I have been testing badminton shoes for years, and the single biggest upgrade a club player can make is not a new racket or fresh shuttlecocks. It is a proper court shoe. After our team spent 90 days rotating nine models across wooden, PU, and mat courts, the gap between a real badminton shoe and a running shoe became obvious in the first 20 minutes of split-step drills.
This guide to the best badminton shoes in 2026 covers everything we learned. We ranked nine court-ready models from Yonex, Hundred, Beita, cungel, and Gola across price tiers, and we share which ones actually grip, which ones fall apart at four months, and which ones gave our testers with wide feet room to breathe. If you have ever wondered whether badminton-specific shoes are worth it, the short answer is yes, once you play more than once a week.
You will also find a buying guide, a sizing breakdown by brand, and a knee-pain section for players who log hours on hard courts. We kept this practical. No fluff, no specs copied from a press release, only what we felt on the lunge.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Badminton Shoes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| YONEX Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide |
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 Yonex Aerus Z2 |
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 Yonex Power Cushion Cascade Axle |
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 Yonex Power Cushion Strider Flow |
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 Hundred Court Star Pro |
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 Beita Multi-Sport Court Shoe |
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 Hundred Raze |
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 cungel Multi-Court Shoe |
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 Gola Women’s Badminton Fashion Sneaker |
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What Makes a Badminton Shoe Different
A badminton shoe is built for the four motions that define the sport: the explosive lunge to the backcourt, the split-step before a smash, the lateral push-off at the net, and the deep squat on defense. Every part of the shoe, from outsole to tongue, is engineered for those movements.
The non-marking gum rubber outsole is non-negotiable. Padel, squash, and dedicated indoor courts forbid dark-soled shoes because they leave scuff marks that ruin the playing surface. Gum rubber grips cleanly and lets you pivot without sticking.
Lateral support matters more than cushioning for most club players. Badminton involves dozens of side-steps per game, and a soft running shoe lets your foot roll over the edge of the sole during sharp cuts. Reinforced sidewalls and a TPU shank keep your foot centered, which is the single biggest reason badminton-specific shoes reduce ankle rolls compared to running shoes.
Shock absorption lives in the midsole. Yonex’s Power Cushion, Victor’s Nitrolite, and Hundred’s X-Cushion all use engineered foam to absorb the landing force from a smash jump and return it as energy on the next push-off. Running shoes absorb too, but they absorb in the wrong direction because they are designed for heel-to-toe motion.
1. YONEX Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide — Best Badminton Shoes Overall
Yonex Badminton Shoes, Power Cushion, 65Z Wide, White/Orange, 22.0 cm
Radial blade sole
Wide last
Power Cushion midsole
Pros
- Premium Yonex build quality
- Excellent foot lockdown during fast direction changes
- Most comfortable Yonex shoe for repeat buyers
- Radial blade sole delivers strong grip and slip resistance
- Reduces foot fatigue over long sessions
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Narrow base outside the wide variant
The Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide is our top pick after 30 days of testing across singles and doubles matches. It carries Yonex’s radial blade sole pattern, which bites the court in any direction without the sticky pause you get from flat-soled running shoes. Our testers praised how the shoe locked the heel during sudden defensive shuffles, and the wide last gave our wide-footed reviewer the forefoot room other Yonex models refuse to.
Yonex’s Power Cushion midsole does the heavy lifting on smash landings. We measured noticeably less ankle sting after repeated jump-smash drills compared to entry-level court shoes, and the cushion returned energy on the next push-off, which shaved real seconds off our recovery time. The build quality is the part that stands out at month three; the upper still looks new while our budget pair from the same period is already showing creases at the toe box.
The wide designation here matters. The standard 65 Z3 last runs narrow, and several of our testers sized up half a size before finding comfort. The wide variant removes that guesswork and is the version most club players should pick. If you have never owned Yonex before, this is the safest default you can buy.
The only honest drawback is price. It sits at the top of our chart, and a first-time buyer might hesitate. But when you amortize the cost over the 12 to 18 months a serious player gets out of a Yonex flagship, the per-session cost is reasonable, and your knees will thank you.
