Racket shoes for Black Friday
The racket sports shoes gathered here cater to the needs of each discipline: badminton with the Yonex Power Cushion and Babolat Shadow, tennis with the Head Sprint, Endure Pro, and Revolt, padel with the Head Motion Pro, and court shoes Skechers Viper. Options for men, women, and children, to choose from based on the sport, surface, and level.
The player's support, at a reduced price.
Badminton: rubber outsole and cushioning Power Cushion
Badminton involves front lunges, jumps and changes of direction on wood or synthetic floors: the shoe needs to be low, lightweight, with a non-marking rubber sole that grips without slipping. Yonex incorporates their Power Cushion technology, a foam that absorbs the impact of landing and then returns some of the energy. The Axelsen version bears the name of Danish player Viktor Axelsen, Olympic champion in Tokyo and then Paris; the Strider Flow Wide offers a wide fit, while the Cascade Accel is designed for women. The Babolat Shadow, from the Lyon-based brand founded in 1875, focuses on stability, from the Shadow Team to the more technical Shadow Tour.
Other racket sports
Racket sports for Black Friday are also available:
All racket sports are gathered on the racket sports page.
Tennis: sole according to surface and kids' models
In tennis, the sole depends on the surface: herringbone for clay courts, which grips without holding onto the clay and allows sliding, versatile and abrasion-resistant for hard courts. At Head, the Sprint aims for lightness and speed, the Revolt focuses on stability during lateral movements, and the Endure Pro is built for durability; its Boa versions replace laces with a dial that tightens the foot evenly. The kids' Sprint models with Velcro and the Sprint Pro make it easier for younger players to put on shoes. The Skechers Viper Court, lightweight and versatile, is suitable for recreational players on indoor courts.
Padel and table tennis: two opposing soles
Padel is played on synthetic grass covered in sand, between walls where quick stops and short movements in all directions are necessary. The herringbone sole digs into the sand without slipping, while the reinforced upper sides hold the foot during braking. The Head Motion Pro, available for men and women, is designed for this surface; their Boa version provides precise tightening through a dial. In table tennis, however, a very thin and flat sole is sought, as close to the ground as possible, for quick steps and small pivots on the hall's surface, without thick cushioning that would slow the player down.
When to replace racket shoes
A racket sports shoe wears down primarily under the forefoot, where the player pivots and brakes: when the rubber becomes smooth, grip decreases and the risk of slipping increases. Another sign is compressed cushioning, which transmits more shocks to the knees and ankles. A club player who plays several times a week often changes pairs every year. It is best to avoid wearing running shoes, which have high and soft soles that can lead to sprains during lateral movements. Black Friday is the perfect time to replace a worn-out pair before the second half of the season.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a wide-fitting shoe for?
For players with wide or thick feet who feel cramped in a standard shape. The Yonex Strider Flow Wide allows the toes to spread during lunges, preventing blisters and numbness at the end of a session.
Can badminton shoes be used for squash?
Yes, both sports are played indoors, with lunges and quick changes of direction. A badminton shoe, low and with a non-marking rubber sole, is well-suited for squash, provided it is reinforced enough on the sides.
What is Boa tightening?
It is a lacing system with a fine cable and dial: you turn to tighten, pull to loosen. The tightening distributes evenly across the foot and does not loosen during the match, unlike badly tied laces.
How to choose the right shoe size for racket sports?
Try them on at the end of the day, wearing your usual sports socks, and leave half a centimetre in front of the big toe. The heel should not lift during a lunge, and the forefoot should not compress the toes.
Do you need specific shoes for indoor tennis?
On carpet or resin indoors, a lightly patterned sole glides just enough and avoids sticking too abruptly. Many indoor courts require non-marking soles: check before your first match.
