When most people start playing badminton, they only pay attention to the racket. However, experienced players know the shoes you wear are what can make or break your game. You’ll want to make sure you’re investing in the right type of product.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best badminton shoes for beginners and advanced players. We carefully reviewed different brands, from high-end to affordable, to give you the best models available. From the best wide models to convenient budget options, we have the right choice for every taste and pocket.
These are the shoes we reviewed:
- Asics Gel Rocket 10
- Asics Gel Tactic 2
- Yonex Aerus 3
- Li-Ning Men’s Saga Badminton Shoe
- Li-Ning Men Basic Badminton Shoes
- Head Men’s Grid 2.0
- Mishansha Mens Athletic Court
- YONEX 65Z Wide Shoes
Product Reviews
We’ve gone through the best badminton shoes on the market today. Here’s a wide selection for every purpose, from beginners to pro players and from affordable to the top brands.
While the Asics Gel Rocket is not specific for badminton, it’s a versatile shoe when you’re just starting off. It’s adaptable to multiple indoor sports, from volleyball to squash, and it’s stable and secure. The gum rubber sole won’t leave marks on the court. This might be why Gel Rocket is a popular shoe among badminton players. It’s a midrange shoe, not super cheap but also not at the professional end. This shoe can be a little on the stiffer side if your playing style is aggressive. It weighs just over 13 ounces, which is on the heavier side for badminton. If you move around a lot on the court, you might want to look for a lighter shoe.
PROS
- Affordable price.
- Strong heel and ankle support.
- Excellent stability and nice fit.
- GEL cushioning absorbs shock well.
CONS
- Can be too heavy for advanced players.
- Not as cushioned as other, more expensive models.
This is a slightly more expensive version of the Gel Rocket and a great versatile indoor sports shoe. While they’re technically a volleyball shoe, they’re commonly used by squash and badminton players, as well. Compared to Gel Rocket, it has some extra cushioning and grip. If you’re an active player and tend to move around a lot, this aspect will come in useful, and your joints will thank you. They’re mid-width, so even if your feet are not super narrow, you’ll be able to use them. However, they’re not wide. This model is also a bit more durable than the Gel Rocket. While both are good shoes, the materials and stitching on the Gel Tactic are slightly better quality. The extra investment is essential, especially if you play a lot.
PROS
- Trusted brand and model, used by many badminton players.
- Provides great support.
- Nice quality mid-price option.
- Brilliant traction on a PU or wood court.
CONS
- Possibly too structured and stiff for some players.
- The fit is a little bigger.
For many players, Yonex is the best badminton shoe brand, and Aerus 3 is a favorite model. The breathable upper mesh layer provides amazing traction and ventilation. The hexagrip sole offers excellent support for a fast and aggressive game. These shoes are also super lightweight, specially made for badminton players’ needs. That means that they have a tight fit and amazing shock resistance. The stability of this shoe is also brilliant, which makes it a great option even for players with a more aggressive style. They’re best for narrow feet, so people with wider feet might find the fit a little too snug. For this reason, the Aerus 3 line also might need a little breaking in. Some of the colors are eye-catching, from bright blue to red, which might not be for everybody. However, an all-black option is also available, as well as sizes for both men and women.
PROS
- Lightweight at about 9.5 ounces.
- Breathable mesh outer layer.
- Amazing shock resistance and support.
- Trusted, specialized brand.
CONS
- At the higher end of the price range.
- Might need some breaking in before they really adapt to your feet.
Li-Ning might not be as well-known as Asics or Yonex, but in badminton shoes, it’s among the top brands. They’re actually an official sponsor of the Chinese National Badminton Team, so you know you’re investing in quality. This shoe is fast and lightweight and will increase your speed on the court. The Multiflex sole guarantees stability while remaining flexible for those explosive multi-directional movements. Most of the upper layer is mesh, lined with synthetic leather. The sole is gum rubber, and the tip is reinforced to give you extra protection in a collision. This model also includes a cross-strap construction at the heel that helps improve stability. The fit is medium, so this might not be the shoe if you have very wide feet. Overall, this is a really good value product for beginning and intermediate players. It offers a solid, quality build if you’re looking for value without breaking the bank.
