Shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear to consider when it comes to badminton. In general you want your shoes to grip the floor well, are lightweight, provide cushioning for shock absorption and provide good support. Good shoes will improve your game and help you prevent injuries. Even good shoes have a short life in this game, however, lasting on average three to six months. The best shoe for you depends on your foot and what kind of court you play on.
Heel Counter
A stiff heel counter that fits your foot well will help you prevent injuries, according to "Clinical Practice of Sports Injury Prevention and Care," by Per Renström. The heel counter is inside the shoe, so you cannot see it. It cradles your heel and arch and reinforces the shoe's heel cup to increase support. The heel counter should help lock your foot into the shoe, anchoring it to the mid-sole. You can press on the heel of the shoe with your thumb to see if the heel counter is firm. If you can flatten the heel then it does not offer enough support. Also seek a shoe that offers good lateral support because badminton play requires constant directional changes.
Grip
Grip and traction are extremely important in badminton shoes. However, the right shoe for you will depend on what type of court you play on, such as wood or cement. Gummy rubber soles provide the best traction and grip on wood surfaces. Cement is more forgiving in terms of grip. Shoes that prevent slipping are important because this helps prevent injuries. Many players wear their badminton shoes only on the court to avoid dust build-up on them. Some even swipe the soles of their shoes with a damp cloth prior to play.
Shock Absorption
You need shock absorption in both the heel and the sole. Good shock absorption will help reduce fatigue and thus improve your badminton play. While shock absorption is important, you also need flexibility at your forefoot so make sure you don't sacrifice this feature when gaining the cushioning you desire.
Other Considerations
Choose badminton shoes that are lightweight and fit the shape of your foot and have a relatively thin sole as well. Running or other thick-soled shoes, for example, are too high from the ground so wearing them is likely to lead to a sprained ankle. Brands that most often come to the forefront in badminton shoes include Yonex, Asics, Hi-Tec and Mizuno, according to BadmintonCentral.com.
Member Comments