Nike Free good for badminton?

[Ppt123]

Is this a good shoe for playing badminton casually? I'm not a pro or anything close. It looks comfy for walking and light running and seem to be very light.

Here is link:
http://www.nike.com/nikefree/usa/index.jhtml?ref=http://www.nike.com/nikefree

[Dummey]

they look slightly high on the heel, but as long as you don't plan on any training and just going out ot hit wiht some friends, they should be fine.

[wantedman]

i wouldnt recommend them, ive got a pair and i know they fold really easy at the ankles. if you're not careful, you could twist your ankles very bad, very easily.

[DinkAlot]

i wouldnt recommend them, ive got a pair and i know they fold really easy at the ankles. if you're not careful, you could twist your ankles very bad, very easily.

Yep, agree. There's not enough lateral support for badminton.

[charzord]

You shouldn't even use them for running constantly. They are specifically for training muscles that rarely get trained.

The concept of nike free was of joggers running on golfing greens to train their feet, a common practice among professional joggers. Nike saw thsi and created Nike Free. Use them once for every two times you jog with normal shoes, so you can strengthen up muscle that you normally wouldn't strengthen with normal running shoes.

So don't use them for badminton. Its not like you'll play with bare feet right? =P

[westwood_13]

I agree. The lateral impact will probably a) hurt you, or b) tear the shoes to shreds.

[stumblingfeet]

Now, you guys are all afraid of injury. Is that because:
A. Agile movement is inherently dangerous
B. The ability of your feet and ankles to act as a shock absorbers/force transferrer is impaired due to lack of training and overprotective footwear

A foot is able to change its mechanical properties in react to internal and external stimuli. Shoes, particularly heavy supportive ones? Not so much. I believe that a big part of the future of sports footwear will involve shoes that simply allow the feet to do what it does best.

[charzord]

Now, you guys are all afraid of injury. Is that because:
A. Agile movement is inherently dangerous
B. The ability of your feet and ankles to act as a shock absorbers/force transferrer is impaired due to lack of training and overprotective footwear

A foot is able to change its mechanical properties in react to internal and external stimuli. Shoes, particularly heavy supportive ones? Not so much. I believe that a big part of the future of sports footwear will involve shoes that simply allow the feet to do what it does best.

Then why don't we all play barefoot?

[DinkAlot]

Then why don't we all play barefoot?

Even Panda's wear shoes when they play badminton. Panda's like shoes.

[Ppt123]

You shouldn't even use them for running constantly. They are specifically for training muscles that rarely get trained.

The concept of nike free was of joggers running on golfing greens to train their feet, a common practice among professional joggers. Nike saw thsi and created Nike Free. Use them once for every two times you jog with normal shoes, so you can strengthen up muscle that you normally wouldn't strengthen with normal running shoes.

So don't use them for badminton. Its not like you'll play with bare feet right? =P

Interesting. The ad/ the webpage says you can run in hard surfaces like asphalt. What muscles that running barefoot actually trains exactly?

Maybe, people who like yo or wanna try playing badminton barefoot could try this shoe out, since its closest to playing barefot.

Well, looks like i'll be buying real badminton shoes now. :)

[__Lam]

I agree. The lateral impact will probably a) hurt you, or b) tear the shoes to shreds.

espescially b, friend wore these shoes while playing, the sides ripped in about a month :rolleyes:, these are not made for quick lateral movements, don't reccommend them.

[pumpkin]

Now, you guys are all afraid of injury. Is that because:
A. Agile movement is inherently dangerous
B. The ability of your feet and ankles to act as a shock absorbers/force transferrer is impaired due to lack of training and overprotective footwear

A foot is able to change its mechanical properties in react to internal and external stimuli. Shoes, particularly heavy supportive ones? Not so much. I believe that a big part of the future of sports footwear will involve shoes that simply allow the feet to do what it does best.

Don't dismiss this idea too quickly. There are some sports practitioners (and argue it quite convincingly) who advocate this idea. The thesis is that overly supportive shoes lead to the atrophy of our feet.

A good analogy would be strengthening your core in order to increase your power. You don't wear a back brace to do this but do strengthening exercises.

@stumblingfeet: I would appreciate links on this if you know of any. thanks.

[Ppt123]

I can see this shoes being ripped after a month of constant playing due to the materials.

[charzord]

Don't dismiss this idea too quickly. There are some sports practitioners (and argue it quite convincingly) who advocate this idea. The thesis is that overly supportive shoes lead to the atrophy of our feet.

A good analogy would be strengthening your core in order to increase your power. You don't wear a back brace to do this but do strengthening exercises.

@stumblingfeet: I would appreciate links on this if you know of any. thanks.
Dude, are we talking about constantly playing a sport that usually requires shoes (such as badminton, tennis, basketball etc), without using shoes? Training, I can understand, to make the foot muscle stronger. But constantly beign in a sport without shoes? (swimming doesnt count. Nor does beach volleyball ;))

Back on topic, I have a pair of Nike Frees. They will rip, if you play badminton, in less than a game. Trust me =)

[quik_silver]

It's pretty bad for badminton... The ankle support is really for badminton... And they are suppose to be for running

[azn_123]

Totally agreed. There is no lateral support. Sure it's a light shoe so what?? Compare it to a badminton shoe=bad. You'll probably end up with sore feet/sprained ankles.

