Head : get inspired to revolutionize padel

It is clear that Head always positions itself at the forefront of padel in terms of new developments. Although the Austrian brand is not always at the origin of discoveries, it excels in the art of drawing inspiration from existing technologies to adapt them to the world of padel.

Take the example of the Extreme One pala, this unconventional racket with a single hole. If the idea had already been explored by Drop Shot in a confidential manner, it is indeed Head which popularized it thanks to its distribution strength and its engineering know-how.

Today, with its new Motion Pro shoes, Head reproduces the same pattern by adopting BOA technology, used for years in snowboarding, cycling and golf.

The merit of Head ? Knowing how to observe, test, analyze and adapt technologies from other sectors to put them at the service of padel. A pragmatic approach that allows it to offer ever more efficient and innovative products to demanding players.

Motion Boa Fit: the custom fit

Always at the forefront of creativity for padel, the Kennelbach firm, after launching this summer the Pro Spin Strips – textured adhesive strips born in its R&D department to increase the effects – is now tackling shoes with a new revolutionary fastening system.

The Motion Pro Boa marks a significant step forward: this unprecedented technology for padel aims to establish a new standard in terms of impeccable support and comfort.

No more laces! Make way for the BOA Fit, which, thanks to its patented system, guarantees a personalized fit and incomparable stability. With ultra-precise tightening, your feet are perfectly supported throughout the match. These shoes are announced as a turning point in the experience of padel players, marking an important step in the evolution of equipment.

La Head Motion Pro Boa establishes itself as the benchmark padel shoe by winning the prestigious “Best Padel Shoe” awarded by the “Best Padel Awards” for the year 2024. This distinction recognizes the excellence of the shoe in terms of performance, comfort and innovation, confirmed by rigorous evaluations carried out by renowned organizations such as the Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia (IBV), the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the Testéa Sport Lab. A guarantee of quality and confidence for all padel enthusiasts looking for the ideal equipment to excel on the court.

First of all, why BOA?

The name is a nod to the boa constrictor, a reptile known for its ability to wrap itself tightly around its prey. In the same way, the BOA system envelops the player's foot with a formidable grip, offering ultra-precise adjustments, calibrated to the millimeter like the boa's embrace. The shoe then becomes a natural extension of the foot, forgotten by the player who becomes one with it.

Just as the boa is an effective predator thanks to its powerful grip, this multi-award-winning system – developed by the American brand in 2001 – promises padel players maximum connection with their shoe, for flawless responsiveness during play. The Denver company's numerous awards are a testament to its efficiency and constant innovation in the field of closure systems for sports equipment, and illustrate its ongoing quest to offer the best to athletes from all walks of life.

The BOA PerformFit Wrap System: A New Era for Footwear

In a world dominated by traditional laces, Head Dare to be different. The BOA PerformFit Wrap system, adopted by many outdoor sports, goes beyond simple tightening. It hugs the foot with unmatched precision, providing a personalized fit and optimal performance.

Thanks to its asymmetrical three-panel construction, a simple turn of the dial is enough for a millimeter adjustment that optimizes both the connection to the sole and the support of the foot. Put on the shoe and make sure that your heel is well positioned at the bottom. For a perfect fit, turn each dial clockwise, one after the other. Want to loosen? Nothing could be simpler: turn the dials in the opposite direction!

It consists of four key elements that work in perfect synergy:

BOA Dial Roulette : this micrometric wheel allows for precise and easy adjustment, even with one hand during exercise. No more stopping the game to retie your laces!
TX4 cables : ultra-resistant, these nylon-covered stainless steel cables distribute pressure evenly around the foot. No more annoying pressure points on traditional laces.
Low Friction Lace Guides : these guides facilitate the sliding of the cables, ensuring maximum adjustment to the unique shape of each foot.
Wrap Technology : a true master asset of the system, it allows the cables to literally wrap around the foot 360°, offering incomparable support and a “second skin” sensation.

Concrete benefits for padel players

Padel requires fast, precise and multidirectional movements, and this system perfectly meets these requirements:

Custom fit : No more floating feet in the shoe, unpleasant pressure points or painful blisters. Each player benefits from a personalized fit.
Seamless support : a perfectly supported foot is the guarantee of better stability, increased responsiveness and optimized power transmission in each movement.
Ease of use : putting on and taking off your shoes becomes child's play. Tightening and loosening is done with a turn of the dial, effortlessly and with just one hand.
Improved durability : designed to withstand the most demanding conditions, TX4 cables guarantee exceptional longevity, whatever the intensity of your practice.

The micro-adjustable configurations of the BOA PerformFit Wrap amplify stability, efficiency and endurance. By wrapping the midfoot, they provide superior heel lockdown, a better connection to the midsole and greater freedom of the forefoot.

Scientifically proven benefits

The BOA Performance Fit Lab has conducted rigorous studies demonstrating the tangible benefits of the system for padel:

Reinforced stability : PerformFit Wrap technology reduces ankle rotation by up to 7%, reducing the risk of twisting and injury.
Increased reactivity : changes of direction are faster and more precise thanks to a better connection between the foot and the shoe, with up to 9% more efficiency measured.
Suitable comfort and injury prevention : The custom fit eliminates pressure points and friction, allowing the player to fully concentrate on their game without discomfort.

