How to choose good badminton shoes — impact & importance

The main purpose of badminton shoes is:

1. To aid in a good performance — by improving comfort, grip & stability
2. To prevent injuries — with optimum cushioning that reduces impact on ankles & knees
3. To reduce the chance of blisters
4. To have a non-marking sole — for synthetic court mats

Good footwork paired with good shoes will exponentially enhance your speed, swiftness and ability to cover more ground.

Here are the major factors & parts of a shoe you can look at while choosing your shoes:

• Breathable body material
• Cushioning Midsole
• Ankle & Heel Support
• Toe Box
• Shoe Weight
• Overall Material
• Size & width
• Outsole Grip
• Flexibility
• Non-Marking Outsole

Key features to look for in a Badminton shoe

Badminton is like a high-impact indoor workout transformed into a competitive sport. This means it requires tailor-made high-tech athletic footwear. The foot movement required is vast and versatile which comes with various needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Good arch support for athletic training and exercise.
• Ankle support to reduce the chances of a lateral ankle sprain during twists, turns and direction changes. But the heel must not be rigid; opt for partial flexibility for ease of movement.

Shoes that give ankle bracing for dynamic movement

• Cushioning with padding and soft compressible soles for high-impact activities like running and jumping. It should reduce stress on your knees, hips, spine and basically the entire body. This is also important for all-day tournaments and long hours of training.
• High-quality material for endurance for longer games & tournaments.
• Proper grip for a steady base with all the ongoing dynamic movement.

Arch support and outsole grip of the Ranger VI Lite

• Toe box protection with a tough and stiff exterior for abrasion resistance.

Toe protection for forward movement

• Lightweight materials for upper body and sole for rapid movement and longer games.
• Breathable build for the shoe body. Intense play generates a lot of heat and sweat so the shoe must have mesh-like or porous non-absorbent material for ventilation.

Right from the material selection to how it all comes together, each detail and aspect of the shoe gives you a better edge over your game. Ultimately, the shoe must fit the activity and your foot.

Refer to our previous post about shoe features to see the application of these key features.

Stylish footwear for your court time

Li-Ning Blast Pro

While your everyday sneakers may offer enough support for regular fitness activities, badminton is a whole new agenda. Besides, there is an abundance of styles, colours and themes to choose from in Li-Ning’s online badminton store. Always opt for appropriate support in your fitness activities. You can go for badminton shoes that help you be both safe and cool. In the words of popular media “Two is better than one”