Hi,

I'm considering purchasing the Yonex SHB-95 mid shoes but I have no experience in wearing these high cut shoes. Does anyone here have worn them or know if there is anything I should be aware of?

The only downfall I can think of is that high cut shoes may be warmer for the feet.

isn't it that highcut is better for ankles, but restricts some ankle movements? i wear lowcuts (i think) even though there may be a bigger chance for ankle injury, but i like it cuz there is some mobility... plus its probably heavier.

I was comparing Yonex court shoes . . . actually 2 weeks ago I posted a question on the SHB-95, after some research . . . findings:

-make sure you do not buy the SHB-95EX, if it has an EX by the number 95 that means that it is an export model manufactured in China/India (something like that) but it is still pricey (some shops are selling these as genuine Japan made SHB95)

- EX models usually sold outside of Japan and certain Asian countries

-the SHB 95 has a superior sole to the SHB 95EX. You can see the difference on www.yonex.co.jp and www.yonex.com

-the heel of the SHB 95 is also superior to the SHB95EX

-the actual material for the gum-rubber sole is different

-the SHB95 (non-EX) is made in Japan and costs about C$165

-the SHB95 (EX) should cost about C$145

-the SHB95 whether EX or non-EX mids offer better support but is heavier

Having said that, you can buy the AR95 which is cheaper in quality to the SHB95 but is also cheaper in price then the SHB95EX for about C$125 in Canada. The AR95 has the same design the the real SHB95 (not the cheapy EX) but is made in China (I think) so it is a lot cheaper in price.

I bought a pair of AR95 for $120 when my pair of SHB92EX ripped at the seam in the front after 6 months!

NOTE: ALL YONEX SHOES ARE MADE IN CHINA OR SOUTH EAST ASIA. NONE OF THEM ARE MADE IN JAPAN.

Originally posted by Laurence
I was comparing Yonex court shoes . . . actually 2 weeks ago I posted a question on the SHB-95, after some research . . . findings:

-make sure you do not buy the SHB-95EX, if it has an EX by the number 95 that means that it is an export model manufactured in China/India (something like that) but it is still pricey (some shops are selling these as genuine Japan made SHB95)

- EX models usually sold outside of Japan and certain Asian countries

-the SHB 95 has a superior sole to the SHB 95EX. You can see the difference on www.yonex.co.jp and www.yonex.com

-the heel of the SHB 95 is also superior to the SHB95EX

-the actual material for the gum-rubber sole is different

-the SHB95 (non-EX) is made in Japan and costs about C$165

-the SHB95 (EX) should cost about C$145

-the SHB95 whether EX or non-EX mids offer better support but is heavier

Having said that, you can buy the AR95 which is cheaper in quality to the SHB95 but is also cheaper in price then the SHB95EX for about C$125 in Canada. The AR95 has the same design the the real SHB95 (not the cheapy EX) but is made in China (I think) so it is a lot cheaper in price.

I bought a pair of AR95 for $120 when my pair of SHB92EX ripped at the seam in the front after 6 months!

Oops, Pete is right . . . the SHB95 (non-EX) is not made in Japan, but the SHB95 is exlusive to Japan and a limited number of other countries.

Most of the SHB95 in North America are SHB95EX which are lower in quality (I find)

Lawrence, you are only partially correct.

a lot more info on the various versions of the SHB95 can be found in this thread:

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32&highlight=shb95

in fact, i am going to post a follow up on my recent findings.

I've a SHB95 (directly imported from Japan when it just launched) and I think it is made in China ... Personally, I still like my Mizuno Wave Smash Ti more (also imported from Japan) ... unfortunately it has been weared out and the new model will only be released in Japan in December this year.

I do have one question in my mind : is SHB89 better than SHB95 ?

yep, there're both china made, but then they put in more effort, money and control for the japanese model!

it's like comparing cars, same factory, but the higher end models got more gadgets, better engine, etc compared to the lower end models....

I don't think there is anything wrong with China made shoes, as long as they have good quality control. I'm sure the factory will not release the goods until they have been checked. If Yonex were to sell shoes made from China that are not as good quality, won't they be jeopardizing themselves?

There are other brand name shoes out there (street shoes, etc) that are made from India, China and they are one of the best I've seen.