Last updated: February 2026 — Prices and availability checked
📋 Table of Contents
- First Impressions
- Design & Aesthetics
- Technology Deep-Dive
- On-Court Performance
- Available Colourways & Special Editions
- Brand Heritage: Joma’s Padel Journey
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Buy This Shoe?
- Competitor Comparison
- Court Drills to Test Your Slam
- Maintenance & Care Guide
- Full Specifications
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
First Impressions: The Premier Padel Pedigree
The Joma Slam 2025 arrives with serious credentials. As the official shoe of both the World Padel Tour and Premier Padel — the two biggest circuits in the sport — Joma’s flagship model is battle-tested at the highest level. When you’re producing limited edition colourways for the Dubai P1 and Düsseldorf P1, you’d better deliver on performance. And the Slam does.
Out of the box, the Slam feels like a shoe that knows what it’s for. There’s a purposeful density to the midsole that immediately communicates stability. The mesh upper is light and breathable, but reinforced in all the right places. It’s not trying to be flashy — it’s trying to be effective. And for padel, that’s exactly the right priority.
What strikes you first is the weight-to-support ratio. At approximately 340-360 grams per shoe (depending on size), the Slam manages to pack in Dual Reactive midsole technology, Stabilis midfoot reinforcement, and Protection rubber overlays without feeling like a brick. It’s a neat engineering trick that Joma has been refining for years.
Design & Aesthetics
Joma has taken an understated approach with the Slam’s design language. Where some brands go for aggressive lines and flashy colour-blocking, the Slam relies on clean proportions and subtle technical details to make its statement. The breathable mesh upper dominates the visual profile, punctuated by thermosealed overlays that trace the foot’s natural stress lines.
The VTS (Ventilation System) perforations aren’t just functional — they create an attractive pattern across the forefoot that breaks up the mesh surface. The Sportech heat-sealed elements along the midfoot provide a sleek, seamless look that avoids the bulk of traditional stitched reinforcements.
Around the heel, the Protection system rubber overlays are visible but not obtrusive, adding a technical aesthetic while clearly communicating durability. The outsole features either a herringbone (clay) or circular stud (Omni) pattern in Joma’s Durability rubber compound, with a colour accent that ties the design together.
The available colourways range from the restrained black and white standards to eye-catching Premier Padel limited editions in team colours. Joma has struck a good balance between court-appropriate professionalism and enough personality to stand out in a changing room full of Adidas and HEAD shoes.
Technology Deep-Dive: 7 Features That Matter
The Joma Slam packs an impressive amount of technology for its price point. Here’s what makes it tick:
🔬 Dual Reactive Midsole
The Slam’s headline feature. A two-layer midsole combining stable phylon on top for energy return with Reactive Ball technology underneath for superior shock absorption. This dual-density approach gives you responsive cushioning on impact while maintaining the stability needed for explosive lateral movements.
🛡️ Stabilis System
A reinforced structural piece embedded in the midfoot that prevents torsion and unwanted twisting during quick directional changes. Essential for padel, where lateral movements can generate enormous forces on the foot. This is Joma’s answer to the pronation-control systems found in much pricier shoes.
💨 VTS Ventilation
Strategic perforations throughout the mesh upper that promote constant airflow. The VTS (Ventilation System) keeps feet cool and dry even during the most intense rallies. Particularly valuable for UK players who often play in warmer indoor centres where courts can get stuffy.
🧤 Sportech Fit System
A thermosealed (heat-sealed) construction that bonds reinforcement layers directly to the upper without stitching. The result is a seamless fit that eliminates pressure points and hot spots while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. It also allows the upper to flex more naturally with the foot.
🦶 Protection System
Rubber reinforcements strategically placed over the toe box, medial forefoot, and lateral sidewall — the areas that take the most punishment during padel. These overlays absorb impacts from toe-dragging slides and wall contacts without adding bulk. They extend the shoe’s lifespan significantly.