PROS
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Cross-strap helps you get a really nice grip on the heel.
- Cushioned and reinforced tips are top-notch.
- Great traction.
CONS
- Design is a little glittery and flashy, not for everybody’s taste.
- It can be tight for wider feet.
Li-Ning’s basic model is an excellent option if you’re looking for your first specialized shoe for badminton. It has a great fit, durability, and flexibility. You’ll likely get many games out of your buy without tiring out your feet or subjecting yourself to injury. The outer layer is synthetic leather and fabric mesh, which is breathable and comfortable for sweaty indoor games. This model also comes in numerous fun colors that will get you compliments on the court and outside. This model, in general, is suitable for wider feet, but not universally. The toe area specifically is pretty tight. If your feet are very wide in that area, this could not be the right fit.
PROS
- Enough ankle support without limiting movement.
- Affordable, mid-price range.
- Great quality.
CONS
- Style can be a little too shiny and flashy for some players.
- Not wide enough in the toe area for some feet.
It has a non-marking gum rubber outsole perfect for PU and wood courts. The material is synthetic leather mixed with mesh fabric. The fit is true to size, but snug and comfortable. Especially for more aggressive players, this is a crucial factor. You’ll need the shoe to be tighter for all those fast moves on the court. The non-marking gum rubber outsole is perfect for badminton and other indoor sports. The shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for mobility. At 12.5 ounces, these can be a bit heavy, so if you’re looking for a lightweight shoe, this is not your best option. All in all, this is a solid, mid-priced shoe that’s great for badminton, squash, and other indoor sports that require fast and explosive movements.
PROS
- Wide fit, great for those of us who need a little extra support.
- Low structure provides impressive traction for badminton.
- Good ventilation.
CONS
- Shoe doesn’t provide a lot of arch support.
- Insole can’t be removed.
This is another good beginners’ shoe that will be a great option if you’re looking to spend less. It’s adaptable for multiple sports, from tennis to badminton. This model works well for those looking for high support, but not for the most aggressive players. If you’re looking for an affordable, versatile shoe, this is the option for you. You’ll be able to use it in numerous different sports, from gym training to badminton. If your style isn’t aggressive or you’re just getting into the game, Mishansha is a smart choice.
PROS
- Affordable price and decent value.
- Non-slip sole provides good traction.
- Versatile for use in different sports.
- Sturdy design and support for your ankle.
CONS
- Not a specific badminton shoe, might be a little heavy for serious badminton players.
- High ankle can prevent movement.
If your feet are on the broader side, pay close attention to this model. It’s a badminton shoe, especially for fuller feet, with all the Yonex quality. The cushioning is top of the line and will help you avoid injury, especially if you need more support. If you’re a more aggressive player and need a featherlight shoe, this might not be your best option. Overall, this is a good shoe for those who need wider shoes. It will give you a nice fit and help you avoid pain and possible injury.
PROS
- The Yonex Power Cushion is very good at absorbing and transferring shock.
- Sturdy build for those who need more support for the mid-foot and heel.
- Fit is excellent for those with wider feet.
- No pressure on the toes.
CONS
- A heavier build.
- As a wide shoe, not the best for narrow feet.
What You Should Pay Attention to When Buying
If this is your first time buying a badminton shoe, you’ll probably need some help. What are the markers of a good shoe, and what should you pay extra attention to? We’re going to go through all your questions here.
How to Choose the Best Badminton Shoe
The ideal shoe for badminton provides stability, cushioning, and flexibility. It’s breathable, lightweight, and has the right fit for your feet.
Stability is usually provided with an ErgoShape sole that guarantees balance while not limiting your range of movement.
