The right footwear can make all the difference when excelling on the badminton court. Badminton shoes are designed to enhance agility, provide maximum grip, and ensure stability during fast-paced movements.
In 2025, innovations in shoe design are making it easier than ever to find the perfect pair that combines comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you’re an amateur player or a seasoned professional, choosing the right pair of badminton shoes can elevate your game and help prevent injuries.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 must-have badminton shoes for 2025, carefully selected for their ability to meet the demands of the modern player.
Top 10 Must-Have Badminton Shoes for men and women
1. Yonex Power Cushion 39EX JR Unisex Badminton Shoes
The YONEX Power Cushion absorbs shock then reverses the impact energy for smooth transfer into the next movement. Compared with urethane, the YONEX Power Cushion construction provides 3 times more shock absorbing power. When dropped from 7m above a Power Cushion sheet, an egg will bounce back 4m without damage.
Mid Sole with Tough Brid Lite – a technology that is 11% lighter than Tough Brid, helping to retain shape and give elasticity and cushioning.
The Synchro-Fit insole provides extra support around the heel, reduces the gap between the foot and the shoe and gives maximum grip, comfort and performance.
Toe Assist Shape – Reduces pressure on the big toe and improves support at the mid-foot and heel for a more stable fit, whilst power loss is reduced for swift footwork.
2. ASICS Upcourt 5 unisex badminton shoe
A multi-purpose indoor court shoe, the UPCOURT 5 offering continues to deliver excellent cushioning for a range of court athletes. This shoe is designed with a flexible upper construction that can help feet bend more naturally and assist players in moving more freely. Additionally, this shoe also features synthetic leather overlays that improve support in the forefoot and help athletes make confident cuts. Designed with a TRUSSTIC™ application in the midsole, this application improves stability during quick transitions. Creating excellent comfort, the GEL® technology cushioning unit in the heel is functional for providing better shock absorption. A wrap-up outsole and outrigger is a functional support component during side-to-side movements. In contrast, the heel wrap-up expands the contact area during the landing phase of your stride to help generate a smoother landing. Lastly, the flexible grooves in the outsole are complemented by a side grip design that improves flexibility on the court.
3. Yonex Akayu Super 4 Unisex Badminton Shoes
Double Russel Mesh – Highly Breathable open mesh is lightweight and durable.
TruShape – Removes Pressure and provides a comfortable fit around toes. Centre of gravity shifted to the large toe when most power is concentrated for a painless fit that offers more speed in your step.
TruCushion – It provides maximum shock absorption and quick compression recovery. Its high resilience ensures that Yonex insoles retain their shape much longer.
Carbon Sheet – Carbon Sheet is equipped to provide robust reinforcement under and outside the center of the foot, reducing shoe twist.
Round Sole – Round Sole is designed to provide all-around support for quick and smooth footwork. Round Sole ensures smooth movements and the transfer of maximum energy.
4. Nivia Powerstrike 3.0 Badminton Shoes for men
Breathable Mesh with Fusion Technology and Asymmetrical upper and lacing system
Moulded Removable P.U (SPORTHO FOOTCUSHION) sock liner.
Soft cushion NR EVA Inner insole.
Duo foam Soft compressed midsole. Mid Foot TPU Shank stretches out under the arch to increase stability
Non-marking Multi Directional herringbone structure and Round out Sole gives more stability and better agility.
5. Nivia HYCourt 2.1 unisex Badminton Shoes
Upper breathable mesh covered with TPU film gives you a locked-in fit & provides lightweight comfort and breathability. Nivia HYCourt 2.1 Badminton Shoes (Navy Blue)
Die-Cut soft NR EVA sockliner laminated with polyester fabric for better cushioning and comfort.
Soft cushion NR EVA Inner insole provides better shield and comfort.
Non-marking multi-directional herringbone structure and round sole are designed to provide excellent gripping and durability for quick and smooth movement.Upper breathable mesh covered with TPU film gives you a locked-in fit & provides lightweight comfort and breathability. Nivia HYCourt 2.1 Badminton Shoes (Navy Blue)
Die-Cut soft NR EVA sockliner laminated with polyester fabric for better cushioning and comfort.
Soft cushion NR EVA Inner insole provides better shield and comfort.
Non-marking multi-directional herringbone structure and round sole are designed to provide excellent gripping and durability for quick and smooth movement.
6. NIVIA SUPER COURT BADMINTON SHOES for men
NIVIA SUPER COURT BADMINTON SHOES
- Soft Cushioned Tongue and Ankle
- Textured Outsole with Patterned Grooves and Lugs
- Reinforced Heel Collar, Soft and Padded Footbed, Overlay Detail.
- Nivia Badminton Shoe features an asymmetrical fit that gives the foot the support and stability it needs for more accurate footwork.
7. ASICS Upcourt 5 unisex Badminton Shoes
A multi-purpose indoor court shoe, the UPCOURT 5 offering continues to deliver excellent cushioning for a range of court athletes. This shoe is designed with a flexible upper construction that can help feet bend more naturally and assist players in moving more freely.
Additionally, this shoe also features synthetic leather overlays that improve support in the forefoot and help athletes make confident cuts.
