Badminton Shoes Lining Saga PRO Reviews

Joyce October 8, 2024 4 0

In the steaming arena, agility reigns supreme as players dart across the grid lines, transitioning weight seamlessly, each step a symphony of fluidity. The screeching of soles against plastic flooring, the forceful push forward—all these elements evoke the essence of “Close-to-Ground Flight.” But can this iconic shoe series still deliver such thrilling moments in its 2020 iteration? That’s the question the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 aims to answer.

Regrettably, amidst the ongoing pandemic, opportunities to hit the court have become scarce. Badminton, once an integral part of my life, now feels distant. The mere act of picking up a racket and slipping on my shoes seems like a distant dream. Yet, I find solace in incorporating badminton elements into my daily life, beyond its exclusive domain on the court. The integration of badminton shoes into my lifestyle marks a promising start.

In this tumultuous year of 2020, the heavily revamped Close-to-Ground Flight captured my attention. Chief among my anticipations was the introduction of the Pebax elastomer-based “beng” midsole in badminton shoes, ushering in a new era of performance materials that transcends the conventional EVA. Additionally, the early design sketches of the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 intrigued me with their fresh, contemporary aesthetic that aligns with current sneaker trends.

Unboxing Experience

My anticipation translated into delight as I tore open the package. The shoebox itself was a pleasant surprise—crafted from sleek black foam plastic, it exuded a premium feel, a stark contrast to the ubiquitous kraft paper boxes. The box’s execution was impeccable: the lid glided open silently, the carrying handle was thoughtfully positioned, and intricate carvings adorned the interior, showcasing a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in shoe packaging. The stickers on the exterior, however, appeared somewhat rudimentary in comparison, though perhaps overly elaborate detailing would have been overkill.

Upon holding the shoes, it was evident that the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 had undergone a significant transformation. The craftsmanship was impeccable, with clean glue lines, precise fabric cuts, and even stitching. The shoe abandoned synthetic leather for a more tech-forward thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film on the upper, lending it an unprecedented texture and promising support. The black TPU film struck me as particularly appealing, both robust and stylish. The white sections, adorned with a pearlescent sheen that shifted hues under different angles, echoed the current trend of iridescent materials. The W-shaped stitching, breathable cutouts, and printed graphics demonstrated a commitment to design detail, a notable shift from previous iterations that focused solely on performance.

The heel’s three-dimensional fabric, reminiscent of neoprene, complemented the internal rigid support, ensuring ample heel stability. The dual loops on the heel, initially mistaken for a locking mechanism, were purely decorative, an element I found somewhat redundant. The sock-like construction, enriched with Lycra fabric, ensured effortless on-and-off, surpassing the ease of Li-Ning’s Fengying series. The ankle’s foam padding offered a plush feel, though the smooth fabric raised concerns about slippage, albeit not at the cost of sock durability.

The outsole retained the signature color-blocked design, complemented by a full-length beng midsole, visible carbon plate, and TPU reinforcements on both sides. This combination constituted a luxurious, top-tier setup in badminton shoes, exuding a sense of security. The familiar sidewalls added an extra layer of reassurance. Material-wise, the shoe left nothing to be desired.

Overall, the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 introduced numerous innovative design elements, blending freshness with substance while staying true to the series’ essence. However, for me personally, the abundance of design features bordered on overwhelming, as I prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. The intricate components also posed manufacturing challenges, particularly the thin lace loops, which, despite their strength, relied on a potentially unreliable fixation method. Only time will tell if the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 bucks this trend.

On-Court Performance

Eager to test the waters, I slipped on the shoes. My initial encounter with the beng midsole, perhaps clouded by lofty expectations, did not yield the explosive take-off sensation I anticipated. Instead, it presented a balanced, slightly firm ride, emphasizing stability over outright bounce. The constrained deformation, likely due to the flanking TPU shanks, suggested a focused, efficient energy return rather than flamboyant spectacle.

Weighing in at 357.2g (left) and 354.6g (right) for my size 42.5, the beng midsole’s thickness was well-compensated for, resulting in commendable weight management. As a 70kg individual, I found the heel’s compression range to be narrower than expected, hinting at a broader weight compatibility. The reportedly adjusted last shape finally allowed me, with my narrow 3E feet, to experience the comprehensive embrace of Li-Ning’s sock-fit badminton shoes. Surprisingly, the forefoot felt snug, eliminating the customary void above my toes.

Notably, the thin lace loops allowed for fine-tuning of the forefoot fit, enhancing the secure wrap when the first two lace loops were tightened, particularly with thicker socks. Initial concerns about heel slippage proved unfounded; the shoe adhered flawlessly, offering high comfort levels. Nitpicking, the relatively thin tongue, despite its pressure-relieving foam strip, could exert pressure on the instep with round, thick laces; swapping to flat laces might alleviate this.

Regrettably, due to the pandemic’s resurgence, the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 accompanied me on only two court sessions. Nonetheless, the beng midsole’s energy output became more evident during play, offering a sustained, responsive rebound. Despite its non-explosive initial feel, the shoe excelled in quick starts and offered ample protection for lower limb joints, thanks to its thicker forefoot. Cushioning was impeccable; despite the heel’s limited static compression, landings felt buttery smooth, dispersing impact effortlessly. The shoe’s lavish midsole configuration left little room for criticism, blending agility with stability. Pebax’s superiority in elasticity, even surpassing Boost in certain aspects, particularly in colder temperatures, promises further delights during winter play.

Grip and traction are staples of the Close-to-Ground Flight series. The segmented outsole, adorned with grip strips, promises versatility across various surfaces. Unfortunately, limited testing on slightly dusty wooden floors showcased the shoe’s prowess. The revamped tread pattern, deeper and more spaced, enhanced dirt dispersion and durability, a trait I eagerly anticipate testing further. Anti-rollover performance was exemplary, with the upturned outsole sides and TPU reinforcements stabilizing lateral pressures. The new TPU film upper’s exceptional containment further mitigated sideways slides, though at the cost of some breathability; even with ample ventilation holes, the post-game odor reminded me of TPU’s Achilles’ heel.

The heel lockdown, an area of emphasis for me, was commendable. Many badminton shoes prioritize flexibility over ankle support, leaving narrow-heeled individuals like me yearning for a snug fit. The Close-to-Ground Flight 2020’s upturned heel and sock-fit design cradled my foot like a custom orthotic, fostering a sense of comfort and security. I couldn’t help but wish that the decorative heel loop was functional, adding the ultimate touch of luxury.

Despite the brief encounter, the Close-to-Ground Flight 2020 left a lasting impression. I eagerly await the pandemic’s end to fully explore this new-generation badminton shoe’s pinnacle performance. Moreover, I hope to see more such diverse design languages in the badminton shoe industry, as monotony and sameness should not define this vibrant sport.