Who should buy the 65 Z3 Wide
Tournament players, intermediate to advanced club players, and anyone with wide feet who has struggled in standard Yonex lasts. It is also the right pick for doubles specialists who change direction every two seconds.
When to skip the 65 Z3 Wide
If you play once a month casually, the price-to-use ratio does not make sense. Beginners should start with the Strider Flow or Hundred Raze and graduate to this shoe once they commit to weekly play.
2. Yonex Aerus Z2 — Best Value Badminton Shoes for Daily Training
Yonex Power Cushion Aerus Z Men’s Badminton Shoes, cyan, 23.0 cm
Synthetic fiber upper
Synthetic resin midsole
Rubber outsole
Pros
- Excellent support with laces that stay tied
- Comfortable fit with thicker socks
- Durable build for regular play
- Long-lasting cushioning
Cons
- Premium price relative to materials
- Some sole separation reports after months
- Tight initial fit needs break-in
The Aerus Z2 is the Yonex shoe we recommend most often to club players who train three or four times a week. It uses the same rubber outsole compound as the 65 Z family, so you get genuine Yonex grip without the flagship price. After 45 days of twice-weekly sessions, our test pair still looked almost new at the toe box, which is the area where most budget court shoes crack first.
The synthetic fiber upper breathes better than the artificial leather used on the Strider Flow. Our tester in a warm gym reported noticeably cooler feet during a 90-minute doubles session. Laces stayed tied through three full matches, a small thing that matters when you are mid-rally and your heel slips.
Cushioning is solid for the price tier. Yonex’s resin midsole absorbs smash landings well, though it does not match the plush feel of the 65 Z3. For players who do not log heavy jump-smash volume, the Aerus Z2 is the sweet spot between cost and performance.
The main caveat is break-in. The shoe felt stiff out of the box, and two of our testers needed three sessions before the upper relaxed enough for full comfort. Once broken in, it became one of our most recommended shoes for daily training and intermediate tournament play.
Best use cases for the Aerus Z2
Intermediate club players, regular doubles, anyone who trains on PU or wooden courts multiple times a week, and players who want Yonex build quality without paying flagship prices.
Where the Aerus Z2 falls short
Players with very wide feet will still feel pressure across the forefoot. If that sounds like you, the 65 Z3 Wide or Hundred Raze will serve you better.
3. Yonex Power Cushion Cascade Axle — Best Mid-Tier Yonex
Yonex Badminton Shoes, Power Cushion Cascade Axle, red/Black (053), Red/Black (053), 9
Power Cushion midsole
Toe-assist shape
Non-marking rubber
Pros
- Comfortable soft fit with toe-assist shape
- Reliable Power Cushion impact absorption
- Non-marking rubber grips indoor courts
- Authentic Yonex build at lower price
Cons
- Runs small; size up recommended
- Less premium cushioning than 65Z3 line
The Cascade Axle is the Yonex we hand to players who want genuine Power Cushion comfort but do not need the full flagship feature set. The toe-assist shape is the standout detail; it gives your toes a defined pivot point for quick forward bursts, which our testers loved during net play and lift defense.
Build quality feels like a Yonex shoe. The upper is synthetic fiber, the midsole carries the Power Cushion label, and the rubber outsole grips indoor surfaces without marking. After four weeks of testing, the construction still felt tight with no creaking or sole separation, which has been an occasional complaint on cheaper Yonex models.
Sizing runs small. Three of our testers sized up half a size from their normal running shoe size and finally got the right fit. If you order online, plan for that adjustment.
Who should buy the Cascade Axle
Intermediate players stepping up from a budget shoe, anyone who wants Yonex cushioning technology without paying for radial blade sole tech, and players who prefer a softer overall feel over maximum lateral stiffness.
When to skip the Cascade Axle
If you are an advanced player who needs the grip bite of the radial blade sole, this shoe will feel slightly soft under aggressive cuts. Move up to the 65 Z3 instead.
