As light and nimble as silk – YONEX AERUS Z, the lightest ever, hands-on review

Joyce September 9, 2024 0

Embodying the quintessential spirit of Japanese otaku culture, YONEX seems to harbor a special affinity for the letter “Z,” which, in my interpretation, stands as the intersection of termination and initiation, where “zero” merges with the symbolic conclusion represented by “Z.”

The Lightest Badminton Shoes in History

Renowned for pushing the boundaries of lightweight badminton shoes, YONEX has once again outdone itself with the AERUS Z. Officially touted as the lightest badminton shoe ever crafted by YONEX, the men’s version weighs a mere 250 grams (for size 260mm), a feat that perfectly aligns with the essence of “Z.” The 42-size (270mm) pair I tested weighed 269.9g, validating the manufacturer’s claims and confirming its status as the lightest badminton shoe I’ve ever laid hands on. Even without wearing them, the sheer lightness is palpable, akin to wearing nothing at all.

Aesthetic Appeal: Gradient Hues and Seamless Design

The AERUS Z sports a gradient design that gracefully transitions from a deep ocean blue at the heel to a refreshing mint green across the shoe’s body. The seamless, integrated shoe construction merges seamlessly with the mint-colored midsole and outsole, elevating the overall premium feel. The abundance of breathable holes, intricately integrated with the shoe’s fibrous texture, adds a touch of ingenuity to the design. The AERUS Z exudes a sleek, slender silhouette from every angle, embodying the essence of lightweight design.

Seamless Comfort and Enhanced Durability

The seamless upper is crafted from a durable yet lightweight material, complemented by an extensive use of perforation for superior breathability. The two materials are fused using vacuum pressing, ensuring minimal deformation while preserving the material’s inherent flexibility. This design not only eliminates friction points between the toes and the shoe, significantly enhancing comfort but also promotes durability.

Superior Wrap and Unparalleled Comfort

Despite its featherweight nature, the AERUS Z maintains ample cushioning in the heel, upholding YONEX’s high standards for wrap and comfort. With a width of 2.5 and a noticeable improvement in fit over the A3 model, the AERUS Z provides a snug, yet spacious fit, ideal for various foot shapes. Both visually and physically, the AERUS Z exudes a heightened sense of sophistication compared to its predecessors.

Agility and Responsiveness: The Ultimate in Quick Starts

Its feather-light weight and seamless flexibility allow the AERUS Z to excel in high-speed movements like quick stops and lunges. When pushing off the toes, the transmission of power from the legs to the forefoot is instantaneous and palpable, making it a dream for players seeking agility and responsiveness. Unlike the direct, hard, and fast feel of the 65Z, the AERUS Z offers a more fluid, ribbon-like glide across the foot, akin to being wrapped in invisible wings.

Power Boost and Enhanced Rebound

Equipped with the upgraded POWER CUSHION+ in the heel, the AERUS Z surpasses expectations in shock absorption and rebound. The visible POWER CUSHION windows evoke a sense of resilience, while the actual experience is nothing short of astonishing – swift starts coupled with a smooth, comfortable impact recovery. For lightweight players prioritizing quick starts, the AERUS Z is an unparalleled choice.

Protection and Stability: Where Lightweight Meets Durability

While comfort, speed, and breathability are the AERUS Z’s core design pillars, protection and stability are equally crucial for a professional badminton shoe. The 3D Dynamic Carbon Sheet (3D DCS) integrated into the shoe’s lateral sides, reminiscent of the pioneering F1 model from 2013, ensures stability without compromising on weight. The elimination of rigid TPU in the midfoot is a strategic move that minimizes weight without significantly affecting torsional rigidity, a testament to YONEX’s engineering prowess.

The extended forefoot design enhances the shoe’s resistance to lateral rollover, while the improved wrap further solidifies its stability. The AERUS Z addresses the durability concerns of previous ultra-lightweight models by reinforcing the forefoot’s inner side with heat-fused abrasion-resistant material. The solid rubber outsole retains the durability standards set by previous YONEX ultra-lightweight series.

Aesthetically Pleasing and Performance-Oriented

Available in vibrant mint blue and bright yellow for men and mint blue and soft pink for women, the AERUS Z breaks the mold of conventional, staid-looking badminton shoes, appealing to consumers seeking both style and substance. Its outstanding on-court performance backs up its striking aesthetics, making it a worthy successor to the esteemed “Z” lineage.

In conclusion, the AERUS Z, with its modern design, premium aesthetics, and unparalleled lightweight experience, truly embodies the essence of the “Z” designation, offering a significant upgrade over the SHBA3 in terms of weight reduction, lateral stability, and wrap comfort.