🏃 Durability Rubber Sole
Joma’s proprietary high-resistance rubber compound designed for maximum grip and longevity. Available in two patterns: the clay version with a herringbone design for artificial grass courts, and the Omni version with circular studs for hard/fast court surfaces. Both facilitate controlled sliding.
⚡ Reactive Ball Cushioning
Embedded in the lower midsole, small reactive ball elements absorb impact energy and return it as propulsive force with each step. This technology is what gives the Slam its characteristic bounce — you can feel the energy return during explosive movements like smashes and bandejas.
On-Court Performance
Cushioning & Comfort
The Dual Reactive midsole is the star of the show here. The combination of phylon and Reactive Ball creates a noticeable springiness that’s most apparent during jumping smashes and quick recovery steps. It’s not the plushest ride you’ll find in padel footwear — this isn’t an Adidas Adipower Multiweight level of marshmallow comfort — but it’s responsive and reliable.
After extended sessions (90+ minutes), the cushioning holds up remarkably well. There’s no ‘bottoming out’ sensation that you sometimes get with cheaper foam compounds. The phylon layer maintains its rebound characteristics throughout a long match, which is a testament to Joma’s material quality at this price point.
Stability & Support
This is where the Joma Slam truly earns its stripes. The Stabilis midfoot piece provides a reassuring sense of lockdown during aggressive lateral movements. When you’re scrambling to the glass wall or pushing off for a volley at the net, the shoe keeps your foot planted and controlled. Combined with the Protection rubber overlays, there’s very little unwanted foot movement inside the shoe.
The Sportech fit system deserves credit too — by eliminating stitched overlays, the upper wraps more uniformly around the foot, distributing forces more evenly during changes of direction.
Traction & Grip
The Durability rubber sole performs well on both artificial grass (with sand) and indoor hard courts. The clay version’s herringbone pattern offers confident grip during acceleration while still allowing controlled slides — exactly what you need on standard UK padel surfaces. The Omni version is slightly more versatile but trades some slide capability for all-surface consistency.
One area worth noting: the sole compound is harder than some competitors (like the Vibram outsoles on Bullpadel shoes), which means it’s more durable but slightly less grippy in very cold conditions. For most UK indoor play, this won’t matter, but it’s worth considering if you play outdoors in winter.
Breathability
The VTS perforated mesh does an excellent job keeping feet ventilated. In warm indoor centres — which describes most UK padel facilities — you’ll notice the difference compared to shoes with solid synthetic uppers. There’s a continuous airflow sensation that prevents the clammy, overheated feeling that plagues some padel shoes after 30-40 minutes of play.
Available Colourways & Special Editions
Joma produces the Slam in a wide range of colourways, refreshed seasonally. The 2025 range includes:
- Black (TSLAMW2501) — The classic all-black option, clean and court-appropriate
- White (TSLAMW2502) — Crisp white with subtle grey accents, popular with club players
- Mustard (TSLAMS2508) — A bold yellow option for those who want to stand out
- White/Red (Juanlu Esbrí Limited Edition) — Player signature colourway
- White/Royal Blue (Dubai Premier Padel P1 Limited) — Exclusive event edition
- Blue (Asia Pacific Padel Tour) — Regional tournament edition
The limited editions for Premier Padel events have become collector’s items in the padel community. They use the same technology as the standard models but feature unique colourways designed specifically for each tournament.
The New Slam Foot Shape (Late 2025)
In November 2025, Joma launched the Slam Foot Shape — a barefoot-inspired evolution featuring a wider toe box, minimal 4mm heel-to-toe drop, and an antibacterial insole. It’s designed for players who want a more natural court connection while retaining the Slam’s stability platform. This variant represents the future direction of Joma’s padel footwear development and could be a game-changer for players who find traditional padel shoes too constrictive in the forefoot.
🏢 Brand Heritage: Joma’s Padel Journey
Founded in Toledo, Spain in 1965, Joma is one of the most recognisable Spanish sports brands globally. While perhaps better known internationally for their football boots and running shoes, Joma has been deeply embedded in padel since the sport’s earliest days in Spain — where padel is not just popular but a genuine national obsession.
