Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications
This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025101243), aimed to evaluate how specific badminton shoe design features influence lower-limb biomechanics, injury risk, and sport-specific performance. A comprehensive search in six databases yielded 445 studies, from which 10 met inclusion crit...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7066 |
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| author | Meixi Pan Zihao Chen Dongxu Huang Zixin Wu Fengjiao Xue Jorge Diaz-Cidoncha Garcia Qing Yi Siqin Shen |
| author_facet | Meixi Pan Zihao Chen Dongxu Huang Zixin Wu Fengjiao Xue Jorge Diaz-Cidoncha Garcia Qing Yi Siqin Shen |
| author_sort | Meixi Pan |
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| description | This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025101243), aimed to evaluate how specific badminton shoe design features influence lower-limb biomechanics, injury risk, and sport-specific performance. A comprehensive search in six databases yielded 445 studies, from which 10 met inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and eligibility screening. The reviewed studies focused on modifications involving forefoot bending stiffness, torsional stiffness, lateral-wedge hardness, insole and midsole hardness, sole structure, and heel curvature. The most consistent biomechanical benefits were associated with moderate levels of forefoot and torsional stiffness (e.g., 60D) and rounded heel designs. Increased forefoot bending stiffness was associated with reduced foot torsion and knee loading during forward lunges. Torsional stiffness around 60D provided favorable ankle support and reduced knee abduction, suggesting potential protection against ligament strain. Rounded heels reduced vertical impact forces and promoted smoother knee–ankle coordination, especially in experienced athletes. Lateral-wedge designs improved movement efficiency by reducing contact time and enhancing joint stiffness. Harder midsoles, however, resulted in increased impact forces upon landing. Excessive stiffness in any component may restrict joint mobility and responsiveness. Studies included 127 male-dominated (aged 18–28) competitive athletes, assessing kinematics, impact forces, and coordination during sport-specific tasks. The reviewed studies predominantly involved male participants, with little attention to sex-specific biomechanical differences such as joint alignment and foot structure. Differences in testing methods and movement tasks further limited direct comparisons. Future research should explore real-game biomechanics, include diverse athlete populations, and investigate long-term adaptations. These efforts will contribute to the development of performance-enhancing, injury-reducing badminton shoes tailored to the unique demands of the sport. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6df8edf46a884deca44cb13283e1669b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-6df8edf46a884deca44cb13283e1669b2025-08-20T02:35:46ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011513706610.3390/app15137066Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance ImplicationsMeixi Pan0Zihao Chen1Dongxu Huang2Zixin Wu3Fengjiao Xue4Jorge Diaz-Cidoncha Garcia5Qing Yi6Siqin Shen7College of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaFédération Internationale de Football Association, 8044 Zurich, SwitzerlandCollege of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, ChinaThis systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025101243), aimed to evaluate how specific badminton shoe design features influence lower-limb biomechanics, injury risk, and sport-specific performance. A comprehensive search in six databases yielded 445 studies, from which 10 met inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and eligibility screening. The reviewed studies focused on modifications involving forefoot bending stiffness, torsional stiffness, lateral-wedge hardness, insole and midsole hardness, sole structure, and heel curvature. The most consistent biomechanical benefits were associated with moderate levels of forefoot and torsional stiffness (e.g., 60D) and rounded heel designs. Increased forefoot bending stiffness was associated with reduced foot torsion and knee loading during forward lunges. Torsional stiffness around 60D provided favorable ankle support and reduced knee abduction, suggesting potential protection against ligament strain. Rounded heels reduced vertical impact forces and promoted smoother knee–ankle coordination, especially in experienced athletes. Lateral-wedge designs improved movement efficiency by reducing contact time and enhancing joint stiffness. Harder midsoles, however, resulted in increased impact forces upon landing. Excessive stiffness in any component may restrict joint mobility and responsiveness. Studies included 127 male-dominated (aged 18–28) competitive athletes, assessing kinematics, impact forces, and coordination during sport-specific tasks. The reviewed studies predominantly involved male participants, with little attention to sex-specific biomechanical differences such as joint alignment and foot structure. Differences in testing methods and movement tasks further limited direct comparisons. Future research should explore real-game biomechanics, include diverse athlete populations, and investigate long-term adaptations. These efforts will contribute to the development of performance-enhancing, injury-reducing badminton shoes tailored to the unique demands of the sport.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7066badminton shoelower-limb biomechanicsforefoot bending stiffnesstorsional stiffnessmidsole hardnesssport-specific performance |
| spellingShingle | Meixi Pan Zihao Chen Dongxu Huang Zixin Wu Fengjiao Xue Jorge Diaz-Cidoncha Garcia Qing Yi Siqin Shen Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications Applied Sciences badminton shoe lower-limb biomechanics forefoot bending stiffness torsional stiffness midsole hardness sport-specific performance |
| title | Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications |
| title_full | Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications |
| title_fullStr | Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications |
| title_short | Advances in Badminton Footwear Design: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Performance Implications |
| title_sort | advances in badminton footwear design a systematic review of biomechanical and performance implications |
| topic | badminton shoe lower-limb biomechanics forefoot bending stiffness torsional stiffness midsole hardness sport-specific performance |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7066 |
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