Badminton is a sport that requires a lot of movement and agility. Because of this, it is important to choose a shoe that will provide you with the support & comfort you need to move quickly and easily on the court. There are a few important factors that you should keep in mind when choosing a badminton shoe, including the type of material, the design, the Cushion, and the Flexibility. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
6 key factors you need to take into account when buying any badminton shoe
- Non-Marking
- Breathable material
- Shape of Shoe
- Cushion
- Ankle Support
- Flexibility
Other factors which are completely based on personal preference
- Weight
- Material
- Design
- Sole
- Size
- Companies
- Price
Non-Marking Mark:
Badminton courts usually have a synthetic mat surface and wooden frame- which can become damaged from the use of normal shoes. You’ll never have to worry about scuffing up the court with Badminton Shoes that have Non-Marking Soles.
To figure out if a shoe is non-marking, simply check to see if the manufacturer has stamped “non-marking” on the bottom of the sole. Non-marking existence is often an advertised feature on online stores or manufacturer websites.
It is an essential factor to look at when purchasing badminton shoes from a genuine online store or marketplace.
Breathable material:
Badminton is an intense sport that will make you sweat. A lot. So, it is important to choose a badminton shoe with a breathable material that will allow your foot to air out and prevent blisters.
There are a few different types of materials that are used in badminton shoes, including mesh, leather, and synthetic. Mesh is the most breathable option, while leather and synthetic materials are more durable.
There are a few things you can look for to see how breathable a shoe is:
- Check the materials. If it’s made with mesh or has ventilation holes, it’s likely to be more breathable.
- Another way to tell is by holding the shoe up to your face and seeing if you can feel any air coming through.
- Examine the material on top of the shoe. Are there small pores or any gaps that allow air to pass through?
Your second priority after finding Non-Marking material should be finding breathable fabric.
The shape of the Shoe:
The shoe’s shape is fundamental for two reasons: comfort and support. To avoid blisters, make sure that your toe box fits the shoes perfectly with no extra space inside.
People have differently-sized toes; some are considered wide, and others narrow. It is important to pick a shoe that fits your feet before diving in by just looking at the features of the product.
Cushion:
Cushioning is an important factor in any sport, and badminton is no different. Cushioning protects your feet and ankles from the impact of jumping and running around the court. There are two types of cushioning:
Soft Cushioning: This type of cushioning is found in shoes advertised as thick cushioning or extra padding. Good cushioning does not come from the thickness of the material, but rather from its form. When a cushion is too thick or large, there is an increased risk of rolling your ankle.
Hard Cushioning: This type of cushioning is designed to give you support and stability on the court. Hard cushioning is often found in shoes advertised as having good arch support or being made for high-impact sports. A good badminton shoe, in my opinion, should have a thinner and softer cushion. This way, you can move quickly and also avoid rolling your ankle (In the case of soft cushioning).
Ankle Support:
The area on the back side of shoes, where the foot ankle is, is called the heel counter. The heel counter should be stiff enough to provide support to your feet and avoid any injury while playing.
This material needs to be strong in order to support the foot and ankle as well as avoid injury during play. This portion of the badminton shoe must be examined by all manufacturers before releasing them to market.
Flexibility:
The flexibility of the shoe is also an important factor to consider. A good badminton shoe must offer enough flexibility in the forefoot area to allow easy movement while also providing enough support in the heel area to avoid injury.
Basically, there are two types of flexibility:
- Vertical Flexibility
- Twisting Flexibility
Vertical Flexibility:
This type of flexibility allows the player to move their feet up and down while playing. This is important for badminton because players need to be able to jump and move quickly.
One can easily find the tendency of shoes to bend vertically by flexing its forefront (Toe side) side by side. If the shoe gets deformed very easily, then it is not good for playing badminton. Most manufacturers use nets or some other stronger materials to reinforce this portion of the shoe.
Twisting Flexibility:
If you play badminton often, you know that you have to move quickly from one portion to another portion of the badminton court. If your shoe’s midsole doesn’t have support to restrict excessive twisting, then you’re more likely to get an ankle injury.
Other Factors
There are other factors that you might want to consider when choosing a badminton shoe, such as the weight of the shoe, the outsole material, and the price. In my opinion, however, these factors depend entirely on your experience with practicing badminton and your personal preferences.
Weight
The weight of the shoe is important for badminton players because they need to be able to move quickly. A heavier shoe will make it harder to move around the court.
However, a lighter shoe might not provide enough support or cushioning, which could lead to ankle injuries. It is important to find a balance between these two factors when choosing a badminton shoe. If you are unsure of what weight to choose, go for shoes that weigh between 230 and 300 grams. This is the perfect weight for any beginner.
Type of Material
You want to choose a material that is lightweight and breathable so that your feet do not get too sweaty during intense play. Leather shoes are not recommended because they can be quite heavy and will cause your feet to sweat more. Instead, opt for shoes made from mesh or synthetic leather. These materials are lighter and will allow your feet to breathe better.
