19 Best Badminton Shoes (Review) In 2022

- 1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes
- 2. ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
- 3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes
- 4. Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 Tennis Shoes
- 5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes
- 6. ASICS Gel-Blade 7 Men’s Squash and Badminton Shoes
- 7. ASICS Men’s Upcourt 3 Volleyball Shoes
- 8. ASICS Men’s Solution Speed FF Tennis Shoes
- 9. Adidas Women’s Adizero Club
- 10. HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Indoor Court Shoes
- 11. Salming Men’s Hawk Court Squash Indoor Multisport Shoes
- 12. Mishansha Men's Athletic Court Tennis Shoes
- 13. YONEX Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men's Lightweight Indoor Shoes
- 14. YONEX Men’s Eclipsion X Badminton Shoes
- 15. LI-NING Men Saga Lightweight Badminton Shoes
- 16. ASICS Men’s Gel-Tactic 2 Training Shoes
- 17. YANG YANG Badminton/Pickleball Indoor Court Professional Sports Shoes
- 18. New Balance Men’s 796 V1 Hard Court Tennis Shoes
- 19. YONEX Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men’s Indoor Court Shoes
Whether a professional or amateur badminton player, one of the essential tools you need is a great pair of shoes. Not only does it keep you safe, but it also provides the foundation for efficient gameplay. If you like, you can consider them the foundation on which your talent and hard work are built. You might think all that matters in badminton is having a racket and being able to hit it, but like any sport, especially one you want to get competent (if not straight-up good) at, you must consider the gear you wear, too. The best badminton shoes are just as important as the racket you choose and the number of hours you put in on the court practicing.
That said; it can be tough finding the right pair of shoes, especially with so many options on the market. Whether you’re hunting for badminton shoes for men or badminton shoes for women, we’ve collected a wide selection that will appeal to everybody, regardless of your current skill level. These shoes are suitable for casual players, beginners, intermediates, and experts, so no matter who you are, you’re bound to find the perfect pair so you can own the court in style.
Boasting comfort, stability, and the ever-vital ankle support, anyone who wants to get more out of their badminton game needs to consider a pair of these shoes, so let’s look at what we’ve served up for you.
The Best Badminton Shoe
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes

Rubber and Gum Rubber Outsole
Foam-padded Collar and Tongue
Traditional Lacing Closure
Lightweight Mesh Upper with Synthetic Overlays
Although it’s generally regarded as a volleyball shoe, this first pair is also a perfect pair of kicks for a game of badminton. After all, they are both team sports and are played on similar surfaces. The ASICS men’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes is our top choice, and there are plenty of reasons why. Firstly, it is a shoe designed to optimize performance as well as provide maximum comfort to the feet.
For this reason, it is made of fabric and fitted with a rubber sole, which makes it easy to glide across the court. What’s more, inside the shoe is a Molded-EVA midsole that provides high-level cushioning as well as shock absorption. In addition, a foam-padded collar and tongue as well as breathable mesh lining has also been thrown in the mix.
Furthermore, its all-round internal cushioning system, designed with Trusstic System Technology, makes it easy for you to spend hours in these shoes without a tinge of pain or discomfort. On the outside, it is artfully designed and comes in multiple colors.
Highly comfortable
Excellent for rapid movement
Good and multi-colored design
Better fit for wider feet
Possible slippery insole
Might have too much arch support
2. ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes

Padded Tongue and Collar
Forefoot GEL Cushioning System
Breathable Mesh
Solid Rubber Outsole
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoe is another great pair to buy if you are a badminton player or you are looking to become one. Designed primarily for women, it has most of the features you need to ease your transition into the rapid game of badminton.
Firstly, it comes designed with a breathable mesh, and its upper layer is made with textile and synthetic materials, cohesively designed to give the feet the much needed comfort. What’s more, the tip of the feet is a padded tongue, and there’s also a padded collar, to protect those areas of the feet that are most susceptible to collision.
At the lower layer of these badminton shoes are features like a molded foam footbed, GEL Cushioning System, and the Trusstic System. They reduce the impact of the shock as well as the weight of the feet on the sole. Underneath the Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes is a solid rubber outsole for smooth and speedy movement.
Excellent recreational badminton shoes
Can be used for different sports
Comfortable and durable
Rubber Outsole could wear out quickly
Needs better arch support
Might not be true to size
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes

