Overview & First Impressions

When the world’s top-ranked padel players choose a shoe, every detail matters. The Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25V 2025 is the signature footwear of Juan Tello, one of the most technically gifted players on the Premier Padel Tour, and it immediately shows why.

Out of the box, the Vertex Vibram 25V commands attention. The construction feels premium — there’s a reassuring solidity to the shoe that tells you it’s been built for the demands of professional-level padel. The Vibram outsole is the headline feature, and running your fingers across the hybrid herringbone-and-stud tread pattern reveals a sole that’s been engineered specifically for the unique movement demands of padel: explosive lateral pushes, controlled slides, and lightning-fast direction changes.

At approximately 360g per shoe (UK size 7.5), the Vertex Vibram sits in the sweet spot between substantial stability and agile responsiveness. It’s not the lightest shoe on the market — and it’s not trying to be. This is a shoe that prioritises support, traction, and durability over featherweight speed, making it ideal for players who play hard, play often, and need their footwear to keep up.

Priced at around £105-£145 depending on the colourway and retailer, the Vertex Vibram positions itself firmly in the premium padel shoe category. But given the Vibram outsole technology alone — which typically commands a premium in hiking and outdoor footwear — the price point feels justified for what you’re getting.

Who Is Juan Tello?

Juan Tello is an Argentine professional padel player who has established himself as one of the most technically complete athletes on the Premier Padel Tour. Known for his exceptional footwork, defensive resilience, and ability to transition from defence to attack in a heartbeat, Tello is the perfect ambassador for a shoe that prioritises stability and explosive movement.

Tello’s playing style is characterised by relentless court coverage and the ability to retrieve seemingly impossible balls. He demands footwear that can withstand hours of intense lateral movement, provide reliable traction on every surface, and offer the cushioning needed to protect his body through gruelling tournament schedules.

The Vertex Vibram has been Tello’s shoe of choice through multiple seasons, evolving alongside his career. Fellow Bullpadel players Fede Chingotto and Martín Di Nenno have also worn variations of the Vibram sole technology, testament to its popularity at the highest level of the sport.

Design & Aesthetics

The eye-catching yellow colourway — Juan Tello’s tour match colour

The Vertex Vibram 25V represents a refined evolution of Bullpadel’s flagship shoe line. The 2025 iteration features a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette compared to previous generations, with the design team clearly focusing on reducing unnecessary bulk whilst maintaining structural integrity.

The upper is constructed from Thermo Sealed synthetic materials — a seamless bonding technology that eliminates traditional stitching. This “glove effect” construction reduces weight, eliminates potential pressure points from seams, and creates a more uniform, comfortable fit. The technical mesh sections are strategically placed for maximum breathability in heat zones around the toe box and midfoot, where your feet generate the most heat during intense rallies.

The ToughToe reinforcement is visible at the front of the shoe — a robust injected rubber cap that protects against the inevitable toe-dragging that comes with explosive lunges and low defensive positions. It’s a feature that immediately tells you this shoe has been designed by people who understand padel-specific movement patterns.

The overall aesthetic is sporty but refined. Bullpadel has resisted the temptation to over-design, letting the technology and performance speak for themselves. The colour blocking is clean, the branding is subtle, and the shoe looks as good walking into the club as it does mid-rally.

Technology Deep Dive

The Vertex Vibram 25V is packed with 11 distinct technologies — more than almost any other padel shoe on the market. Here’s what each one brings to the court:

On-Court Performance

Traction & Grip

This is where the Vertex Vibram truly excels. The Vibram XS-Abrade compound provides a level of grip that is noticeably superior to standard rubber outsoles. On both artificial grass and hard court surfaces common in UK padel centres, the shoe bites into the surface with confidence.

The Hybrid 360° tread pattern deserves special praise. The herringbone sections provide the aggressive grip needed for explosive first steps and hard stops, whilst the micro-stud zones allow for the controlled, predictable slides that advanced padel demands. This balance between “stick” and “slide” is genuinely difficult to engineer, and Bullpadel have nailed it.

In wet or dewy outdoor conditions — increasingly relevant for UK padel players — the Vibram compound maintains its grip far better than standard rubber alternatives. This alone could justify the price premium for players who frequently play outdoors.

Stability & Support

Real-world users consistently rate the Vertex Vibram at 10/10 for stability. The combination of the X-Trabase outer fin, the Lateral Movement channel, and the structured upper creates a shoe that feels planted and secure during even the most aggressive lateral movements.

The padded heel construction locks your foot in place without creating uncomfortable pressure points. There’s no heel slip during quick direction changes — a common complaint with lighter, less structured shoes. The reinforced heel counter provides rigid support that maintains its shape over hundreds of hours of play.

