What Padel Kit Do I Need to Start? The Beginner's Kit List for 2026
What padel kit do I need to start?
The beginner's kit list for 2026, from £25.
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You need less than you think. A racket, the right shoes and a can of balls. Most clubs rent rackets for a few pounds, so play your first game with nothing. Book a second game? Buy your own racket.
Here is what to buy, in the order you need it.
1. A first racket: soft, round and cheap
Decathlon's best-selling beginner racket, rated 4.7 from more than 650 reviews. It weighs 320g, has a round head and a soft foam core. The round shape puts the sweet spot in the middle of the face, so mishits still go over the net.
See the PR Open2. Shoes: the one thing not to skip
Running trainers grip forwards. Padel moves sideways. Buy padel or clay-court shoes with a herringbone sole. Our guide to padel shoes for women has the full list.
Light, with a herringbone sole for grip on artificial grass. The cream beige goes with everything.
See the PS Dynamic3. Socks that stay put
Padel shoes are snug and you stop and turn all game. A thin sock slides and blisters. Go for cushioning at the heel and toe.
Cream crew socks with an orange stripe, in fine-knit combed cotton with a cushioned heel and toe. Made for court and everything after.
Shop the socks4. Balls
Padel balls, not tennis balls. They are slightly lower pressure, so rallies last longer. A can of three does a few games. Head Padel Pro+ are £4.29 a tube and rated 4.7 from nearly 200 reviews at Decathlon.
5. A wristband for your grip
A sweaty hand turns a racket in your grip. A wristband sits under the safety strap and catches sweat before it reaches the handle.
Organic cotton terry, white with orange stripes and our embroidered logo. Works for padel, tennis and the gym.
Shop the wristbandWhen the grip on your racket goes shiny, wrap an overgrip over it. Mantis Premium Overgrips are £7.49 for three.
6. The rules, in your bag
Scoring and the walls confuse every beginner. Learn them before your first game and you will spend it playing, not asking.
A pocket hardback guide to scoring, walls and the serve in plain English. Small enough to live in your padel bag.
Shop the book7. The upgrade, when you're playing every week
For improvers who want more power. It weighs 370g, with a teardrop head and a rough carbon face that adds spin. A rubber insert in the handle cuts vibration, which your elbow will notice. Rated 4.7 from more than 170 reviews.
See the Hybrid Carbon
The lighter upgrade. It weighs 335g, with a carbon and fibreglass frame and a soft foam core. Pick this one if the Hybrid Carbon feels too heavy in your hand.
See the Play 335Buying for someone else?
The book, the socks and the wristband in our ivory gift box, ready to hand over. Free UK tracked delivery.
Shop the gift boxThe quick list
| You are | Buy | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Trying it out | Rent a racket. Book a game. | £0 |
| Hooked | PR Open and The Game of Padel | £43.98 |
| Buying a gift | The Hud Padel Gift Box | £59 |
| Playing weekly | Hybrid Carbon | £109.99 |
Kit sorted? Here's how to book your first game.