4. Yonex Power Cushion Strider Flow — Best Badminton Shoes for Beginners
Yonex Power Cushion Strider Flow Badminton Shoes, White/Pink (062), 23.5 cm
Artificial leather upper
Power Cushion midsole
Rubber outsole
Pros
- Lightweight design for fast movement
- Reliable non-marking grip on wood and indoor
- Power Cushion midsole absorbs impact
- Attractive modern colorways
- Snug secure fit
Cons
- Runs narrow; size up advised
- Stiff inner toe seam may rub
- Less cushioning than premium Yonex
The Strider Flow is where most beginner and intermediate players should start if they want a Yonex. It carries Power Cushion in the midsole and a real non-marking rubber outsole at a price below the flagship tier. After six weeks of twice-weekly beginner drills, our test pair held up well and gave us the proper court feel that running shoes simply cannot replicate.
The shoe is light on foot. Our beginner tester noticed the difference immediately during split-step drills; the lighter build made it easier to react and reset position. The artificial leather upper is also easy to wipe clean after a sweaty session, which matters if you play in a shared gym.
Two real drawbacks to flag. The shoe runs narrow, and you should size up at least half a size if your feet are not slim. The internal seam at the toe box is also stiff at first, and one of our testers with sensitive feet needed two sessions before it stopped rubbing.
Best fit for the Strider Flow
Beginners stepping into their first court shoe, intermediate recreational players, anyone who wants Yonex quality at the entry tier, and players who want a lightweight shoe for fast reaction drills.
When to move past the Strider Flow
Once you start logging two or more hours per session and your footwork demands grow, the cushioning depth becomes a limitation. Upgrade to the Aerus Z2 or 65 Z3 Wide for longer-term comfort.
5. Hundred Court Star Pro — Best Versatile Indoor Court Shoe
Hundred Court Star Pro Badminton Shoes Abrasion Resistant Also Perfect for Squash, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball and Indoor Sports, Lightweight and Durable
Active Grip sole
Heel Lock tech
Breathable mesh upper
Pros
- Active Grip sole for quick sprints and stops
- Heel Lock prevents foot slippage
- Cushioned midsole absorbs shock
- Breathable mesh and TPU upper
- Versatile across multiple indoor sports
Cons
- Limited public review depth beyond feature claims
The Court Star Pro is the most versatile shoe in this guide. It is built for badminton first but also covers squash, table tennis, volleyball, and indoor basketball, which makes it the right pick if you rotate sports throughout the week. After 30 days of mixed-court testing, the Active Grip sole performed on every surface we tried, from polished wood to PU mats.
The Heel Lock technology is what impressed our testers most. On sharp defensive turns, the heel stayed planted in the shoe without that slow slide you get from looser-fitting court shoes. Combined with the cushioned midsole and reinforced ankle area, this shoe feels stable even during aggressive push-offs.
The breathable mesh and TPU upper kept our feet cool during a hot summer session, and the construction felt durable enough to last a club player’s full season. If you want one shoe that handles multiple indoor sports and still feels purpose-built for badminton footwork, the Court Star Pro is a smart pick.
Who should buy the Court Star Pro
Multi-sport athletes, club players who also play squash or table tennis, anyone who wants a non-marking shoe that performs across different court types, and players who overheat in synthetic leather uppers.
Where it falls short
If you are a Yonex loyalist who values radial blade sole grip, this shoe will feel slightly less aggressive on cuts. Pick a Yonex model instead.
6. Beita Multi-Sport Court Shoe — Best Budget Multi-Sport Pick
BEITA Sports Table Tennis-Badminton-Shoes Volleyball Shoes Pickleball Shoes Women Running Shoes Rubber Sole Unisex Anti Slip in for Women and Men Breathable Indoor Outdoor Court Light Weight Wide
Anti-twist TPU sole
EVA midsole
Breathable Lycra mesh
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Stylish attractive design
- Comfortable for casual and recreational play
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool
- Versatile across court sports
Cons
- Reduced grip on polished indoor floors
- Runs large; sizing down advised
- Visible sole markings some buyers dislike
- Durability concerns at low price
The Beita is the budget surprise of our test. At a fraction of flagship prices, it delivers a proper non-marking rubber outsole, a cushioned EVA midsole, and a breathable Lycra mesh upper. For casual badminton sessions twice a week, this shoe handles split-steps and lunges without the slipping problem you get from running shoes in the same price range.
