Pickleball, padel, and tennis guides — what to wear, which shoes to buy, how the sports compare, and how to warm up so a fun game does not end in a sore Achilles.
Part of our topic hubs. Start with the definitive explainer, then use the practical guides to decide what belongs in your own routine.
How to use this guide
01
Compare pickleball, padel, and tennis by learning curve, fitness demand, cost, and access before you buy anything.
02
Start with court shoes matched to your surface, then pocketed bottoms and quick-dry tops.
03
Warm up properly, build play time gradually, and add strength work to protect ankles, Achilles, and elbows.
Start here
What to wear for pickleball — court shoes, shorts or skorts with ball pockets, sweat-wicking tops, hats, and layers — plus what to skip and how to look good doing it.
Theo Marsh8 min read
Frequently Asked
Court shoes, shorts or a skort with a ball pocket, and a sweat-wicking top. Add a visor, sunglasses, and layers for outdoor play.
Padel shoes or clay-court tennis shoes with a herringbone or omni sole that grips sand-filled artificial turf.
Pickleball is usually easiest on day one. Padel is also beginner-friendly but adds wall play and typically requires booking a club court.
