Babolat Padel Shorts vs Asics Padel Shorts: Which Are Better for Beginners?

Choosing between Babolat padel shorts vs Asics padel shorts is less about chasing a “pro” look and more about finding shorts that stay comfortable through quick turns, low volleys and slightly chaotic beginner rallies. For most new players, the right pair should feel light, secure at the waist, easy to move in and practical enough to hold spare balls without annoying you mid-point.

The short version

Babolat is a strong choice if you want padel-first styling, a tennis-and-racket-sport feel, and shorts that look at home with Babolat rackets, shoes and tops. Asics is the safer pick if you already like running or court clothing from the brand and want a familiar athletic fit that works across padel, tennis, gym sessions and general training.

• Choose Babolat if you want shorts that feel more racket-sport specific and you like a slightly sharper club-court look.
• Choose Asics if comfort, easy movement and multi-sport usefulness matter more than matching padel-specific kit.
• Check before buying: pocket depth, waistband feel, inner short or liner details, leg length and fabric weight, as these can vary between specific models and seasons.
• For a first kit, shorts matter, but they are not the only priority. If you are building from scratch, use this padel starter kit checklist to decide what to buy now and what can wait.

How the two brands feel on court

The simplest way to frame Babolat padel shorts vs Asics padel shorts is this: Babolat feels closer to a racket-sport wardrobe, while Asics feels closer to broader performance sportswear. That does not make one automatically better. It just changes which player is likely to enjoy them most.

Babolat has deep roots in tennis and padel, so its shorts often sit naturally alongside court shoes, performance tees and racket bags. If you like your kit to look coordinated for club nights, leagues or coaching sessions, Babolat can feel more deliberate. You are not just buying gym shorts that happen to work on a padel court; you are buying shorts from a racket-sport brand.

Asics, meanwhile, has a strong reputation in athletic footwear and training clothing. Its court shorts are often easy to wear beyond padel, which is useful if you do not want a separate outfit for every sport. For early-stage players who are still deciding how often they will play, that versatility can be a real advantage.

Standout product examples to compare

If you are shopping in the UK, you will see ranges change by colour, season and retailer, so focus on the model details rather than assuming every pair from a brand fits the same. Two useful real-world examples to compare are Babolat Play Shorts and Asics Court 7IN Shorts. Both sit in the kind of court-sport category beginners commonly consider, but you should still check the exact product page for the current fabric description, pocket layout, liner details and sizing guidance.

Do not worry too much about whether a listing says tennis, padel or court shorts. Padel puts similar demands on shorts: sprinting a few metres, stopping suddenly, bending for low balls, rotating at the hips and keeping at least one spare ball accessible. If the shorts handle those movements comfortably, they can work well.

Side-by-side: what actually matters

• Fit: Babolat tends to appeal to players who like a neater court look, while Asics is often chosen by players who prefer a familiar athletic fit. With either brand, check whether the cut is slim, regular or relaxed before buying.
• Movement: Padel involves lunges, split steps and quick side movements. Look for shorts that do not catch across the thighs when you crouch or push off. A small amount of stretch or a well-shaped cut can make more difference than the brand name.
• Pockets: This is a big padel detail. Pockets should hold balls securely without bulging awkwardly or dropping them when you move. If you like to serve with two balls ready, pocket depth matters.
• Waistband: A comfortable elastic waistband with a drawcord is useful for club play, especially when rallies get sweaty. Avoid anything that feels secure only when standing still.
• Fabric feel: Lightweight fabric is usually nicer for indoor centres and warm sessions, while slightly more substantial fabric can feel better for cooler evenings. Check the care label and product description rather than relying on photos.
• Style: Babolat may suit players who want a coordinated padel outfit. Asics may suit players who want shorts that also work for fitness sessions, tennis or casual training.

Where Babolat shorts have the edge

Babolat is a good fit for players who are starting to see padel as their main sport rather than an occasional activity. If you already use, or plan to use, Babolat rackets, bags or tops, the shorts can make your kit feel more joined up without needing to overthink style.

They are also worth considering if you prefer a court-specific look. Some beginners feel more comfortable at club nights when their clothing feels appropriate for the setting. That does not mean you need expensive kit, but shorts designed with racket sports in mind can help you avoid the “old gym shorts” feeling.

The trade-off is that Babolat may be less versatile if you want one pair for everything. Some designs look more obviously court-focused, which is great for padel but not always what you want for gym training or casual wear. Before buying, also check whether the particular Babolat shorts you like have pockets that suit how you play; not every model will feel identical.

Where Asics shorts make more sense

Asics is a sensible pick for beginners who value comfort and familiarity over a padel-specific image. If you already own Asics running shoes, training tops or court shoes and like the brand’s general fit, Asics shorts are a low-risk place to start.