Springy EVA Midsole
Side Support Construction
Rubber and Gum Rubber Outsole
Cushioned Footbed
For women who love the Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes, ASICS also made a female version, the ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket Volleyball Shoes. It has a ton of qualities that make it a great shoe, with the additional fact that it is quite a versatile set of kicks. No doubt, the Gel-Rocket 9 is a worthy companion, whether you treat them as badminton, tennis, racquetball or volleyball shoes.
For women, in particular, the lightweight nature of these shoes makes them an excellent choice for hours of sports activity. Furthermore, the upper layer of the shoes has lightweight mesh and synthetic overlays which will not only help you move better on the court, but it will keep your feet in pristine shape.
With other additional and trademark features like Forefoot Gel Technology and the TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology, this is one of the best badminton shoes on the market today. According to Amazon ratings, other users agree.
Reliable brand
Comes in multiple colors
Fits Medical Orthotics
Not a great fit for wide feet
Might not be true to size
Suitable only for indoor sports
4. Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 Tennis Shoes

Foam Midsole
Rubber Outsole
Synthetic and Leather Materials
Uniquely patterned Outsole
Nike is one of the biggest sporting brands in the world. So, it comes as no surprise that one of its products, the Nike Men’s Court Lite 2 Tennis Shoe, is among the best badminton shoes on the market. Though the name suggests that it’s a tennis shoe, it’s still suited for most court sports. As such, its design and quality make it a perfect option for badminton players.
What’s more, the Court Lite 2 is fitted with a synthetic sole, which makes the lower layer flexible for movement. In addition to that, the midsole is well cushioned, making every step a stride in comfort. Then there’s the outsole which has different patterns, designed to offer the right grip for the varying kinds of movement particular to court sports.
Also, at the ankle is a padded collar and tongue guaranteed to ease the stress on your ankles as you run up and down the court returning serves. The rest of the shoe is made using high-quality leather, so you can expect to own and wear these shoes for a long while.
Great and iconic brand
Beautiful and durable design
Multi-purpose
Might be a little heavy
Sole might be hard
Could do with better arch support
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes

Rubber Sole
TRUSSTIC System Technology
PGuard Toe Protector
Fresh and Sexy Design
Is the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 or Gel-Dedicate 6 is not a good fit for you? Then consider the ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes. It is a bit more expensive than those two, but it is without a doubt, one of the best badminton shoes you can buy today.
It improves on a few of the qualities that make Rocket and Dedicate shoes great, such as the midsole material. What’s more, the Gel-Resolution 7 has a Solyte Midsole material which is a much lighter midsole material, more equipped for cushioning and durability. It also has a PGuard Toe Protector, which improves the shoe’s durability.
Beauty is subjective, but we think this badminton shoe is a great-looking product and also comes sturdily built with a GEL Technology Cushioning System and a novel Impact Guidance System Technology, which enhance your foot’s natural gait. With features like these, it is not difficult to see why it costs a lot more, because it is worth the purchase.
Better structural support
Excellent comfortability
Available in every size
Shoes might be too narrow
Have shortened laces
Toe box could be a little less rigid
6. ASICS Gel-Blade 7 Men’s Squash and Badminton Shoes

GEL Technology
TRUSSTIC System Technology
EVA Midsole
PGuard Wear Protection
The best indoor shoes are lightweight and have excellent cushioning. These are two areas where the Gel-Blade 7 Men’s Squash and Badminton Shoes excel. It is the successor of the popular Gel-Blade 6, which is beloved by many indoor sports enthusiasts, down to professional players like Josh Masters.
What’s more, these shoes retain all the qualities that make the Gel-Blade 6 a popular product, like its bounce and cushioning. But it also improves on its flaws, specifically in terms of durability, by adding PGuard Wear Protection. This new feature protects the shoe from damage caused by lunging, which is a common occurrence in indoor sports.
Also, the common wear points of these indoor shoes have also been made with High Abrasion Rubber, to ensure their durability. And as far as badminton shoes go, the ASICS Gel-Blade 7 is one of the few shoes dedicated to players of the sport. With features like a mesh insole and an ORTHOLITE sock liner, it is one of the best there is.
Super soft and lightweight
Highly durable
Removable arch support
Comes in a limited color scheme
Relatively more expensive
Might be true to size
7. ASICS Men’s Upcourt 3 Volleyball Shoes