Cushioning is vital to absorb the shock of jumps and sprints. Ample cushioning in the heel area will help you avoid nasty injuries like tendinitis.
Flexibility is needed for those fast starts you need on the court. Pay attention, especially to the flexibility around the toe area of the shoe. It needs to allow you to move around in all directions.
What Are the Benefits of Badminton Shoes?
If you’ve played on gym or running shoes, you might have noticed the need to buy a specialized shoe for badminton. They will make you faster, give you better traction, and prevent injuries, from shin splints to sprained ankles.
The lower center of gravity of a badminton shoe helps you move around the court with the necessary speed and agility. Your feet will have the required protection, and with the right shoe, you’ll eventually be able to play more.
Things to Look for in a Badminton Shoe
Buying shoes is always a personal matter, and you’ll need to pay attention to these attributes when making your decision.
Weight
This is one of the most important attributes, especially if you’re a more aggressive player and move around a lot. You’ll want to look for something more lightweight than your basic running or gym shoe.
Sole
The choice of sole material is important to determine according to the type of court you’re playing on. You need a sole that will give you traction and is thin enough to allow for fast turns and jumps.
Polyurethane (PU) or wood courts are the most common, and for them, a gum rubber sole is the best option. For those who play on a cement court, a rubber sole will work best.
The floor is another important issue for why buying specific shoes for badminton is essential instead of bringing your running shoes to the court. Most badminton clubs will require you to wear shoes that don’t leave marks on the floor. Badminton shoes won’t leave marks on the court even when you’re making fast movements or dragging your feet.
Breathability
Proper ventilation will help you keep comfortable, prevent blisters, and even some nastier conditions, including athlete’s foot.
If you tend to sweat a lot, look for breathable mesh on the upper layers of the shoe. This allows for maximum airflow.
You don’t have to rule out leather and synthetic leather, either. There are numerous options with ventilation systems and air pockets in the upper layers and the sole.
Support
Badminton shoes need to give your heels support for those fast turns and jumps while staying lightweight. They also need to ensure they don’t limit your ankle mobility, but give you enough support for explosive movement.
Stability
A worthy badminton shoe will help you distribute your weight equally along the whole foot, while not impeding rapid movements.
Sizing
For this kind of a fast sport, you’ll need the shoe to be nice and snug. Trust me; the right size will help you prevent blisters or even injuries.
This also applies to the choice of the right model for you. Badminton makes you move in all directions, so you’ll need the shoe to have a suitable width for your feet. A shoe that’s too wide will slow down your movements and expose you to injury. On the other hand, a too-narrow shoe will give you serious pain.
If your feet are wider, look for the models specially made for wide feet. You’ll save yourself a lot of pain and improve your game.
Can Volleyball Shoes Be Used for Badminton?
Yes and no. Volleyball shoes, like most indoor court shoes, can be used for badminton and won’t leave marks on the court. However, badminton has a lower center of gravity to allow for faster moving around the court.
Volleyball shoes are an ok first option if you play multiple indoor sports and aren’t looking for a specialized shoe. If you’re going to be focusing on badminton, I’d advise you to look for shoes that are right for your foot, whether it’s wide or narrow. This could help you prevent serious injury.
Precautions for Using This Type of Product
When you’re trying on the shoe, make sure it’s snug but not too tight. Make some jumps and moves and see how well the shoe adapts to your feet.
Conclusion
After testing and reviewing the products, we found the Asics Gel Rocket 9 to be top of the game. Asics Gel-cushioned line is loved by athletes in a variety of sports, and this one is no exception.
This shoe is perfect for badminton and versatile for other indoor sports, as well. It provides you with the support and stability to take your game to the next level and keep you safe from injury. The Gel Rocket is also a mid-price option, so your purchase won’t break the bank.
You might be looking for a more advanced option or one that’s more specifically adapted to badminton. If that’s the case, try one of the other options listed here, like the Asics Gel Tactic 2, which narrowly missed out on the top spot. The important thing is that they adapt to your specific needs.