Tips for feet with wide, flat, or high arches

Do you have wide feet, flat feet, or a high instep? Then it’s especially important to pay attention to comfort, fit, and support when choosing your padel shoes. Doing so helps prevent pain, blisters, and injuries, so you can focus fully on your game.

Why your foot type matters

Your feet are the foundation of every movement. When you're moving on a demanding surface with quick direction changes and lateral steps, your padel shoes must match the unique shape of your foot. That’s even more important if your foot type differs from “average,” such as:

• Wide feet: need more room in the forefoot
• Flat feet: require extra arch support
• High arches: need more space across the top of the foot

Below, we’ll explain what to look for with each type.

Tips for people with wide feet

Do your shoes often feel too tight, especially in the front? Then you might recognize these issues:

• Pressure and pain around the toes
• Blisters along the sides of the foot
• A feeling your feet are “spilling out” of the shoes

What to look for:

• Choose a wide fit: Some brands or models are designed with extra width. Avoid narrow or slim-cut styles.
• Check the materials: Flexible uppers like mesh or soft textiles adapt better to your foot shape.
• Test the fit thoroughly: There should be no pressure on your pinky toe or the ball of your foot.
• Consider sock thickness: Thick socks can increase tightness. Try thinner sports socks if needed.

Tips for people with flat feet

Flat feet (or fallen arches) often lack natural arch support, leading to:

• Fatigue along the inside of the foot
• Ankles that roll inward during side steps
• Knee or hip discomfort due to poor alignment

What helps:

• Look for built-in arch support: A structured sole helps prevent your foot from collapsing inward.
• A firm heel counter: This stabilizes the ankle and supports side-to-side movement.
• Try supportive insoles: Orthopedic or corrective insoles can improve alignment.
• Choose stable shoes: A strong base helps limit excessive inward movement.

Tips for people with high arches

High arches mean your foot needs extra volume across the top, which can cause:

• Pressure spots on the top of the foot
• Trouble tying laces without pinching
• Fatigue from restricted blood flow or poor fit

What to look for:

• Plenty of room across the top: Avoid low-cut or tightly designed models.
• Adjustable lacing: Make sure you can adapt the fit across your instep.
• Flexible uppers: Materials that stretch slightly will increase comfort.
• Lightweight construction: Lighter shoes reduce pressure on the top of the foot.

General tips for all foot types

No matter your foot shape, these tips will help you find the best fit and avoid discomfort:

• Try shoes on at the end of the day: Your feet swell slightly, just like during a match
• Wear the same socks you use during play: This ensures an accurate fit
• Walk around in them: Make sure there are no pressure points or friction
• Prioritize comfort: Even slight discomfort is a good reason to try another pair