Rubber Sole
EVA Midsole and Sockliner
Contemporary Design
Fabric and Synthetic Material
By now you know indoor sports shoes are rarely marketed as badminton shoes, due to the fact they are not as popular as some other indoor sports. But that does not make them less suited for badminton players. An example is the ASICS Men’s Upcourt 3 Volleyball Shoes. The overall design is a combination of fabric and synthetic materials.
Performance-wise, it has an EVA midsole and sock liner that give a light and comfortable in-play experience. If you need better arch support, however, you can always remove the sock liner and replace it with medical orthotics.
In terms of design, the ASICS Men’s Upcourt 3 Volleyball sports a contemporary design, which is not necessarily the best-looking shoe on the market. Still, it comes in different color schemes, ranging from black, white, silver, and Sour Yuzu, and It also has non-marking soles, so you can enjoy playing without worrying about marking the court. As far as badminton shoes go, it is a worthy investment.
Very affordable
Good sole grip
Lightweight
No ankle support
Possible limited durability
Might be too narrow for wide feet
8. ASICS Men’s Solution Speed FF Tennis Shoes

Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology
Removable Sockliner
AHAR Outsole
Stylish Design
Seeing the ASICS Men’s Solution Speed FF Tennis Shoes from a distance, you might confuse it for a casual sneaker. It has an elegant design with stylish color schemes that appear more suitable for a night out. However, it is still every bit a sports shoe, and a better badminton shoe.
Like the rest, it comes constructed using fabric and synthetic materials; the distribution of both materials all over the shoe makes it stand out. Furthermore, it strikes a great balance between weight and durability using the AHAR Outsole which is a high abrasion rubber placed in critical sections of the boot. All in all, this guarantees its significant durability.
What’s more, the shoe is also equipped with FlyteFoam Midsole Technology that gives it an exceptional bounce and responsive quality. This makes the ASICS Men’s Solution Speed FF Tennis shoes more than a decent shoe for casual players, but an excellent one, even for professionals.
Exquisite look
High Durability Quality
High bounce and Responsiveness factor
Might make a plastic sound while walking
Limited ankle support
Possible slippery soles
9. Adidas Women’s Adizero Club

Mesh Upper
Synthetic Sole
Sprintframe Construction
360-degree cooling (Climacool)
Adidas joins the trifecta of great brands renowned for their quality of indoor shoes with the Adidas Women’s Adizero Club shoe. It is completely made out of synthetic material, down to its sole. Furthermore, it has a low top from the arch, which is not particularly great for ankle support. But it is lightweight and has a mesh upper for breathability.
Also, its mesh upper guarantees long-lasting comfort on the court, while its Sprintframe construction provides stability and speed. So, you don’t have to worry about trading comfort for performance and Adidas’s Climacool further ensures 360-degree cooling for your foot in the Women’s Adizero Club.
One advantage of buying this shoe is the versatility it offers. It can be used as a running shoe as well as your go-to for indoor sports, like badminton. But the question is ‘is it the outright best badminton shoe on the market?’ No, but compared to others, it is one of the best you can get, and for an affordable price, no less.
Extremely lightweight
Respectable brand
Cheap and versatile
Might have an uncomfortable lacing structure
Limited ankle support
Might be too narrow for wide feet
10. HEAD Men’s Grid 2.0 Indoor Court Shoes

HyBrasion Technology
Air Mesh Upper
Non-Marking Gum Rubber Outsole
Synthetic Leather Upper
This HEAD product might not wow you in terms of its aesthetics. But if you are looking for performance as a badminton player, you want to consider these shoes. It is made entirely out of synthetic material and the Men’s Grid 2.0 Indoor Court Shoes have a rubber sole, but it is non-marking.
It is also one of a few high-quality shoes designed primarily for indoor sports like badminton, and that is most evident in its durability. Furthermore, the common critical areas are made out of a high abrasion compound to prevent wear and tear. In terms of performance, it has a mesh upper, which gives the shoe maximum breathability, keeping your feet fresh as you move across the court.
It also has a synthetic leather upper, which not only makes it capable of handling a high amount of stress but also makes it easy to maintain. One significant downside is its color scheme. The Men’s Grid 2.0 shoes only come in black/white and white/navy. Despite that, it is still one of the best badminton shoes on the market.
Dedicated indoor court shoe
Comes in all sizes
Comfortable to wear
Limited arch support
Only has two color schemes
Might be a little heavy
11. Salming Men’s Hawk Court Squash Indoor Multisport Shoes