Joma served as the Official Footwear of the World Padel Tour for multiple seasons and has continued that partnership into the Premier Padel era. This isn’t just a sponsorship badge — it means Joma actively develops and tests their padel shoes with professional players on the circuit, feeding real tournament feedback directly into product development.
The Slam line has been the cornerstone of Joma’s padel offering for years, evolving from a competent mid-range shoe into a genuine professional-grade performer. The 2025 iteration represents the most technologically advanced version yet, with each generation adding meaningful improvements in cushioning, stability, and durability. With the launch of the Foot Shape variant, Joma is also showing willingness to innovate beyond the traditional padel shoe formula.
Professional players on the Joma roster include former World No. 1 Carolina Navarro and rising Spanish star Juanlu Esbrí, both of whom compete in Joma Slam shoes at the highest level of the sport.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Exceptional value for money — professional-grade technology at £65-90
- Dual Reactive midsole provides responsive cushioning and energy return
- Stabilis system offers reassuring lateral stability
- Excellent breathability via VTS mesh ventilation
- Durable construction with Protection rubber overlays
- Seamless Sportech fit eliminates pressure points
- Premier Padel heritage — tested at the highest level
- Multiple colourways including limited edition options
- Both sole types available (clay and Omni)
❌ Cons
- Slightly narrow fit — wider-footed players may need to size up
- Less plush cushioning than premium competitors like Adidas
- UK availability can be limited for some colourways
- Sole hardness — less grippy than Vibram in cold conditions
- Brand recognition lower than Adidas/HEAD in UK padel circles
- Break-in period of 2-3 sessions before Sportech moulds fully
Who Should Buy This Shoe?
🎯 Intermediate Players
Upgrading from beginner shoes? The Slam delivers a massive performance leap without destroying your budget. The Dual Reactive midsole and Stabilis system will immediately improve your on-court confidence.
💰 Value-Conscious Advanced Players
If you want 90% of what premium shoes offer at 60% of the price, the Slam is your shoe. The technology gap between the Slam and £130+ shoes has never been smaller. Smart money goes here.
🏃 Stability-Focused Players
Players who prioritise lateral support and torsion control over raw speed. The Stabilis system and robust midsole construction make this one of the most stable padel shoes at any price point.
⚡ Speed-First Players
The Slam is responsive but not the lightest shoe in its class. If pure speed is your top priority, consider the K-Swiss Express Light 3 instead. But the Slam won’t hold you back — the stability trade-off is worth it for most players.
👟 Wide-Footed Players
The Slam runs slightly narrow. If you have wide feet, either size up half a size or wait for the new Slam Foot Shape model — its wider toe box is specifically designed for players who need more forefoot room.
🌱 Complete Beginners
The Slam’s technology is overkill for beginners, and you’d be better served by the Joma Master 1000 or Joma Open — they’re lighter, cheaper, and perfectly adequate while you develop your game.
How Does It Compare?
| Feature | Joma Slam 2025 | Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25V | K-Swiss Express Light 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (UK) | £65–90 | £100–120 | £85–105 |
| Weight | 340–360g | 370–390g | 326g |
| Midsole | Dual Reactive (Phylon + Reactive Ball) | 2Dens dual-density + Catapult | K-EVA |
| Outsole | Durability rubber | Vibram XS-Abrade | Aösta 7.0 |
| Stability | Stabilis + Protection | 11 technologies | 180 PSC chassis |
| Ventilation | VTS mesh perforations | Nylon mesh | DuraWrap Flex |
| Pro Players | Carolina Navarro, Juanlu Esbrí | Juan Tello | Sanyo Gutiérrez |
| Best For | Value + stability | Durability + technology | Speed + agility |
The Joma Slam’s position in the market is clear: it delivers professional-grade performance at an intermediate price point. The Bullpadel Vertex Vibram justifies its premium with the legendary Vibram outsole and more technologies, while the K-Swiss Express Light 3 is the speed specialist. But pound-for-pound, the Slam arguably offers the best value in serious padel footwear.
