Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25v Review: Juan Tello’s Shoe

Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25v Review: Juan Tello’s Signature Padel Shoe

The Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25v is Juan Tello’s signature shoe — and its headline feature is right there in the name: a Vibram outsole. Vibram is the gold standard in rubber technology, used in everything from mountaineering boots to military footwear, and its presence on a padel shoe signals serious intent. Combined with a supportive upper and padel-specific design, the Vertex Vibram promises the best grip money can buy. We tested it extensively to see if the Vibram hype is justified.

Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Detail
Upper	Reinforced synthetic mesh with TPU overlays
Midsole	Dual-density EVA cushioning
Outsole	Vibram XS Trek compound, herringbone pattern
Weight	365g (UK size 9)
Drop	10mm
Closure	Traditional lace with padded tongue
Price	£100-£140

Design and Build Quality

The Vertex Vibram 25v is a purposeful-looking shoe. The design reflects Juan Tello’s playing style — aggressive, dynamic, and built for hard court movement. Bullpadel has constructed the upper with reinforced synthetic mesh and TPU overlays in high-stress areas, creating a shoe that feels supportive without being excessively heavy.

The Vibram outsole is the centrepiece. The distinctive yellow Vibram logo on the sole is an immediate quality signal, and the XS Trek compound has a different feel to standard court shoe rubber — slightly softer, more grippy, and with a distinctive texture that you can feel when you press your thumb against the sole.

On-Court Performance

Grip: The Vibram Difference

Let us cut to the chase: the Vibram outsole delivers the best grip we have tested on a padel shoe. On dry artificial turf, the XS Trek compound creates noticeably more friction than standard rubber compounds. You feel planted, secure, and confident during every movement — lateral slides, hard stops, explosive starts.

But the real magic happens on wet or damp courts — the UK’s Achilles heel. Where other shoes begin to lose traction on damp artificial turf, the Vibram outsole maintains remarkable grip. The compound’s molecular structure is engineered for wet conditions (it is the same technology used in hiking boots designed for wet rock). On courts that had us slipping in other shoes, the Vertex Vibram held firm.

This is not marketing hyperbole — the grip advantage in wet conditions is genuine and significant. If you play on outdoor courts in the UK, where morning dew, drizzle, and overnight rain are routine, the Vibram outsole could be the single most important feature in a padel shoe.

Cushioning

The dual-density EVA midsole provides balanced cushioning — firmer in the heel for stability and softer in the forefoot for comfort during push-off. It is not as responsive as Adidas’s Boost or Lightstrike Pro technologies, but it provides reliable, consistent shock absorption. After long sessions, the cushioning holds up well without significant compression.

Stability

Stability is good — not quite at the level of the Wilson Rush Pro 4.0 (which remains the stability king), but above average. The TPU overlays in the midfoot area prevent lateral sliding, and the heel counter is firm and well-shaped. The Vibram outsole’s superior grip also contributes to effective stability — when your shoe does not slide on the court, your foot does not slide in the shoe.

Support

The reinforced upper provides solid support around the foot. The padded tongue adds comfort across the top of the foot, and the lacing system creates a secure, adjustable fit. The toe box offers adequate room without being sloppy — important for the lunging and stopping movements in padel.

Breathability

Good but not exceptional. The synthetic mesh upper allows reasonable airflow, though it is not as breathable as more minimal shoes like the K-Swiss Express Light 3. In warm indoor facilities, your feet may get warm during intense sessions. A moisture-wicking sock helps significantly.

Durability

The Vibram outsole is exceptionally durable. After 40+ hours of testing, the herringbone pattern shows minimal wear — Vibram rubber is designed to last, and it delivers on that promise. The upper and midsole have also held up well. Expect 5 to 7 months of regular play before the grip starts to diminish — among the best longevity in padel footwear.

Who Is It For?

• Players who play on wet or damp courts: The Vibram outsole is the single best wet-court solution available
• UK outdoor padel players: If you play outdoors in British conditions, this shoe is almost essential
• All-round players: Good performance across all areas makes it suitable for every playing style
• Durability seekers: The Vibram outsole outlasts most competitors
• Juan Tello enthusiasts: His signature shoe, designed with his input for professional performance

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Players seeking maximum cushioning — the midsole is adequate but not luxurious
• Speed-focused players who want the lightest possible shoe
• Budget-conscious players — at £100 to £140, it is a mid-to-premium investment

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Best-in-class grip from Vibram outsole — especially in wet conditions
• Exceptional outsole durability
• Good overall support and stability
• Comfortable dual-density cushioning
• Well-built upper with strategic reinforcement
• Juan Tello signature credibility

Cons

• Heavier than speed-focused alternatives
• Cushioning technology not as advanced as Boost or Lightstrike Pro
• Breathability could be better
• Mid-to-premium pricing

Our Rating

Overall: 8.5/10

• Grip: 10/10
• Comfort: 7.5/10
• Stability: 8/10
• Durability: 9/10
• Value: 8/10

Final Verdict

The Bullpadel Vertex Vibram 25v is the best padel shoe for grip — period. The Vibram outsole delivers a level of traction that no other padel shoe can match, particularly in the wet and damp conditions that are a fact of life for UK padel players. Beyond the grip, it is a well-rounded, durable, and supportive shoe that performs admirably across all areas.

For UK outdoor players, this shoe should be at the top of your shortlist. For indoor players who occasionally play outdoors, it is an excellent all-conditions option. The Vibram name is earned, not borrowed — and it makes a real difference on court.

Pair it with a racket from our Best Padel Rackets 2026 guide for the complete setup.