EVA Midsole
Lateral Movement Stabilizer
HexaGrip Outsole Pattern
Torsion Guide System
Finally, there’s the Salming Men’s Hawk Court Indoor Multisport Shoes. It is a lot like the ASICS Men’s Solution Speed FF Tennis Shoes. Altogether, it has a beautiful design, and it would not be weird if you wore it on a date or to a party. Nevertheless, it is an indoor sports shoe, and it is equally great at that. The shoe itself is lightweight, with expertly designed features that make it feel like a natural covering for your foot.
It has a Lateral Movement Stabilizer that supports the foot during fast and irregular lateral movements. It also has an Ergo Heel Cup, designed to provide a good fit and excellent comfort. But comfort is not the only thing this Salming product offers. In terms of performance, the soles are made of rubber and have a HexaGrip pattern made to provide excellent grip while in use.
The Salming Men’s Hawk Court Squash Indoor Multisport Shoes also has a torsion guide system. This system allows the shoe to have maximum flexibility, to contour all the right places, for efficient forward and lateral movement. Check out our buying guide for best squash shoes in case you liked this particular pair.
Offers excellent mobility and stability
Very lightweight
Great looking design
Might have limited durability
Comes in a small range of sizes
Low top means small ankle support
12. Mishansha Men’s Athletic Court Tennis Shoes

Sizes 6.5 – 13
8 colors
Synthetic leather construction
Ergonomically curved ankle design
Skin-friendly mesh lining
MD and Rubber sole
The Mishansha Men’s Athletic Court Tennis Shoes use a synthetic leather construction that delivers both lightweight comfort and agility as well as durability, making them suitable for regular play for beginners, as they perhaps aren’t ideal for people with more professional demands. They are comfortable, with an ergonomically curved ankle design to provide security, stability, and protection when twisting yourself around on the court, while the mesh lining is skin-friendly and breathable.
You’ve also got superb footbed support that will take the strain out of intensive games, and the exceptional airflow allows you to play for longer without feeling like your feet are overheating. This keeps you focused on the game and will ensure consistent performance from the first set through to the last.
Excellent air flow
Footbed support
Reduced interior friction
Not ideal for professional players
13. YONEX Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men’s Lightweight Indoor Shoes

Sizes 7 to 12
Shock absorbing
Reverse energy impact transfer
Synthetic mesh vents
Seamless upper
Durable construction
For experts looking for a fresh pair of badminton shoes to take their game to new zeniths, the YONEX Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men’s Lightweight Indoor Shoes are an ideal choice, especially if you want to look the part on the court. They come with a wide range of fantastic features to take your game to the next level, including shock absorption and reverse energy impact transfer to assist when you’re moving around the court. The synthetic mesh vents also ensure ventilation, while the durable construction gives you confidence in their longevity.
They also come in a variety of sizes but be warned that they may feel slightly smaller than advertised, so remember this when browsing.
Lightweight
Stable design
Comfortable fit
Slightly smaller than standard sizing
14. YONEX Men’s Eclipsion X Badminton Shoes

Size 5 – 13
Durable upper skin
ToughBrid light power cushion midsole
Stable rubber outsole
Improved fit
Easy lace-up closure
Durable and comfortable, the YONEX Men’s Eclipsion X Badminton Shoes offer everything intermediate-to-expert players need to showcase their skills at the local club. You will love the stable rubber outsole, while the easy lace-up closure gives you the optimal security you need to provide the perfect fit. They also make this possible with an improved fit that focuses more on what you need as a player to enhance your experience and rectify your win/loss record.
The dynamic turquoise and yellow color make you stand out on the court, while the breathable design allows consistent and refreshing airflow, but be prepared for your toes to feel a little cramped at first while you get used to them and break them in.
Dynamic turquoise/yellow color
Breathable
Comfortable on impact
Slight toe cramping when you first wear them
15. LI-NING Men Saga Lightweight Badminton Shoes

