Yonex Power Cushion 65Z4
The most widely worn shoe in professional badminton, built with Power Cushion+ midsole, Feather Bounce Foam, and a Radial Blade Sole for an all-around blend of cushioning, grip, and speed.
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Our Verdict
The Yonex Power Cushion 65Z4 is the most popular shoe in professional play, worn by an estimated 50% of all Yonex-sponsored pros on tour, from singles specialists to doubles pairs. That popularity alone explains why it’s currently the best badminton shoe you can buy.
It doesn’t specialize in one thing the way the Aerus Z2 (speed) or Comfort Z3 (cushioning) do, and that’s exactly the point, it blends enough cushioning, grip, and stability to work for nearly any playing style. That’s exactly why it remains the go-to shoe across the tour, worn in its various fits and colorways by singles players like Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Lakshya Sen, Viktor Axelsen (in his own VA signature colorway), Christo Popov, and Wang Zhiyi (in the women’s Slim fit), as well as doubles specialists like Soh Wooi Yik, Aaron Chia, Seo Seung Jae, and Kim Won Ho.
- Cushioning & Energy Return: The Power Cushion+ midsole absorbs impact from lunges and jump landings and converts it into a responsive rebound, reducing fatigue over long matches.
- Grip & Traction: The Radial Blade outsole pattern gives noticeably better grip than the previous generation, especially on synthetic and wood courts.
- Weight & Speed: Around 8% lighter than the previous model while generating more repulsion, giving it an instant, low-to-ground launch feel off the first step.
For a shoe that’s been around since 2001, the 65Z line has aged remarkably well, and its continued dominance at the top of the sport says everything about how well it balances comfort, speed, and durability.
Our Ratings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Power Cushion+ midsole absorbs impact and returns energy, keeping legs fresh over long matches.
- +Radial Blade Sole gives noticeably better grip than the previous generation, especially on synthetic and wood courts.
- +About 8% lighter than the previous model while adding more repulsion, so it never feels bulky despite the cushioning.
Cons
- –Ventilation is decent but not class-leading, feet can run a little warm during long sessions.
- –Standard fit runs snug through the forefoot, players with wider feet should size up or choose the Wide version.
- –Not the lightest option in the Yonex lineup, the Aerus Z2 remains lighter for pure speed.
Specifications
Athletes Wearing This Shoe
