Do you think the quality of your badminton shoes can have an impact on your game? If the answer is yes, you are absolutely right.
Good quality badminton shoes that are comfortable can really give you an advantage on the court. Furthermore, the best badminton shoes give your feet the right kind of protection to prevent damage and cause long-term impact.
Badminton shoes are made to let players handle all the movements required for the game such as jumping, sudden change of direction, and quick maneuvers.
You could get a pair of cheap badminton shoes, but it’s always better to invest in shoes that you know will give your feet the best level of protection and comfort. This is why I have compiled a list of the best badminton shoes that you can buy.
Take a look at my top picks here:
- Synthetic Rubber Sole Gives Superior Grip
- Cushioned Insole for Shock Absorption
- Leather Material for Durability
- Padded Collar and Tongue
- Cool outsole patterns
- Better Fit & Power Cushion
- 3x Better Shock Absorption
- Reduced Energy Wastage
- Grooved Rubber Outsole
- Lightweight And Boa Fit System
- Durable Synthetic Leather Body
- Light-weight with Trusstic System Technology
- Rubber Outsole for Superior Grip
- Cushioned Insole
- GEL cushioning system for shock absorption
- Breathable mesh outer body
YONEX Power Cushion 88 DIAL Badminton Shoe
If you ask avid badminton players for their choice of badminton shoes for play, chances are you’ll get a few recommendations for YONEX.
The Yonex Power Cushion 88 Dial Badminton Shoe comes with great engineering. The Boa Fit System, unique only to Yonex shoes, ensures you can easily put your shoes on and slip them off too.
The shoes come in white and blue options, so if you have an aversion to white, you can choose the blue color that doesn’t attract as much dirt and grime. But if you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist a sleek white shoe.
The upper body is made of synthetic leather, giving the shoe structure and durability. The midsole is made of synthetic resin and the outsole is made of rubber for high traction and a superior grip on the court.
The shoes offer great shock absorption because of the power cushion feature. A special elastic resin is added to the power cushion to realize this benefit. Rest assures this does not make the shoes clunky or heavy. They remain lightweight, with each shoe weighing at around 10 oz.
The outsole has grooves that are designed in a lattice pattern with calculated depth and spacing between them, to give you the best traction and grip on the indoor court.
The power cushion feature is said to offer 28% more shock absorption and 62% more repulsion when compared to the average badminton shoe. So not only does the YONEX absorb shock from your movements, but also reverses the energy of the impact so that you easily glide into your next movement.
The company claims that the power cushion can provide three times more shock absorption.
The shape of the shoe reduces the impact on the big toe and offers improved support in the middle of your feet as well as your heel.
The Syncro-fit insole is made to create a safe and snug contact between your feet and your shoes so that energy wastage is reduced because of a better fit.
Why We Like It
- Better Fit
- Power Cushion
- 3x Better Shock Absorption
- Reduced Energy Wastage
- Grooved Rubber Outsole
- Lightweight And Boa Fit System
- Durable Synthetic Leather Body
Our Verdict
I’m a fan of Yonex shoes so forgive me if I sound biased, but these beauties are a great investment if you are planning to regularly play badminton. They not only help enhance your performance but also give your feet great comfort and protection.
ASICS Gel Rocket 9 Shoe
If you are looking to enhance your performance on the badminton court, check out the ASICS® GEL-Rocket® 9 volleyball shoe!
It comes with a lightweight mesh upper body that has synthetic overlays that give solid structure, support, and comfort. The breathable mesh lining and cushioned footbed ensure that your feet are well protected from the sudden jerky movements required during intense badminton matches.
The molded-EVA midsole gives you next-level cushioning and shock absorption during intense play. The cushioning on the rear and forefoot is made of a patented GEL® Cushioning System that can give you absolute shock absorption.
The shoe is developed with Trusstic System® Technology that makes it lightweight and easy to wear, without compromising the quality and integrity of the shoe.
The shoes come with a foam padded collar and tongue that gives you ultimate comfort on the court. You can be sure these shoes will fit you right because of the traditional lacing closure feature.
The outsole is made of rubber and gum and contains natural rubber, giving the shoes enhanced grip and traction that is required for indoor play. These imported shoes weigh just around 9 oz making them easy to wear and carry.
Why We Like It
- Light-weight with Trusstic System Technology
- Rubber Outsole for Superior Grip
- Cushioned Insole
- GEL cushioning system for shock absorption
- Breathable mesh outer body
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable pair of badminton shoes that give you great shock absorption and superior grip on the court, these shoes are your best choice.
Nike Court Lite 2 Shoe
When it comes to any sort of sportswear, Nike is always on the top of the list. The brand is known for its high-quality performance-enhancing shoes, that not only come with great features but are also aesthetically pleasing.
The Nike Court Tennis Shoes are designed in a way that they provide the perfect cushioning and support to your feet during indoor and outdoor play on hard surfaces.
The specially designed rubber outsole provides you with an excellent grip on the court as you run and change direction during play and practice.
These imported shoes come with a synthetic sole and leather material used in the upper body gives the shoe’s durability. You can be sure that this pair will last you years upon years on the court.