Furthermore, confirm that the shoes you’re buying have toes made from two materials. These will a sure that your toes are well ventilated, so they don’t get sweaty. Be sure to check the quality of the upper portion and insole as well.
Design
The next thing to consider is the design of the shoe. You want to make sure that the shoe has good ankle support so that you can move quickly without fear of rolling your ankle. The sole of the shoe should also be designed for quick movements. A good sole will have herringbone patterns or pivot points to help you make quick turns without losing your footing.
Sole
The two main things to consider when inspecting the sole of a shoe are depth and pattern.
The midsole needs to be deep enough so that it provides adequate support and cushioning. A shallow or flat midsole will not be suitable for activities such as badminton.
Always buy a shoe whose midsole is deep (the deeper the midsole, the better it will be).
In addition, the pattern of the sole is important in order to achieve different levels of traction depending on your activity/sporting requirements.
When compared to normal running shoes, running shoe soles is made to grip the surface more firmly to provide extra traction and stability, which is not suitable for playing badminton as you need to move quickly from one side to another.
Size
Finally, you need to make sure that you choose a shoe that fits well. A badminton shoe should fit snugly but not be too tight. You should also make sure there is enough room in the toe box so that your toes are not cramped while you are playing. It is best to try on a few different pairs of shoes before making your purchase so that you can find the perfect fit.
Pro Tip: In order to ensure a proper fit when buying shoes from an online store, measure your foot in centimeters (cm) instead of inches. Most brands have their size chart according to cm.
Companies/Brands:
For anyone starting out, it can be difficult to know how to select the right badminton shoe brands. Here I mention some of the important factors that will help you make the best decision for your company.
The following are some popular badminton shoe companies:
- Yonex
- Victor
- Asics
- Mizuno
- Li-Ning
- Adidas
- Nivia
When choosing a shoe company, consider the following:
- Playing skills:- If you are new to badminton and have only just started taking coaching, then buy a shoe from Nivia or Mizuno. This is because your coach will make you learn basic badminton techniques such as swinging or serving, which don’t require movement on the court. Yonex, Lining, and other brands are good for recreational athletes who don’t receive any coaching sessions.
- Brands:- When it comes to durability, Addidas along with the Asics brand, they have produced some of the best durable badminton shoes in the market. Yonex and Li-Ning are the top contenders because of their brand value and aftermarket service. Going for this brand is a good idea as it has established trustworthiness in terms of manufacturing high-quality badminton shoes.
Price of a badminton Shoe
The prices of badminton shoes vary depending on the quality and features, with some costing as low as $50 while others go up to $300. If you’re debating whether or not to spend a lot on shoes, here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision.
- Look for Cheaper Options:- By thoroughly exploring the market, you will find many options that are not only reasonable in price but also come with features you may need. In addition, small companies typically supply reliable quality products.
- Go for the Feature You Require:- Why would you want to pay for a feature that you might not even use? It’s better to go for a product that offers the features that you actually need and want. This will save a lot of money in the long run.
Is it appropriate to play badminton in running shoes?
No, playing badminton in running shoes is not appropriate. This is because running shoes are designed for forwarding movement only, whereas badminton requires quick sideways movement as well. In addition, running shoes have a flatter sole which is not suitable for the lateral movements required in badminton.
Finally, running shoes are not designed to provide the extra traction and stability needed for playing badminton. For these reasons, it is best to purchase a specific badminton shoe instead of using a running shoe.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need to buy a badminton shoe if I’m just starting out?
A: While you don’t necessarily need to buy a badminton shoe when you’re just starting out, it is recommended. This is because badminton shoes are designed specifically for the quick movements required in the sport. In addition, they provide extra traction and stability, which can help prevent injuries. If you do decide to purchase a badminton shoe, make sure to choose one that is comfortable and provides the right amount of support.
Q: How often should I replace my badminton shoes?
A: You should replace your badminton shoes every 6-12 months, depending on how often you play. If you play badminton regularly, you will likely need to replace your shoes more frequently. However, if you only play occasionally, you may be able to get away with replacing your shoes less often.
Q: What are some of the best badminton shoe brands?
A: Some of the best badminton shoe brands include Yonex, Victor, Asics, Mizuno, Li-Ning, Adidas, and Nivia. These brands offer high-quality shoes that are designed specifically for badminton. In addition, they typically provide good after-sales service in case you have any problems with your purchase.
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Conclusion:
Choosing the perfect badminton shoe does not have to be difficult if you know what to look for. Keep in mind the type of material, design, and size when making your selection, and you will be sure to find a shoe that provides you with the support and comfort you need on the court. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect badminton shoe for your needs!
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Thank you for reading! We hope this article was helpful in your search for the perfect badminton shoe.