Badminton is the fastest sport in the world, requiring not only skill and accuracy but also speed and agility. Therefore, when playing badminton, you need to pay close attention to the shoes you wear.
A good pair of badminton shoes will facilitate your performance by providing optimum comfort to move freely on the court. If the shoes are shock absorbent, it will also help reduce the risk of injury.
Several factors define a good pair of badminton shoes. These factors include weight, ankle support, breathability, sole thickness, sole type, cushioning, and moisture control. This article discusses some best shoes for badminton that you can consider if you are considering buying.
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Breathable shoe material
Badminton is a very strenuous sport, and if you live in an area like mine, where the temperature can reach 45°C in the summer, you need shoes that allow air to pass through the material. The advantage of using breathable shoes is that the shoes do not smell.
So how do you know if the shoes are breathable?
There are two key points to checking the breathability of a shoe.
- Look at the upper material of the shoe to see if there are any small holes or spaces for air to pass through.
- Check to see if the collar of the shoe (the shoe’s opening) is made of a fabric that does not absorb water.
- Select shoes that fit the shape of your feet.
- The toe box is the front part of the shoe where the toe rests when the shoe is put on.
- The sole of the foot should fit into the widest part of the shoe (just before the toe begins).
Cushioning when choosing badminton shoes
Badminton involves a lot of jumping and swinging, so you need shoes that provide cushioning when you put your feet on the ground. Shoes with good cushioning will protect your knees from injury. So, if you have money to invest, look for these terms when buying badminton shoes.
Thick cushioning does not have to mean good cushioning, because if it is too large (mainly in running shoes), you are always in danger of twisting your ankle. Badminton shoe cushioning should be thinner, softer, and more extensive so that you can move sideways without any discomfort.
Ankle support in the shoe
The footwear, also known as the collar, should be medium cut, not low cut as in running shoes. Always buy shoes with a mid-cut collar to cover and protect the ankle, especially when moving sideways. Another feature to consider when choosing badminton shoes is that the shoe quarters should be solid.
Shoe Size.
This is an aspect that most people do not take seriously. A few things to keep in mind when determining shoe size
- Always measure your foot size in centimeters at home, rather than going to a store and asking the clerk to give you shoes in your size. Each company has different shoe lengths for the same size number. Be sure to measure your feet in centimeters.
- Some people have unevenly shaped feet, so measure both feet and choose the larger foot size for such people.
- Do not expect the shoes to stretch over time, this rarely happens and they should fit properly when you buy them. If you think they will grow in length with use, you are mistaken.
- There should be a half-inch gap between your longest toe/inch and the toe of the shoe.
Shoe Soles
In this section, we will discuss two things you should look for in the soles of your shoes. The first thing to look for in the sole of the shoe is whether the midsole is deep enough. Some shoes have flat soles, which are not suitable for badminton. So be sure to buy shoes with a deep midsole (the deeper the midsole, the better).
The outsole of running shoes is made to grip the surface more strongly and is less likely to slip on the track when you run, whereas the outsole of badminton shoes is made lower. This is because you don’t have to grip the surface as hard, but if you try to move sideways, your foot will twist and you will end up falling.
Shoe Flexibility
There are two types of flexibility to consider when purchasing shoes.
Vertical flexibility
Torsional flexibility
Vertical Flexibility: –
This is the tendency of shoes to bend from the toe box, which is necessary because badminton requires a lot of toe bending and if the toe box material is not flexible, the shoe will not stick.
Torsional Flexibility: –
We’ve talked about how often playing badminton requires you to move laterally, and if there is no support to limit excessive twisting of the midsole of your shoe, the risk of ankle injury is higher.
Advantages of using badminton shoes
Better Grip: All badminton shoes have non-marking soles that provide a better grip on the court, which becomes necessary as the speed of movement on the court increases.
Injury Prevention:– Good badminton shoes protect the ankles and knees by providing better comfort and cushioning to absorb the shock generated by hard movements.
Choose the best badminton shoes for you
When you start looking for your new favorite pair of badminton shoes, choose the non-negotiable features for you. If possible, try on the shoes before making a decision. Many experts tell you that badminton shoes should be replaced on average every 7-9 months if you regularly play more than three times a week. Keep this wear factor in mind when deciding how much you are willing to pay for the best badminton shoes for you.
FAQs
How do I keep my new badminton shoes from slipping?
If the shoes are new, washing them with a little water will improve their grip. If the problem still persists and you are the only one wearing slippery shoes, you may want to return the shoes and buy new ones. On the other hand, if everyone is having this problem because the ground is very dirty, consider using a damp towel (with water) between points and cleaning the soles with it to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated during the replacement.
How can I repair slippery shoes or improve the grip of my shoes?
This depends on whether the problem is with the shoe itself or the court. If there is a problem with the court and you are playing a large tournament, you can ask the organization to clean the floor to ensure it is fit for play. If you are playing in amateur tournaments or practicing, you may need to find another solution.
One method I often use is to wet a towel with water and rub my shoes with it. The water cleans the soles and restores the grip. If the ground is very dirty and water is not enough, a soft drink (Coca-Cola works well) will make the soles very sticky and prevent them from slipping.
If you are the only one having to traction problems, it is not the coat itself that is the problem, but your shoes. The most likely cause is that the soles have become too smooth and no longer provide traction. In this case, try using sandpaper on the soles for better adhesion.
Can I use volleyball shoes for badminton?
In general, it is not recommended to use shoes designed for other sports. Some people with bad knees prefer volleyball shoes to badminton shoes because they provide better cushioning and knee protection. In these cases, it is recommended that a good insole or orthotic be purchased and used in conjunction with badminton shoes. This will give you the advantage of using shoes that are looking for extra cushioning and are designed for playing a specific sport.
Conclusion
We have done this research to help you find the best shoes for badminton so you can improve your game. If you would like to know my personal recommendation, please see Recommended Shoes.
Thanks for reading…
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