At first glance, the surface of a modern padel court might appear sleek and minimal—but beneath the fibers lies a surprising innovation: up to 1.5 tons of nearly invisible silica sand. This cutting-edge material, developed by Italgreen, is redefining how padel is played, felt, and experienced.
In a recent deep dive with Alessandro Cimino of Italgreen, the spotlight was placed on this advanced turf system. The silica sand used is not the coarse, beach-like variety most would imagine. Instead, it’s ultra-fine and engineered to settle deep within the turf, hidden from view yet crucial to performance. This sand stabilizes the court, enhances ball bounce consistency, and most importantly, cushions every movement.
Players stepping onto these courts often describe the sensation as “playing on a cloud.” The surface absorbs impact, reducing strain on joints, knees, and backs—an essential feature for both amateur enthusiasts and professional athletes who spend hours on court. The innovation doesn’t stop at comfort; it also improves safety by minimizing the risk of slips and uneven footing.
Italgreen’s approach reflects a broader trend in sports technology: blending performance with player well-being. With courts like these being used in major tournaments, it’s clear that invisible sand is making a very visible impact on the game.
