When it comes to badminton, the right footwear can make a huge difference in performance. For women, finding shoes that provide comfort, support, and speed is important to maintain their performance. At the same time, the court should remain clean and damage-free.
That’s where non-marking shoes come into the picture. These shoes are designed to avoid leaving marks or scuffs on indoor courts while providing the grip and flexibility players need. In this blog, I am going to recommend some non-marking badminton shoes that I personally like.
What are Non-Marking Badminton Shoes?
Non-marking shoes are special sports shoes that are designed to be used on indoor courts. Badminton courts are usually made from wood. These courts are sensitive and could get easily scratched even with small sand particles. To avoid this scratching, non-marking shoes are designed.
Non-marking badminton shoes have a sole made from rubber or synthetic rubber-like materials. These used to be mostly brown in color. But now, with new materials, you get to see colorful non-marking soles. These soles are designed to provide a proper grip on the badminton court without causing any damage to the court.
Things to Look for in Best Non-Marking Badminton Shoes
Non-marking badminton shoes have become the industry standard for badminton sport. Some courts don’t allow you to play if you don’t wear non-marking shoes. So, if you play badminton or want to play badminton, you need to own a good pair of non-marking badminton shoes.
Besides the non-marking sole, you should look for the following:
- Grip
Even though non-marking shoes are designed to move smoothly across the court surface, they must have a proper grip. It’s best if this grip is multidirectional. Then, you can easily change directions on the court to keep up with the rally.
- Comfort
An ill-fitted shoe will do you more harm than good. That’s why it is important to buy shoes that you feel comfortable in. It should not feel too tight or too loose. Your non-marking badminton shoes must feel comfortable.
- Support
Nowadays, shoes come in different designs that aren’t just for aesthetics. They provide support to the feet so you don’t sustain injuries during rigorous movement on the court. Ankle and arch support are two of the main forms of support you should look for.
- Cushioning
Cushioning in non-marking badminton shoes is important so your feet don’t absorb the impact of landing after a jump. But this cushioning shouldn’t be too much; otherwise, your speed will be slowed down due to the extra weight.
- Breathability
The shoes you choose must be made from breathable fabric or at least have sufficient air vents. Without these, a lot of heat will be trapped in the shoe, causing your feet to sweat excessively.
- Durability
Buy badminton shoes from reputed brands that use high-quality materials. This ensures your shoes are durable and won’t wear out quickly. It’s always better to spend a bit more on one pair instead of buying multiple cheap shoes.
Best Non-Marking Badminton Shoes for Women
Based on all the criteria I have stated above, I have shortlisted some of the best non-marking badminton shoes for women.
- Yonex Women’s Power Cushion 65 Z
- ASICS Women’s Upcourt 6
- Yonex Women’s Power Cushion Comfort Z
- Lefus Women’s Light 201 Lightweight Non-Marking Shoes
- ASICS Women’s Gel-Tactic 12
I can personally vouch for all these non-marking court shoes. They are the best you can get. They are priced in a variable range, so you can choose the one that fits your budget.
Yonex Women’s Power Cushion 65 Z
The Yonex Women’s Power Cushion 65 Z3 is specially designed for indoor courts such as badminton, pickleball, and squash. Its gum sole makes sure you don’t leave any mark on the court, and the round sole ensures smooth movement in all directions.
Why do I recommend the Yonex Women’s Power Cushion 65 Z?
- It has a 3-layer cushioning system known as the Cushion Power Technology. Due to this technology, you get excellent repulsion and shock absorption on the court.
- The non-marking sole made from rubber offers a firm grip on the court so you do not slip during fast-paced rallies.
- The upper material of the shoes is a combination of synthetic leather and mesh. So you get perfect ventilation for the feet.
ASICS Women’s Upcourt 6
The ASICS Women’s Upcourt 6 shoes are very lightweight, which makes them perfect for a smooth change of direction on the court. They are marketed as volleyball shoes, but they are perfect for playing badminton.