[Ppt123]

I think playing barefeet not worth the risk or injury and pain given the uncertain benefit of doing so. Imagine your partner shoe landing on your bare foot after doing jump smash, mama mia!

[chickenpoodle]

i agree while playing bare footed is a bad idea, i do understand where stumblingfeet and pumpkin are standing with their ideas.

long ago, while we were running bare footed, we were hunters.
nowadays, while we run with supportive shoes, we are weak.

obviously i'm speaking in very general terms, but i'm sure you see what i'm getting at.

[westwood_13]

I disagree!

If the non-shod state was ideal for running, sports, etc., why would we have invented shoes?

After all, without shoes we'd have largely calloused feet which may compromise nimbleness, although that's just a large assumption. Regardless, sport scientists have put a lot of research into determining the pressure and impact requirements of different kind of sports and shoes have at least subjectively demonstrated enhanced performance pretty effectively. Not to mention shoes act as cushions... having the right shoes and soles can make all the difference to someone with terrible shin splints, osgood-schlatters, knee problems, hamstring/quad problems (speaking from experience... mine and many others). This is especially critical for those who pronate and require arch support, otherwise even running barefoot on a soft surface can be extremely painful. Keep in mind as well that unshod humans were working with different ground surfaces than we are today (ashphalt, wood, rubbers), and those who migrated to areas that were more predominately rocky appropriated shoes as part of their cultural dress.

Even the earliest humans created a variety of moccasins and sandals to protect their feet. I doubt we'd be doing it if there wasn't good reason.

[Dante_2K]

Is this a good shoe for playing badminton casually? I'm not a pro or anything close. It looks comfy for walking and light running and seem to be very light.

Here is link:
http://www.nike.com/nikefree/usa/index.jhtml?ref=http://www.nike.com/nikefree

I'm probably one of the few people who actually do. But, I use Nike Free 7.0 Cross Trainer. Reason: its designed to support lateral movements.

Also, I only use them to do drills and light play. Bear in mind that Nike Free models are designed to be worn this way. Its a supplement to your training that helps strengthen your feet. You're supposed to wear them half of the time. That is, you're supposed to wear them during training and then change to your regular shoes during play.

For your own safety, please don't wear Nike Free models designed for running.

[cooler]

i dun understand why some people want to go cheap or find their own inventive way selecting shoes from outside of badminton. If u r one of these people, u r thinking badminton the wrong way.

read what kwun had wrote on equip. Note that shoes are put on top and racket is rank near the bottom. This order wasn't done by random or accident.
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/badminton-central/content/view/91/33/

[neo-cortex]

I've actually once played with my nikefrees, because it was very impromptu.
I can honestly NOT recommend you to do it. First of all, these shoes are great for running training, but it does not offer any grip whatsoever on hard floor.

Another thing, a lot of horizontal shifting of your feet on the shoes because you are lunging or the sort could potentially break the suede part of the shoes. That's what happened to my pair :( I still wear them lots for walking and going to school though. But

[Kelvin]

I've actually taken up quite a bit of running, both indoor and outdoor since i retired from badminton.

This shoe is pretty nice for jogging on the treadmill or down paths with few obstructions, as previously mentioned, it may not be as strong for fast quick changes of direction, that you may be performing in badminton or squash.

For court sport type shoes, I'd recommend looking for something with strong supports around the ankles, and in the soles themselves, try looking for a gum rubber type surface. I know nike, addidas, mizuno all have decent lines of shoes players use for volleyball, & squash... you may want to browse their websites and look for them instead...
Just my 2 coppers.

[Cheung]

i dun understand why some people want to go cheap or find their own inventive way selecting shoes from outside of badminton. If u r one of these people, u r thinking badminton the wrong way.

read what kwun had wrote on equip. Note that shoes are put on top and racket is rank near the bottom. This order wasn't done by random or accident.
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/badminton-central/content/view/91/33/

I second and third that article written by Kwun. For many years, I have put shoes at a higher priority.

[Kelvin]

I second and third that article written by Kwun. For many years, I have put shoes at a higher priority.
Ah yes, I had not noticed that link.
Agreed as well... though personally i might put my clothing just above racquets, just because i'm the type to perspire quite a bit, and really i can play with any old racquet these days... preferably something carbonex hehe :p

[Scott Kam]

Our life span is much longer than when we were hunters

[moongirl]

the brand Adidas. Tried Yonex and mizuno.. not bad but adidas got good arc support and cushion. My orthopedic doc also recommends it.

