Badminton shoes on clearance
The clearance sale of badminton shoes features end-of-line pairs designed for indoor use: Yonex Power Cushion, Aerus, Eclipsion, Cascade and Strider, Babolat Shadow, available in men's, women's, children's and wide-fit versions. Rubber soles that grip the floor, heel cushioning and lateral supports: just what you need for lunges and jumps, from club players to competitors.
A pair of badminton shoes from a previous generation, at a more affordable price.
Why badminton requires a specific shoe
A badminton rally involves lunges towards the net, jumps for smashing, and shuffles backwards, with sudden changes in direction. The badminton shoe responds with a thin rubber sole, often light in colour to avoid marking the floor, which grips the wooden and synthetic surfaces of gyms. Its low upper and lateral supports keep the foot stable during side movements and reduce the risk of ankle sprain. The reinforced toe withstands wear from lunges, as the front of the foot drags on the floor each time one returns to the centre of the court. Lastly, cushioning is focused at the heel, which absorbs the impact upon landing.
Other clearance items
Badminton clearance also includes:
All clearance items are gathered on the badminton page.
Aerus, Eclipsion, Cascade: the character of each Yonex line
Yonex, founded in Japan in 1946, offers its shoes in lines with distinct characters. The Aerus is the lightest: it targets fast players who want to feel the floor. The Eclipsion prioritises stability and support in lunges and smash receptions. The Cascade, which is softer, focuses on comfort for long sessions, and the Strider Flow offers a natural fit. A special edition of the Power Cushion Sixty-Five is named after Danish player Viktor Axelsen, Olympic champion in Tokyo and Paris. All share the Power Cushion foam, which according to Yonex can bounce an egg dropped from seven metres back up four metres high without breaking it.
Babolat Shadow: Team, Spirit or Tour depending on your game
At Babolat, a company from Lyon established in 1875, the Shadow range comes in three characters. The Shadow Team is the entry-level model: it has a non-marking sole, good lateral support, it suits beginners or casual players, and is available in men’s, women’s, and children’s versions. The Shadow Spirit focuses on cushioning, with a thick midsole that alleviates stress on the knees of heavier players or those who train several times a week. The Shadow Tour, lighter and more responsive, features a rubber developed with Michelin for badminton, which grips on all indoor surfaces.
Wide feet, women, children: finding the right fit
Fit is just as important as technology. Players with wide feet should look for Wide versions, like the Yonex Strider Flow Wide, whose roomier toe box prevents toe compression during lunges. Women’s models, like the Yonex Cascade Accel or the Aerus Z, are built on a narrower heel shape. For children, the Babolat Shadow Team and Yonex Strider Flow junior offer the same rubber for smaller sizes. Trying on shoes with thick sports socks is essential, leaving half a centimetre of space in front of the toes, and it's best to reserve these shoes for the gym to maintain the grip of the rubber.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a pair of badminton shoes last?
For two or three sessions a week, expect around a year. A smooth sole under the front foot, cushioning that no longer bounces back, or a deformed side upper indicate it’s time for a new pair.
What size should I choose for badminton shoes?
Measure your foot in centimetres at the end of the day, and compare it with the brand's size guide, which is more reliable than European sizing. Leave a slight space in front of the toes without allowing the heel to move during lunges.
Do you need high-top shoes to play badminton?
No, most models have a low upper that allows ankle mobility, and support comes from the lateral reinforcements. For those with fragile ankles, a stable shoe like the Eclipsion offers reassurance during movements.
How do I maintain my badminton shoes?
Reserve them for indoor use, wipe the rubber with a damp cloth when it starts to lose grip, and let them air dry with insoles removed, away from a radiator that could harden the foam.
Why do badminton shoes often have a light-coloured sole?
The non-marking rubber, often white or caramel in colour, does not leave black marks on the wooden or synthetic floor. Most gyms require this, and it provides the best grip on these smooth surfaces.
