I fell while playing paddle tennis with barefoot shoes

A few weeks ago, I played padel again.

I only play a few times a year, and I always end up winning a prize.

But not one of those you hang around your neck... rather one that makes you walk like Robocop for two days.

I went after a sneaky drop shot, slipped, and while falling, I had the brilliant idea of trying to hit the ball.

Result: my right knee bent like a dry reed.

I felt a pull, but since it didn’t hurt, I carried on like nothing happened.

The next morning, things changed.

Stiff knee. Pain. And a sensation like a tight rope behind my thigh that wouldn’t let me sit down.

Diagnosis: mild strain of the hamstring muscles or posterior popliteal tendon.

A long, technical name with very little charm.

But you know what’s best?

It wasn’t padel’s fault, nor the floor’s, nor mine.

It was the shoes.

My dear Merrell Vapor Glove…

I had worn them down so much that the sole looked like an ice rink.

And of course, when there’s no traction, there’s a show.

So it wasn’t really a fall, but the logical result of a shoe with no grip, no traction, nothing.

There was the death trap.

And now comes the good part.

Look what Loida said:

“I bought these shoes for my father (his first pair of barefoot shoes). He plays tennis between 10 and 15 hours a week, he's 74 and was sick of his toenails turning black or even falling off every now and then due to the pressure and tightness of traditional shoes.”

“Today was his first day playing in the Xero 360 and he says it's the best day of his life.”

While I was limping, Loida's 74-year-old father was saying it was the best day of his life with his new shoes.

Lafirgen, what vitality!

A true role model.

Back to padel and tennis: you know these sports involve turns, sudden stops, sprints, even jumps... so you’d better wear something decent on your feet.

So if you also play padel, tennis or any sport with turns, stops, sprints or jumps…

Here are my favorites and my personal picks:

The Xero Shoes 360, the ones Loida’s father wears.

Lightweight. Freedom. Nothing tight. Your foot does whatever it wants.

The Groundies All Terrain Low for men and for women.

Grip that gives you confidence even on wet ground. And waterproof version for those who aren’t afraid of the rain.

And the Xero Shoes HFS II, my pick. Also available for women.

With breathable mesh and a sole that grips the ground like a koala to its eucalyptus.

Up to you.

Just don’t let the same thing happen to you.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Efectiviwonder.

Health starts with your feet.

Antonio Caballo