Badminton Racket Finder
731 rackets · 16 brands · 157 in stock in the UK
Guide · 2 min read · updated 24 Oct 2026

Choosing badminton shoes

Why running shoes are a bad idea on court, and what to look for in grip, support, cushioning, fit and weight.

Badminton is lunges, sudden stops and sideways pushes. Running shoes are built for moving forwards, with a raised, soft heel and a narrow base. On court that soft, high heel can roll over when you push sideways, which is a common way to turn an ankle. Court shoes sit lower and wider, and are built to stop.

What to look for

  • Grip. A non-marking rubber sole, often gum rubber, that stops quickly on wooden and sports-hall floors without sliding. Most halls insist on non-marking soles.
  • Ankle support and stability. A firm heel counter that holds your heel in place, and a sole wide enough that your foot can't roll over its edge on a lunge.
  • Cushioning. Enough to soak up jumps and lunges, especially for heavier players and long sessions. Too much and the shoe feels slow and high.
  • Low to the court. A lower, firmer sole reacts faster when you change direction.
  • Weight. Lighter shoes feel faster, but the very lightest often give up support or durability.
  • Fit and width. Snug at the heel, with about a thumb's width at the toe. If your feet are wide, look for a wide version rather than going up a size.

Fit tips

  • Try shoes on later in the day, when feet are slightly bigger, with the socks you play in.
  • Lace to the top eyelet: it locks your heel in place.
  • Sizing varies between brands, so check each brand's size guide and what reviewers say about fit.

When to replace them

When the sole has worn smooth where you push off, the cushioning feels flat, or the upper no longer holds your foot. Players who train several times a week can wear through a pair in months.

How we rate shoes

We score every shoe from 1 to 5 on ankle support, grip, lightness, cushioning, stability, court feel, breathability and durability, and show where each score comes from: a lab test, independent reviews, or only the brand's own claim. Lightness is worked out from the shoe's weight.

Use the shoe finder to rank them for your feet, or see the best shoes for ankle support and for wide feet.

More guides

Singles, doubles and mixed: does it change your racket?What each discipline asks of a racket, from the back of the court to the net.How to choose a badminton racketThe five things that decide which racket suits you, in the order they matter.Racket balance: head-heavy, even and head-lightWhat the balance point is, how to measure it, and which balance suits your game.