For every padel player, the dilemma is constant: how to find the perfect shoe that offers both a  explosive speed , an  flawless maintenance  and  lasting comfort  Most of the time, choosing one of these qualities means sacrificing another.

La  Babolat Premura 3  It arrives today. We've had to wait.  three years  since the release of V2 in  2022  to discover this new vintage. She is not trying to reinvent everything, but to  to impose a new standard of excellence Far from wanting to break the codes she herself established, she embodies the culmination of a lineage that has  irrevocably improved with time Building upon the legacy of its predecessors to reach its current level of maturity, it conceals behind its sleek design a series of decisive optimizations that make it the most accomplished padel shoe ever designed by Babolat.

This surname was not chosen at random:  “Premura”  means “urgency” or “haste” in Italian. A literal definition of the needs of padel, where the  immediate reactivity  prevails in the linear race.

The hidden story: when padel didn't have its shoes

It seems incredible, but before the launch of the  Premura by Babolat in 2019 No shoes had been specifically designed for padel. Even in Spain, where the sport has been a phenomenon for over twenty years, players used...  tennis shoes They most often turned to clay court models, considered the “least bad” option. The herringbone pattern of these soles offered a vague resemblance to the type of controlled glide needed on the sand of padel courts, filling an obvious technological gap.

Faced with this situation, the impetus for innovation is  which has become obvious  For the Lyon-based equipment manufacturer: “We, pioneers of innovation in racket sports, with Michelin on adhesion, need to make a shoe for the padel player.”

More than just a sole: 20 years of Michelin engineering under your feet

The first secret lies beneath the shoe, the result of a  collaboration of more than 20 years  across  Babolat  and an unexpected partner:  Michelin If the players feel a  exceptional grip Few realize that they are running on  two decades of tire engineering .

To understand the legitimacy of this innovation, we must go back to  2003 It was on this date that Babolat and Michelin initiated their collaboration, initially for tennis shoes. This partnership is not simply a geographical coincidence between a Lyon-based expert and a giant from Clermont-Ferrand. It is a  obvious technological alliance . Babolat, which manufactured strings for 120 years before designing its first racket, has a DNA of technical innovation. Partnering with Michelin,  world leader in adhesion , was a logical next step to master ground contact.

Michelin's expertise goes far beyond rubber. One example proves this: their ability to create grip  on ice A company capable of solving the most extreme grip problem necessarily possesses the nuanced understanding required to perfect the subtle and differentiated grip demanded by a padel carpet.

This partnership applies the same obsession with grip and wear resistance that keeps a high-performance vehicle glued to the asphalt, but adapted to  explosive stops and starts  of a game of padel. The result is a  unique rubber formulation , designed to offer the ideal compromise between a  maximum grip  and total  rock-solid durability .

Anatomy of a revolution: the 3-layer sole

The “sole” is actually a complex system made up of three distinct elements, each playing a crucial role in performance and safety.

The midsole: This is the heart of comfort and responsiveness. Its foam is designed to offer good cushioning and energy return, protecting the joints while returning energy.

The stiffening element (or "Shank"): This central TPU* chassis, immediately identifiable under the sole, acts as a  true backbone Located at the midfoot, this reinforcement ensures stability. It controls torsion, stabilizes the arch of the foot (especially during lateral weight-bearing), and prevents any unwanted flexibility.  thus preventing the shoe from becoming deformed  in an uncontrolled manner  under the constraint of extreme supports .
(Technical note: TPU is a plastic obtained through a multi-stage polymerization process).

The outsole: This is the part in contact with the ground, entirely developed with Michelin. It embodies all the research on materials for grip and durability.

Thus, the sole is not a simple layer of rubber, but an integrated engineering system where the comfort of the midsole, the stability of the stiffening piece and the grip of the outsole work together for a single purpose: the performance of the player.

Padel vs. tennis: Two sports, two philosophies

 The eternal comparison has run its course.  Certainly, tennis  has long dictated its codes  padel was present in its early decades, but today it has definitively taken flight and asserted its own identity.
It is therefore crucial to remember: designing a padel shoe is not simply about "lightening" a tennis shoe model. It is  completely rethink the equipment around the   biomechanics   specific  of the player. The design choices are therefore radically different and focus on three major axes.

 Flexibility in the service of responsiveness  Padel demands quick changes of direction and reactive movements. The shoe must be ultra-flexible, thanks in particular to...  “flexural grooves”  in the sole that allow it to bend freely. This is where the technology comes in.  360°FLEX With its  bending notches  integrated into the sole, the ultimate answer to  multidirectional movements  padel.

 A hybrid and zoned grip:  Michelin engineering divided the sole into two strategic areas. The  heel area  (white) is sculpted to offer maximum grip and ensure  safe braking Conversely, the  front zone  (orange) favors the  fluidity  : the geometry of its cleats is optimized to facilitate  rotations  and allow this controlled slide, essential for diving for short balls without risking joint locking.

 A custom-made compound  Wear and tear on a padel court carpet is less aggressive than on the concrete of a tennis court. The rubber developed with Michelin is therefore a  specific compound whose abrasion resistance is optimized for padel, allowing the shoe to be lighter without sacrificing durability.

Science at the service of movement: The Blast Pad effect

The major challenge in engineering a padel shoe is to solve a complicated equation: how to offer rigid support for safety while ensuring maximum flexibility for agility?
To push back these limits, Babolat relied on the expertise of the laboratory  HumanFab  and has incorporated technology specifically designed for padel: Blast Pad .
This is not just a simple reinforcement, it's a biomechanical overhaul for  boost responsiveness . Concretely, Babolat has integrated  lateral risers  strategic to lock the forefoot and added a  specific EVA foam  to  to guarantee a better rebound  during startup.
The result is quantifiable: tests prove an improvement in the retention of  7%  compared to the previous generation. But the genius lies in the balance: this increased stability doesn't hold the player back thanks to the technology.  360°FLEX which transforms this medium into a feeling of total freedom.

Matryx® Micro: the cutting-edge textile weave


The shoe's upper is much more than just a piece of fabric: it's a technological marvel.
 Chamatex , the French expert in technical textiles. At the heart of the Premura 3's performance lies the new
 Matryx® MICRO This "active" material has been specifically calibrated to solve a complex equation: to offer a
 enveloping comfort  which secures the foot without ever compressing it, while guaranteeing a
 maximum breathability In practical terms, this high-tech weave allows air to circulate, limiting overheating and keeping feet dry, even during the most intense matches. Combined with a new
 lightweight tongue This innovation is the key to the sensation
 " feather "  A key feature of this model is that it reduces perceived fatigue, allowing you to maintain your explosiveness until the very last point.

Sustainable performance: uncompromising ecology

Comfort and hygiene are paramount, and the Premura 3 addresses them with particular intelligence. The shoe is equipped with a  Removable Ortholite® HybridPlus-Recycled Bio insole , a major asset for maintaining a  perfect hygiene  and  constant comfort  match after match.

But the most surprising aspect lies in its composition: this high-performance insole is made from  51% recycled materials . It's a  strong commitment  which proves that innovation can rhyme with  respect the environment . Babolat demonstrates here that it is possible to offer exceptional comfort, breathability and durability while adopting a  a more responsible approach .

 Aesthetic analysis: purity and aggressiveness 

Visually, Babolat here achieves a tour de force by creating a design that plays on a  striking contrast The stem, of a  pristine white , evokes the purity, lightness and technicality of the Matryx fabric, almost giving an impression of  speed in suspension .

But this apparent wisdom is brutally counterbalanced by a sharp, incisive sole in various shades.  electric orange and cyan blue This "burning" base seems to be biting the short, with  side reinforcements  which extend upwards like claws, reminiscent of the predatory DNA of the “Lobo”.

The killer detail? The  stylized wolf logo of Juan Lebrón  on the heel and tongue, which definitively marks this pair as a hunter's weapon. It's clean, it's racy, and it imposes an immediate visual signature: that of a  dangerous elegance capable of switching from total immobility to a lightning-fast attack in a fraction of a second.

For players who find the Juan Lebrón's chalk white colorway a bit too bold (and especially more prone to showing dirt), be aware that a second version is available.  will quickly complete the range This will be the Jet Premura 3 in its version  loan technically identical but  stripped of the exclusive visual elements of 'Lobo' This model will feature a dark (deep anthracite gray) finish, subtly enhanced by gold logos and white details. A stealthy, much more refined and decidedly premium aesthetic, for those who prefer understated elegance to the champion's signature style.

Size chart: precision to the millimeter

Across the entire range, which extends from  39 to 48 , Babolat only offers half sizes in four strategic areas ( 40.5 - 42.5 - 44.5 - 46.5 ). . This is neither an oversight nor a marketing choice, it is a purely technical consequence.
Like all major manufacturers, Babolat designs its molds in  US size  (regular progression of 4,23 mm). However, the conversion to EU size is not perfectly linear: between some full sizes, the difference can reach 10-12 mm, which is unacceptable for a high-performance shoe.

These four half sizes are therefore  "catch-up sizes"  precisely calculated: they fall exactly where the gap becomes too large, guaranteeing a  fit to the millimeter  across the entire range.

The result: no matter if your foot measures 26,7 cm, 27,5 cm, or 28,3 cm, you'll find a size that fits perfectly, with no gaps in the heel or squashed toes. It's a small engineering detail that makes a huge difference when you're looking for the perfect fit.  absolute comfort  from the first session.

The verdict from the field: a "Flawless" performance from Babolat

Patents and scientific collaborations are all well and good, but what happens in practice?

