ASICS Padel Shoes: The Complete Guide & Gel-Dedicate 8 Review
If you’ve ever stepped onto a padel court wearing the wrong shoes, you already know—bad footwear can turn a dream match into a slippery disaster. That’s why choosing the right padel shoes is as important as picking the right racket. And when it comes to reliable, comfortable, and stylish options, ASICS padel shoes have carved out a huge following among players of all levels.
In this guide, we’ll look at what makes ASICS one of the best padel shoes brands, break down their top features, and take a deep dive into the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 Padel Shoes—a pair that blends performance, comfort, and style without breaking the bank.
Why ASICS Makes Some of the Best Padel Shoes
ASICS is no stranger to the racket sports world. From tennis to squash, they’ve been perfecting the blend of stability, cushioning, and grip for decades. That experience shows in their padel tennis shoes.
Here’s why ASICS padel shoes stand out:
Stability First: Padel is all about quick changes of direction. ASICS uses TRUSSTIC® technology and wrap-up outsoles to keep you steady.
Cushioning That Works: Their GEL® technology isn’t just marketing fluff – it genuinely softens landings and reduces joint stress.
Durable Outsoles: Even in mid-range models, the rubber compounds are tough enough to handle the sand and synthetic grass of padel courts.
Fit for Every Level: Whether you’re buying your first pair of men’s padel shoes or you’re a competition player, ASICS has a model for you.
The ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 Padel Shoes: At a Glance
Colorway: Black, white, blue, with orange outsole
Category: Men’s padel shoes
Best for: Beginner to intermediate players
Key Features:
TRUSSTIC® support for stability
GEL® cushioning for comfort
Breathable mesh panels
Synthetic leather overlays for support
Herringbone tread pattern for grip
Comfort from First Serve
One of the best parts about these ASICS padel shoes is how little “break-in” time they need. Thanks to the EVA midsole and GEL cushioning system, they feel supportive yet springy right out of the box. The padded tongue and collar keep your foot snug without rubbing, while the mesh upper allows airflow to keep things cool during long matches.
Stability for Side-to-Side Action
Padel is all about fast lateral movements, and that’s where the Gel-Dedicate 8 shines. The TRUSSTIC® unit in the midfoot keeps the shoe from twisting under pressure, giving you a more secure landing when you push off in any direction. The wrap-up outsole design also adds stability when lunging for wide balls.
Breathability That Keeps You Going
No one likes sweaty, overheated feet mid-match. The mesh panels in these black ASICS padel shoes are surprisingly breathable for a court shoe, helping reduce discomfort and keeping you feeling fresher, longer.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8
Club players playing 1 to 3 times a week
Beginners who want a reliable first pair of padel trainers
Intermediate players wanting stability without paying top-tier prices
Anyone wanting a stylish, all-rounder padel shoe that looks good off-court too
Customer Reviews: Real Players, Real Feedback
One of the best ways to know if a pair of ASICS padel shoes is worth buying is to hear from the players already wearing them on court. Here’s a mix of feedback from club players, recreational enthusiasts, and competitive padel addicts:
“Comfort from the first game”
“I’ve been playing twice a week for about two months in the Gel-Dedicate 8 and they’re incredibly comfortable straight out of the box. Great grip, great stability, and my knees don’t ache after long matches anymore.” – Mark, UK
“Solid performance, but not for heavy use”
“Love the fit and the way they handle quick lateral movements. Only downside is the heel area started showing wear after 5 months of play. For the price, still one of the best padel shoes I’ve owned.” – Carlos, Spain
“Perfect for intermediate players”
“I’m not a pro, but I play in my local league. These ASICS padel trainers give me all the stability I need without feeling too stiff. And the black/blue/orange combo looks amazing.” – James, Ireland
“Great value for money”
“These are my second pair of ASICS padel shoes and the Gel-Dedicate 8 feels even better than my previous model. Light, comfortable, and they don’t slip even during intense rallies. I’d buy them again.” – Rob, UK
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Great stability for side-to-side movement
Comfortable straight out of the box
Excellent breathability for a court shoe
Stylish black/white/blue/orange design
Great value for money
Cons:
Upper and heel lining may wear faster
Not the best option for heavy-duty, long-term use
Mid-range cushioning compared to ASICS premium models
Best Alternatives in the ASICS Padel Shoes Range
If you love ASICS but want something more durable or with a different feel, consider:
ASICS Gel-Resolution Padel – More premium cushioning and stronger upper.
ASICS Lima Padel – Designed in collaboration with pro player Pablo Lima; great for aggressive movers.
ASICS Bela Padel – High-performance shoe for serious competitors.
How to Choose the Best ASICS Padel Shoes for You
Frequency of Play: If you’re on court daily, consider a higher-end ASICS padel shoe for longevity.
Playing Style: Aggressive movers benefit from extra stability features; casual players can prioritize comfort.
Court Type: Make sure your outsole matches the surface – most ASICS padel shoes work on sand-based synthetic grass.
Budget: The Gel-Dedicate 8 offers excellent value for money, but premium options exist if durability is your top concern.
FAQ: ASICS Padel Shoes
Q: Are ASICS padel shoes good for beginners?
Yes! The Gel-Dedicate 8 is an excellent entry-level shoe with a balance of comfort, grip, and support.
Q: Do ASICS padel shoes run small?
They generally fit true to size, but if you’re between sizes or have wider feet, go half a size up.
Q: How long do ASICS padel shoes last?
For recreational play 2–3 times a week, expect around 6–9 months of good performance.
Final Verdict: Are the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 Worth It?
If you’re looking for best ASICS padel shoes that deliver stability, comfort, and style without costing a fortune, the Gel-Dedicate 8 is a strong contender. They may not last as long as premium models, but they give you a great performance window, especially for players in the beginner-to-intermediate range.