The shoes are designed to not only up to your game but also give your feet protection and comfort. The padded collar and tongue give you comfort during play, especially around the ankles.
The insole is cushioned to provide shock absorption which is an extremely important feature to consider when buying badminton shoes.
The thing I love most about Nike’s Court 2 line is the clever engineering on the outsole. Each shoe comes with five different patterns but they aren’t just random designs!
They are a visual representation of the 5 basic movements that every new tennis or badminton player learns. What a great easter egg, isn’t it?
Why We Like It
- Synthetic Rubber Sole Gives Superior Grip
- Cushioned Insole for Shock Absorption
- Leather Material for Durability
- Padded Collar and Tongue
- Cool outsole patterns
Our Verdict
For loyal users of Nike, these are a great choice for badminton shoes.
If you are someone who is not brand name conscious, these should be the perfect gateway for you to try out and see why Nike is amongst the number one players in the shoe business.
ASICS Gel Dedicate 6 Shoe
There is a reason why ASICS appears twice on my list! Out of all the great options the brand provides for badminton shoes, picking one seemed like an impossible choice.
The ASICS Men’s and Women’s GEL-Dedicate 6 shoes are great options that are designed keeping in mind the intensity of your badminton match. With these shoes, you can work on your badminton serve skills without worrying about lasting damage to your feet.
These shoes are great for beginners or recreational badminton players. They come with a breathable mesh, fabric, and synthetic upper body, giving your feet comfort and your shoe durability.
The lace-up closure ensures a perfect and snug fit. The padded collar and tongue give extra comfort so you can switch from court to heels and feel great!
The molded foam footbed and forefoot GEL® Cushioning System makes sure that all of your maneuvers and jerks are tended to. With each change in player stance, these shoes absorb shock to your feet.
These are also built with the Trusstic System® technology, making them lightweight without compromising on any of the features or structural integrity of the shoe. Each shoe weighs around 10 oz.
The outsole is made with solid rubber that gives you great traction on the court.
Why We Like It
- Lightweight
- Solid Rubber Outsole
- Padded Collar and Tongue
- Breathable mesh upper body
- Lace-Up Closure
- GEL Cushioning System for Shock Absorption
Our Verdict
If you are a newbie or a recreational badminton player, these lightweight beauties are a great pick.
They come with all the essential features necessary to protect your feet on indoor courts and come in several different attractive colors. My favorite is red and white!
Adidas Women’s Crazyflight Bounce 3
The Adidas Women’s Crazyflight Bounce 3 Badminton Shoes come with some great features and also look super cool! The bright colors and flashy exterior are sure to set you apart from the rest.
These imported shoes come with tough toe protection in the form of an extra layer of cushioning along the inner front and toe area. This not only keeps your feet safe but also extends the life of your shoes.
The ‘multiflex sole’ has an advanced design that is flexible due to its various pivot points. This makes the shoe’s performance incredibly fast as well as comfortable.
The heel area comes with a cross strap tightening system that you can use to make sure the shoe fits your feet exactly how you like it. This strap at the heel enhances stability and also reduces the risk of injury to the ankle.
The upper body of the shoes is made with air mesh and synthetic leather making them lightweight, breathable, and durable.
The rubber sole provides superior grip and traction on the court. It also makes the shoe resistant to abrasions and gives you anti-skid performance.
Why We Like It
- Synthetic Sole & Lightweight
- Durable And Cushioning
- Multiflex Sole
- Cool Design
Our Verdict
These shoes are perfect for any badminton enthusiast but especially so if you love bright colors!
Buyers Guide for Badminton Shoes
In this buyer’s guide, I’ll try to answer some of the top questions you might have before you set off to buy your pair of badminton shoes.
Are badminton shoes necessary?
Yes! Badminton is a high-intensity sport that can be very rough on your feet. To make sure you are getting the best experience when playing badminton, specialized shoes are a must. Badminton shoes need to have a strong toe to protect your feet from damage.
They also need to have a shock-absorbent and cushioned midsole to reduce impact from all the jumping and sudden change of direction required.
The upper body of the shoe needs to be made from a breathable material to allow ventilation for your feet and prevent diseases such as athlete’s foot.
Regular sneakers do not come with these features that are absolutely necessary to protect your feet from long-term damage from playing badminton.
When should you replace badminton shoes?
Don’t use your badminton shoes until they fall apart! Pay attention to the performance of your shoes and you’ll know exactly when to replace them.
On average, your badminton shoes can last from 8 months to 3 years or even more, depending upon the frequency of your activity. Some good signs to watch out for when judging whether to replace your badminton shoes or not are:
- The outer sole is slippery and doesn’t provide enough friction between your feet and the floor
- The outer body of the shoe starts getting soft or misshapen
- The inside of the shoe is worn out and you see visible signs of deterioration
- The cushion that provides shock absorbency is worn out
Can I wear badminton shoes for gym?
Considering the sort of exercise you plan to do at the gym, you might be able to wear your badminton shoes when working out. For basic workouts and cardio, any shoe with a flat base should do, which includes badminton shoes.
