Badminton Shoes Galore-How many shoes do you need?

                                          Yonex's SHB65s: From left, 65X, 65FT, 65CF

How many shoes does one need?

I believe like all athletic shoes, it depends on your frequency in engaging in the athletic activity.

For example, I played badminton about 3 times a week, so I purchased 3 pairs of badminton shoes, which I used regularly.

3 shoes in rotation for the 3 days. This has allowed me to wear the shoes for at least 2 years.

i.e. a $100 pair shoes ÷ 24 months = $4.2 per month spent.

$4.2 x 3 = $12.6 spent per month for badminton shoes.

After 2 years, the glue degrades, the outer soles wears out and the shoes fall apart...

Welted leather shoes (unlike glued shoes) on the other hand, can last up to 20 years when maintained properly. So far, no badminton shoes are welted, i.e. can be resoled.

A wingtip welted leather shoes from England.

Yonex SHB65FT Review

A replacement of SHB65CF, this shoe model was released in 2011.

Technology: Ergo Shape, Round Sole, 3-layer Power cushion, very cool mesh, hexagrip sole, Hyper msLITE, Power cushion Insole CF, outsole structure

First impression: This shoe is replacement for Yonex badminton shoe SHB65CF. Comes in two colors, shine orange and black/white. The shoe sits slightly higher up the ground but still low enough. The shoe comes with extra shoe strings.

Fit: The shoe fits well enough, feels like no break-in period is needed. Size fits as indicated. The shoes sit slightly higher up the ground than SHB65CF. Feels very comfortable wearing it, support is very good but felt a bit bulky/chunky.

Game time: Although the shoe felt bulky, this shoe felt bouncy when performing footwork (split step) to hit a shot (landing with the racquet foot). Lunging is easy and so is vertical jump, feels very cool even after 3 hours of game play.

Pros: Great looks, ventilation, cushioning, comfort and movement

Cons: Like most Yonex soles, easily builds up dusts and the sole may not be as durable.

Fit: 9.5/10

Ventilation: 9.5/10

Feel: 8.5/10

Cushioning: 9.5/10

Durability: 8/10

Movement/: 9/10

Grip: 9/10

BWF Superseries Finals

Next month in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur:

http://www.bwfbadminton.org/tournamentcalendar_event.aspx?id=16699

From 11th to 15th December 2013.

Hmm, should I go to watch?

Ever since Li-Ning sponsor BWF, the badminton shopping at the event is as good as the (ahem) previous sponsor. Li-Ning doesn't give good discounts...maybe I'm too cheap...

Location is at Cheras instead of Bukit Jalil.