Badminton Handbook · Chapter 6 of 16
Shoes, clothing & kit
Why court shoes matter, plus the rest of a sensible kit bag.
Court shoes
Badminton is full of sideways pushes, lunges and sudden stops. Proper indoor court shoes have a thin, flat, non-marking gum-rubber sole for grip, a low profile to reduce ankle roll, lateral support, and cushioning in the heel (for lunges) and forefoot (for jumps). Running shoes are a poor choice: their raised, soft heels and lateral flexibility make rolling an ankle more likely during side-to-side movement.
- Replace shoes when the sole is smooth or the cushioning feels flat.
- Wear sports socks that fit well; some players use two thin pairs to reduce blisters.
- Keep court shoes for indoors only, so the soles stay clean and grippy.
Kit bag checklist
- Two rackets (strings break), spare overgrips
- Shuttles suited to the venue temperature
- Water bottle, towel, spare shirt
- Simple first aid: plasters/blister pads, tape
- Optional: wristbands, headband, light snack for long sessions
Eye protection is worth considering in doubles, especially for children and newer players at the net.
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