Buying the right Badminton shoes is very important because the right footwear helps to avoid injuries. The game of badminton is fast and responsive. Therefore, you must be quick, respond well to the shuttlecock, and keep your balance on the court.
The most crucial gear for any badminton player is a good pair of shoes. The right shoes can boost your game and lower your chances of getting hurt.
This buyer’s guide will walk you, through the very important factors to consider in choosing the right badminton shoes. To pick the right shoes, you need to know the main components of a shoe. Once you understand this, you can make a smart choice.
How to select the right shoes for Badminton?
There are a few factors you need to consider while buying Badminton shoes. Let’s explore them…
1. Shoe Support
In our opinion, possibly this is the most overlooked factor when selecting badminton shoes. Just consider how many athletes out there will require knee support in the future! Why is this frequently the case? Generally, it’s due to either poor footwear or poor technique.
Good shoes can give great support to your ankles to lower the chance of twists and hurts. Look for shoes with reinforced sides and a sturdy heel counter, which help stabilize your feet during fast-paced movements.
Apart from that, a supported shoe will keep you in balance so you can swiftly and promptly respond without losing balance on the court. Proper support not only enhances performance but also protects your feet and ankles from the painful physical demands of the game.
2. Consider the Court Surface
Badminton courts have wooden, synthetic, or concrete flooring. The kind of floor surface you are playing on will impact your choice of shoes:
- Wooden or Synthetic Courts: These courts are not as rough, so shoes with a gum rubber sole should be okay. They will provide a better hold on the ground and prevent slipping.
- Concrete Courts: If you play frequently on hard courts, then look for shoes with more resistant soles. They should be such that they strike a balance between grip and durability.
3. Check the Cushioning and Shock Absorption
Badminton is a highly jumping, lunging, fast directional-changing game. Therefore, shoes need to bear the load on your feet and joints with proper cushioning. Good cushioning allows for shock absorption. While lack of cushioning may lead to injuries.
The cushioning aids in maintaining body balance since it serves as a shock absorber. Impacting each step on hard surfaces. Hence lowering the possibility of harm. High-quality midsole materials, such as PU or EVA, can guarantee this need.
4. Comfort & Fitting
The badminton shoes hence must be comfortable. This is because it is very important to have shoes that feel comfortable and fit the feet of the wearer properly during a game. The shoe should not be too tight and at the same time, there should be sufficient space at the front for the toes to wiggle without being squeezed.
Comfort is also tied to the shoe’s material; breathable fabrics like mesh keep your feet cool and dry. Which reduces the likelihood of blisters during long matches.
The cushioning inside the shoe should be adequate to absorb shocks and reduce strain on your feet and joints. When trying on shoes, walk around and mimic some of the movements you’ll make on the court to ensure they fit well in all the right places.
5.Study the Grip and Traction
An excellent pair of shoes to play badminton should have a good grip so that the feet don’t slip at fast movements. The pattern of the outsole forms the crux of it. Only those with a non-marking rubber sole and a herringbone or hexagonal pattern work maximum for gripping courts. This will ensure that without any slipping, you get a good footing and execute quick, sharp movements with confidence.
6. Check Durability
Badminton shoes wear out easily, especially if you are a frequent player. Durable materials and added support by extra material in places like the toe and sides of the shoes increase their lifespan. Note that the more durable shoes might be a bit heavier. Although it is indeed very much worth it when you want shoes that might be of constant use.
7. What Player Level the Badminton Shoes Are Intended For
Badminton shoes are often designed with different player levels in mind. These levels range from beginners to advanced players.
For beginners, shoes with basic support and comfort would suffice. That’s quite a balance between performance and price.
Those at an Intermediate level probably seek more support from their shoes, while others want more grip and more cushioning to go with longer playtime.
Advanced players, who play high-intensity levels most of the time require shoes with the best support and gripping, as this kind of shoe will withstand the abuse of heavy playing.
Choose the right level of the shoe, and you make sure you get what you need as far as performance and protection go when you head into progressing with the sport.
8. Maintenance and Care
Finally, after finding the perfect pair of badminton shoes, take care of them for life. Try to keep the sole of the shoe clear to make it gripable. Place them in a cool, dry location when not in use. Never use them on outdoor surfaces, as this will expose them to premature wear and tear.
Dos and Don’ts: How to Choose the Right Shoes in Badminton
A few basics can guide you in picking the right badminton shoes. So, here is a very brief do’s and don’ts rundown that will help you make sure you’re going to get it right for your game.
Dos:
- Get shoes that are an exact fit for your feet and not one size larger.
- Ensure the shoes are breathable since badminton shoes may sometimes leave your feet in a sweaty condition.
- Do not forget to try a few pairs before settling on a decision.
- Do check the grip of the shoes for better traction on the court.
- Do check the soles for a non-marking sole in case you play on indoor courts.
- Do buy shoes from known brands that are purchased based on quality and durability.
- Clean and give your shoes some treatment to make them last longer.
Don’ts:
- Avoid wearing your badminton shoes in any outdoor sport.
- It isn’t about style, fit matters more than style.
- Make the effort to buy good cushioning shoes to protect your feet and joints.
- Also, do not forget about the weight of the shoes. Lighter shoes can help your speed.
- Don’t be an ignorant fool; durability will help you in using the shoes every day.
Wrapping Up
It is said that the selection of the proper badminton shoe changes everything: the performance level and, at the same time, keeps one safe from injuries that may happen on the court. If you are aware of the factors that may affect your choices, like playing style, court surface, cushioning, weight, and grip, then you will be able to select a pair of shoes according to your needs. Investing in good quality shoes by a reputable brand is worth it in other words; you want to get better games for a long time.