Court Drills to Test Your Joma Slam
Put your new shoes through their paces with these targeted drills that highlight the Slam’s key strengths:
🔄 Drill 1: The Lateral Shuttle
Tests: Stabilis lateral stability
Set up two markers 3 metres apart along the net. Shuffle laterally between them, touching each marker 20 times. Focus on how the Stabilis system supports your foot during quick direction changes. The Slam should feel locked-in and controlled — no heel slippage or midfoot roll.
💥 Drill 2: The Smash Recovery
Tests: Dual Reactive cushioning
Have a partner feed lobs to your baseline. Jump and smash, then immediately sprint to the net. Repeat 10 times. Notice how the Reactive Ball technology in the midsole absorbs the landing impact and returns energy for your sprint forward. You should feel a distinct ‘bounce-back’ sensation.
🏃 Drill 3: The Glass Wall Sprint
Tests: Durability sole grip
Stand at the net. On your partner’s signal, sprint diagonally to the back glass, play the ball, then recover to the net. Do 10 repetitions per side. The Durability sole should provide confident acceleration without slipping, and the controlled slide at the glass should feel smooth and predictable.
🎯 Drill 4: The Volley Marathon
Tests: Comfort and breathability over time
Spend 15 minutes volleying continuously at the net with a partner. Use this as a comfort test — after 15 minutes of constant footwork in a warm indoor centre, the VTS ventilation should be keeping your feet noticeably cooler than your old shoes. Pay attention to any hot spots developing (there shouldn’t be any after the Sportech break-in period).
Maintenance & Care Guide
Post-Session Care
- Remove insoles after every session and allow both the insoles and shoes to air-dry separately
- Stuff with newspaper or cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain shape
- Brush off sand and debris from the sole grooves with a stiff-bristled brush
- Never machine wash — the Sportech thermosealed bonds and Dual Reactive midsole compounds can be damaged by heat and agitation
Regular Maintenance
- Clean the upper with a damp cloth and mild soap solution (never submerge)
- Check the Durability sole for uneven wear patterns — if one side wears faster, it may indicate a technique issue worth addressing
- Rotate between two pairs if you play 3+ times per week — this extends the life of both pairs significantly
- Replace every 8-14 months of regular competitive play, or sooner if the sole pattern becomes noticeably smooth
Storage Tips
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (UV degrades the Durability rubber and yellows white colourways)
- Use a breathable shoe bag rather than a sealed plastic bag
- Keep separate from your padel bag if possible — trapped moisture and heat accelerate breakdown
Full Specifications
| Model | Joma Slam 2025 (TSLAMW25xx series) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Joma |
| Type | Padel Shoe |
| Player Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Weight (approx.) | 340–360g per shoe (size-dependent) |
| Upper Material | Breathable mesh with VTS perforations |
| Fit System | Sportech thermosealed construction |
| Midsole | Dual Reactive (phylon + Reactive Ball) |
| Stability | Stabilis midfoot anti-torsion piece |
| Reinforcement | Protection rubber overlays (toe, medial, lateral) |
| Outsole | Durability rubber (Clay herringbone or Omni circular stud) |
| Sole Types | Clay (artificial grass) / Omni (all-court) |
| Sizes Available | EU 38–47 (UK 4.5–12.5) |
| Gender | Men’s (Women’s Slam Lady also available) |
| Pro Players | Carolina Navarro, Juanlu Esbrí |
| Official Partnership | Premier Padel, World Padel Tour |
| Estimated Price (UK) | £65–90 |
| Warranty | Standard manufacturer’s warranty |
Free delivery available on eligible orders • Compare colourways and sizes
Final Verdict
The Joma Slam 2025 is the best-value professional-grade padel shoe you can buy in the UK right now. It won’t win awards for being the lightest, the most cushioned, or the grippiest shoe on the market — but it does everything well and nothing badly, all while costing significantly less than comparable shoes from bigger brands.
