Best for advanced players who want a firm base for stop-start play
The Open Men suits advanced players who value a firm, stable base for sudden stops and changes of pace over a plush, cushioning-first ride. The heel-focused FOAM REACTIVE cushioning and the EXO COUNTER stabilizer are built around controlled, stop-start movement. Players who prefer a herringbone tread for sliding, or cushioning that runs through the whole platform, should look at a model built around those priorities.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 408 g (US 10.5) |
| Segment | Men's |
| Upper material | Technical mesh with VTS micro-perforations; SPORTECH heat-sealed construction |
| Outsole material and pattern | Omni DURABILITY rubber; circular studs |
| Midsole/cushioning technology | Dual density: Phylon forefoot, FOAM REACTIVE heel |
| Closure type | Laces |
| Width/fit | Medium width fit |
| Toe reinforcement | PROTECTION reinforcement at toe and sides |
| Removable insole | Yes, pre-molded EVA sockliner |
| Recommended court surface | Padel courts generally |
| Level | Advanced |
| Colorway | Beige, Black, White (2026); Turquoise (2025) |
Overview of the Joma Open Men
The Joma Open Men is a padel shoe built for demanding players who need a firm, controlled base for quick changes of pace, tested by professional players including Pincho Fernández, Diestro and Nuria Rodríguez. The 2026 colorways share the same construction as the previous Turquoise version: a dual-density midsole with flexible Phylon in the forefoot and FOAM REACTIVE cushioning in the heel, an EXO COUNTER heel stabilizer and an Omni DURABILITY outsole with circular studs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The dual-density midsole cushions heel landings without adding bulk through the forefoot.
- EXO COUNTER rear stabilizer holds the heel firm through sudden stops and changes of pace.
- PROTECTION reinforcement covers the toe and sides against repeated abrasion.
- VTS micro-perforated mesh keeps the upper breathable without a heavy construction.
- The heat-sealed SPORTECH upper fits closely without friction points.
Cons
- Circular studs give less bite on sharp sideways cuts than a herringbone tread.
- FOAM REACTIVE sits only at the heel, so the forefoot feels firmer on hard landings.
- The firm, controlled platform suits stop-start play more than long, cushioned baseline rallies.
Technologies & Materials
- Dual-density midsole (Phylon / FOAM REACTIVE) — a flexible Phylon compound at the forefoot paired with more cushioned FOAM REACTIVE foam at the heel;
- EXO COUNTER — a rear-heel stabilizing structure that braces the heel through sudden stops;
- PROTECTION — reinforcement patches at the toe and sides covering friction and impact zones;
- Omni DURABILITY outsole — a circular-stud rubber compound built for grip and durability;
- VTS ventilation — micro-perforated mesh zones built into the upper for breathability;
- SPORTECH construction — a seamless, heat-sealed upper build.
What Makes the Joma Open Men Special
Joma splits the midsole by zone rather than using one uniform foam: a flexible Phylon compound through the forefoot for a lighter step-in feel, paired with FOAM REACTIVE cushioning concentrated at the heel where landing impact is highest. The EXO COUNTER rear stabilizer and PROTECTION reinforcement patches round out a build focused on a controlled, braced heel-and-toe structure rather than a single headline technology.
Gallery
On-Court Performance
Traction & Lateral Movement
The Omni DURABILITY outsole's circular studs grip padel turf through stops and pivots and let the foot slide in a controlled way, though they give less bite on sharp sideways cuts than a herringbone tread.
Stability & Support
The EXO COUNTER heel stabilizer braces the heel through sudden stops and limits twisting during lateral play, giving a firm, controlled base, while the heat-sealed SPORTECH upper holds the foot in place.
Toe-Drag Durability
The PROTECTION reinforcement at the toe and sides absorbs repeated toe drag from sliding into low defensive shots.
Breathability
The VTS micro-perforated mesh zones move air adequately during sustained rallies.
Cushioning & Comfort
FOAM REACTIVE cushioning at the heel absorbs landing impact, while the flexible Phylon forefoot keeps push-off light, so the front of the foot feels firmer than the heel.
Conclusion
The Open Men is built for players who stop hard and change pace often: the EXO COUNTER braces the heel, FOAM REACTIVE cushions the landing where impact is highest, and the Phylon forefoot keeps push-off light. Advanced players who want that firm, controlled base will find it well suited to stop-start padel. Its circular studs and heel-only cushioning are the trade, so players who slide on a herringbone tread or want soft cushioning from heel to toe should look at a model built around those traits.
Where to buy Joma Open Men
- Shoes
- Joma
- 7 minutes
- John Macallan
