How to choose your badminton shoes: complete guide 2026
Badminton shoes are often underestimated. Yet, they play a crucial role in your game and especially in injury prevention. Here is our complete guide to making the right choice.
Why not play in running shoes?
Running shoes are designed for forward movement. In badminton, you perform quick lateral movements, jumps, and sudden changes of direction. Unsuitable shoes can cause ankle sprains, knee pain, and premature fatigue.
Badminton shoes have a special non-marking sole, specific cushioning for jumps, reinforced lateral support, and a rubber sole for grip on wooden floors.
Selection criteria
1. Cushioning
Yonex is renowned for its Power Cushion technology, one of the best on the market. Victor offers EnergyMax. These technologies absorb shocks during jumps and landings.
2. Lateral stability
For players who move a lot, opt for a shoe with good ankle support. Victor A970 NitroLite and Yonex Power Cushion 65Z are excellent in this area.
3. Weight
A lightweight shoe (under 280g) will give you more speed. A heavier shoe (300-330g) offers more stability and cushioning.
4. Foot shape
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Narrow foot: Yonex (made in Japan, slim Japanese fit)
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Normal foot: Victor, Li-Ning
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Wide foot: Victor A-Series, certain specific models
Our recommendations by level
Beginners
- Victor SH-S76: light, comfortable, affordable price
- Yonex Power Cushion Aerus Z: exceptional cushioning for beginners
Intermediates
- Victor A530: excellent value for money
- Yonex Power Cushion 65Z4: an essential reference
Advanced / Competitors
- Victor A970 NitroLite A: ultra-light, maximum performance
- Yonex Power Cushion 65Z3: the champions' reference
- Li-Ning Saga Lite: lightness and responsiveness
Need to try them on? DC.Sports in Morsang-sur-Orge has a large stock of badminton shoes in store. Come and test them!
See all our badminton shoes →