The Dual Reactive midsole provides genuinely excellent cushioning and energy return. The Stabilis system delivers the lateral stability that serious padel demands. The VTS ventilation keeps feet comfortable during long sessions. And the whole package is wrapped in durable materials that can handle the punishment of regular competitive play.
If you’re an intermediate player stepping up to your first serious padel shoe, or an advanced player who’s tired of paying premium prices for marginal improvements, the Joma Slam deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist. Spain’s best-kept secret in padel footwear is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Where to Buy
The Joma Slam 2025 is available from the following UK retailers:
- 🛒 Amazon UK — Joma Slam Padel Shoes (best for fast delivery and returns)
- 🛒 Amazon UK — All Joma Padel Shoes (browse the full Joma padel range)
- 🛒 Amazon UK — All Padel Shoes (compare with other brands)
As an Amazon Associate, Padel Mad earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence — we only recommend products we genuinely believe in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Joma Slam suitable for padel beginners?
The Joma Slam is designed for intermediate to advanced players who need maximum stability and cushioning. For beginners, the Joma Master 1000 or Joma Open would be more suitable — they’re lighter, more forgiving, and considerably cheaper while still using quality Joma technologies.
What is the difference between the Joma Slam and Joma Spin?
The Slam is Joma’s flagship padel shoe with Dual Reactive midsole (phylon + Reactive Ball), offering superior cushioning and energy return. The Spin is a step down — still excellent with Stabilis support and VTS ventilation, but uses a simpler midsole construction. The Slam also has more Protection reinforcements in high-wear areas.
Does the Joma Slam have a clay sole or omni sole?
The Joma Slam is available in both sole configurations. The clay/herringbone version (ideal for artificial grass courts) offers deep-grooved grip, while the Omni version features circular stud patterns for all-court versatility on hard surfaces. Most UK indoor courts suit the Omni sole, while outdoor courts with sand benefit from the clay pattern.
How does the Joma Slam compare to the Bullpadel Vertex Vibram?
Both are premium padel shoes. The Bullpadel Vertex Vibram offers a Vibram outsole (legendary durability) and more technologies overall (11 vs 7). The Joma Slam counters with Dual Reactive midsole technology and a lighter overall feel. The Bullpadel is better for aggressive clay court players; the Joma Slam offers better value for money with comparable performance.
Who are the professional players who wear Joma Slam shoes?
The Joma Slam has been tested and worn by former World No. 1 Carolina Navarro and Spanish professional Juanlu Esbrí. Joma is also the official footwear partner of Premier Padel, creating limited edition colourways for major P1 events including Dubai and Düsseldorf.
How much do Joma Slam padel shoes cost in the UK?
The Joma Slam 2025 typically retails between £65 and £90 in the UK depending on the colourway and retailer. This represents exceptional value for a professional-grade padel shoe — comparable models from Bullpadel and K-Swiss often cost £100-130+. Check Amazon UK for the best current pricing.
Are Joma padel shoes true to size?
Joma padel shoes generally run true to European sizing but can feel slightly narrow compared to brands like Wilson or Adidas. If you have wider feet, consider going up half a size. The Sportech thermosealed system does adapt to your foot shape over time, so the initial snugness typically loosens within 2-3 sessions.
What is Joma’s new Slam Foot Shape technology?
Launched in late 2025, the Slam Foot Shape is a barefoot-inspired evolution of the classic Slam. It features a wider toe box that allows natural toe spread, a minimal 4mm drop from heel to toe, and an antibacterial insole. It’s designed for players who want a more natural court feel while maintaining the stability and protection of the original Slam platform.
More Padel Shoe Reviews
Looking for more options? Check out our other in-depth padel shoe reviews:
- 👟 Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25V 2025 Review — Juan Tello’s signature shoe
- 👟 K-Swiss Express Light 3 Padel Review — The lightweight speed machine
- 👟 Wilson Rush Pro 4.0 Padel Review — The stability king
- 👟 Adidas Barricade 14 Padel Review — The lightest Barricade ever
- 👟 Best Padel Shoes 2026: Complete UK Buyer’s Guide
