Since two years I play recreational badminton on bare feet and I am wondering if there are more barefeeted players around. For me, it works out very good. The major advantage is that I, as a 48 year old, no longer have to fear for nasty injuries as sprains of the ankles or a rupture of the achilles. Ten years ago, the latter happened to me and I do'nt want to repeat that performance.
An other advantage of playing barefoot is the much greater speed then with shoes on. The first year i had to get used, such as aches after a playing an evening, but the feet became stronger and will now play flawlessly. To avoid slipping I dep at the beginning of the play-evening my soles with MgCO3, the stuff that is used for climbing walls for better grip. There it's also available.
The social aspect is for me no problem. After a few surprised comments at the beginning, my bare feet are now fully accepted by my teammates. They also see that I've become much faster. I never had blisters, but that's maybe because I also do barefoot running and my feet get a lot of practice.
What do you think of barefoot badminton? I think it will prevent a lot of injuries in this reactive sport.
An other advantage of playing barefoot is the much greater speed then with shoes on. The first year i had to get used, such as aches after a playing an evening, but the feet became stronger and will now play flawlessly. To avoid slipping I dep at the beginning of the play-evening my soles with MgCO3, the stuff that is used for climbing walls for better grip. There it's also available.
The social aspect is for me no problem. After a few surprised comments at the beginning, my bare feet are now fully accepted by my teammates. They also see that I've become much faster. I never had blisters, but that's maybe because I also do barefoot running and my feet get a lot of practice.
What do you think of barefoot badminton? I think it will prevent a lot of injuries in this reactive sport.