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Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and comfortable footwear. Sore toes, heel slipping, and blisters are common problems for players, but these can be avoided by using the right lacing technique. This guide will explore the different ways to lace badminton shoes to ensure a snug fit and prevent injuries. From the display style to the runner's loop, there are various methods to consider when gearing up for the court.
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What You'll Learn
Prevent heel slippage
Heel slippage is a common issue for badminton players, and it can be a source of discomfort and distraction during play. It can also lead to blisters and excess wear on the back of your shoes. To prevent heel slippage, you can employ a variety of lacing techniques that provide a tighter fit around the ankle and heel, minimizing slippage and enhancing comfort. Here are some techniques to try:
The Heel Lock (or Runner's Loop):
This technique involves lacing your shoes in a standard criss-cross pattern until the second-to-last eyelet. Then, thread the lace through the last eyelet so that it comes out on the inside of the shoe, creating a loop. Finally, cross the laces and insert them through the loops, pulling tightly before tying your shoes as normal. This creates a tighter lock around your ankle, securing your heel and preventing slippage.
The Vertical Ascent:
Begin by lacing the shoe from the bottom using a standard diagonal crossing technique. As you reach the second-to-last eyelet, transition to a vertical ascent by threading the laces underneath the vertical lace. Bring the laces back up and secure them with a knot. This technique tightens the area around the top of the laces, providing additional stability and reducing slippage.
Adjusting for Wide or Narrow Feet:
If you have wide feet, use a lacing technique that loosens the entire shoe and gives your foot more space. Skip alternate eyelets for each lace and run the lace up the side of the eyelets to reduce pressure. For narrow feet or to alleviate toe compression, try a technique that lifts the toe box, giving your toes more space. Start by lacing from the big toe eyelet to the top eyelet on the opposite side. With the other lace, criss-cross it across all the eyelets, creating more space in the toe box.
Other Tips:
In addition to lacing techniques, ensure that your shoes are the correct size and fit for your foot size, width, and pronation style. Take the time to measure your feet properly and try on multiple sizes to find the best fit. If your shoes are too loose, consider using lace anchors or lace locks to provide a secure fit and eliminate the need for constant adjustments.
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Avoid loose-fitting shoes
Loose-fitting badminton shoes can cause a lot of problems, from heel slippage to blisters and potential accidents, especially during lateral movements. Here are some tips to avoid loose-fitting badminton shoes and ensure a secure and comfortable fit:
Firstly, it is important to choose the right shoe size. While badminton shoes should provide a snug fit, there should also be some room for your feet to breathe properly. As a general rule, there should be a 1-1.5 index finger width between your big toe and the tip of the shoe. This margin may vary depending on your foot shape and the type of shoe. It is also worth noting that badminton shoes tend to stretch with time, so consider this when choosing your size.
If you have wide feet, look for badminton shoes that cater to this, such as the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion Z wide. Alternatively, you can try lacing techniques that give your feet more space. One such technique involves lacing your shoes in a parallel fashion by skipping alternate eyelets and running the lace up the side of the eyelets. This reduces pressure around the lacing area. You can also try lacing diagonally across the whole shoe, ensuring one lace is about 10cm longer than the other, and then criss-crossing it across all the eyelets.
For those with high arches or a high midfoot, a lacing technique that relieves pressure in the midfoot area can help ease pain. This involves lacing the shoes horizontally, with two laces going through the same two eyelets, creating a tighter, more concentrated fit around the midfoot.
Additionally, a "heel lock" or "runner's loop" lacing technique can help prevent heel slippage and keep your heel securely in place. This involves lacing your shoes in the usual criss-cross pattern until the second-to-last eyelet, then threading the lace through the last eyelet so it comes out on the inside of the shoe, creating a loop. Finish by crossing your laces and inserting them through the loops before tying as normal.
By utilising these tips and techniques, you can avoid loose-fitting badminton shoes and ensure a secure, comfortable, and injury-free playing experience.
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Runner's loop technique
The runner's loop technique is a popular method for lacing badminton shoes, and for good reason. It provides a secure and comfortable fit that can enhance your performance on the court. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the runner's loop:
Start by lacing your badminton shoes in the usual criss-cross pattern, ensuring that the laces are pulled tight. This initial step forms the foundation of the runner's loop technique.
