Summer is wrapping up, and autumn is rolling in. The days are already getting noticeably shorter, the evenings chillier, and outdoor sports like football, cricket, and tennis are therefore starting to wind down. But that doesn’t mean your sports plans have to stop. In fact, autumn’s a great time to try something new – and padel could be just the thing.
Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports out there. It’s a fun mix of squash and tennis, and it’s really taking off across Europe and beyond. With loads of new courts popping up all over the UK, more and more people are picking up a racket and giving it a shot. Are you thinking about jumping in this autumn? Go for it! And with the right pair of padel shoes, you’ll be ready to hit the court in both comfort and style.
Let’s look into why autumn’s the perfect time to start padel and why the right padel shoes matter.
What Is Padel and Why Is It So Popular?
Padel is often described as a mix of tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court, the game uses solid rackets and a scoring system identical to tennis. Unlike tennis, however, players can use the glass walls to keep the ball in play, creating fast-paced rallies. Here are some advantages of taking up padel this summer:
- Easy to learn: Beginners can pick up the basics quickly, so it does not require years of lessons.
- Social and fun: It is always played in doubles, making it perfect for playing with friends, families, or colleagues.
- Great workout: A balance of cardio, agility, and coordination, without the high-impact strain of some sports.
- Accessible to all ages: From teenagers to retirees, padel is a sport almost anyone can enjoy.
Why Autumn Is the Best Season to Start Padel
Many people consider spring or summer the “sporty seasons,” but autumn actually offers unique advantages, especially if you’re just starting out.
1. Indoor-Friendly Sport
As the weather turns wet and unpredictable, outdoor sports become less appealing. Nobody wants to run around in the cold and rain. Padel, however, is often played in covered or indoor courts. That means you can continue training regardless of rain, wind, or even frost. Autumn is the time when many players move indoors, so you do not have to worry about those chilly evenings..
2. Perfect for New Routines
Autumn marks a natural transition in the year. Holidays are over, kids are back at school, and many of us are looking for fresh routines before winter sets in. Starting padel now means you can build consistency before the festive season, making fitness a habit rather than a January resolution.
3. Stay Active Through Shorter Days
Shorter days can make it tempting to hibernate, but padel’s energetic, sociable nature is a great antidote. Playing regularly in autumn helps keep your fitness levels up and your mood high, all whilst getting you out of the house.
4. Boost Your Immune System Before Winter
Physical activity strengthens immunity. By starting padel in autumn, you’re setting yourself up to stay healthier during the cold and flu season. Studies have shown that those who exercise are less likely to get a cold.
5. Seasonal Motivation
Trying a new sport gives you a mental lift just when motivation tends to dip. Many of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the more gloomy seasons, but participating in exercise can help alleviate SAD symptoms. Autumn is often associated with slowing down and getting cosy, but padel injects fresh energy and keeps you active.
Why You Need Padel-Specific Shoes
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is wearing regular trainers or running shoes for padel. While they might feel fine at first, they simply aren’t designed for the fast, multi-directional movement that padel demands. Here’s why specific padel shoes are worth the investment:
1. Lateral Support
Padel requires constant side-to-side movements, lunges, and quick changes of direction. Running shoes only support forward motion, leaving you vulnerable to ankle twists. Padel shoes are built with reinforced sidewalls to stabilise your feet.
2. Court-Specific Grip
Padel courts often use artificial turf with sand infill, which can be slippery without the right traction. Padel shoes use herringbone-style grip patterns that dig into the surface without damaging it.
3. Shock Absorption
With so much sprinting, stopping, and jumping, cushioning is essential. adidas padel shoes use technologies like Bounce or Lightstrike midsoles to absorb impact and protect your joints.
4. Durability
The outsoles of padel shoes are designed to withstand the unique wear-and-tear of padel courts, lasting far longer than standard trainers.
5. Injury Prevention
From rolled ankles to strained knees, the wrong footwear increases your risk of injury. Proper shoes mean you can focus on enjoying the game without worrying about your body giving up on you.
Tips for Getting Started With Padel This Autumn
You may have your footwear sorted, but there are more ways you can prepare for an excellent padel season. Firstly, make sure that you book your sessions early. With the sport becoming increasingly popular, you do not want to be disappointed if you cannot get your ideal time slot. Secondly, invite your friends and family in good time for them to join you. With padel being a doubles sport, you need someone to play with and enjoy with you.
Another basic element that is required for padel is a padel racket. Investing in a quality racket will make playing feel so much easier. Also, ensure you are wearing comfortable clothes that can stretch and are breathable. Be mindful of wearing layers, you will quickly warm up whilst playing the sport; however, the journey to and from the courts may be cold during the wintery months.
Finally, when learning padel, make sure you study the scoring system. It does follow the scoring system of tennis; however, there are other rules for wall play and underhand serves. During your learning experience, always use patience and control. As a beginner, you will find it easier to learn the racket sport if you slow down and focus on accuracy rather than power.
Why You Should Try Padel This Autumn
One of the most attractive aspects of padel is its social nature. Autumn evenings can sometimes feel isolating, but padel provides a fun way to meet new people or socialise with your friends. It has a lighthearted yet competitive atmosphere that keeps motivation high. There are also tonnes of health benefits associated with this exercise. It’s the perfect antidote to darker nights and colder weather.
Starting padel this autumn doesn’t just carry you through September and October. It sets you up for winter too. Indoor sessions mean you’ll avoid the fitness slump many people hit in December. Plus, by the time spring rolls around, you’ll already have months of practice under your belt — giving you a big head start.
