I've been trying to locate some asics badminton shoes lately, and I've noticed that their highest model, the "hyper lashing", is exactly the same as the Gel Blades that are sold in North America/UK. The only difference is the colour, and that in the US/UK the Gel Blades are marketed as a volleyball shoe, while in Japan it's marketed as a badminton shoe. Do you think they are the same shoe? Or maybe just a few differences?

Here's some pictures

http://shuttle-house.com/PAGE_top_JAPANESE/MAIL_ORDER/category/asics/SHOES/TOB513_b.jpg
Asics Hyper Lashing (from shuttle house site)...http://shuttle-house.com/new-cgi/page2_i.php?mk=AS&hid=TOB513&lan=e

http://www.just-rackets.co.uk/gfx/uploads/img_1_10052007233804gelblade2007.jpg
Asics Gel Blade

Yes, they are the same shoes just with a different name.

This is just like the same for some cars from Japan. The 02' Toyota Vitz in Japan is called Toyota Yaris in the UK, and Toyota Echo in counties such as Australia and NewZealand.

I'm just pissed that Japan get's the nicer coloured shoes. Haha. I think I'll be picking this up soon enough.

I'm equally fond of each colour. And I'm usually pretty picky.

Where are you planning to pick these up? I've been wanting a pair for almost a year but couldn't find a place carrying a white one. (Canadian retailers only get black ones)

I bought a pair of Gel Rocket 4's since the previous generations of Gel Rockets were pretty good for badminton, but sadly, they made these a little too high, it didn't feel as good moving side to side.

I'd really like to pick up a pair of white Gel Blades, I'd appreciate any help.

Hey,
Yea, I know Canadian dealers only get the black ones. I was going to go to Canuck Stuff in Markham and try on the black ones to see how they feel, and to figure out the proper sizing. Then, I am planning to order them from a UK dealer. Another option for me is to order the actualy Japanese model from Shuttle House. It's just a bit more expensive with shipping, but not too much more than the Canadian price. (140 ish I believe? It's about 12 000 yen at shuttle house).

Cool. Please let me know how it goes.

I am wearing Yonex shoes with the size of 26.5. Would it be the same for Asics?

They were for me. It'd be good to try them on but most cases I've seen Yonex and Asics sizing were the same.

I am wearing Yonex shoes with the size of 26.5. Would it be the same for Asics?

I wear Yonex shoes size 28. My Asics Gel Rocket of the same size were bit tight. should have bought size 28.5

Thanks all the BCers :)

Haven't looked at this thread in a long while, but it seems the new Gel Blade 2 is out, and the colour's are very nice.
Not a bad price at $114 (canadian dollars) either, on par with some of yonex's shoes.

http://www.canuckstuff.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=156_106_109&products_id=417&zenid=7cfa7dea142d2d07b26cebb4764168f8

[Blade 2] Bought them very comfortable and excellent traction. Retired my 100mx's they were killing my heels. Would not recommend for a wide foot thou so please note. Folks at Canuckstuff were good to talk to and shipping was fast. Nice looking shoe work extremely well for badminton even great traction on cement when I played table tennis the other day.