[Review Experience] Victor VG-11: Blending Technology, Fashion, Simplicity, and Sophistication

Joyce September 9, 2024 0

The VG-11 by Victor showcases a seamless, dual-layer breathable mesh design with a subtle interplay of light blue and pure white hues. Despite its minimalist and refreshing aesthetic, VG-11 leaves no room for compromise in technological materials. Its upper abandons traditional sandwich mesh for a combination of double-layer mesh reinforced with hot-melt TPU, resulting in a cleaner and more sophisticated look.

Weighing in at 333g for a size 41 (265mm), the VG-11 falls within the category of lightweight shoes under 350g.

As the flagship model featuring built-in midsole technology, the magic lies within (with a bit of elbow grease, extraction is seamless, eliminating concerns about the stability of the midsole adhesion to the sole).

With the built-in midsole accounting for nearly one-fifth of the shoe’s total weight (70g out of 333g), it’s evident that no expense has been spared in material selection.

Arch Support and Control Design:

The VG-11 is designed to mimic the curvature of the human foot’s tripod arch system, with a raised mid-arch that provides both comfort and support, ensuring excellent start-up speed and stability. The inner arch employs a solid structure for added reinforcement, preventing collapse and reducing fatigue, while offering tighter support.

On-Foot Experience:

Sizing for the VG-11 aligns with Victor’s traditional badminton shoe sizes. Marked with a U-last of 2.5, 3E, the shoe’s toe area features hot-melt TPU, resulting in a more compact fit compared to Victor’s typical U-last shoes, akin to the snugness of V-last shoes. This makes it an ideal choice for those with Roman-shaped feet like mine.

Upon first wear, the VG-11 feels snug, likely due to the TPU reinforcement. While the shoe’s flexibility might not be as smooth as traditional sandwich mesh, it doesn’t hinder quick starts. The lightweight and breathable design ensures comfort and a cool feeling right out of the box.

One standout feature, noticeably distinct from other shoes, is the VG-11’s impeccable mid-arch support, making it especially friendly to players with low or flat arches.

If you find the built-in midsole slippery or not fitting your foot contours perfectly, Victor thoughtfully includes a pair of lightweight EVA insoles. By inserting these insoles and aligning them with the midsole before placing them in the shoe, you can achieve a perfect fit and significantly enhance grip. However, even without the insoles, the slip resistance is sufficient.

Performance Feedback:

As demonstrated in my unboxing video, the VG-11’s built-in midsole features 13 hollow diamonds arranged in five rows, enhancing its torsional rigidity. In actual play, the VG-11 exhibits high levels of torsional stability during normal bending and lateral support. Adding a carbon plate would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake.

Direct Ground Feedback:

Despite its seemingly thick midsole, the VG-11’s actual thickness measures 2cm at the heel’s outermost point and 1.5cm at the forefoot (outer edge 3.5cm, inner 2cm). This results in a direct and responsive forefoot feedback, providing an intense court feel and quick, powerful starts. The NEO DUPLEX structural framework elevates the VG-11’s shock absorption capabilities, preventing excessive vibration to the toes during heavy impacts.

Heel Rebound:

Retaining Victor’s signature dual-density midsole technology, the VG-11’s heel features a maximum height of 5cm with an actual thickness of 2.5cm (1cm thicker than the forefoot). The lightweight and elastic EVA acts as structural support, while the ENERGY MAX V cushioning system forms a dual-density shock absorption architecture. Upon landing, the VG-11 exhibits similar cushioning qualities to Victor’s P-series shoes, with a soft yet stable heel buffer that maintains posture stability, preventing postural shifts. Its performance is on par with the esteemed P9500. I can’t help but speculate that with its modular design, future advancements like supercritical nitrogen filling or E-TPU foam might also find their way into the VG-11.

A Note on Lateral Stability:

One area where the VG-11 could improve is in lateral stability. Incorporating either traditional “side claws” or the LSS lateral stability support system would significantly enhance its performance during lateral movements.

Selection Guidelines:

As my third experience with shoes featuring built-in midsole technology, the VG-11 showcases notable advancements in overall weight, craftsmanship, and aesthetics within the VG series. Its minimalist yet fashionable design caters to players who appreciate clean, sleek aesthetics. The mid-arch support stands out as a design highlight, while the intriguing inner workings make the VG-11 anything but ordinary. With its ample performance capabilities and fresh, innovative features, the VG-11’s modular design eliminates concerns about midsole material degradation, allowing for convenient midsole replacement.