Designed with a TRUSSTIC™ application in the midsole, this application improves stability during quick transitions. Creating excellent comfort, the GEL® technology cushioning unit in the heel is functional for providing better shock absorption.
A wrap-up outsole and outrigger is a functional support component during side-to-side movements. In contrast, the heel wrap-up expands the contact area during the landing phase of your stride to help generate a smoother landing.
Lastly, the flexible grooves in the outsole are complemented by a side grip design that improves flexibility on the court.
8. Nivia HY COURT KIDS Badminton Shoes
- Breathable mesh Upper with TPU Film.
- Die-Cut soft EVA insole laminated with Polyester fabric.
- Nonmarking rubber outsole.
- Duofoam midsole.
- Standard Adjustable Nylon Lace.
- 250 ± 10gms .
- It Can be used for sports like Badminton / Volleyball / Squash / Training & workout.
- Flexipro technology in sole makes it Flexible for a responsive game.
9. Asics Gel Rocket 11 Badminton Shoe for men
The GEL-ROCKET® 11 style is a multi-purpose indoor court shoe that offers good stability and easy movement for a range of court athletes.
This shoe is designed with a flexible upper construction that’s breathable and more comfortable.
A TPU TRUSSTIC® application in the midsole is designed to help resist over-twisting and improve stability during quick transitions.
Its wrap-up outsole and outrigger are functional support components that are helpful during side-to-side movements. Meanwhile, the outsole’s flexion grooves provide better flexibility to help you move more freely on the court.
Double Russel Mesh – Highly Breathable open mesh is lightweight and durable.
TruShape – Removes Pressure and provides a comfortable fit around toes. Centre of gravity shifted to the large toe when most power is concentrated for a painless fit that offers more speed in your step.
TruCushion – It provides maximum shock absorption and quick compression recovery. Its high resilience ensures that Yonex insoles retain their shape much longer.
Carbon Sheet – Carbon Sheet is equipped to provide robust reinforcement under and outside the center of the foot, reducing shoe twist.
Round Sole – Round Sole is designed to provide all-around support for quick and smooth footwork. Round Sole ensures smooth movements and the transfer of maximum energy.
How to Choose the Right Badminton Shoe for Your Playing Style
When selecting the right badminton shoe, it’s essential to match your choice with your playing style. Every player has unique movement patterns, footwork, and specific areas they put pressure on. Here’s how you can choose the best shoe for your game:
1. For Aggressive Players
If your game relies on quick, aggressive movements like fast smashes, leaps, and sudden direction changes, you’ll need a shoe that can keep up with your explosive footwork. Look for shoes that are lightweight yet provide excellent cushioning to absorb the shock from jumps and lunges. A strong grip is crucial, as slipping can compromise both your speed and safety. Aggressive players should prioritize shoes with responsive soles, good ankle support, and shock absorption.
Key Features:
- Lightweight design for agility.
- Enhanced grip for quick pivots.
- Superior cushioning to protect against impact.
2. For Defensive Players
Defensive players, who focus more on keeping the rally going, often have to cover a lot of ground and make rapid lateral movements. For this type of play, stability is more important than speed. Look for shoes with a sturdy build that offer exceptional lateral support to prevent rolling your ankle during fast side-to-side movement. Cushioning is also important to reduce fatigue during long rallies, so prioritize comfort over extreme lightness.
Key Features:
- Sturdy construction for stability.
- Strong lateral support to handle side-to-side movements.
- Durable materials to withstand longer matches.
3. For All-Round Players
If you play both aggressively and defensively, you need a versatile shoe that offers a balance between speed, comfort, and stability. All-round players should seek shoes that offer moderate cushioning, a balance between lightweight and durability, and a flexible sole that can adapt to different movements. All-rounders may benefit from hybrid models that feature a mix of lightweight materials for agility and extra support for stability.
Key Features:
- Moderate cushioning and support for versatility.
- Balanced weight for both speed and stability.
- Flexible sole for a range of movements.
4. For Players with Specialized Footwork
Some players rely heavily on footwork techniques such as sliding, skidding, or executing quick drops. In such cases, flexibility in the shoe is essential. Players who use advanced footwork need a shoe with a flexible sole and a reinforced toe area to avoid wear and tear. Opt for shoes that combine flexibility with grip, allowing for smooth movements across the court without compromising traction.
Key Features:
- Flexible sole for advanced footwork.
- Reinforced toe for durability.
- A balance of grip and smooth movement.
5. For Recreational or Casual Players
If you play badminton more casually, your shoe choice doesn’t need to be as specialized as a professional player’s. Focus on comfort, durability, and grip, as these features will keep you safe and comfortable on the court during casual games. You can opt for a shoe with moderate support and cushioning to enjoy the game without worrying about performance-oriented features.
Key Features:
- Comfortable cushioning for extended use.
- Durable materials for occasional play.
- Moderate grip for safety on the court.
Select the Right Badminton Shoes Based on Your Playing Preference:
- Aggressive players should choose lightweight shoes featuring excellent grip capability and cushioning benefits.
- Players who play on defensive side should choose shoes which offer durable lateral support along with defensive stability should be selected by .
- For casual players a medium level of cushioning with gripping capabilities and durability shoes matter most.
Following this guidance will enable you to choose the most suitable badminton shoes that will boost your game in 2025.
