Badminton Shoes VICTOR S82 Reviews

Joyce October 8, 2024 1 0

Preface

Lightweight badminton shoes typically feature relatively thin outsoles, breathable, and lightweight upper materials. These characteristics give them the properties of “quick startup without drag, lightweight and breathable without suffocating the feet,” making them ideal for players who are not too heavy, prone to sweating, or require fast start-up speeds. However, there are always trade-offs. Many shoes that pursue lightweight design often compromise on shock absorption, durability, and safety.

As a 177cm tall and 75kg heavy “big guy,” I find it challenging to choose shoes. If I gained another 10kg, it would be simple – just go for the P8510 with better cushioning and safety. If I lost 10kg, I could confidently wear any ultra-lightweight shoes. Initially, when the review team asked me to test the new VICTOR S82, I hesitated due to my weight.

Conclusion

To save you the trouble of reading a long article, let me start with the conclusion: “VICTOR’s new S82 impresses me in three main aspects. Firstly, its shock absorption is exceptional. It feels like a lightweight upper attached to a comprehensive shoe like the A922, offering similar shock absorption and foot feel. Secondly, the shoe last is impeccable. I thought P8510 had the most reasonable last from VICTOR, but S82 tops it. The toe and sides fit perfectly without pinching or excess space. Lastly, stability is well-designed. Although the upper is not as sturdy as P8510, S82 utilizes reasonable designs in foot plane inclination and localized force guidance to reduce the risk of rollover without relying solely on rigid wrapping. However, S82 is not perfect. As a high-end shoe, its insole feels somewhat low-end. For a more comfortable feel, you might need to invest in a better insole.”

Experience

The two most immediate sensations upon wearing S82 are: 1) Coolness, 2) Comfort. VICTOR previously released the P9210, a stable shoe designed for the spring-summer transition. Its knitted upper provided good breathability, but its thick, backpack-strap-like weave barely kept feet from sweating. In contrast, S82’s thinner upper is genuinely breathable, rivaling some running shoes in terms of ventilation. Unfortunately, it’s a bit late for such a feature as the weather is cooling down. But for players with sweaty feet, S82 is the best choice to keep socks dry.

Comfort is usually associated with comprehensive shoes. Most lightweight shoes prioritize lightness and quick startup, resulting in thin midsoles in the forefoot. For my build, after two hours of play, I can feel my forefoot being worn down, even numb. S82’s forefoot is thicker than its predecessors, absorbing impact without significantly affecting quick startup. Perhaps the harder cushioning material contributes to this.

A perfect fit and instant adaptability are S82’s other strengths. For half a year, I thought P8510 had the best last from VICTOR. A960 was too tight, and P9210’s toe was slightly pointed. However, after extended wear, P8510’s cotton lining compressed, leaving some extra space on the outer side of the foot. S82’s knitted upper is softer and more comfortable, with low hardness that prevents hard collisions with the foot over time, unlike P8510.

S82’s toe features a thin TPU layer on the outer side and two layers on the inner side, reducing wear during dragging steps. This design, using TPU instead of dense but heavy KPU, shows the designer’s dedication to lightweighting. TPUs are becoming stronger, making them inevitable replacements for KPU. Perhaps KPU’s decade-long reign is coming to an end due to its weight. Looking back at the S80, material advancements are truly remarkable.

Since the introduction of knitted uppers in badminton shoes, doubts persisted about their support. In my opinion, no upper material can withstand the intense and concentrated stress on the foot during high-intensity play. Excellent stability should divert stress to the sole rather than resisting it, akin to guiding water rather than blocking it, as in the legend of Yu the Great. Although S82’s upper is less sturdy, its foot plane inclination, forefoot flex point, and arch support are well-designed, ensuring stable startup and landing. But in case of accidental ankle sprains, S82’s upper might not provide enough containment. For stability, P8510 is still the better choice.

Another drawback of S82 is its insole. Despite anti-pressure designs on the forefoot’s inner and outer sides, the material feels insufficient. The lack of a “blue block” insole leaves a sour taste. Fortunately, VICTOR offers various insole options, so you can always upgrade.

Summary

In summary, S82 is an outstanding lightweight shoe with excellent comfort and shock absorption, resembling comprehensive shoes. Its thicker forefoot maintains quick startup while eliminating the discomfort of thin-soled speed shoes. However, the lightweight upper may compromise long-term durability under high-intensity use, ultimately depending on your budget.