just make sure it doesn’t restrict your movement.
What’s the most common buying mistake beginners make?
Honestly, there are two: an attacking racket that’s too expensive and too stiff, and running shoes. Both make the game harder.