However, if you are looking to do heavy lifting or more strenuous forms of exercise, make sure you buy shoes that are designed with good cushioning to provide the right support for your feet.
Can I wear running shoes for badminton?
I would not recommend you wear your running shoes while playing badminton. Running shoes are designed to optimize your movement in one direction i.e. forward.
Whereas badminton requires you to move in all different directions. Running shoes are also not very flexible and have a thick, strong cushioning as opposed to badminton shoes that come with medium to thin cushioning and are flexible enough to keep up with the intensity of movement during the game.
Which shoes are best for badminton?
If you are looking for the best badminton shoes to buy, look at some of the great choices I have listed above. Some key features to look for when buying badminton shoes are:
- Look for the right cushioning. Very thick cushioning designed for running or more strenuous sports can be too bulky to wear on the tennis court and cause more harm than good
- The outer sole should give you a great grip on the floor. When you play, you need to move around, fast! It is absolutely necessary to get a shoe that will keep your feet on the ground and prevent you for slipping or skidding.
- Breathable exterior is an added plus point that a good badminton shoe can provide you. As with any sport, your feet might start to sweat during the game. A good way to reduce the impact of sweat on your feet is to wear a shoe that provides your feet with the right ventilation.
What is special about badminton shoes?
Badminton shoes are specially designed to support all the different movements required on the court. A badminton player needs to move in all different directions.
Furthermore, the changes in direction when playing occur suddenly and cause your feet to jerk. The right badminton shoes are made to minimize damage to your feet in these circumstances as well as offer a good grip on the floor to keep you on your A-game.
What do you call badminton shoes?
Badminton shoes, depending upon your country of residence, can go by many names. The technical broad term for badminton shoes is ‘non-marking shoes’.
Non-marking shoes are used for indoor sports and provide maximum friction and flexibility. They get their name from the fact that they don’t leave any marks or patterns on indoor courts.
When looking for badminton shoes, simply use the term as-is for the best results and reviews.
Can I wear tennis shoes for badminton?
You can wear tennis shoes for badminton but I would definitely not recommend it. Tennis shoes are made for an outdoor sport whereas badminton shoes are specifically designed as ‘non-marking shoes’ with soft rubber outer soles.
Tennis shoes also have a thicker cushioning which can cause players backache due to the lack of proper support that is required from a badminton shoe.
Should badminton shoes be tight?
Your badminton shoes should absolutely not be loose. Neither should they be too tight. Because of all the maneuvers required during badminton, it is extremely important that you find a shoe that fits perfectly and comfortably.
To test if your shoe is the right fit, you can do a simple test. Try on your shoes and push your foot forward until your toe touches the inside front end.
Make sure your toe is not bent. Now, insert your forefinger behind your heel. There should be enough space for just one forefinger.
How can I make my badminton shoes grip better?
Taking care of your badminton shoes will ensure that they provide you with good traction on the court. Some people try to spit on the court and then rub their shoes on the area to increase traction.
People also try to lick their hands and use it against the soles to keep them moist. Neither of these solutions is a good idea. Here are some things you can do instead, to make your badminton shoes grip better.
- A clean court is absolutely vital for a good grip. If the court is covered in dirt, your shoes will not perform well.
- Make sure your shoes are clean. Clean shoes and soles translate to better grip due to increased stickiness.
- Make sure the badminton shoes you are choosing are of high quality. Choose a pair that is not only comfortable but also durable. You can check my list of recommendations mentioned above.
- Absolutely do not wear your badminton shoes anywhere other than the actual badminton court. Hard outdoor surfaces can deteriorate the quality of your shoes, that are made for indoor use.
- if you want to increase the grip of your shoes during a game, you can keep a moist towel handy. It can be used to moisten the soles and also remove dirt. You can also opt for a sticky mat for better results.
How do you take care of badminton shoes?
Good quality badminton shoes are an investment and that is an important point to remember not just for beginners but also for experienced players.
The more care you take of your shoes, the longer they will last. Here are some ways you can keep your badminton shoes in top shape:
- Smelly shoes are the worst. The sweat from your feet when playing can make your shoes lose that ‘new shoes’ smell, fast. To keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean, use some flavored teabags and keep them inside the shoes when you’re not playing.
- Shoes protector spray is an essential item that you should buy along with your pair of shoes. The spray can help protect your shoes from water, dirt and grime.
- Make sure you clean your shoes regularly and keep them from developing hard stubborn stains. But, if your shoes do end up developing such stains, you can wash them off using some mild shoe shampoo and a soft bristled brush.
- Store your shoes in a cool dry place. Stuff the insides with old newspapers to help retain their shape. Cover them in clear shower caps to keep them safe from dust.
Conclusion
Even though all of my picks for top badminton shoes are great choices, ultimately only you can decide which one suits your lifestyle and preference.
My personal favorite out of all of the above would be the ASICS and YONEX. Only because it comes with the most features and is geared specifically towards badminton.
If you are a Nike or Adidas fan, you can go for the Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 over the Yonex.
I hope my list helps you out! Pass it on to a friend who might be looking for some great badminton shoes! 😊
