When it comes to badminton shoes vs running shoes, there are quite a lot of difference. This is expected as they are used for different purposes and activities. When comparing these 2 shoes, almost every aspect of them is different. There are very few similarities between badminton shoes and running shoes. I own both pairs of shoes and here are the things you should be aware of.
The differences between badminton shoes and running shoes are their soles, height, the material used, and flexibility. They are designed very differently with very few similarities.
In this article, I will be going in-depth into the differences that separate badminton shoes from running shoes. After reading this, you will have a better understanding when it comes to badminton shoes vs running shoes and why they have their differences.
Soles
This is arguably one of the biggest difference between these 2 shoes. The soles are made VERY differently as they serve different purposes.
Thickness of Soles
When it comes to soles thickness, running shoes definitely are thicker and more durable. On the other hand, badminton shoes actually have very thin in and outsoles. This is done on purpose for many reasons.
With a thin sole, you are able to feel more of the ground when playing badminton. In badminton, there are a lot of explosive movements you need to make. The more you can feel the ground, the more explosive you can get.
For running shoes, the soles need to be made thicker so you do not feel too much of the ground. This will protect your feet from hurting when running for an extended period of time.
Materials of Soles
Badminton shoes and running shoes have soles that are made of very different materials. Soles of badminton shoes are made of gum rubber and soles of running shoes are made of rubber. Gum rubber and rubber are different. Yes, they are both rubber but different types.
Gum rubber is softer, thinner, more flexible but less durable compared to rubber used on running shoes. Moreover, the gum rubber is usually yellow in color.
Soles of running shoes need to be made of rubber that is durable because it is usually used outdoors and people can run for many miles. Way more compared to badminton. If you were to use badminton shoes for running, they would wear out extremely quickly compared to running shoes.
Flexibility
Being flexible is important when it comes to badminton. Not only your body but also your shoes. Badminton shoes are very flexible when compared to running shoes. This is because, in badminton, there are many types of fast-paced movements that you need to make.
Your shoes need to be able to mold into your feet shape no matter what movement you make. These movements include lunges, jumping, sidestep, etc. With flexible shoes, you will be able to make these quick movements with more comfort and speed.
On the other hand, running shoes do not have such great flexibility because it does not need to. Most of the time when you are running, you only run straight forward. The movements are always similar. There will be very little maneuver or direction change you need to make. Unlike badminton where you need to go left then immediately reverse and catch a shot on the right.
Center of Gravity
Have you ever realized getting taller when wearing your running shoes? This is because the soles, especially the heels of running shoes are quite tall. This is not the case when it comes to badminton shoes. They are usually flat and does not have high soles. In fact, this is made to give badminton players a lower center of gravity so they have better balance.
With running shoes, having a low center of gravity does not matter much since you are only moving one direction. You do not need as much balance for that, cushioning is more important.
Can I Wear Them Interchangeably?
Absolutely not. Badminton shoes and running shoes should never wore interchangeably. If you are going for a run, wear your running shoes and wear your badminton shoes when you are going to play badminton. It is more dangerous to wear running shoes to play badminton than wearing badminton shoes for running.
When you wear running shoes to play badminton, you can easily sprain or twist your ankles. This is due to the height of heels of running shoes, making it easy for your ankles to roll over when changing directions rapidly.
Other than that, it is also not comfortable playing badminton in running shoes. They are just not flexible enough for most of the movements you make when playing badminton.
On the other hand, wearing badminton shoes for running is not dangerous but it’s definitely not recommended. As you know, the soles of badminton shoes are very thin. This will cause your feet to hurt especially if you are running or jogging long distances.
Furthermore, running will also wear out the soft soles of your badminton shoes very quickly. This is especially true if you are running outdoors on concrete floors. If you want your badminton shoes to last as long as possible, make sure to wear it only on badminton courts and treat it with care.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many differences when it comes to badminton shoes vs running shoes. The major differences comes from their soles, flexibility, and center of gravity. Badminton shoes are more delicate since their soles are softer and wear out quicker.
Finally, you should never wear them interchangeably as it can get dangerous, especially using running shoes to play badminton. However, it is not as dangerous to wear badminton shoes for running but it is not recommended at all.
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