Responsiveness & Energy Return

The Catapult technology provides a noticeable spring in each push-off. It’s not the bouncy, trampoline-like sensation you get from some running shoes — instead, it’s a firm, controlled energy return that feels purposeful and directional. When you push off laterally, the energy goes where you want it to go.

The 2Dens midsole handles impact absorption effectively without feeling mushy or unstable. During extended rallies and multi-set matches, the cushioning maintains its properties without the progressive “dead” feeling that cheaper midsoles develop.

Comfort & Fit

The Vertex Vibram 25V fits true to size for most players, though those with wider feet may want to consider going up half a size. The Thermo Sealed upper provides a close, sock-like fit that moulds to your foot shape over the first few sessions.

The OrthoLite insole is a genuine comfort upgrade. Unlike generic foam insoles, OrthoLite maintains its cushioning properties over thousands of steps, resists moisture, and provides consistent support from the first point to the last. The insole is removable, so players who use custom orthotics can swap them in easily.

Breathability is good but not exceptional. The Thermo Sealed mesh panels provide adequate ventilation for indoor play, though during intensive outdoor summer sessions, your feet will get warm. This is a trade-off for the structural support — more mesh would mean less stability.

The padded tongue and heel collar eliminate the need for a break-in period. The shoe feels comfortable from the first wear, with no hot spots or rubbing points. The lacing system connects directly to the midsole through reinforced eyelets, allowing for a secure, adjustable fit that doesn’t loosen during play.

Durability & Build Quality

Durability is arguably the Vertex Vibram’s strongest selling point. The Vibram XS-Abrade outsole compound is engineered for extreme abrasion resistance — this is the same category of rubber used in mountaineering boots and military footwear. For padel players who burn through shoes every few months, the Vibram sole could extend your shoe life by 30-50% compared to standard rubber outsoles.

The ToughToe cap provides critical protection in the high-wear zone at the front of the shoe. Padel players who drag their toes during low defensive shots will appreciate the reinforced rubber that absorbs this punishment without degrading the upper material.

The Sole Shield extends the outsole up the sides, protecting against the wall impacts that are unique to padel. This is a detail that tennis shoe manufacturers often miss — padel shoes need protection in different places, and Bullpadel clearly understands this.

The overall build quality is excellent. The seamless construction means there are fewer potential failure points — no stitching to unravel, no separate panels to peel away. Players who invest in the Vertex Vibram can expect 6-12 months of regular use depending on playing frequency.

Available Colourways

The subtle dark grey colourway — understated tour performance

The 2025 Vertex Vibram line is available in multiple colourways to suit different tastes:

• White/Green (25V) — The clean, classic option. Smart enough for club play, bold enough for competition.
• Yellow (25V) — Juan Tello’s signature tour colour. Eye-catching and energetic on court.
• Dark Grey (25V) — The understated choice. Sophisticated, versatile, and dirt-resistant.
• Navy Blue (25I) — The mid-season refresh. A deeper, more traditional colourway for players who prefer a classic look.

All colourways share identical technology and performance characteristics — the choice is purely aesthetic. The white and yellow versions tend to show court dirt more visibly, whilst the grey and navy options stay looking fresher for longer.

Pros & Cons

Who Should Buy These Shoes

The Vertex Vibram 25V is ideal for:

• Advanced/competitive players who demand tour-level performance and can appreciate the technology
• Players who prioritise stability over lightweight speed — those who’ve suffered ankle issues or want prevention
• Intensive players (3+ sessions per week) who need shoes that can handle heavy use without degrading
• Players who burn through shoes quickly — the Vibram outsole will save money long-term despite the higher initial cost
• Outdoor players who need reliable grip on wet or variable surfaces
• Players with joint concerns who benefit from superior cushioning and impact absorption

It’s less suitable for:

• Beginners who haven’t yet developed padel-specific movement patterns (consider the Bullpadel Ionic range instead)
• Speed-focused players who prioritise absolute lightness over stability
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for sub-£80 options

Competitor Comparison

The Vertex Vibram stands out primarily through its Vibram outsole — a genuine differentiator that no other major padel shoe brand currently offers. Whilst the Wilson Rush Pro 4.0 edges ahead on pure comfort and the Adidas Barricade matches on stability, neither can match the Vibram’s combination of grip and longevity.

For players who prioritise durability and don’t want to replace shoes every 3-4 months, the Vertex Vibram offers the best cost-per-wear value in the premium segment.

Court Drills to Test Your New Shoes

Once you’ve laced up your new Vertex Vibram 25Vs, try these drills to experience each technology in action:

Full Specifications

Final Verdict