A concentrate of technologies

The Head Motion Pro BOA is not limited to the revolutionary closure system. It also incorporates:

Mondo outsole : developed in collaboration with a sports surface specialist, it offers maximum grip on all types of padel courts.
DynaFoam cushioning : midsole composed of closed-cell cross-linked EVA/PE copolymer foam, offering exceptional dynamism without deformation. Its micro-cellular structure gives it great elasticity and allows it to instantly return to its initial shape after impact. A real asset for maximum energy restitution.
OrthoLite insole : its lightweight and highly breathable foam regulates humidity, keeping the foot dry. It is also machine washable for absolute hygiene.
Cooling systems Head : thanks to breathable materials such as technical mesh and an integrated ventilation system under the foot, the shoe stays fresh even during intense efforts.
Lateral Control+ Reinforcement : this lateral reinforcement improves stability during sudden changes of direction, so frequent in padel.
drift defense : a set of technologies (lateral reinforcements, toe protection, ultra-resistant sole) which extends the life of the shoe, even in the event of intensive use.
Sock Support System : this integrated slipper made of elastic and breathable material replaces the traditional tongue, perfectly hugging the foot like a sock.
Hybrasion+ : this special hexagonal-shaped rubber used for the outsole guarantees remarkable resistance and grip on all padel surfaces.

Refined minimalism

This model displays an aesthetic that is both elegant and subtle thanks to a refined color palette, playing on a harmonious contrast between the two main colors.

White dominance : the majority of the shoe is pure white, giving a feeling of lightness and freshness. This neutral shade easily matches any padel outfit, offering appreciable versatility.
Silver gray accents : metallic gray details punctuate the design. They are found on the logos Head, the BOA system, the tongue and the midsole. These silver touches give a high-tech and futuristic aura.

The outsole features a two-tone design, dominated by a clever dark grey. This clever colouring hides signs of wear, preserving the shoe's appearance over time. This assumed sobriety, while discreet, highlights the technology without resorting to bright colours or complex patterns.

Head has therefore opted for a timeless aesthetic that has enjoyed constant success with users, combining elegance and performance to satisfy the demands of the most demanding users.

Far from the classic shoe boxes, this one surprises with its elegance and attention to detail. The operation of the BOA system is clearly explained by didactic diagrams: a commendable initiative that proves that Head takes care of the customer experience down to the smallest details.

A range suitable for all athletes

Aware of the diversity of morphologies, Head offers the Motion Pro BOA in a wide range of sizes, from 36 to 48,5, with half sizes for an even more precise fit. This means that every player, regardless of their size, can benefit from this precision and enjoy tailored comfort to unleash their full potential on the court.

This attention to detail ensures that the benefits of the BOA system are accessible to everyone, from players with the narrowest feet to the most robust.

At the heart of the action

On padel, the shoes Head BOA demonstrate their effectiveness. From the first exchanges, we appreciate the exceptional stability they offer, especially during the rapid changes of direction so frequent in this sport. The BOA system allows the tension to be adjusted on the fly, a considerable advantage during long matches where the foot can swell slightly. During short sprints and sudden stops, the grip of the sole is remarkable, offering absolute traction on the synthetic surfaces typical of padel.

The shoe's breathability is tested during intense exchanges, but it remains up to par, keeping the foot relatively fresh even after several hours of play. A particularly appreciated point is the ease of adjustment between games: a simple turn of the dial is enough to tighten or loosen the shoe, a precious time saving compared to traditional laces, which can sometimes come loose during exercise.

Finally, the durability of the shoe is put to the test by the rapid lateral movements and frequent pivots characteristic of padel. It seems to withstand this intense stress on the foot and sole well, because after several sustained sessions, the shoe has no signs of wear and looks like new.

Conclusion: a giant leap for padel

It is fascinating to see how technology has managed to slip into the heart of something as simple as a pair of shoes, offering ever higher levels of comfort and protection. The demands of padel being very different from those of tennis, Head has been able to anticipate the evolution of players' needs by designing solutions specific to this sport.

Motion Pro BOA shoes are more than just a change in closure system. With impeccable support and a feeling of absolute security, they allow you to push your limits and feel total confidence on the 20x10. Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your movements or a professional aiming for excellence, These shoes adapt to your specific needs thanks to their precise and customizable fit.

By merging technical expertise and ergonomic design, Head has created a product that not only meets the current demands of padel, but also anticipates the future expectations of this growing sport.

For fans of traditional lacing, Head also offers its Motion Pro in a version without BOA, nevertheless incorporating all the cutting-edge technologies of the original model. The promise remains unchanged: performance and comfort perfectly studied on the court.

The innovative nature of the Head Motion Pro Boa has a lot to offer, but one thing stands out: its weight. Showing 410 grams on the scale (size 45), these shoes are heavier than the average of current padel models. A point to take into account for players who favor lightness and speed of movement.

A huge thank you to Evan Grand, responsible for marketing at Head, for his total involvement in sending me the products in advance, and for his great availability and the precision of his responses to all my requests (which are very numerous)!

The new HEAD Motion BOA Padel presented by Evan Grand

The new Gravity range palas, presented by Evan Grand

Stéphane Penso

Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!