Size 8 – 11.5
5 colors
Tuff Tip reinforcement
Multiflex sole
XStructure tightens device
Anti-rollover
The LI-NING Men Saga Lightweight Badminton Shoes boasts a wide range of fantastic features to make you look and feel the part the next time you take the court. They are available in a range of colors and come in five color options, but what really impresses is the Tuff Tip reinforcement around the toe area to ensure durability and increase performance. Likewise, the Multiflex sole gives you excellent flexibility, which is especially useful for intense games where you need to be on your toes.
To accommodate this Tuff Tip design, however, the toe width is larger than the pictures indicate, so bear this in mind when they arrive, as it could take some getting used to.
Stable design
Breathable air mesh
Reduces risk of ankle injuries
Toe width is slightly larger than pictures show
16. ASICS Men’s Gel-Tactic 2 Training Shoes

Size 6 – 15
4 colors
Breathable textile linings
Rearfoot GEL cushioning
Shock absorbing
Trusstic system
If you’ve decided that badminton is definitely your kind of game but you don’t want to invest too much money right now, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Tactic 2 Training Shoes provides an ideal balance between quality and affordability. The breathable textile lining will give you the airflow you need to keep going even when every other part of your body wants to quit, while the GEL cushioning at the rearfoot provides sweet relief from constant back and forth.
They are durable and come with a non-marking sole that’s perfect for concrete courts. However, we have some concerns over the sidewalls digging into the sides of your feet, so it may be worth getting half a size larger than usual.
Durable
Non-marking sole
Seamless and breathable open mesh upper
Supporting walls may dig into the sides of your foot
17. YANG YANG Badminton/Pickleball Indoor Court Professional Sports Shoes

Size 5.5 to 10.5
5 colors
KPU technology with air mesh
9mm heel thickness for cushioning
Lateral stabilizer
Anti-slip and non-marking sole
The versatile YANG YANG Badminton/Pickleball Indoor Court Professional Sports Shoes boasts comfort, durability, and cushioning that ensures you’ve got all bases covered when it comes to selecting a useful and high-quality badminton shoe. The anti-slip sole will save frustration and embarrassment on the court, while the lateral stabilizer can also help prevent injuries and ankle or knee strains. It’s suitable for both men and women, while the 4-layer shoe base will reduce foot fatigue.
If you’ve got wide feet, though, these may not be the shoe for you, especially as your feet will swell up during your game, so you’re just asking for discomfort and this is sure to affect your game. For more footwear like this, make sure to check out our buying guide with best pickleball shoes.
Suitable for men and women
Excellent bounce-back energy transfer
4-layer shoe base reduces foot fatigue
Not ideal for wide feet
18. New Balance Men’s 796 V1 Hard Court Tennis Shoes

Size 5 – 14
2 colors
Non-marking outsole
Ndurance technology
REVlite midsole
Lightweight materials
The New Balance Men’s 796 V1 Hard Court Tennis Shoes is an affordable and effective choice useful for experts practicing or for beginners who want to boost their confidence with a shoe that won’t make them look like they don’t know what they’re doing. The non-marking outsole will keep the court in excellent condition, while the Ndurance technology is perfect for lengthy games that never seem to end, with two opponents equally matched whether because of skill or mutual lack of competence.
They aren’t as durable as we’d like, though, so even though there is plenty to love about them, you may need to replace them quicker than you would with other shoes.
Updated herringbone outsole pattern
Breathable perforation
Secure lace-up design
Not as durable as we’d like
19. YONEX Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men’s Indoor Court Shoes