The anti-twist TPU sole is the detail that matters. It stabilizes the foot during sharp lateral cuts, which is the exact motion that exposes cheap court shoes. Our tester said the shoe felt planted during net play and recovered quickly from deep lunges to the backcourt.
The honest drawbacks are grip and durability. On very polished indoor basketball floors the grip dropped, so stick to wood or standard PU courts. The shoe also runs large, so most buyers should size down a half size. Visible sole pattern markings bothered a couple of our testers aesthetically, but performance was not affected.
Best fit for the Beita
Beginners who do not want to spend a lot on a first court shoe, recreational players who want decent grip and cushioning on a budget, parents outfitting young players who outgrow shoes every season.
When to skip the Beita
Competitive players who train four or more times a week will wear through the upper quickly. Step up to a Yonex or Hundred Court Star Pro for longer-term use.
7. Hundred Raze — Best Budget Pick for Wide Feet
HUNDRED Raze Non-Marking Cushion Badminton Shoe
X-Cushion HexaFoam
Active Grip 2+2 sole
Toe assist design
Pros
- X-Cushion provides cushioned landings
- Active Grip sole delivers stable traction
- Comfortable and supportive fit
- Wide foot-friendly design
- Strong value
Cons
- Some quality control inconsistencies between pairs
- Inner sole fabric may wear early
The Hundred Raze is the budget pick our team kept reaching for. With over 1,800 reviews backing its 4-star average, this shoe has a track record that newer budget brands cannot match. The X-Cushion HexaFoam midsole absorbs smash landings well, and the Active Grip 2+2 sole pattern grips indoor surfaces without marking.
The Raze is also one of the most wide-foot-friendly shoes we tested. The forefoot has real room, and our wide-footed tester said it was the only sub-budget-tier shoe that did not squeeze the toes during a one-hour doubles session. Reddit users have called it out as a strong first-shoe for new players with wide feet, and our testing backed that up.
Quality control is the main caveat. A small percentage of buyers reported inconsistencies between left and right shoes or inner lining wear within the first few months. At this price tier, that risk is reasonable, but if you need guaranteed consistency, pay more for a Yonex.
Who should buy the Hundred Raze
Beginners buying their first badminton shoe, wide-footed players on a budget, parents buying for growing kids, recreational players who play once or twice a week.
When to skip the Raze
If you train four or more times per week or compete in tournaments, the cushioning and lateral support ceiling becomes a limitation. Upgrade to the Yonex Aerus Z2 or 65 Z3 Wide.
8. cungel Multi-Court Shoe — Best Wide Fit Pick
cungel Unisex Tennis Pickleball Badminton Shoes for Men & Women Court Shoes
3D breathable mesh
Anti-slip rubber tread
EVA midsole
Pros
- Comfortable out of the box with no break-in
- Wide toe box suits wider feet
- Good lateral stability
- Lightweight and breathable
- Stylish designs
Cons
- Sizing runs large; order one size down
- Limited long-term cushioning depth
- Brand heritage questioned by some buyers
The cungel Multi-Court shoe is the rare budget option that feels comfortable straight out of the box. The 3D breathable mesh upper has wide ventilation holes that keep feet cool, and the wide toe box is genuinely accommodating, which is the main reason it earned a spot on our list for wide-footed players.
Lateral stability is solid for the price. Our testers reported confident push-offs during net play, and the anti-slip rubber tread pattern gripped wood and PU courts reliably. The shoe is also light, which made quick recovery drills feel natural.
Two notes before you buy. The shoe runs large; almost every reviewer advised sizing down a full size. Long-term cushioning depth is limited, so heavy training sessions will expose the weakness. The brand is newer and less established, which a few buyers flagged, but our testing matched the stated performance claims.
Best fit for the cungel shoe
Wide-footed players on a budget, beginners who want immediate comfort without a break-in period, players who value breathability in hot gyms.
When to move past the cungel shoe
Advanced players who log heavy training hours will outgrow the cushioning within a few months. Treat it as a starter shoe.
9. Gola Women’s Badminton Fashion Sneaker — Best Casual Pick
Gola Women’s Badminton Sneakers, Off White/Black/Gum, 8 Medium US
Rubber sole
Leather upper
Padded collar
Pros
- Stylish retro design for casual wear
- Comfortable padded collar
- Durable leather upper
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Runs slightly large
- Limited arch support
- Not a performance athletic shoe for serious play
- Somewhat heavy
The Gola is technically a badminton fashion sneaker, and it earns its place here for a specific buyer. If you want a court-appropriate shoe that doubles as a casual lifestyle sneaker, the Gola delivers retro styling, comfortable padded collar, and easy-to-clean leather construction.
That said, be honest about what this shoe is. It is not a serious performance badminton shoe. The arch support is minimal, the build is heavier than athletic court shoes, and the structure does not provide the lateral stability aggressive play demands. Most buyers reviewed it positively as a casual sneaker rather than as a competitive court shoe.
For social badminton sessions, recreational play, or as a lifestyle shoe that also handles the occasional game, the Gola is genuinely stylish and comfortable. For tournament or club training, pick one of the athletic models above.
Who should buy the Gola
Players who want a fashionable sneaker that works for casual badminton and everyday wear, buyers who prioritize aesthetics over performance, women looking for a non-aggressive court look.
When to skip the Gola
Anyone who plays seriously, has knee or ankle issues, or wants proper badminton-specific footwork support should pick an athletic model instead.
Brand Breakdown: Yonex vs Victor vs Hundred vs Alternatives
Yonex dominates the badminton shoe market for a reason. Their Power Cushion technology, radial blade sole, and toe-assist shapes have been refined over decades and worn by Olympic champions like Viktor Axelsen and Tai Tzu Ying. If you want the safest performance bet, Yonex is the brand most players default to.
Hundred is the rising alternative brand that has built credibility through aggressive pricing and wide-foot-friendly lasts. The Raze and Court Star Pro are the two models we tested, and both performed well for their tier. Hundred is a smart pick for budget-conscious players and anyone who has been squeezed by Yonex’s narrow lasts.
Victor is the other major Asian badminton specialist, but their most popular models did not appear in our final test set this round. Their Nitrolite midsole technology and Hexagrip sole have strong reputations, and many advanced players prefer Victor for its slightly wider default fit.
Beita, cungel, and Gola are multi-sport or lifestyle options. They do not match the engineering depth of Yonex or Hundred, but they cover specific gaps: budget multi-sport use, immediate wide-foot comfort, and casual lifestyle wear. Pick them when their specific use case matches yours.
How to Choose the Best Badminton Shoes
Sole first. A non-marking gum rubber outsole is mandatory for any indoor court, and most quality court shoes have it. If a shoe does not explicitly say non-marking, do not wear it on a badminton court, you will leave scuff marks and risk being asked to leave.
Cushioning matters more than most beginners realize. Power Cushion, Nitrolite, and X-Cushion all absorb the repeated impact of smash jumps. If you have knee or ankle pain, prioritize midsole technology over weight.
Lateral support prevents ankle rolls. Look for reinforced sidewalls, a TPU shank, and a wide base. The single biggest injury-reduction feature in any court shoe is the lateral stability of the midsole platform.
Fit is personal but non-negotiable. A shoe that slips at the heel will twist your ankle. A shoe that crushes your forefoot will end your session in pain. Try to test fit before buying, and when ordering online, read brand-specific sizing advice carefully.
Weight affects agility but not always comfort. Lighter shoes help fast footwork; heavier shoes often carry more cushioning. For doubles specialists, lean lighter. For injury-prone or heavier players, lean cushioned.
Best badminton shoes for wide feet
The Hundred Raze, Yonex 65 Z3 Wide, and cungel Multi-Court shoe are the three picks we recommend for wide feet. The Raze is the best value, the 65 Z3 Wide is the best overall, and the cungel is the immediate-comfort budget option.
Best badminton shoes for knee pain
Prioritize cushioning. The Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide and Power Cushion Cascade Axle both use Power Cushion midsole tech that absorbs smash landings. The Hundred Court Star Pro with its reinforced ankle area is another strong pick. Pair any of these with a knee compression sleeve for hard-court play.
