I tested 15+ of the best badminton shoes (from the 2024 catalogs)

Summary

In this video, the reviewer discusses the top badminton shoes of 2024, categorizing them into specific areas like injury prevention, comfort, speed, and all-around performance. The review highlights notable shoes such as the Yonex 65 Set Tree for its all-around versatility, the Yonex Eclipsion Set Tree for injury prevention, the Leaning Thunder Pro for comfort, and the Leaning Mirage Pro for its feather-light speed. The Victor A970A is mentioned as the best all-around option for narrow feet. The reviewer shares insights from testing over 15 pairs, offering an unbiased and comprehensive guide for badminton enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The biggest challenge in selecting badminton shoes is the variety of foot types, which is why there are so many shoe options for different players.
• 😀 The video focuses on the top-tier flagship badminton shoes of 2024, breaking them down into categories like injury prevention, comfort, speed, and all-around performance.
• 😀 The Yonex 65 Set Tree is an honorable mention because it is a solid all-around shoe, with a comfortable fit and decent grip, but not especially cushioned.
• 😀 For injury prevention, the Yonex Eclipsion Set Tree is a standout due to its stiff, tall heel that helps lock the ankle in place, preventing rolls.
• 😀 The Yonex Eclipsion Set Tree is not ideal for narrow feet, as its toe box is too roomy and can cause discomfort during movement.
• 😀 The Li-Ning Thunder Pro is the most comfortable badminton shoe tested in 2024, with excellent cushioning and a stiffening plate to maintain stability.
• 😀 The Thunder Pro provides a plush feel without sacrificing support, though it lacks cushioning in the toe box to keep the shoe lightweight.
• 😀 The Li-Ning Mirage Pro is considered the best for speed due to its feather-light design, making it perfect for quick movements on the court.
• 😀 The Mirage Pro is best suited for players with narrow feet, as it has a snug fit, but it may not be ideal for wider feet.
• 😀 The Victor A970 A is the best all-around badminton shoe, with a terrific fit for narrow feet and a balance of comfort and performance.
• 😀 The Victor A970 A has a newer version, the A970 Nitrolite, which might offer even better performance and comfort, but the reviewer has yet to test it.

Q & A

Why is the YX 65 Set Tree considered an honorable mention for the best badminton shoe of 2024?

The YX 65 Set Tree is considered an honorable mention because it strikes a balance between features, being an all-around shoe that offers a good reference point for players. It is not overly specialized in any one area, such as cushioning or lightweight design, but works well for general play.

What makes the YX Eclipsion Set Tree the best for injury prevention?

The YX Eclipsion Set Tree is designed with a super stiff and tall heel, providing strong ankle and heel support, making it less likely to cause ankle injuries. Additionally, it has extensive cushioning in the toe box, offering protection during high-impact movements.

Why might the YX Eclipsion Set Tree not be ideal for players with narrow feet?

The YX Eclipsion Set Tree has a roomy toe box, which might cause players with narrow feet to experience discomfort, such as the feeling of their toes slamming against the sides of the shoe while moving.

What feature of the Leaning Thunder Pro contributes to its high comfort level?

The Leaning Thunder Pro is praised for its cushioned heel, ankle, and midsole areas, which provide comfort without sacrificing stability. It also incorporates a stiffening plate in the heel, preventing the shoe from collapsing while maintaining a soft, cushioned feel.

How does the Leaning Mirage Pro cater to players with narrow feet?

The Leaning Mirage Pro has an excellent fit for players with narrow feet due to its snug design. It provides a very secure feel and minimizes the risk of slipping within the shoe, making it the preferred choice for players with narrower feet.

Why is the Leaning Mirage Pro considered featherlight and speedy?

The Leaning Mirage Pro is considered featherlight and speedy because it is built with minimal cushioning and materials to reduce weight, allowing players to move quickly on court. However, this sacrifices some cushioning for comfort.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Victor A970A as an all-around badminton shoe?

The Victor A970A is highly praised for its excellent fit, especially for narrow-footed players, and offers a good balance of comfort and performance. However, it may not be as suitable for players with wider feet due to its slightly narrower toe box.

What improvements are expected in the Victor A970 Nitrolite version, and why is it significant?

The Victor A970 Nitrolite version is expected to be more comfortable and easier to purchase compared to the standard version. It is favored by pro players like Viktor Axelsen, and it is believed to improve upon the original design, although the reviewer has not tested it yet.

What is the main challenge when selecting badminton shoes for different types of players?

The main challenge is the variety of player foot shapes and preferences, such as narrow or wide feet, and the need for specific features like cushioning, lightweight design, or injury prevention. The vast number of available shoes means it can be difficult to find the perfect fit for every player.

How does the reviewer ensure an unbiased comparison of badminton shoes?

The reviewer ensures an unbiased comparison by purchasing each of the shoes with their own money and testing them on court for at least 10 hours, rather than relying on sponsored products or external reviews.