Updated 24 Oct 2026
Lunging sideways is where ankles go. These hold the heel firmly and resist rolling over, ranked from lab tests and reviews first.
Stability and protection, heavier players. Yonex's stability flagship: a stiff, snug shoe with a one-piece outsole that keeps the foot planted on hard cuts. Cushioning is firm, so it suits players who want support over softness.
From £103.83 at Central Sports RRP £170
Cushioned competition shoe, including heavier players. Yonex's new flagship line, with a springy REV foam and graphite midsole that reviewers found softer than older Yonex shoes. It aims to combine cushioning, stability and launch.
From £142.95 at Badminton HQ RRP £175
Maximum cushioning, heavier players. A very cushioned, support-first shoe with a removable drop-in midsole. Reviewers loved the landings but found it bulky, and the smooth midsole surface can let the foot slide.
From £109.99 at Central Sports RRP £179
Grippy, stable all-round badminton shoe. Hundred's first high-end badminton shoe (2026), with a Goodyear outsole and a carbon support plate. ckyew found the grip excellent and the fit roomy, though it is heavy at about 368 g a shoe.
From £99.99 at Central Sports RRP £140
Speed-first match play for light, fit players. Yonex's lightest shoe: very low and fast with excellent grip, but minimal cushioning. Reviewers recommend it for light players with healthy joints and warn it is tiring for heavy landers.
From £129.99 at Badminton HQ RRP £165
Light competition badminton shoe. Babolat's top badminton shoe, fifth generation, built for speed at 280 g. Michelin rubber, a rocker-shaped dual-density sole and straps for side-to-side hold.
From £72.95 at Badminton HQ RRP £125
Durable entry-level badminton shoe. Babolat's entry badminton shoe, second generation, built for protection and durability while staying light at 285 g in UK 9.
From £41.95 at Badminton HQ RRP £70
Cushioned, protective competition shoe. A heavier, more protective Babolat shoe that sits beside the Shadow Tour: higher collar, dual-density cushioning and a segmented flexible sole. Pitched at competitive players who want comfort and protection.
From £62.95 at Badminton HQ RRP £110
All-round club and match play for confident movers. The fourth 65 Z is Yonex's middle-ground shoe: snug, low and quick, with cushioning focused in the heel. Strong-footed players who want speed will like it; heavy landers may find the forefoot firm.
From £84.10 at Central Sports RRP £165
Comfortable mid-price badminton shoe. Babolat's comfort-focused mid-range badminton shoe, second generation, at 295 g. Same Michelin sole idea as the Shadow Tour with a softer, more forgiving upper.
From £72.00 at Badminton HQ RRP £90