Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world, where a player must perform many court movements. And to perform such fast movements, a player requires a perfect pair of shoes that provide fantastic grip, traction, and stability to the player on the court.
Badminton shoes differ slightly from other sports shoes because they have an excellent non-marking rubber grip and provide better lateral support. Also, these shoes are lightweight, help prevent injuries, and are best for playing on wooden and synthetic floors.
These shoes are made of different materials and have a grip that does not leave marks or scuff marks on the traditional wooden or synthetic floor. Therefore, these shoes are called non-marking shoes. And here in this post, we will learn more about these non-marking shoes and how these shoes are different from other sports shoes.
So let’s dive in:
What are non-marking shoes?
Non-marking shoes are generally used during indoor sports played on courts, like badminton, basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
The upper part of these shoes comprises different materials like synthetic leather, mesh, and other breathable fabrics. On the other hand, these shoes have a unique rubber sole that offers maximum friction and a smooth ride.
These materials make the shoes lightweight, durable, and breathable, which helps to keep the player’s feet cool and comfortable during long matches.
Other important features of non-marking shoes include good cushioning, support for the feet and ankles, and a comfortable and secure fit. The shoes may also have additional features, such as reinforced toe caps and padded collars, to help protect the feet and provide extra support and stability.
Overall, non-marking shoes are essential for any athlete who plays sports on smooth surfaces, as they provide the necessary grip and support while protecting the playing surface from damage.
Benefits of non-marking shoes
- Non-marking shoes provide better traction on the indoor synthetic and wooden courts, which help the players to maintain their balance and stability while performing quick and frequent moves across the court.
- The effective sole of these shoes allows the player to land smoothly and prevent slips and falls on the court. Also, it reduces the risk of injuries like sprains and strains.
- Non-marking shoes help to increase the speed and agility of the player.
- These shoes are highly durable, made of high-end materials, and regularly withstand wear and tear.
- Non-marking shoes are generally designed to leave minimal and no marks on the floor, reducing the chances of damaging the floor.
What is the difference between marking and non-marking shoes?
Marking and non-marking shoes differ in their sole type and how they interact with surfaces.
The sole of marking shoes is made of rubber that leaves marks or scuffs on surfaces such as basketball, badminton, volleyball courts, and gym floors. It can be problematic in environments where the appearance of the surface is important or where the marks can create safety hazards.
On the other hand, non-marking shoes have a sole made of materials that do not leave marks or scuffs on surfaces, such as certain types of rubber or synthetic compounds. These shoes are often used in environments where the appearance of the surface is important or where marking shoes is prohibited.
The type of sole used in a shoe can also impact its traction and performance. Marking shoes provide amazing grip and traction on surfaces, which makes them ideal for outdoor sports like wrestling or football. Non-marking shoes, on the other hand, may have less grip but are better suited for indoor sports like badminton, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
Overall, the choice between marking and non-marking shoes depends on the specific sport and environment.
How to find out if you have a non-marking shoe?
Sometimes it’s quite difficult for the players to choose an ideal non-marking shoe for themselves, especially for beginners. So here below I have mentioned some easy ways to check whether the shoes you are buying are non-marking or not:
The friction test
You must first take your shoes and rub them on the court’s surface to perform this test. Instead, you can also use paper for rubbing the shoes. After rubbing them, you must inspect the paper or the surface for marks or scuffs. If there are no marks on the paper or surface, then it’s clear that those are the non-marking shoes, but if there are marks left, you are testing the wrong shoes.
The pressure test
A pressure test on non-marking shoes can be performed to determine the amount of force or pressure the shoe can withstand without leaving any marks on the surface. And to perform this test, you need to press the sole of your badminton shoe with the help of your thumb. Then gently remove your thumb, and you should see an indentation on the material that recovers to its original shape after a few seconds.
But if you are testing a marking shoe, it will surely leave a mark on the surface and will not recover to its original shape in time.
The line test
To perform this test, you need paper and a shoe that you need to test. And all you need to do is draw a line on the paper using the heel of your shoe. If no line is drawn on the paper, you have non-marking shoes. But if there are marks left on the paper, then you are testing the wrong shoes.
How to maintain non-marking shoes?
Maintaining nonmarking shoes is a great way to keep them looking great and durable. Here are some tips that will help you to maintain your non-marking shoes:
1. Clean them regularly
After each game, wipe the soles of your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during play. If the soles are particularly dirty, you can use a mild soap solution to clean them, but be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the shoes to dry completely before using them again.
2. Polish your shoes
To protect your shoes from dust, wear, and tear, you must polish them regularly, as there is a specific polish available on the market for non-marking shoes made of leather, suede, and canvas. After polishing your shoes, please keep them in the sunlight and let them dry.
3. Keep your shoes properly
Always store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Keep them away from humid environments, which can cause mold or mildew to grow and damage the shoes.
4. Replace the sole when needed
Replace your non-marking badminton shoes when they start to show signs of wear and tear, such as worn-out soles or holes in the upper. Continuing to use worn-out shoes can lead to reduced performance and increase the risk of injury.
5. Use a shoe bag
To protect your shoes, always use a shoe bag to store them. It will allow you to easily carry them from one place to another and protect them from wear and tear.
6. Rotate usage
Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for consecutive games. Alternate between at least two pairs of shoes to allow each pair to dry and air out between games.
Should non-marking shoes be used for running and other sports?
Remember, non-marking shoes are best for indoor activities like badminton, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. These shoes should not be used for outdoor activities like running and playing outdoor sports, as they are not made for hard and rough surfaces.
On the other hand, running shoes are designed according to the needs of runners. They are different from non-marking shoes, with cushioned soles that provide shock absorption, better support, and stability.
Final Words
I hope now you can ideally select a suitable pair of non-marking badminton shoes for yourself or your loved ones. And make sure that you check the shoes to see if they are non-marking or not before making the purchase. Also, ensure that the shoes help prevent you from facing an injury and enhance your skills and game.
Rather than this, I have mentioned some important tips that will help you maintain and last your badminton shoes without facing any problems.
And in case you face any problems or have any questions going through your mind regarding this post, then feel free to ask us or put them up in the comment section below.