Size 8.5
Lightweight design and materials
Superior ventilation
Hyper msLite midsole
Durable skin upper
Secure fit
Despite only being available in one color and one size, the YONEX Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men’s Indoor Court Shoes are still impressive enough to find a place in our selection. They boast a lightweight design that complements the superior ventilation that will keep your feet feeling fresh even after an intensive training session or competitive game. You will also love the Hyper msLite midsole, which will make you feel you’re walking on air while also absorbing shock like it’s nothing.
Its secure fit is also something to embrace, especially with its easy lace-up closure. These shoes are suitable for a range of indoor activities, too, so you’re not wholly restricted to badminton.
Suitable for a range of indoor sports
Easy lace-up closure
Shock-absorbing power cushion
Only one size available
Badminton Shoe Buying Guide and FAQ
Features To Look For In Best Badminton Shoes
There are a few features you need to look out for on the lookout for the perfect badminton shoe. These features help you make smart buys and can improve your on-court performances. Some of them include grip, durability, sole, and fit.
Sole - Badminton is a fast-paced sport, thus, it requires thin soles for you to keep up with the quick changes in movement. Another fact you should note is the best kind of sole has gum rubber, especially if you are going to be playing on a wooden court. Gum rubber soles provide better control, grip, and traction.
If you are not playing on a wooden court, but perhaps, a cement court, a badminton shoe with a rubber sole will be fine. Also, if you have a bad knee or do not feel comfortable with shoes with thin soles, you can buy the right insoles or orthotics to get that extra cushioning on your feet.
Additionally, a badminton sole should be non-marking. When you purchase one, be on the lookout for shoes with non-marking soles, especially for those who play on wooden courts. This is usually specified somewhere on the shoes.
You need a thin sole thickness when choosing badminton shoes as this will improve balance, making it neutral, and delivering the stability you need to navigate the court easily, without slipping over. This will allow you to move and adjust positions quickly, and you will even be able to make jumps to return the shuttlecock to your opponent.
Sole Type - There are two types of soles you will encounter when shopping for badminton shoes: rubber sole and gum rubber sole. Either option is fine to play with. However, you can get the best results by knowing what type of court you play on, as this will help you decide which type of sole is better. Gum rubber soles provide better traction, so they are better for wooden or synthetic courts. Conversely, rubber soles are better for concrete courts, as they are non-marking but still offer the traction you need. It may be possible to find omni-sole options suitable for all court styles.
Comfort - Playing badminton will sap your energy, and the least you want from your shoe while this is happening is comfort. When you are buying a badminton shoe, consider its ergo shape. The ergo shape determines the stability of a shoe, and in turn, its comfortability level.
A good shoe is flexible in the rear foot, forefoot, as well as the toe box. This will enable you to freely and comfortably move from front to back or from left to right on the badminton court.
What’s more, the cushion is also another criterion for comfort. Shoes with good cushioning can handle the drastic changes in direction in the sport better. If the cushion of a shoe is not good enough for you, you can buy insoles or orthotics.
Grip - Grip is another quality to look out for when buying a badminton shoe. Considering most players play on wooden or polyurethane courts, the best kind of shoe to buy is one with gum rubber soles. They are better with traction and provide stability. You might also consider shoes with gum rubber soles that have deep grooves. Not only do they improve the grip quality of the shoe, but they also last the longest.
Also, after buying the shoes, you can maintain the grip level by making sure you wear them on the court only, and you wash them after use. Certainly, soles get dirty easily, and accumulated dirt causes it to lose traction.
Fit - It is not uncommon for people who are buying badminton shoes to buy bigger sizes than they are. Maybe that might be okay with casual shoes, but never in badminton. You need to purchase shoes that are a perfect fit – too smaller, not bigger. You will be doing a lot of multidirectional moving. So, you need a shoe that is free enough for you to move freely, but not loose enough that you incur injuries.
Support - Ankle support is another feature you need to prioritize when you are in the market for a badminton shoe. It requires a similar level of precision to fit. If there is a lot of ankle support i.e., the ankle is covered, the shoe would limit your movement. And adjusting to sudden directional change with a restricted ankle can cause an injury.
Additionally, limited ankle support also leaves you open to injuries. Too much ankle freedom can cause you to twist it beyond their breaking point. The best badminton shoes have a balance between both extremes. Most of them can be found among dedicated badminton shoes, although multisport shoes have some hidden gems.
Badminton involves a lot of shifting from side to side as you chase and return the shuttlecock to your opponent. Because of this, ankle support is a huge thing to consider. Think of it similar to having ankle support on hiking boots when navigating tricky terrain. As you are moving back and forth so quickly, often needing to adjust your body shape and position in an instant, there is a significant risk of twisting your ankle. With adequate ankle support, you can prevent this from happening and play with greater confidence.
Durability - When it comes to durability, consider how frequently you play. If you are a regular player who plays more than a couple times a week, then you should invest in high-quality shoes with wear-resistant materials. Some of these shoes have synthetic high abrasion rubber. Some also come with toe guards/protectors.