Why do I recommend the ASICS Women’s Upcourt 6?
- If you are environmentally conscious like me, you’ll love that the dyeing process of the sock liner uses approximately 33% less water and reduces carbon emissions by at least 45% compared to the conventional dyeing process.
- There are supportive midfoot panels in the center of the shoes to provide that extra support. You can see those in white color by turning your shoes upside down.
- They also have toe and heel counters made from durable material. So, when you stand on your toes or land on your heels after a jump, the shoes won’t wear out quickly.
Yonex Women’s Power Cushion Comfort Z
The Yonex Women’s Power Cushion Comfort Z is designed for a trendy appearance and absolute comfort when playing on a badminton court. These are available in many exciting color options.
Why do I recommend the Yonex Women’s Power Cushion Comfort Z?
- These shoes use Yonex’s 3D Power Carbon Drive technology. Because of this, you get enhanced stability and superior support. You can make quick lateral movements without compromising your performance.
- The creative design of the shoes with vibrant colors makes them suitable for regular use outside the court as well as on the court. But don’t use the same shoes on the court that you wear outside because those could contain dust particles that will affect your performance on the court.
- The power cushion technology ensures maximum shock is absorbed upon landing on your feet, and you get energy return for enhanced comfort.
Lefus Women’s Light 201 Lightweight Non-Marking Shoes
The Lefus Light 201 Women’s Shoes are extremely lightweight with non-marking soles for different court types. These are some of the most affordable badminton shoes with premium quality. If you are on a budget, you should definitely consider these.
Why do I recommend the Lefus Women’s Light 201 Lightweight Non-Marking Shoes?
- Along with the non-marking soles, these shoes have power grip insoles. These insoles provide extra stability during quick movements. With these, you can confidently land on your feet with minimum risk of spraining.
- A comfort toe box is present at the front of the shoe. It provides neutral arch support and comfort. This is especially useful for professional players who spend hours training on the court.
- More than 50% of the material used is a mesh fabric. So, ventilation is maximum. You need not worry about overheating.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Tactic 12
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Tactic 12 is most suitable for women badminton players who want more flexibility and stability in the same pair of badminton shoes. It’s an excellent pair for entry-level baseline court players.
Why do I recommend the ASICS Women’s Gel-Tactic 12?
- The most amazing part of this pair is the Trusstic technology. An additional piece is placed on the lateral side of the midsole to help increase the stability at the midfoot.
- Lateral support is improved with an installed print reinforcement. So, the overall support of the shoe is enhanced.
- Gel technology offers great cushioning, and the heel wrap-up aids in smoother landings after a jump.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect pair of non-marking badminton shoes for women can make all the difference in your performance and overall experience on the court. Whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or durability, there’s a pair out there to suit your needs. When choosing your next pair of badminton shoes, remember to consider your comfort needs and the level of support you require. Feel free to drop your questions in the comments, and I will address them promptly.
FAQs
Can I use non-marking badminton shoes for other sports?
Yes, you can use non-marking shoes for other indoor sports like volleyball, squash, and table tennis. However, make sure that the shoes provide the specific support needed for each of those sports.
How often should I replace my badminton shoes?
How often you replace your badminton shoes depends on how often you play. Regular players must replace their shoes every 3 to 6 months to maintain proper grip, cushioning, and support quality.
Can I wear badminton shoes outdoors?
No, you cannot wear badminton shoes outdoors. They are designed for indoor courts. So, wearing them outdoors can cause the soles to wear down faster. This will reduce their effectiveness on the court.
What happens if I wear marking shoes on an indoor court?
If you wear marking shoes on an indoor court, it can leave unsightly streaks or scuff marks on the floor. This damages the court floor as they can be difficult to remove. Also, marking shoes will not offer the same level of grip and support as non-marking shoes. This will affect your performance and increase the risk of slipping or injury.
