Badminton shoes run according to the goal they serve. Some are for speed and comfort, while some aid movement and support. Recent times have seen a sudden increase in Badminton and it is becoming popular Racket Sports in India due to PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.
Badminton is a sport where every bit of gear is critical. As a skilled player, you will always desire to invest in a suitable pair of shoes that fit your playing conditions.
Let’s peek at some of the best badminton shoes at a broad spectrum of prices. The list is a mix of products for players with variable skills and is not in any series.
Best Badminton Shoes
Victor AS-3W-AM
These shoes are the best-rated and enjoyed in the sub-3k category. A sticky rubber outsole with a RADIATION design grip delivers good traction on asphalt surfaces. The shoe’s best feature is the very durable double mesh for the upper with PU leather.
| Pros | Cons |
| Value for money, Has top tech at low prices, Durable, Soft cushioning, Grippy outsole | Not very sophisticated or polished |
Yonex Super Ace Light
The sole round tech and ergonomic design lead the shoe to deliver class-leading comfort, fit, and space in the toe box area. In addition, the hexagonal grip design on the outsole provides a lot of traction and a better court cover. Incorporating such a pack of technology at such an affordable price is commendable, and this is one of the best badminton shoes in its range.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very lightweight, Good traction Spacious interior, Good shock absorption | Hard toe box Not very flexible |
Asics Gel-rocket 9
It brings a low-to-ground sole structure for added strength. These shoes are favored by many players for the midsole, which delivers flexibility and aids in agile gameplay. Players utilize it like the wide outsole. It is a capable all-rounder with a good portion of flexibility from the ventilated upper, connected with some swanky looks and an affordable cost.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price, Low construction for additional stability, Supportive, breathable upper mesh, Attractive styling and color options, Flexibility | Durability is an issue, Ankle support is less from collar |
ASICS Gel Blade-7
The padded sole contains industry-standard EVA and Asics’ famous GEL padding for shock absorption. In addition, an Ortholite material is used as a removable insole that allows maintaining a dry interior and mild temperature.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent sticky traction, Lightweight, well-ventilated mesh, Ortholite insert keeps interiors comfortable and cool, PGuard protection protects during lunging forward. | Little niggles like scraping of the forefoot |
ASICS Upcourt 4
The shoes include a 10mm heel drop, leading the attackers to sit barely higher, ready to move fast. There are leather overlays on the sides that deliver good support and look appealing for casual wear. They are also eligible for other indoor sports like squash and volleyball.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sticky grip, EVA midsole, Breathable upper, Pivot point in medial foot, Cheaper in price | Better quality of shoes are available |
Yonex Power Cushion Comfort z2
A lightweight Double Raschel Mesh, Yonex’s best-in-class PowerCushion+, and the Power Graphite Drive technology are among the most cutting-edge technologies used in these shoes. Apart from that, Yonex packs the shoes with its Syncro-fit insole for decreasing energy wastage and Durable Skin Lite in the upper to keep its flexibility.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supremely lightweight, Loaded with top tech 3D power carbon for preventing twisting, PowerCushion+ mixed with Power Graphite Lite for a light, responsive midsole | Price is on the higher side, Hexagrip is not durable |
Victor Sprint-AB All Round Series
A high-strength TPU material delivers lateral stability, allowing a smoother shift of direction. Accompanied by a breathable mesh for the upper with nylon and a detailed design, this shoe fits comfortably on every player.
| Pros | Cons |
| Nylon mesh is breathable and fits well, ENERGY MAX foam is durable and well-cushioned, Inexpensive price, Clean looks, Versatile | Faces very stiff competition from many other shoes of its own brand, Only good for players who want speed |
Li Ning Saga
It is incredibly comfortable even after extended hours. In addition, the low-profile sole design ensures reduced effect on heavy landings.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent stability, Low profile design reduces landing impact, Cheap pricing, Solid structurally, Protective material around Toe Box | Not the lightest, Reduces speed of the player, Over the top colors |
Victor All Around Series A960
A shoe made for professional players with an all-around game brings ENERGY MAX 3.0, delivering 22% more repulsion and 6% more shock absorption on landing. In addition, the sticky outsole has anti-slip VSR rubber created in a radiation-lump pattern to improve traction and support in switching directions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Loaded with advanced technology premium materials, Energymax 3.0, X-Fit wrapping is breathable and flexible, Carbon Power for midfoot stability, VSR anti slip rubber, Competitive pricing | We really could not find, not even a minor one! |
Li Ning Smash
It is an excellent option from the brand, mainly because of its smashing midsole. Made of hi-rebound phylon, this shoe offers exceptional levels of stability and cushioning, which helps in excellent energy transfer and shock absorption capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable midsole and grippy rubber outsole, Attractive color options, Good shock absorption, Lightweight upper | Durability might be an issue, Slightly hard structure. |
Yonex PowerCushion SHB 65 Z2
Unlike a few other shoes, this gives a very comfortable fit. In addition, the toe box gets the new Toe Assist Shape design which provides more aid and less stress on toes. Then there is the latest Double Raschel mesh which Yonex asserts to be eight times more breathable, with excellent ventilation and moisture escape.
| Pros | Cons |
| Has the best technologies in sports shoe design, Great traction, Used by the best international players, PowerCushion+ is the best midsole material in the market | Costlier than others The durability of grip is less |
Yonex Aerus 3
The shoe is created with PU-based SkinLite + Nylon, which aids in the weight drop and employs PowerCushion+ and Power Graphite Lite tech for cushioning. This aids in 28% better hit retention and 62% more repulsion than other stuff.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very lightweight, Equipped with top tech, 3D power carbon to prevent twisting, Power Graphite Lite makes midsole responsive & light | Expensive Hexagrip tech is not durable |
Wrap Up
While buying badminton shoes, check they have the exact fit as your regular shoes. Different athletes have additional requirements for badminton shoes. Some like it more cushioned; some require more stability, while others prefer lighter weight. Shoes from any label will perform, but the best brands have an extensive array and mostly cover up all the styles.