Booked your first padel session and now quietly panicking about what to turn up in? It's a weirdly common worry, so here's the honest version: you need far less than you think, and most Manchester venues have the bits you don't own yet.
You don't need padel kit to try padel
Nobody expects branded gear on your first go. Padel is forgiving that way. Gym or tennis clothes and trainers you already own will do the job. Buy properly once you know you like it, not before.
That said, a few things matter more than people assume, mostly around grip and not sliding about on court.
What to wear
Tops and bottoms
Anything you'd wear to the gym works. T-shirt or vest, shorts, joggers, leggings, whatever you move freely in. Padel involves a lot of short sprints and sideways shuffling, so pick something that won't restrict you when you lunge for a low ball near the glass.
Playing outdoors on a typical Manchester evening? Bring a light layer for the walk in and out. Some venues mix indoor and outdoor courts, so check which you've booked. Our guide to indoor vs outdoor padel in Manchester explains the difference.
Footwear: this is the one that matters
Trainers, but not your everyday street trainers. Most Manchester courts use an artificial turf surface, and running shoes with deep tread or worn soles either grip too much (bad for your knees when you twist) or too little (you'll go over on a wet outdoor court). Proper padel or tennis shoes have a flatter, herringbone-style sole built for exactly this.
No pair yet? Any indoor court trainer or a decent pair of tennis shoes will get you through a first game fine. Just steer clear of heavily cushioned running shoes. When you're ready to buy properly, our guide to the best padel shoes in the UK for 2026 has options at every budget.
What to bring
A racket, or don't worry about it
You almost certainly don't need to buy one before your first game. Most Manchester venues have rackets to borrow or hire on site, though cost and availability vary. Booking through a coach or taster session? Ask when you book, most will have a spare bat waiting.
Balls
Padel balls look like tennis balls with slightly less pressure. Most venues do not hand you balls with a standard casual booking, so bring a tube if you have one. If you turn up without, nearly every club sells them at the desk, and coaches bring their own balls to lessons.
Water
Obvious, but easy to forget. Padel is more physical than it looks, all short bursts and sharp direction changes. Bring a bottle. Most venues have a bar or vending machine, but don't rely on it being open.
A towel and a hair tie
Courts warm up fast, especially indoor ones in summer. A small towel helps if you're gripping the racket a lot, because sweaty palms and a padel bat don't mix.
When you're hooked, upgrade in this order
Most people play two or three times on borrowed kit before deciding they're properly into it. Once you are, sort your shoes first (they make the biggest difference to how confident you feel moving), then a beginner racket. We cover picking one in our guide to choosing your first padel racquet, worth reading after a couple of games rather than before.
FAQs
Do I need my own racket for a first padel session in Manchester?
No. Most venues have rackets to borrow or hire. Ask when you book if you're unsure.
What shoes should I wear for padel?
Trainers with a flat, grippy sole, ideally padel or tennis specific. Avoid running shoes with deep tread or heavy cushioning.
Is padel indoors or outdoors in Manchester?
It depends on the venue, and some have both. Check your booking confirmation and dress for the walk in if you're on an outdoor court.
What should I wear if I don't have sports kit?
Anything comfortable you can move in easily. Gym kit or casual sportswear is completely fine for a first game.
Do venues provide balls?
Usually not with a standard casual booking, so bring a tube if you have one. Most clubs do sell balls at the desk though, so you can grab some when you arrive if you turn up without.