[chessymonkey]

when ppl were still hunting for a living with bare foot..
i'm pretty sure that they don't play badminton

[surge]

i have the nike free 7.0. there are very comfortable and light to wear. i use them in the gym for weight training and joggin on threadmills.

i believe the whole shoe is made to make you feel real comfy like not wearing shoes. serve its purpose cos gym won allow you to train without proper footwear. and in gym, certain activites like bench presses won require any footwear in order to train well, same with all seated movements.

shoes is a must for support and cushioning. i have once bought a pair of cheap yonex shoes thinking can save some money. but heel hurt like crazy cos the sole was really thin...unless you are dead serious and travelling to mean world class ppl to play. then please get a good pair of badminton shoes

in conclusion, i wont recommend nike free for badminton. it like playing bare footed. but if you are traveling and playing a game or 2, i will bring nike free cos this shoe is so soft that you can really sandwich pack them and save lots of space and wt in your luggage.

[CoolDoo6]

i dun understand why some people want to go cheap or find their own inventive way selecting shoes from outside of badminton. If u r one of these people, u r thinking badminton the wrong way.


I value my ankles more than I value badminton. So i wear basketball shoes that have superior ankle protection while playing badminton.

[jerby]

I value my ankles more than I value badminton. So i wear basketball shoes that have superior ankle protection while playing badminton.
aren't you batteling symptoms?
what causes your ankles to sprain so easily, I thought you'd mentioned your footwork?

[CoolDoo6]

aren't you batteling symptoms?
what causes your ankles to sprain so easily, I thought you'd mentioned your footwork?

The symptoms was that when i wore non-basketball shoes, i had sprain, after sprain, after sprain. When I wore basketball shoes, the sprains disappeared. So what is the prognosis, doc ?

[Pete LSD]

You have to do ankle strengthening exercises. Stand with one leg on a stair step. The foot contacting the stair step should be half way out. And lift yourself up and down using only your toes while using your hand(s) hold onto something like a wall. Do a set of 20 and three sets each day. Try out a wobble board too. It helps your balance and develop strength in your ankles. The basketball shoes will only mask the weakness of your ankles.

The other issue is your footwork. If your foot land non parallel to the direction of travel, you will continue to sprain your ankle.


The symptoms was that when i wore non-basketball shoes, i had sprain, after sprain, after sprain. When I wore basketball shoes, the sprains disappeared. So what is the prognosis, doc ?

[wood_22_chuck]

Bad footwork comes to mind. But it's keeping with your form, I see, to modify equipment, instead of modifying personal technique.

-dave



The symptoms was that when i wore non-basketball shoes, i had sprain, after sprain, after sprain. When I wore basketball shoes, the sprains disappeared. So what is the prognosis, doc ?

[jerby]

The symptoms was that when i wore non-basketball shoes, i had sprain, after sprain, after sprain. When I wore basketball shoes, the sprains disappeared. So what is the prognosis, doc ?
bad footwork...
you'll have to ask yourself why you're the only person wearing ankle-height shoes for badminton...
I persoanlly líke to be able to bend my ankles when I walk:o

or, even better, visit a real docter...your ankles need to go on longer than your sports career...

[cooler]

Bad footwork comes to mind. But it's keeping with your form, I see, to modify equipment, instead of modifying personal technique.

-dave

i think ski boots protect the ankles pretty good, and no change in form required..:p

[CoolDoo6]

Bad footwork comes to mind. But it's keeping with your form, I see, to modify equipment, instead of modifying personal technique.

-dave

Yes bad equipment must be slung out of the window and good equipment put in it's place. Never let the t-shirt makers/sellers tell you which t-shirt is best, decide for yourself.

[CoolDoo6]

You have to do ankle strengthening exercises. Stand with one leg on a stair step. The foot contacting the stair step should be half way out. And lift yourself up and down using only your toes while using your hand(s) hold onto something like a wall. Do a set of 20 and three sets each day. Try out a wobble board too. It helps your balance and develop strength in your ankles. The basketball shoes will only mask the weakness of your ankles.

The other issue is your footwork. If your foot land non parallel to the direction of travel, you will continue to sprain your ankle.

Simple fact is I don't sprain now. Nor will I sprain in the future because my shoes would not allow me to.

Instead of doing all these exercises, left foot in, right foot out, in, out, in, out, shake it all about, why don't I just put on a pair of basketball shoes and just play ball ?

[CoolDoo6]

bad footwork...
you'll have to ask yourself why you're the only person wearing ankle-height shoes for badminton...
I persoanlly líke to be able to bend my ankles when I walk:o


I think maybe I am the only one who dislikes ankle injury enough to not worry about being the odd one out. I have no idea if my ankles should bend when I walk. But I am happy with whatever my ankles are doing by themselves. I have never felt the need to communicate with my ankles in any way.




or, even better, visit a real docter...your ankles need to go on longer than your sports career...

I have no injury whilest wearing basketball shoes. No idea why doctors are needed.

[jerby]

whatever man, if you like the quick-fix...be my guest..

I personally wouldn't be too fond of it if my ankles can't stay straight without being held down forcefully..but that's me...

and, also personally, I kinda need my ankles when I lunge...

[virtualkidneys!]

i use to have a pair of nike shoes and they didnt last long as the soles just wore out very quickly so i dont recommend them at all. U should by proper badminton shoes made specially for badminton.

[cycilver]

i have two pairs of free trainers i use to use for badminton. they're nice but it is very soft and the toes rub out very easily.