[Review Experience] As the Long Night Approaches, I Begin My Watch Today — On-Feet Experience of the Dark Energy Shoe A750PB

Joyce September 7, 2024 1 0

In today’s constantly evolving world of badminton shoes, what do we seek in a great pair? Better protection, faster start-up speed. These seem to have already been achieved in top-tier shoes, where one can always find a model that meets their needs. However, most importantly, it’s the aesthetic appeal of a shoe. Like that white S82, I instantly knew it was the one for me at first glance.

Black and white are both timeless colorways, and VICTOR boasts many stunning white shoes, such as the S82 and 9200AB. Black shoes also have notable newcomers like the S82LTD and the previous P8510 that left a deep impression.

VICTOR has now launched the Dark Energy series, encompassing jerseys, bags, towels, wristbands, shoes, and rackets, all predominantly black. This entire set reminds me of the Night’s Watch from “Game of Thrones.” As the long night approaches, I begin my watch today. The experience I’m sharing today is of the Dark Energy shoe, the A750PB.

When I first opened the shoebox, I was surprised. Is this really a badminton shoe? From the shoebox alone, it doesn’t seem like a badminton shoe at all. The yellow outsole and leather upper, traits typically associated with badminton shoes, are absent here. It looks more like a casual shoe, one that can be worn effortlessly off the court.

The shoe is entirely black, with only a hint of orange on the heel indicating the presence of an energy pad. The upper features a double-layer breathable mesh, enhancing air circulation. This design, already established in VICTOR’s high-end shoes, offers both excellent wrapping and breathability.

In terms of appearance, the solid black color makes the shoe highly versatile, perfect for those who prefer a low-key look. However, personally, I find it slightly monotonous. I think the VICTOR logo on the toe and sides would look even better in gold, adding a touch of flair.

The outer toe area is crafted from high-strength TPU material, ensuring arch stability and preventing inversion. The inner side employs high-wear technology, enhancing durability during dragging motions and prolonging the shoe’s lifespan.

The heel continues to utilize the Energy Pad 3.0, a material previously found in VICTOR’s premium shoes, ensuring unparalleled shock absorption. The insole also incorporates the Energy Pad 3.0, further boosting cushioning performance.

A convenient heel pull loop facilitates easy on-and-off. The barcode on the loop tempts me to scan it, adorned with “project black” — the Dark Energy series.

The outsole is crafted from VSR anti-slip rubber, with a unique non-traditional hexagonal tread pattern featuring a circular streamline design. This same tread pattern was also used in the previous Hello Kitty collaboration badminton shoes. On-court testing revealed smooth movement in all directions, with no noticeable difference.

The shoe adopts a 2.5 standard last with a U-SHAPE design, suitable for those with rounder toes. A single 41-size shoe weighs 327 grams, offering a moderate weight. Positioned as a mid-to-high-end all-rounder, the shoe excels in shock absorption.

In terms of configuration, the Dark Energy shoe is outstanding, boasting features commonly found in mid-to-high-end models, except for its unique tread pattern. If you’ve worn shoes like this before, you know to expect impeccable performance.

My first impression upon putting on the shoe was its ease of wear, thanks to the heel pull loop. The shoe wraps comfortably around the foot, with ample padding in the heel. Tightening the laces ensures a secure fit, providing a sense of security.

Arch support is exceptional, noticeable when tiptoeing. This support protects the arch during start-up pivots, allowing for more confident and aggressive footwork.

Jumping reveals the familiar bounce of the ENERGYMAX energy pad, which has been in use for years, providing familiar cushioning. Coupled with the ENERGYMAX 3.0 insole, shock absorption is even more impressive.

In actual gameplay, the Dark Energy A750PB delivered an outstanding performance, matching the standards of previous top-tier shoes. The forefoot wraps snugly, keeping the foot secure during movements. Notably, stability is maintained during lunges and lateral movements.

Shock absorption is also top-notch, cushioning heel impacts during net approaches and absorbing shock upon landing from backcourt jumps. As an all-rounder, it offers ample protection even for heavier players.

The tread pattern provides excellent grip, rivaling classic hexagonal patterns. Movement towards all six directions on the court is smooth, with outstanding anti-slip performance. While start-up speed may not match speed-oriented shoes, it’s more than adequate.

However, new shoes tend to feel slightly stiff, partly due to their newness and partly because of the robust arch support. As the shoe breaks in, the feel becomes more comfortable.

In summary, using the Dark Energy A750PB often reminds me of my previous P8510. Despite being a mid-to-high-end shoe, it offers all the essential features, more than sufficient for everyday play.

I believe the Dark Energy A750PB is ideal for two types of players: those seeking a backup shoe for occasional use or emergency situations, who may find a top-tier shoe too extravagant for such purposes, and those with budget constraints, looking for a mid-range option to tide them over until they can afford a top-tier shoe.

The Dark Energy A750PB is a versatile shoe that perfectly suits both emergency and transitional needs. For those who prefer black, it’s an even more compelling choice. Even as the shoe’s protective performance fades over time, it remains a stylish off-court accessory.