YONEX SHB65Z3KME Shoes Experience Review

Joyce September 9, 2024 0

Since its inception, the SHB-65 series has quickly garnered praise from international athletes and consumers alike with its striking appearance, lightning-fast start-up speed, exceptional wearing experience, and its sub-premium pricing. My first pair of high-end YONEX badminton shoes was the iconic SHB-65FT, the black-and-orange masterpiece worn by the legendary Taufik Hidayat, which holds a special place in my badminton journey.

Revisiting the 65 lineage with the Taotao Hsien-dou’s signature shoe, the SHB65Z3KME, instantly transported me back to my student days, filled with innocence and dreams, where I saved up every penny to own the shoes that would propel me across the court.

Design: A Fusion of Serenity and Dynamism

The shoe’s tranquil white hue, akin to a cloud’s purity, is punctuated by striking black accents and playful tiger stripes, creating a harmonious blend of stillness and vitality. The retro yet elegant 65 “family face” silhouette exudes a sense of timeless prestige. Whether admired at rest or worn during play, its predominantly white design never appears bulky but rather elongates the wearer’s calves.

Comfort: A Perfect Fit for Asian Feet

The shoe last, the soul of any shoe, is where YONEX excels, especially in crafting badminton shoes tailored for Asian athletes. Stepping into the SHB65Z3KME, I was greeted with an instant, seamless fit, a testament to YONEX’s expertise. The integrated design eliminates cumbersome stitching, enhancing comfort by eliminating friction points on the toes, and boosting durability.

The shoe upgrades from a breathable mesh to PU synthetic leather, reinforced with PU fiber shells on the lateral sides, enhancing both stretchability and longevity. However, during sweltering summer days, its breathability might be a concern.

Lightning-Fast Start-Up and Sturdy Heel Cushioning

Weighing in at 319.4g per shoe (size 42, 270mm), the SHB65Z3KME might not boast ultra-lightweight credentials like some 260g models, but its agility and responsiveness on court more than compensate. The shoe’s immediate response to every push, akin to “stepping and going,” leaves no room for hesitation.

For a player of my build (65kg, 174cm), specializing in quick jumps and rushes to the net, the heel cushioning is crucial. The SHB65Z3KME’s triangular, visible power cushion window not only looks impressive but also provides just the right amount of rebound, absorbing impact without compromising propulsion for subsequent moves. The heel’s cup-shaped structure keeps energy locked in, avoiding a mushy feel.

However, sacrificing some forefoot rebound for quick starts has its drawbacks. Without a power cushion in the forefoot, landing after jumps can feel overly firm, even for a lightweight player like me. Heavier players might find it even more challenging, making the CFZ3 with its separated forefoot and heel power cushions a more suitable option.

Lateral Stability: A Solid Foundation

Unlike other YONEX shoes with KPU sidewalls, the SHB65Z3KME relies on a wider outsole with “radial paddle” treads for lateral support. This design ensures stability during rapid stops and turns, essential in badminton. Notably, the new tread pattern didn’t differ significantly from traditional diamond-shaped honeycomb soles, maintaining grip without slipping.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The SHB65Z3KME boasts aesthetics that rival even the 75th-anniversary models, coupled with a direct and responsive feel. Its integrated upper and upgraded power cushion deliver both speed and heel cushioning. The exceptional fit reduces adaptation time, though the firm court feel can take some getting used to. Despite this, the SHB65Z3KME remains a formidable speed-oriented shoe for competitive play. Its enduring popularity among top international players speaks volumes.

I highly recommend this shoe to speed-oriented players seeking ultimate court feel and comfort. For larger players, the CFZ3 with its separated forefoot and heel power cushions might be a better fit.