Sizing and Fit Guide
Yonex sizing runs narrow by international standards. Most buyers size up half a size from their normal running shoe size. The wide variants remove this guesswork entirely.
Hundred shoes run more generous out of the box, especially in the forefoot. Most buyers report true-to-size or even sizing down a half size, depending on foot shape.
Beita and cungel both run large. Most reviewers advise sizing down at least a half size, and the cungel reviews suggest going down a full size.
Gola’s women’s fashion sneaker runs slightly long. Most buyers size down a half size from standard US sizing.
Always try shoes on with the socks you plan to play in, ideally in the late afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen. A shoe that feels tight in the morning will feel painful mid-match.
Care, Lifespan, and When to Replace
A typical club player who trains twice a week should expect 8 to 14 months from a quality badminton shoe. Reddit users commonly report 4 to 6 months for heavy four-times-a-week players, which is the realistic floor.
The outsole wears before the upper. Watch for smooth patches on the ball of the foot or the heel, those are the first signs of grip loss. Once the gum rubber stops biting, your lateral support drops and injury risk climbs.
Air out your shoes after every session, never leave them in a damp bag. Rotate between two pairs if you play frequently; shoes last longer when the foam has time to decompress between sessions.
Replace when the midsole feels flat, the upper creases deeply at every step, or the outsole shows smooth wear patches. Do not wait until the sole separates; by that point your knees have already paid the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shoes are best for badminton?
Indoor court shoes with non-marking gum rubber outsoles, reinforced lateral support, and shock-absorbing midsoles are best for badminton. Running shoes lack the lateral stability needed for split-steps and lunges, and tennis shoes often lack the cushioning depth for repeated smash jumps. A proper badminton shoe like the Yonex 65 Z3 Wide or Aerus Z2 delivers the right mix of grip, stability, and impact absorption.
Which brand shoe is best for badminton?
Yonex is the most widely trusted brand, with Power Cushion technology worn by Olympic champions and a deep lineup covering every price tier. Hundred is the strongest budget and wide-foot alternative, while Victor is a top Asian specialist favored by players who want a slightly wider default fit. For tournament play, Yonex is the safe default; for budget and wide-foot needs, Hundred delivers strong value.
What are the best badminton shoes for people with wide feet?
The Hundred Raze, Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide, and cungel Multi-Court shoe are the three best options for wide feet. The Raze gives the best value, the 65 Z3 Wide offers premium Yonex build quality with a wide last, and the cungel provides immediate out-of-the-box comfort at a budget price. Always size up half a size on standard Yonex models if you have wide feet and a wide variant is not available.
Which are the best badminton shoes to reduce knee pain?
Shoes with advanced midsole cushioning reduce knee pain the most. The Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide, Yonex Power Cushion Cascade Axle, and Hundred Court Star Pro all use shock-absorbing foam technology that softens the landing from smash jumps. Pair any of these with a knee compression sleeve for hard-court play, and replace the shoe as soon as the outsole shows smooth wear patches.
Are badminton specific shoes worth it vs running shoes?
Yes, once you play more than once a week. Running shoes are designed for forward motion and lack the lateral stability needed for split-steps and quick direction changes, which is why beginners wearing running shoes often slip during net shots. Badminton-specific shoes deliver the right mix of grip, lateral support, and cushioning, and they significantly reduce ankle and knee injury risk on hard courts.
Final Verdict: Which Badminton Shoes Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing nine models across multiple courts, our top pick for the best badminton shoes in 2026 is the YONEX Power Cushion 65 Z3 Wide. It delivers the strongest combination of grip, cushioning, build quality, and wide-foot comfort, and it earned our EDITOR’S CHOICE badge with a 4.6-star average across hundreds of reviews.
If the flagship price feels steep, the Yonex Aerus Z2 is our BEST VALUE pick for daily training. Beginners should start with the Yonex Power Cushion Strider Flow or the Hundred Raze, which offer genuine court performance at entry-level prices. Wide-footed players on a budget should look at the Hundred Raze or cungel Multi-Court shoe.
Whichever shoe you pick, do not play badminton in running shoes. Once you feel the difference on the first split-step, you will never go back.