YONEX Next-Gen Badminton Shoe 03ZMEX Review: The Third Installment of the “Initial 0” Series

Joyce September 9, 2024 0

In 2013, YONEX unveiled a groundbreaking badminton shoe that departed from its usual numerical naming convention by adopting “01” as its moniker. This seemed to signify YONEX’s aspiration to forge a fresh series of shoes. I was among the first to lay my hands on this pair, sourced from YONEX’s Hong Kong agent, and its design genuinely thrilled me: the innovative leather-like material, the unique single-piece stitching and material integration, and the sleek, streamlined aesthetic all set it apart from the mundane badminton shoes. Yet, it retained the essence of YONEX’s traditional shoes, such as the classic sole pattern, outsole design, lateral claws, and ankle stabilizers, indicating that while “01” marked a new beginning, it remained rooted in YONEX’s numerical naming tradition, striving for innovation within tradition.

YONEX continued with “02,” introducing further elements like the soccer-inspired curved tongue opening. Now, with “03,” the breakthroughs are even more pronounced, with a completely revamped upper and modified outsole design, carrying forward only the curved tongue from “02” and the timeless diamond-shaped outsole pattern. It appears that after nearly two decades of defining the badminton shoe aesthetic, YONEX aims to create a new design trend. The “01,” “02,” and “03” shoes are exploratory forerunners of this trend. Given the lack of an official series name, I’ll dub it “Initial 0.”

Appearance

The latest iteration, the 03ZMEX, discards the previous microfiber PU upper, adopting a soft PU resembling rubber that’s fused with mesh in a single-piece, heat-bonded construction. I’ve experienced this type of construction before, often finding it stiff and uncomfortable. However, the soft PU of the 03ZMEX effortlessly contours to the foot, offering a touch of elasticity that prevents discomfort during bending. Its vibrant colors combined with the honeycomb-like perforations create a futuristic look, distinct from the traditional aesthetics of previous “Initial 0” shoes and reminiscent of YONEX’s other avant-garde shoe, the Aerus. The shoe abandons the conventional large opening and tongue design, opting for a sock-like inner boot with a narrow, curved opening. This not only lends a technological vibe but also eliminates the concern of a sliding tongue. The heel retains the premium feel of genuine leather-like microfiber PU, adorned with hexagonal and honeycomb patterns echoing the upper.

I’m highly satisfied with the 03ZMEX’s design. It pushes the boundaries of badminton shoe design, innovating in materials and aesthetics while maintaining a premium feel devoid of the cheap plastic look associated with KPU. However, such a radical departure from tradition is bound to elicit polarized opinions on its appearance.

Performance

YONEX SHB-03ZMEX

Size: EUR 42/JPN 27.0
Last: 3E
Actual Length: 289mm
Forefoot Width: 109mm
Weight: Left 350.7g, Right 346.1g
Insole Weight: 32.4g

Initially skeptical about the comfort of PU-fused shoes, I was proven wrong. The 03ZMEX’s soft upper allows for seamless foot movement, and the honeycomb perforations give the rubbery PU strips room to deform without pressing against the foot. The thin, soft inner lining creates a spacious interior, complemented by the 3E width, making it ideal for wider feet. For narrow feet like mine, the spacious interior and moderately elastic PU material result in insufficient wrap, suggesting a try-before-buy approach for those seeking a snug fit.

The “tongueless” design, featuring an inner boot with a soccer-inspired curved opening, provides exceptional instep wrap. The opening contours to the foot’s height, enabling a tight lace-up that enhances overall foot wrap. This innovative design addresses the issues of traditional openings, which can be uncomfortable without a thick tongue that might slide. However, better PU elasticity would further enhance the wrap. The narrow opening reduces lace coverage, minimizing discomfort, but the original laces are too long; shorter laces improve aesthetics and prevent loosening.

The heel perplexed me. YONEX shoes typically feature thick memory foam in the heel, but the 03ZMEX offers only a thin half-inch strip. The loose boot opening also surprised me. Perhaps YONEX prioritized ankle flexibility or intended for the inner boot to compensate, but my slender ankles received minimal support. With two pairs of thick socks, the ankle support improved significantly. The rigid ankle stabilizer felt great, with a large circular opening granting ample mobility while securing crucial areas. Doubling the heel padding would’ve been perfect for me.

The 03ZMEX’s sole combines a firm forefoot for powerful pushes and a soft heel with three layers of Power Cushion+ for shock absorption. YONEX’s signature technology shines here. The modified outsole, with shallower grooves and a large carbon fiber plate, enhances stability, surpassing its predecessors, making it especially suitable for flat or low-arched feet requiring exceptional sole stability. The improved sole pattern, with guide lines for precise foot movement and YONEX’s signature hexagonal grip studs, maintains the brand’s high grip standards. Overall, the 03ZMEX’s three-layer midsole design excels on most surfaces, offering remarkable stability and cushioning for non-cement courts and average weights.

Durability-wise, the soft PU strips await time’s test, but the PU framework promises better resistance to deformation than microfiber PU. The thin inner lining is prone to scratches from fingernails, recommending the use of thick socks. The shoe’s interior features abrasion-resistant layers, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Conclusion

As the third installment of the “Initial 0” series, YONEX’s 03ZMEX, crafted with innovative technology, redefines my understanding of badminton shoes. Its comfortable, pliable upper, revolutionary PU material, and foot-contouring opening combined with the inner boot offer unparalleled foot conformity. The large carbon fiber plate and three-layer Power Cushion+ midsole ensure superior stability and cushioning, with a firm forefoot for responsive pushes. However, the less elastic upper and loose heel opening limit its full potential for narrow feet. Ideal for average to wide feet, the 03ZMEX offers a remarkable experience for those seeking a fresh take on badminton shoes.