They can also be easier to justify if you are still in your first few sessions. A pair of Asics court shorts can work for padel, tennis, gym warm-ups and summer training, so you are not buying something that only leaves the drawer on padel nights. That flexibility is useful if you are still deciding whether weekly padel will become a regular habit.

The possible downside is that some Asics shorts are designed broadly for court or training use rather than specifically for padel. That is not a problem in itself, but it means you should be extra careful with pockets and leg length. A pair that feels great for gym work may still annoy you if the pockets are too shallow for padel balls.

Fit and sizing checks before you buy

Shorts are easy to underestimate because they seem simple, but a poor fit becomes obvious as soon as you start moving. When trying them on, mimic padel movements rather than just standing in front of a mirror. Bend for a low volley, step sideways, rotate as if playing a forehand and raise your knees as if sprinting to the net.

• Waist: It should stay put without needing the drawcord pulled uncomfortably tight.
• Thigh room: You should be able to lunge without the fabric pulling across the front.
• Length: Shorter lengths can feel freer, while longer lengths may feel more familiar if you are new to court sports.
• Pocket position: A ball should sit comfortably without bouncing around or pressing into your leg.
• Seams: Check for rubbing around the inner thigh, especially if you expect longer sessions.

If you are also sorting footwear, remember that shorts will not compensate for unstable shoes. Club nights can involve sharp changes of direction, so compare shoe grip and support separately. The Adidas Courtquick vs Barricade comparison is useful if shoes are next on your list.

Value for money: what is worth paying for?

For beginner padel, value is not about buying the cheapest shorts possible or assuming the most expensive pair is best. It is about whether the shorts solve the right problems for your level: movement, comfort, pockets and durability through regular washing.

Pay more attention to construction than branding alone. Reinforced-looking seams, a stable waistband, practical pockets and fabric that feels comfortable against the skin are all more useful than a bold logo. If you play once a month, one dependable pair may be enough. If you are moving towards weekly play, two pairs can make more sense so you are not rushing laundry between sessions.

Also think about colour. White or very light shorts can look smart but may show marks more quickly on busy club nights. Navy, black and darker blue are easier starter colours because they pair with most tops and do not draw attention to every scuff from sitting on benches or leaning against court glass.

Best choice by beginner scenario

You are trying padel for the first few times

Asics is likely the safer starting point if you want one pair of shorts that can do several jobs. Choose a comfortable court or training short with usable pockets, then upgrade later if padel becomes your main sport.

You have joined a regular club night

Babolat becomes more appealing once padel is part of your weekly routine. The court-sport styling feels more intentional, and it pairs naturally with other padel gear if you start building a dedicated kit bag.

You sweat heavily or play indoors

Do not choose purely by brand. Look for lighter fabric, a waistband that does not become uncomfortable when damp and a cut that keeps air moving. Product photos will not tell the full story, so read the material notes and reviews carefully.

You want the most versatile pair

Asics has the edge for multi-sport use. If your week includes gym work, five-a-side warm-ups, tennis or general fitness sessions as well as padel, Asics shorts may earn their place more often.

You care about looking padel-ready

Babolat has the edge if you like a coordinated racket-sport look. That can matter more than people admit, because feeling comfortable in your kit helps you relax and enjoy the session.

Final thoughts: which should you buy?

For most first-time or occasional players, Asics padel or court shorts are the easier recommendation because they are versatile, familiar and useful beyond padel. They make sense if you want to keep spending sensible while you work out how often you will play.

For players who are already moving into regular club sessions, Babolat is the more padel-focused choice. If the fit works for your body and the pockets hold balls properly, Babolat shorts can feel more at home on court and make your kit feel more complete.

The best decision is to buy the pair that passes the movement test, not the pair with the stronger brand story. If you can lunge, twist, serve and carry balls without noticing the shorts, you have probably chosen well. Once clothing is sorted, put more energy into court time: a simple plan like this first month padel plan will improve your game far more than chasing perfect kit.

Questions people ask

Are Babolat shorts only for padel?

No. Many Babolat shorts are suitable for racket sports more broadly, including tennis and padel. Check the exact product details for pocket layout, fit and fabric before deciding.

Can I wear Asics running shorts for padel?

You can, but they may not be ideal if the pockets are shallow or the fabric rides up during lunges. Asics court shorts are usually a better bet than pure running shorts.

Do padel shorts need an inner liner?

Not always. Some players like the secure feel of a liner, while others prefer separate sports underwear. Comfort during lunges and side steps matters more than the feature itself.

How many pairs of padel shorts should a beginner own?

One good pair is enough for occasional play. If you play weekly or more, two pairs make life easier because you are not relying on one wash-and-wear turnaround.

Should I prioritise shorts or shoes first?

Shoes should usually come first because grip and support affect movement on court. Shorts still matter, but uncomfortable clothing is easier to tolerate than unsuitable footwear.