By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated August 5, 2024
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4 min read
Are you struggling to find the right badminton shoes that fit perfectly to you?
I hear you. Choosing the right badminton shoes is crucial for both performance and injury prevention.
In this post, I’ll recommend 5 of the best badminton shoes that guarantee to:
For those that are new here: I’m Justin Ma, a professional badminton player for 8 years, and won 7x US Junior National Championships.
As a quick overview:
| Shoe | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3 | ✓ Best quality ✓ Flexible and durable ✓ Good footing and grip |
✗ Rather expensive | $144.95 USD |
| Li-Ning Ultra Fly III | ✓ Comfortable ✓ Lightweight and breathable ✓ Cool design |
✗ Not as durable as the Yonex one | $100 USD |
| Victor A960 | ✓ Robust build ✓ Excellent support ✓ Durable |
✗ Harder to find | $125 USD |
| ASICS Gel-Blade 8 | ✓ Great for women ✓ Trusted brand ✓ Lightweight |
✗ Not for men | $129.95 USD |
| Mizuno Wave Lightning Neo 2 | ✓ Excellent stability ✓ Supportive ✓ Innovative features |
✗ Not the best absorption | $139.99 USD |
Let’s dive right in:
Overview: This model has been a favorite among professional casual players for the last few years and is my own personal favorite as well.
It absorbs impact and helps you bounce off for the next shot. It is flexible yet durable, giving your feet a lightweight feel while still supporting it enough.
It also has good footing and grip to make sure you don’t lose your balance on the court.
Why Choose Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3? If you enjoy comfort and agility, the Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3 is an excellent choice.
Its advanced cushioning technology makes it ideal for long hours of play, ensuring you stay at the top of your game.
Pricing: $144.95 USD
Overview: The Li-Ning Ultra Fly III has gained popularity for its comfort and stylish design.
Li-Ning, another popular and famous badminton brand, is worn by both professional and casual players alike. This model is extremely stable, helps you absorb impact and move laterally quickly, and is extremely lightweight and breathable.
It also looks cool!.
Why Choose Li-Ning Saga Lite? If you seek a balance between comfort, style, and performance, the Li-Ning Saga Lite is a great choice.
Its advanced features make it suitable for both practice sessions and competitive play.
Pricing: $100 USD
Overview: Victor, another leading brand in badminton gear, presents the A960, a shoe designed for maximum performance.
The Victor A960 is favored for its robust build and excellent support.
Why Choose Victor A960? For players looking for durability and support, the Victor A960 is a reliable option.
Its robust construction makes it suitable for intensive use, ensuring longevity and performance.
Pricing: $125 USD
Overview: The ASICS Gel-Blade 8 is known for its sleek design and superior performance.
ASICS has long been a trusted name in sports footwear, and the Gel-Blade 8 continues this tradition with its innovative features.
Why Choose ASICS Gel-Blade 8? For players who value speed and stability, the ASICS Gel-Blade 8 is a top contender.
Its combination of cushioning and lightweight design makes it a versatile choice for intense matches.
Pricing: $129,95 USD
Overview: Mizuno, a well-respected name in sports footwear, offers the Wave Lightning Neo 2, a shoe designed to provide excellent stability and support.
The Wave Lightning Neo 2 is known for its robust build and innovative features that enhance performance.
Why Choose Mizuno Wave Lightning Neo 2? The Mizuno Wave Lightning Neo 2 is perfect for players who need a stable and supportive shoe that doesn’t sacrifice agility.
Its advanced technology makes it a great choice for competitive play.
Pricing: $139.99 USD
There are a bunch of questions you might be having about choosing the right badminton shoes. Here are the most common questions I’ve answered:
Yes, absolutely! Asics designed the Asics Gel Blade and the Gel Rocket specifically for badminton players. I’ve personally heard really good feedback about the Asics Gel Blade 8 from the women I coach.
No, badminton and tennis shoes are not the same. Tennis shoes are generally built to provide support for lateral movements and durability on hard surfaces.
Badminton shoes are designed to offer lightweight support, cushioning, and grip suitable for indoor courts.
No, running shoes are not ideal for badminton. They are designed primarily for forward motion and may lack the lateral support and grip needed for the quick, multidirectional movements in badminton. So… using running shoes for badminton can increase the risk of injury.
No, basketball shoes are not ideal. While they offer good ankle support and cushioning, they are typically heavier and may not provide the agility and grip specific to badminton. F
or best performance, it’s better to use shoes designed specifically for badminton.
No, badminton shoes are not ideal for running as they lack the cushioning and design needed for the repetitive forward motion associated with running.
Using badminton shoes for running can lead to discomfort and a higher risk of injuries.