Once you reach the second-to-last eyelet, you'll create the distinctive loop that gives this technique its name. Thread the lace through the last eyelet, bringing it out on the inside of the shoe. This creates a loop between the last two eyelets, which will serve as a key anchor point for the lacing system.
Now, cross the laces over each other, forming an "X" at the ankle. Insert each lace through the loop created in the previous step. Pull the laces tight, ensuring that the shoe is snug around your foot.
Finally, tie your shoes as you normally would. The runner's loop technique may require a bit of extra lace length, so ensure that your laces are long enough to accommodate this style of lacing.
The runner's loop technique is particularly beneficial for those who experience heel slippage or blisters. By creating a secure lock around the heel, this method minimizes movement of the foot within the shoe, reducing friction and the likelihood of blisters. Additionally, the distribution of pressure across the midfoot area can alleviate discomfort for those with high arches.
It's worth noting that while the runner's loop technique offers a snug fit, some individuals have noted that it may cause the shoe to feel slightly larger or looser over time. This could be due to the material of the shoe deforming with extended use. Therefore, it's important to monitor your comfort levels and adjust your lacing technique accordingly.
With the runner's loop technique, you can ensure that your badminton shoes provide a secure and comfortable fit, allowing you to focus on perfecting your smashes and drop shots without any distractions from ill-fitting footwear.
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Display style of tying
The display style of tying badminton shoes is considered the most common style for sports shoes. It is simple, convenient, easy to do, and fashionable.
If your badminton shoes have an even number of holes, thread the laces from the bottom to the outside. If your shoes have an odd number of holes, thread them from the outside to the bottom two holes. For each pair of holes, pierce from the outside in, and then thread from the inside out. Repeat this process until you are done.
This style of lacing is neat and comfortable. It is also the most popular way to wear badminton shoes in the European style.
The display style is a great option for those who want a convenient, easy, and simple way to tie their badminton shoes, without compromising on style.
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Sawtooth style
The sawtooth style of lacing badminton shoes is a popular method that can improve the fit of your shoes and make them more comfortable. This style is characterised by angled sections that point towards the corners of the shoe, creating a sawtooth pattern. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the sawtooth style for your badminton shoes:
Start by threading the lace straight from the outside through the bottom two eyelets. Then, take the left side of the lace and run it straight up on the inside, before bringing it straight across to the opposite hole on the outside. Next, take the right side of the lace and run it diagonally up through the hole just above the opposite hole on the inside, before bringing it straight across to the outside.
Repeat this process, alternating between the left and right sides of the lace, until you reach the top of the shoe. The angled sections should be directed towards the corners of the shoe that feel loose. This will ensure that when the laces are tightened, these corners are pulled inwards, improving the fit. Remember to lace your left and right shoes in reverse to balance the look and effect.
The sawtooth style offers several benefits for badminton players. Firstly, it provides a tighter fit, reducing the risk of heel slippage and helping to prevent blisters. Secondly, the angled sections allow you to customise the fit to your foot shape, providing relief if you have a high arch or midfoot. Additionally, the sawtooth style is aesthetically pleasing, creating a stylish look for your badminton shoes.
The sawtooth style is a versatile lacing technique that can be adapted to suit your preferences and foot shape. Experiment with the angle and tension of the laces to find the most comfortable and secure fit for your badminton shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Loose-fitting badminton shoes can lead to blisters or potential accidents if your shoe caves in when moving laterally.
The Display style is considered the most common tying style for sports shoes today. If your badminton shoes have an even number of holes, thread the laces from the bottom to the outside. If your shoes have an odd number of holes, thread from the outside to the bottom two holes. Pierce each pair of holes from the outside in, then thread from the inside out. Repeat until complete.
The Runner's Loop technique is a popular method to keep the heel tightly on the shoe floor.
Yes, a technique that involves lacing laterally rather than diagonally can help spread out the pressure created by the shoelaces, resulting in less rubbing and a more comfortable and stable fit.
Try a variant of a normal bow that is more compact, so your laces don't dangle as much. Elite professional badminton player Lee Yong Dae is known to use this technique.
