Vertex Vibram

8.3
Overall Score
Players looking for stability and comfort on new curled turf courts
Pros
  • Innovative sole
  • Wide fit
  • High support and cushion
Cons
  • Heavy

Scorecard

Stability
9.0
Cushion
8.5
Breathability
8.0
Maneuverability
7.5
Low Traction
High Traction
Narrow
Wide

Specifications

Suggested Price
140.45
Upper
Mesh
Sole
Vibram X Bullpadel Herringbone-inspired
Drop

Performance

Note this is essentially the same shoe as Paquito Navarro’s signature Hack Vibram.

This shoe is characterized by high stability and cushion with an interesting approach to the sole.

In 2022, Bullpadel launched a collaboration with Vibram, an Italian brand that is the undisputed leader in outsole rubber technology.

The sole they came up with is an interesting mix that splits the foot with a vertical axis.

Bullpadel Vibram sole
Will the Bullpadel X Vibram sole become the new standard padel shoe sole?


The exterior of the sole is made up of a series of concentric trapezoids, which from a distance could be interpreted as loosely herringbone-inspired.

This generates high traction when you stop or start using the outside of your foot, while the lower traction interior is made up of roughly 80-millimeter hexagonal studs allowing you to easily pivot with the inside of your foot.

All padel shoe manufacturers are looking to define what the padel shoe sole will look like - herringbone is increasingly considered too high traction.

We consider the Bullpadel X Vibram to be the best candidate so far.

The sole wraps into a wall up the center and back of the exterior of the shoe, which reminds me of the DynaWall on Asics’s Gel Resolution. We recommend this model for players seeking ankle support.

The uppers are ventilated enough but also have plenty of padding, so they are not the most breathable options.

This is a robust shoe that prioritizes support over agility, so don’t expect this shoe to be your lightest pair.

Expert Reviews

8.3

Zona de Padel

It's an expensive shoe, but of the highest quality. Great for those who want a lot of support and comfort.

Score breakdown
8.3

Zona de Padel

Stable, medium-traction option with interesting sole concept.

Score breakdown
A comparison of the new low sand curled turf and the conventional sandy turf
Image courtesy of Mondo Worldwide

Vertex Vibram

Players looking for stability and comfort on new curled turf courts
8.3
rating based on
2
expert reviews
Traction
Medium
Width
Wide
Pro
Innovative sole
Con
Heavy

How we review

Rubric

10
Amazing
send it out for three like it's raining
9.0
Great
very, very light, easy to maneuver
8.0
Good
good, central sweet spot
7.0
Satisfactory
lost control on fast balls
6.0
Below average
small sweet spot, and if you miss it....
5.0
Poor
340g, low balance, and soft...no power

Methodology

  • We read, watch, or listen to the expert review
  • We categorize perceived performance in the categories: stability, cushion, breathability, manueverability
  • The shoes Overall Score is an average of its performance in each category according the expert reviews

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