Outdoor padel in summer is great until you look up for a lob and the sun is exactly where the ball should be. A good cap or visor helps more than any new racket will. Here is how to choose what to wear on court when the sun is out, from your head to your shoes.
Why the sun matters more in padel than you think
Padel is full of high balls. Lobs, smashes and bandejas all send the ball up into the sky, and you have to track it while looking up. Glare makes you misjudge the ball, squint through the whole point and finish a long match with a headache. Shading your eyes is one of the cheapest ways to play better.
Visors vs trucker caps
Visors
- Open on top, so your head stays cooler and sweat has somewhere to go.
- A good choice for long matches in hot weather.
- Easy to wear with longer hair or a ponytail.
- The downside: the top of your head gets no protection, so sunscreen on a thin hair part matters.
Trucker caps
- Mesh back for airflow, with more coverage on top of the head.
- A little more style when you head to the bar after the match.
- Good if you want something you can wear off court too.
- The downside: can feel warmer than a visor on the hottest days.
There is no wrong answer. If you run hot, go for a visor. If you burn easily, go for a trucker.
What else to wear
A light, breathable top
Choose a fabric that moves well and does not hold sweat. Cotton is comfortable for relaxed matches. For competitive play in serious heat, many people prefer technical fabrics that dry faster. Light colours reflect more of the sun than dark ones.
Shorts or skirts you can move in
You will lunge, stretch and turn quickly, so pick something with room. Pockets are useful for a spare ball.
Padel shoes, not running shoes
Padel courts are covered in sand-textured artificial grass, which asks for a different kind of grip than a road or a hard court. Shoes made for padel usually have a textured sole designed for this surface, and they support the sideways movements that running shoes do not.
Sunglasses: be careful
Some players wear them, but a ball in the face is a real risk, and the glass walls can add glare. If you try them, pick light, sport-specific ones and be honest about how they affect your game.
Protect yourself before and during the match
- Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before you start, and reapply during long sessions.
- Drink water before, during and after. Heat sneaks up on you faster than you expect.
- Play early in the morning or in the evening when you can.
- Take a short break in the shade between sets.
- Keep a spare dry top in your bag for the cooldown.
What about winter and indoor courts?
Indoor courts remove the sun but add other issues, like warm, still air. Wear layers you can take off, and keep your cap or visor for sunny winter days outdoors. The same shoes work all year.
Final tip
Pick something you actually want to wear, because you will play more if you feel good doing it. We keep a small selection of caps and visors if you want somewhere to start.