HEAD Motion Pro Padel Women Shoes, 2023

HEAD built the Motion Pro as its first shoe engineered only for padel, and Tennis Warehouse Europe says it was developed with HEAD's pro players. The women's version carries the full specification: a DynaFoam midsole with small air cells for a light, responsive feel, a TPU shank under the midfoot and HEAD's Lateral Control+ for the side-to-side work padel asks for, and an outsole pattern and rubber made for padel courts.

The upper is breathable mesh around a fully integrated elastic sock, so the shoe wraps the foot rather than relying on a separate tongue. Tennis Warehouse Europe lists 318 g at US 8.5; Tennis Warehouse in the US gives 11.6 oz, which is closer to 329 g. Either way, it's a light shoe for the support it gives.

Not in construction. The men's Motion Pro has the same DynaFoam, shank, Lateral Control+, sock upper and outsole, and the same medium fit. The difference is the size run: this one is sized on HEAD's women's chart, which covers smaller feet properly instead of starting where the men's range does. We haven't seen HEAD say it uses a separate women's last, so we won't claim one.

Tennis Warehouse Europe lists it as true to size, medium width and medium arch. On HEAD's women's chart a 24 cm foot is a UK 5 and EU 38, and a 25 cm foot a UK 6 and EU 39. Measure from heel to longest toe, then pick by centimetres; it's more reliable than guessing from a trainer made on a different last.

This listing doesn't carry every size, so check the selector for yours. If it's missing, the newer Motion Pro 1.5 women's runs a wider range.

The Motion Pro 1.5 adds an outsole HEAD developed with Mondo and a new upper with a lock-down strap, and there is a dial-closure Motion Pro 1.5 BOA too, which HEAD sells as unisex. Outside HEAD, the ASICS Game FF Padel women's is a lighter, narrower entry shoe, and the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 women's is a budget option from the outgoing range.

Narrow feet may find the medium last loose, and players who are on court once a fortnight don't need this much shoe. The women's padel shoes and main padel shoes pages explain sole patterns and fit by brand.

Knock the sand out after each session, loosen the laces fully before taking them off so the sock collar keeps its shape, and let them dry at room temperature. Wear them only on court so the outsole lasts. A Karakal Performance Insole adds heel cushioning if you want more.

Choosing a racket too? The women's padel racket and best padel racket for beginners pages are the places to start, alongside our guide on how to choose a padel racket. Then balls from padel balls, a bag from padel bags and the full range of padel rackets.