Badminton is an incredibly fast-paced sport that requires sudden movements and quick changes in direction. Choosing the appropriate pair of shoes is crucial in meeting the challenging conditions or demands of the game, so you should invest in a good quality pair of badminton shoes.
A common mistake by beginners is that they buy regular training shoes or running shoes to play badminton, which can hinder their performance and increase the chances of injury during the play.
Badminton shoes feature a thinner sole that minimizes the risk of injury because it lowers the center of gravity. While purchasing badminton shoes, it’s important to consider factors like the type of the sole and how often you play. Here are some key points that will help you to choose the best pair of badminton shoes.
Things to keep in mind before buying badminton shoes
1. Non-Marking Sole:
Non-marking shoes are designed with special soles to reduce or entirely avoid leaving marks on the surfaces. This makes them a perfect fit for indoor sports or environments where floor protection is important such as gymnasiums or dance studios. It is made of gum. You can typically recognize the non-marking shoes by their soft, smooth soles, which leave little to no residue when rubbed against a piece of paper.
There are also marking shoes, which are standard footwear that can leave noticeable scuff marks on floors when worn.
How do you find the Non-Marking Shoe?
If you want to test whether a particular shoe has a non-marking sole or not, the best way to identify it is by making a dent in the sole with your thumbnail. If the dent recovers quickly, you have the right non-marking shoe in your hand with the softest sole.
You can also recognize it by rubbing your shoes on a plain and clean piece of white paper. What you should look for is clean white paper without any scuff marks.
Additionally, you can draw a line on the paper instead of rubbing it and see if you are left with some marks on the paper or not. There should be no marks or zero visible lines on the paper.
2. Cushioning
Badminton involves lunging and jumping, so it is essential for the players to wear shoes with adequate cushioning. Good cushioning ensures safe landings during the jumps and alleviates pressure on the knees while landing. Several brands including Asics, Yonex, and Li-Ning, offer high-quality cushioning options in badminton shoes.
The cushioning in badminton shoes should be thinner, softer, and slightly extended to allow the player to have better foot movement during the play. Higher-priced badminton shoes will have superior-quality cushioning. You can select the right pair of shoes based on your budget.
3. Shoe Fit and Size
When purchasing badminton shoes, it is crucial to consider the fit and size as each player has unique foot dimensions. Players should select the shoes with their specific foot shape. Currently, the market offers ergo-shaped shoes designed to provide optimal stability and flexibility.
Wearing a perfect pair of badminton shoes that fit you well is essential as it will enhance your performance and reduce the likelihood of ankle injuries. If a shoe is not fitting in your leg properly, it can increase the risk of ankle injury during play.
4. Level of Play:
Your playing level is an important factor in determining which badminton shoes you can purchase. If you are a professional player playing at the highest level and competing against the top athletes then you should invest in good quality shoes rather than subpar footwear, which can result in injury while training intensely or competing against the best players. Therefore, you should get shoes that provide adequate cushioning.
For beginner or intermediate players, it’s essential to assess how often they play. If they play regularly, they can go for a decent pair of reasonably priced badminton shoes. As they are not competing at the highest level, the mid-range shoes will suffice their needs.
5. Flexibility of the Shoes:
There are two types of flexibility to consider :
- Vertical Flexibility: This refers to the ability of the shoes to bend at the toe box. Vertical flexibility is crucial for badminton players, as the sport requires significant toe bending. If the material lacks flexibility then it can lead to the shoe construction coming apart.
- Twisting Flexibility: Lateral movement is very important in badminton so the midsole of the shoe must be flexible enough to allow for smooth side-to-side motion without the risk of injury. A lack of flexibility in this area can increase the risk of injury to your ankle.
6. Weight of the Shoes:
While selecting shoes, it is essential to consider their weight. Weight plays a significant role in badminton because it’s a fast-paced sport that requires quick reflexes and agile movements. Wearing overly heavy shoes will increase the chances of fatigue and injury. Typically, badminton shoes weigh 250gm to 330gms.
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