Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and if you regularly play outdoors, you'll know how challenging bright sunlight and glare can be on court. From tracking fast rallies to reacting at the net, clear vision is essential, which is why many players start searching for padel sunglasses.
But do you actually need sunglasses labelled specifically for padel? And what should you really be looking for?
In this guide, we explain what makes a great pair of sunglasses for playing padel and highlight sporty frames that are ideal for padel players, combining performance, comfort and style.
Do You Need Sunglasses Specifically Made for Padel?
Short answer: not necessarily.
There is no strict or official category of "padel sunglasses". Instead, the best padel sunglasses are simply high-quality sports sunglasses that meet the demands of the game.
What matters isn't the label - it's whether the sunglasses:
- Stay secure during fast lateral movement
- Reduce glare without distorting vision
- Are lightweight and comfortable for long matches
This means that many sports sunglasses, including performance-driven designs from trusted eyewear brands, work perfectly well for padel.
What Makes Good Sunglasses for Playing Padel?
When choosing sunglasses for padel, look for the following key features.
✅ Secure, Stable Fit
Padel involves quick direction changes, lunges and sudden stops. Design features such as flexible sides, sports straps and cords are ideal for keeping the sunglasses in place.
✅ Lightweight Frames
Heavier frames can become distracting or uncomfortable over time, especially during longer matches. Many of our sports sunglasses are made out of lightweight materials to give enhanced comfort.
✅ Good Coverage
This reduces glare entering from the sides and improves overall visual clarity on bright outdoor courts. Wrap around sunglasses are great for providing good coverage.
✅ High Quality Lenses
Good sports lenses improve contrast, helping you track the ball against bright skies, court surfaces and glass walls. Think about polarised sunglasses and those with specialist glare reduction features.
✅ Full UV Protection
Essential for protecting your eyes during prolonged outdoor play.
Our Top Sunglasses for Playing Padel
Whilst these sunglasses aren't marketed exclusively as "Padel Sunglasses", they offer exactly the features padel players need, making them an excellent choice for the court.
This frame features polycarbonate lenses which are lightweight, thin and extremely impact resistant, perfect for Padel. The wrap around style gives enhanced coverage and the blue mirrored lenses ad a sport, fun aesthetic.
Made in Austria, these lightweight and durable frames have 100% UV protection and the green lenses improve contrast without distorting colour, maintaining natural colour perception.
Carrera Snake Fold Up Sunglasses
Made of Kevlar these sunglasses weigh just 25 grams. The fold up element makes them super practical and the Carrera Ultrasight lenses provide 100% UV protection.
Looking for a vintage sport's aesthetic, Carrera 5416 tick's the box. The bi-gradient brown lenses reduce glare and the frame also comes with a pair of grey interchangeable lenses.
Sunjet Stretch 5253 is a super lightweight and flexible frame with rubber ends, that can easily be adjusted, ensuring a secure fit whilst on court.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Padel Sunglasses
You don't need sunglasses labelled specifically for padel to play at your best What you do need are sporty, well-designed sunglasses that offer a secure fit, lightweight comfortable and excellent visual clarity.
Brands like Cébé and Carrera produce sunglasses that tick all the right boxes for padel players - making them a smart and versatile choice whether you're playing a competitive match or a casual game with friends.
If you're looking for padel sunglasses that perform on court and look great of it, explore our range of sports-inspired frames suitable for padel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Padel Sunglasses
What are the best sunglasses for padel?
The best sunglasses for padel are lightweight sports sunglasses with a secure fit, wraparound coverage, and lenses that reduce glare while maintaining clear vision. Sunglasses designed for outdoor sports are usually ideal for padel, even if they aren't specifically labelled as padel sunglasses.
Do professional padel players wear sunglasses?
Yes many professional and competitive padel players wear sunglasses during outdoor matches, especially in bright or sunny conditions. Sunglasses help reduce glare and eye strain, making it easier to track the ball during fast rallies.
Can you wear normal sunglasses for padel?
You can wear normal sunglasses for padel, but they are not recommended. Fashion sunglasses often lack grip, stability and proper lens technology for sports, which can affect comfort and performance during play.
Are sunglasses allowed in padel?
Yes sunglasses are allowed in padel, particularly for outdoor games. There are no rules preventing players from wearing sunglasses, provided they do not pose a safety risk.
Do I need sunglasses for indoor padel?
No, sunglasses are generally not needed for indoor padel. Artificial lighting and lower glare conditions mean sunglasses may actually reduce visibility indoors.
Are wraparound sunglasses good for padel?
Yes, wraparound sunglasses are ideal for padel. They provide better peripheral coverage, reduce side glare and can stay more secure during quick movements.