Typically, if well maintained, a quality shoe would last a year if you are a frequent player. If you aren’t, cheaper shoes with less-durable materials are good enough. However, as a rule of thumb, it is advisable to invest in durable badminton shoes, even if they are more expensive. You can get a better worth of your money, and you will enjoy them better.
Weight - Sports shoes are always developing and evolving to make them more lightweight while still boasting the durability required for high-impact use. A lightweight pair of badminton shoes will make it easier to move on the court, providing a nimbleness that can be the difference between ecstatic victory and agonizing defeat. But this weight is determined by the materials. Lightweight materials, such as mesh for the upper and foam for the sole will provide the walking-on-air feel you need, but material that is too light could affect overall durability.
Cushioning - Badminton is a very impactful game, and if you don’t have the proper cushioning on your shoes, there is a serious risk of straining and damaging your feet. A powerful cushion will ease the pressure and impact when moving around, which can prevent fatigue and reduce foot strain. This allows for more balanced and stable play, while also reducing the stress on your knees and joints when jumping or running, especially as the courts are so hard.
Shape - Ergonomically shaped shoes will provide the ideal equilibrium for your toes, ankles, and feet. You need flexibility in the toe, but you also need stability and a secure enough fit to help you make the correct movements with confidence. A shoe that is too loose won’t give you the ample turning ability, whereas a shoe that’s too tight will be uncomfortable, and can cause blisters that could put you on the sidelines.
Extra Moisture Control - Like any fast-paced sport, badminton will make you sweat, especially around the feet which are encased within the shoe. Moisture control will avoid this, but it is not present in all badminton shoes and is a new feature that is only available with some models. If you are still learning how to play badminton, you may not require this moisture control, which is made possible with mesh panels that can reduce the moisture by as much as eight times as much compared to traditional badminton shoes. However, professionals should look out for extra moisture control to make their game more comfortable.
Ventilation - Ventilation is something that all badminton players should look for regardless of their experience or skill level. It is similar to moisture control but is something you can find on all badminton shoes. A well-ventilated shoe will keep your feet cool during practice and competitive games, making the experience more enjoyable and reducing foot sweat and odor which, we all know, is not something you want to bring home with you.
Badminton Shoe FAQ
Q: What are Badminton Shoes?
A: Badminton shoes are a type of sports sneaker specifically designed to wear when playing badminton. Just like other specialized shoes, such as tennis shoes and soccer cleats, they provide ample support, traction, and protection when moving around on the court.
The design ensures they can accommodate the rapid movement and provide exceptional traction to prevent players from slipping on the court. Inside, the midsole is cushioned, while some models will also use energy transfer properties to help maintain momentum when you need to switch positions.
As badminton is a fast-paced game, badminton shoes utilize breathable materials such as mesh fabric to prevent overheating and fatigue.
Q: Are badminton shoes necessary?
A: If you are serious about improving your badminton game, then badminton shoes are necessary. Beginners may get away with using regular tennis shoes or similar sneakers. However, these often won’t provide the essential support and protection you need to take your game to the next level.
With this in mind, you should only use regular shoes when you first start, especially considering badminton-specific shoes can be expensive. Once you decide you are ready to take up badminton more frequently, such as joining a club and playing regularly, you should invest in a pair of badminton shoes.
Again, just like you wouldn’t use running shoes to play soccer, especially when playing on grass, the same goes for badminton shoes. As there are specifically designed shoes to play badminton, buying a pair to wear on the court will benefit you and help you hone your skills.
Q: Can I use running shoes for badminton?
A: You can use running shoes for badminton, but only in casual games between friends or when you are first starting to get the basics down. However, running shoes do not offer the support, traction, or even the durability that badminton shoes will, so they are not recommended for regular play.
Running shoes will not provide the correct support you need for a competitive game, and wearing these shoes over proper badminton shoes is merely handing your opponent the victory.
Furthermore, you will move back and forth a lot during badminton, and you need the support in the inner sole to protect your feet. While running shoes can help with this for smaller drills, they are not equipped to protect your feet for the length of time a badminton game lasts, which is usually around 45 minutes if both players are of a similar level.
Your running shoes are designed for running and running only (aside from the occasional walk), and badminton shoes are designed for badminton, so although using your running shoes is tempting from the convenience and cost-effective standpoint, it won’t do you much good if you want to get serious about improving your badminton fortunes. Check out our buying guide for ultimate frisbee cleats in case you're interested in more unusual sports footwear.
Sources
How to Choose a Badminton Shoe - Power Shuttler
WHY ARE BADMINTON SHOES A MUST? - Victor Sport
Running shoes vs Badminton shoes - Badminton Central
Badminton, Anyone? - Washing Post