 Immediate comfort and astonishing lightness 
I'll be direct: these are clearly  the most comfortable shoes I've tried lately Often, it takes a few hours to break in a new shoe. Here, it's immediate. From the very first strides, the feeling of lightness is simply astounding, and the shoe molds to the foot without the slightest rigid pressure point. It retains the DNA of the "Jet" range, but taken to a whole new level.  second skin .
 It's a major invisible asset  : at the end of the third set, when your legs feel like they weigh a ton, completely forgetting about your shoes offers that little extra bit of freshness and clarity that can turn the match around.

 Stability: The expected correction 
This was the critical point to check. Previous models, while quite flexible, could sometimes lack rigidity in very abrupt locking mechanisms for heavier users. Babolat brilliantly corrected the situation. The  new Blast Pad side reinforcements  They do a remarkable job.
On the court, you feel that your foot is "locked" to the ground during sudden changes of direction, without feeling trapped in a ski boot. You retain flexibility, but you gain a  side safety  which allows you to confidently retrieve difficult balls, without fear of twisting.

 The Michelin effect: An explosive recovery 
The sole lives up to its promises. The grip is excellent, perhaps even more so than usual. What I particularly appreciated was the ability of the  360° Flex sole  The shoe adapts to the foot's shape. During starts (the famous "start-and-stop" of padel), no energy is lost. The shoe doesn't slip; it plants, it flexes, and it rebounds. It's dynamic, responsive, and silent. 
 
One last crucial point: heat management. The new  Matryx Micro  It performs its function perfectly. Even after an intense 90-minute indoor session, there's no feeling of overheating. The foot breathes, and the support remains constant even when the sock is damp.

Intelligent Evolution: Eliminating flaws, enhancing strengths

This is where the evolution is most striking. The Jet Premura 3 has been refined to reach maturity. Babolat They listened to the feedback and delivered a near-perfect product:

  • We retain the legendary flexibility ( 360° Flex ).
  • We correct the slight lack of stability in V2 thanks to the new  side reinforcements  and  reworked heel .
  • We're upgrading the stem: the technology  Matryx Micro  supersedes the Matryx Evo. This high-performance weave combines technical fibers and targeted ventilation zones to offer the ultimate compromise between  enveloping comfort, lightness and breathability .

The result is unequivocal: by shedding its few past flaws to enhance its historical strengths, the Premura 3 is no longer just  a benchmark of lightness It is now a  complete shoe delivering a near-perfect copy.  
 
The level of anticipation and research behind such a product is colossal.  complete development cycle From the initial brief identifying player needs to commercialization, it extends to  2 and a half to 3 years old This long and meticulous process demonstrates the constant innovation needed to equip the athletes of tomorrow.

Premura 2 vs Premura 3: The Weight of Reason

On the scales, one observation may surprise purists of the technical specifications: the  Premura 3 is very slightly heavier  than its predecessor (approximately 12g difference, with 359g in size 44,5 for the V3 versus 347g in size 45 for the V2).
Where does this extra weight come from, given that the Matryx Micro stem has been lightened? It comes directly from the structural reinforcement. The integration of the  Blast Pad  et,  very probably , of the new central rigidity piece  adding material where it was needed .

It's a deliberate engineering choice: it's easy to make things even lighter.  by simplifying the structure to the extreme , but this is often at the expense of ankle safety. Here, Babolat reinvested a few grams to gain stability. Whatever happens, we remain within the standards of the  absolute lightness .
Incidentally, just for the record, I kept my valiant  Premura 2 Let me tell you, I really liked them.  sanded  They've been around for almost three years, and they're still going strong! Irrefutable proof that, in this range, the pursuit of performance has never come at the expense of durability.

 Conclusion: French excellence at the service of your game 

With this third iteration, Babolat The Premura 3 is a near-perfect performer: it's no longer just a good shoe, it establishes itself as a...  a global benchmark that represents the culmination of an already exceptional lineage This success is the result of a deliberate co-innovation between several leading French companies:  Michelin  for the sole and the grip,  Chamatex  for textiles  MATRYX , and  HumanFab  for biomechanical analysis, each contributing their expertise to the service of the same product.

On the ground, figures and prestigious collaborations fade into the background, giving way to what truly matters: a  gaming sensation transformed . The  lightness  makes you forget you're wearing shoes, the  retention  inspires confidence in the most drastic changes of direction, and the  flexibility  offer this  instant reactivity  which makes the difference on short balls. At the end of the match, when fatigue sets in and  every gram counts , the Premura 3 continues to carry you forward. Babolat book here a shoe  ultralight  visit us at the  reassuring maintenance  and  exceptional comfort .

If you are looking for the ultimate equipment  To free up your footwork, look no further:  The Premura 3 is undoubtedly the best available at the moment. . For the  demanding players  For those who refuse compromise and want to combine speed, stability, and comfort, this shoe represents the ideal solution. culmination of decades of innovation It's simply  the new benchmark  in the world of padel shoes.

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!

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