More likely they are not allowed to use shoes from direct competitors. E.g. it will be weird if a Forza sponsored player dons Yonex shoes. Asics is in the best position since they are purely in the shoe business. That, however, does not take away the fact that Asics makes great shoes.
Bro Solar, u say a lot of pro players use Asics , who are they ? I just bought a mizuno red wave lightning , going to give a review after that .. Any bros here can can a quick review of Mizuno wave lightning shoes ?
Actually i also want to buy asics rocket but they dont have red color , so no choice bought new mizuno wave lightning red at around 135
Asics Gel Forza My current pair ..... justy got them last week. Not the 'latest' model available in the market , but i like them. Just a quick review: PROS 1) Excellent cushioning ! 2) Good heel support 3) Adequate 'ventilation' to dissipate heat 4) Sole provides good traction (tried on hardwood floors) 5) Moderately light-weight, not too heavy 6) Quite flexible, not as stiff as it looks 7) Looks good CONS 1) Not really suitable for players with wide feet (Slim design) After my first session with them, my last toe hurt due to its 'slim' design. But i believe the situation will improve after a few more sessions to 'season' the shoe. 2) A few may be uncomfortable with the 'high' cushion heel, but it didn't really affect me much. 3) Limited colour options 4) Quite pricey (approx SGD$150)
Bright yellow li-ning badminton shoes!!! I have been wanting to get this pair when I saw the China player wearing it. The color is super striking. But may not meet everyone's taste. Detail is superb especially the Li-Ning logo on the side.
Use any good shoes. Preferably the ones which will protect your joints, if you wish to play over significant number of years. I highly recommend using a good pair of silicone insoles inside the shoes. It made a significant difference to me.
It's about RMB620 if I am not mistaken. I got my parents to get it for me when they went to China for holidays. If you have time to look around, I guess you may be able to find one at a cheaper price.
Interested to know your feel on your Yonex and LiNing. So far about 1/3 of my teammates bought LiNing shoes and everybody feel very nice, especially we feel the floor is not as slippery as we felt before. Btw, professional players advised not to buy high heel badminton shoes, unless you are close to a professional player. Reason is that you'll have higher chance to injure your ankle during movement. I bought one pair of Mizuno shoe, I really felt it slowed down my speed and my body balance was not that good. Thus I put it in store room after bought my LiNing shoe half year ago.
My personal experience:- I used Yonex shoes for many years till last month. After fast games, my legs used to ache alot. Then I switched over to Yonex + Silicon insole - which was much more comfortable. Then I switched over to Adidas(more cushion) + Silicon Insole - My leg ache almost vanished. But my movements got a bit slow iniitially as I was bit cautious not to injure my ankle. But 1 month on, I have got used to it and loving it. Couple of days back, I switched back to Yonex+Silicon and I had a feeling I am running bare foot! So personally I prefer cushioned Adidas + Silicon insole. But I'd recommend atleast Yonex shoes (or any regular badminton shoe)+ Silicon insole. You need to use it to believe the effect. By the way, the silicon insole was recommended to me by an orthopedician who also plays badminton.
Thanks for sharing about the Silicon insole. How much is it? A bit worry if get used to it and later can't play games without this Silicon insole. Haha... Will do a study and also consult one of our teammates who is doctor on this.
Problem will be when you use heavily cushioned shoes + silicon insoles, which I am using as of now. Its all about getting used to it and preventing ankle injuries if you know your own game very well. Insoles+normal yonex shoes shouldn't be a big deal. Its just that you will feel it to be a bit heavy for first couple of days. Thats it. But you can easily sacrifice your first two days for the comfort and protection for long term. In India, you can get it for around 10-15$. You'll in get it in a pharmacy shop and not sports shop hehehe. Various online stores in google shows it shouldn't be more than 50$ at the max. in various countries. I am boasting about the insoles on and on. This is because it really made a difference in my life and the way I play. And I have been playing since a little more than 20years.
As a matter of interest, is anybody using the old Asics Gel Sensei Mk I (the blue ones) and can put a picture up purely for my gratification? I was sent into a frothing shop-rage trying to find these things a couple of years ago; even now I see pictures, click excitedly, and am greeted by NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Ah well... my forthcoming $55 Victor 8600Ace's will have to do.
Misinformation! You cannot get new 8600s for $55! You got basically new 8600's for $55 because... ...they do NOT fit Panda.
^^Nice one, Dink - you just saved me from having to answer a dozen emails I'll put a review of the 8600s (specifically c.f.'d with the 99LTDs) in the appropriate thread when I get hold of them.
