Dear all,
There are hundreds of thousands of people playing badminton weekly in the United Kingdom for the joy of movement, making friends, and the challenge of competing against others. Being one of them makes me a proud supporter of the sport of badminton.
While I am playing, I also observe and analyse what people are capable or incapable of doing, so I can build my strategy against them. I visit many badminton communities across the North West of England, and I can say that around half of the players wear shoes designed for another sport, not for badminton.
This raises an important question: do people understand why badminton shoes are essential, and that this is not just a fashion trend? Badminton shoes are to players what tyres are to sports cars.
You need the right tyre for the right conditions. Otherwise, you risk losing control or eventually getting a puncture.
So what is a badminton shoe, and how is it different?
Badminton shoes:
- have rounded heels, allowing safer forward movement and reducing the risk of the ankle snapping forward
- keep the heel low and close to the ground, which is critical for side and backward movements and helps prevent ankle rollover
- provide strong side support, keeping the foot stable on the sole during lateral movements
Running shoes and other sports shoes:
Running shoes are designed primarily for forward movement. They feel comfortable and supportive, and for a short time they may even feel fine for badminton.
However, badminton involves frequent side and backward movements, often in unpredictable directions. Running shoes significantly increase the risk of ankle and knee injuries, from minor to serious. If you are young or very fit, the injury may come later, but it will still come.
One day you will be tired, unfocused, or both. Injuries do not choose between people. For this reason, please consider wearing badminton, squash, or indoor court shoes. Some top-brand indoor shoes can work well.
There are no paid advertisements here, so if we meet again, feel free to ask for recommendations.
Enjoy badminton,
Frank