Badminton is a demanding sport with lots of quick movements and quick changes in direction. As such, having the right badminton shoes is essential for achieving peak performance. The shoes you choose should be comfortable, provide adequate grip, and provide the right amount of cushioning and support.
This is why it’s important to break in your new badminton shoes before you use them in a match. Breaking in your shoes will help to reduce the amount of discomfort you may experience when playing, as well as helping to make the shoes more durable in the long run.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of breaking in your new badminton shoes and provide some helpful tips and tricks along the way.
Why is it Important to Break in Badminton Shoes?
When you buy new badminton shoes, they’ll be stiff and rigid due to the materials used in their construction. This can cause discomfort and can even lead to injuries if you don’t break in your shoes properly. To ensure that your badminton shoes provide the best performance possible, it’s essential that you break them in first.
Breaking in your shoes will help to soften them, making them more comfortable and providing more flexibility, which will improve your performance. Breaking in your shoes will also help to reduce the risk of blisters and other injuries that can occur due to stiff shoes.
How to Break in Badminton Shoes
There are several steps you can take to break in your badminton shoes:
1. Wear them around the House
The first step in breaking in your badminton shoes is to simply wear them around the house. This will help to soften the shoes and make them more comfortable. Try to wear them for a few hours each day, and try to wear them while doing activities such as walking and stretching.
2. Go for a Walk
Going for a walk is another great way to break in your badminton shoes. The best way is to go for a walk on a soft surface such as grass or sand. This will help to soften the shoes and make them more comfortable to wear.
3. Wear them for Short Periods of Time
If you’re not able to go for a walk, then you can still break in your shoes by wearing them for short periods of time. Start by wearing them for 10-15 minutes at a time, and gradually increase the amount of time you wear them each day.
4. Use a Stretcher
Using a shoe stretcher is another great way to break in your badminton shoes. This is a device that you can use to stretch the shoes and make them more comfortable. It’s important to make sure that you use the stretcher correctly, as using it incorrectly can actually damage the shoes.
5. Wear them with Socks
Wearing your badminton shoes with socks is another great way to break them in. The socks will help to cushion your feet and provide more comfort as you break in your shoes. You should also use socks that are made from moisture-wicking material, as this will help to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Tips for Breaking in Badminton Shoes
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when breaking in your badminton shoes:
• Avoid Wearing New Shoes for Long Periods of Time: It’s important to avoid wearing your new shoes for long periods of time, as this can cause discomfort and even lead to blisters. Try to break in your shoes gradually by wearing them for short periods of time.
• Avoid Wearing Them in the Rain: Wearing your badminton shoes in the rain can cause damage to the material and reduce their lifespan. Try to avoid wearing them in wet conditions, and make sure you dry them off after each use.
• Use a Shoe Insert: Using a shoe insert is another great way to break in your shoes and make them more comfortable. Choose an insert that is specifically designed for badminton shoes, as this will provide the best support and cushioning.
Conclusion
Breaking in your badminton shoes is a key part of ensuring that you get the best performance possible. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips provided, you’ll be able to break in your shoes and make them more comfortable, which will improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury.