Present at the launch of the new ASICS SonicSmash FF, René ZandbergenThe head of innovation and research at ASICS Sports revealed the technological principles shaping the future of padel shoes. Having spent nearly 25 years at the heart of the Japanese brand's R&D department, he is one of the architects of the models used today by the top players on the circuit.

In this interview, he discusses the trends transforming modern padel, the fundamental differences between tennis and padel, and how ASICS works with professional athletes to develop ever more high-performance models.

Technological trends that are transforming padel shoes

According to Zandbergen, the most significant development doesn't come solely from the game... but from the the grounds themselves.
The surfaces vary more and more: some courts retain a thin layer of sand, others are completely devoid of sand.

"This changes everything in terms of grip," he explains.

It is to meet these new needs that ASICS designed the Sonic Smash FF with a sole in herringbone inspired by tennis, but oriented differently depending on the areas of the foot.
Unlike a tennis shoe where the chevrons are mostly horizontal, those of a padel shoe must be oriented in several directions, particularly in the forefoot, to allow for more aggressive changes of direction.

"The design determines the grip. Padel requires different traction angles because players turn and pivot much more."

Technologies designed for everyone, but adapted to different playing styles

ASICS doesn't just create a shoe for "a typical player".
The brand designs its models based on different game profiles, just as padel now pits control players, anchored to the net, against more explosive players, great defenders and very mobile.

• For control players: enhanced stability

The model Resolution Padel responds to this style of play.
It offers a more rigid structure, designed to absorb lateral forces without losing stability.

• For fast players: lightweight and flexible

Collection Speed and, from now on, the Sonic Smash FF, focuses on a lighter construction, with more flex grooves and a sole designed to accelerate pivots.

"These models are designed for players who move around a lot and want to gain speed," explains Zandbergen.

Why are padel shoes so different from tennis shoes?

The difference isn't just made on the court, but also in the... physical demands of sport.

• Shorter, more explosive movements

"In tennis, movements take longer and distances are longer.
In padel, everything is faster, more brutal.

This generates a significantly greater heat buildup in the shoe.

To prevent overheating, ASICS introduced a nylon mesh particularly breathable, capable of quickly wicking away heat produced by repeated stops and accelerations.

• A completely redesigned sole

The more frequent rotations in padel require:

  • a multi-directional sole,
  • herringbones oriented differently,
  • reinforced pivot zones,
  • Flex grooves to accommodate the twisting motion of the foot.

These are all elements that are absent — or much less developed — on a classic tennis shoe.

ASICS and professional gamers: a co-created innovation

Collaboration with professional players is at the heart of the ASICS process.

"They are the ones who can tell us exactly what works... and what doesn't," admits Zandbergen.

The development cycle is precise:

  1. Prototype 1
    The players are testing an initial version of the model.
  2. Detailed return
    They indicate strengths, weaknesses, areas of discomfort, and ground reactions.
  3. Prototype 2
    ASICS readjusts, reinforces, lightens or modifies the structure.
  4. Final validation
    Once approved by the athletes, the model goes into production.

This method explains why ASICS models are now worn by a large majority of the best players on the professional circuit, as regularly shown by the statistics published by Padel Magazine.

A clear vision: to evolve the shoe in step with padel.

For René Zandbergen, padel is entering a new era:
Evolving court formats, more distinct playing styles, increasing physical intensity…

Shoes must accompany — or even anticipate — these transformations.

With Sonic Smash FF and future product lines to come, ASICS confirms its commitment to remaining the technological benchmark of world padel, as it already is in tennis and indoor sports.

Eléah Couvercelle

Racket sports have always been a part of my life, and padel was the obvious choice. Discovered in Marbella as a child, it has since become an integral part of my sporting and family life.

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