Joyce
I truly admire Victor’s sense of innovation and determination. Even though the built-in midsole hasn’t been fully embraced yet, Victor still resolutely incorporated it into the P9200, their most successful shoe series. As the latest iteration of the P9200 series and the flagship model in Victor’s 55th-anniversary collection, what charm does the P9200III-55 possess
Victor’s 55th Birthday Gift
At the Victor brand conference, I saw various colorways of the P9200III, but among them, the first-released colorway of the P9200III-55, as the main attraction of Victor’s 55th-anniversary collection, stands out as a unique presence within the P9200III line.
I believe many of us were first drawn to the P9200III-55 by its color scheme. As a blue enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the allure of this colorway. Officially called “Medieval Blue,” it evokes a rich historical imagery that complements the shoe’s theme of honoring classics. Accentuated with gold details, it exudes a low-key yet elegant vibe. The P9200III-55’s colorway is captivating on its own, and it blends seamlessly within the broader Victor 55th-anniversary collection, where various shades of blue are featured. Each piece in the collection is so tempting that I want to own them all.
I wonder if the design of the P9200III-55 was specifically crafted for the 55th anniversary. If so, selecting this shoe as the flagship model for the occasion was indeed a meticulous effort. The P9200 can be considered Victor’s most successful shoe model, while the built-in midsole represents their latest shoe technology. When the classic design meets cutting-edge technology, what sparks will they ignite?
A Continuation of the P9200 Legacy
The reputation and status of the P9200 place immense pressure on its successors. Indeed, the P9200 is a formidable benchmark, but it also serves as a wellspring of inspiration.
Many details of the P9200II’s appearance still bear traces of the original model, such as the shoe collar lines, midsole contours, and outsole patterns. While maintaining the overall silhouette, it has carved out its own style, with less of the first generation’s sharpness and aggressiveness and more elegance and roundness.
In contrast, the third generation introduces even more radical changes. The upper resembles the first generation more closely, while the incorporation of the built-in midsole represents a complete overhaul. Some criticize the designers for merely combining two existing models, but I appreciate this design approach. Revitalizing classics with new technology can sometimes yield delightful results.
The benchmarks set by the P9200 in terms of support, wrap, and comfort have been carried over to the P9200III-55.
The Built-In Midsole: Capable or Not?
The most significant difference between the P9200III-55 and its predecessors lies in the use of a built-in midsole. Opinions on Victor’s built-in midsole shoes vary widely, even diametrically opposed. I believe Victor has received corresponding feedback, and while the built-in midsole is indeed a good idea, it requires further refinement and improvement.
Victor’s built-in midsole consistently emphasizes transverse arch support. Frankly, I’ve never fully understood the role of the transverse arch in sports, but I can attest that the P9200III-55 feels distinct from other badminton shoes as soon as you put it on. Initially, I felt a bit uneasy, as if something was pushing against the bottom of my arch. However, after getting used to it, the discomfort dissipated. When wearing the P9200III-55, the burden on the forefoot feels lighter, even after prolonged gameplay, leaving my feet less sore.
The P9200III-55’s built-in midsole is crafted from HYPEREVA material, which has been proven through practical application in shoes like the A970ACE and P8500II. Its comprehensive and balanced performance has garnered recognition among badminton enthusiasts. While the P9200III-55 may not offer as much cushioning as its predecessors, it excels in quick starts, thanks to HYPEREVA’s lightweight and elastic properties.
Despite the absence of a carbon plate, the P9200III-55 demonstrates commendable torsional rigidity. Upon removing the built-in midsole, you’ll notice a harder section on the lateral side of the forefoot, providing stability during lateral movements. The front and rear sections of the built-in midsole also differ in hardness, with the mid-to-rear section feeling stiffer. This design aligns with the characteristics of badminton, balancing quick reactions in the forefoot with stable support in the rearfoot. This design feature is also inherited from the P9200.
The P9200III-55 comes with an additional insole, which I prefer to place over the built-in midsole. This setup prevents slipping even when my feet sweat, enhancing the overall wrap feeling. The shoe’s upper, crafted from super-fine PU and functional mesh, offers excellent wrap, although the heel sometimes feels a bit loose.
During gameplay, with a lot of running and moving, the P9200III-55 feels more grounded, providing clear feedback from the soles. I wonder if this is attributed to the built-in midsole.
A Few Suggestions
As badminton enthusiasts’ aesthetic standards for shoes continue to rise, the fact that the P9200III-55 encourages people to set aside their prejudices against built-in midsoles and give it a try is testament to its charm. While the P9200III-55’s aesthetics are already impressive, I hope Victor can experiment with a wider variety of outsole designs for shoes with built-in midsoles. After all, doesn’t the built-in midsole offer greater freedom in shoe design?
