Joyce
Conclusion First:
In my opinion, the P9200 II is a shoe that combines both aesthetics and quality, upgrading on the basis of a classic design. It perfectly blends stability, comfort, fit, and versatility, making it the pinnacle of VICTOR’s stable badminton shoes.
Appearance Feelings:
According to the official specifications, the second generation offers three different color schemes: white, black, and orange-red, corresponding to pure and low-key, cool and steady, and lively and passionate, respectively. They suit different styles of players and can be worn for daily walks with ease. I chose the white color, which pairs beautifully with the light blue midsole outer layer, making it never feel monotonous and growing on me more and more.
Once on my feet, the most immediate feeling is “elegant.” Whether on the court or out on the street, you’ll be the coolest guy around!
The shoe upper continues the combination of PU synthetic leather and double-layer breathable mesh, but the mesh area on the side is slightly larger than that of the first generation, enhancing breathability to some extent and bringing better detail texture to the appearance. The detail of the lace storage design caught my eye, reducing the risk of long laces dragging. A small design, truly safe. The wear-resistant coating on the inside of the shoe toe of the first generation was already quite mature, and the second generation has made further improvements, eliminating concerns about wear and tear affecting the shoe’s overall appearance.
In terms of sole patterns, the second generation shares a high degree of similarity with the first, both adopting multi-directional cutting grooves designed to better enhance the shoe’s flexibility based on the repeated stopping and starting movements in badminton. At the same time, the all-around sole pattern provides slip resistance, wear resistance, and lightness. The insole is relatively thick, with the front part featuring VICTOR’s classic 3.0 water ripple anti-slip structure, which incorporates sweat-wicking ventilation holes and an ergonomic design.
Actual Game Experience:
After nearly two weeks of actual play, the second generation’s performance can be described as a relatively excellent all-around battle boot.
The overall feeling on the feet is relatively light. The 2.5E V-shaped last may feel slightly tight for most players when first worn, but it will gradually fit with movement. I found it very comfortable, with no stiffness like when wearing new shoes. A few simple runs and the shoe bends comfortably around the foot. Due to the addition of suede microfiber to the shoe’s lining, which is flexible, it fits snugly around the instep without being overly compressive. When running, the overall fit and comfort are high, providing a sense of security during starts and landings. The arch and instep feel very comfortable. I thought the upper part of the first generation’s forefoot was the softest I’d worn from VICTOR, but the second generation feels even softer and more comfortable.
In terms of torsion resistance and support, stability and security are evident during numerous starts, landings, and lateral movements. This is due to the large LS-S SHELL, with the light blue side portion being higher than that of the first generation, resulting in stronger lateral support. The high-strength TPU fused with the midsole outer layer extends laterally for support, enhancing landing stability and distributing impacts from all directions evenly, significantly reducing the possibility of ankle sprains.
The classic wave-shaped insole creates an intangible friction that provides more direct feedback during running, jumping, and stopping. Like most distinctive things, some players will love it, and I personally enjoy the clarity it brings.
In terms of shock absorption and cushioning, the heel incorporates an upgraded E-TPU energy pad, which is made of polyurethane granules and foamed to effectively cushion the downward pressure on the heel. It provides both ample cushioning and excellent continuity. Personally, I feel that the second generation is thicker and more responsive than the first, akin to stepping on a trampoline’s crisp and elastic feel.
Overall Experience:
Stability, stability, and stability again! During the past two weeks, with each three-hour session, I felt no discomfort. When wearing the first generation, perhaps due to its excellent fit and thick lining, my feet would feel a bit sore and stuffy after more than two hours. However, with the second generation, whether jumping, running, or repeatedly turning, I didn’t experience such feelings. The thin and soft lining, combined with the ventilation holes, made my feet feel unburdened, once again illustrating the difference in upgrades.
Summary:
The VICTOR P9200 II is a shoe that excels in cushioning, support, breathability, fit, and responsive starts, while also boasting high aesthetics. It perfectly blends stability, comfort, fit, and versatility, making it the pinnacle of VICTOR’s stable badminton shoes. On the court, you’ll be the coolest guy around!
However, as the saying goes, “You can’t have the best of both worlds.” Choosing stability means sacrificing some speed. High-end shoes are all exceptional, but it’s up to you to decide which aspect you prioritize. As with superlative players, they rarely have flaws; it’s just about whom you’re comparing them to.
