Quick answer: Badminton shoes need non-marking gum soles, lateral support and a snug (not tight) fit — typically 0.5–1 cm of toe room. For Australian players, Kumpoo's KH series covers sizes from kids through men's AU 12.
Never play in running shoes
Running shoes are built for forward motion. Badminton is lateral: lunges, quick direction changes, jumps. Running soles are too soft and too thick — you'll roll an ankle.
The 3 things to check
- Non-marking gum rubber sole — mandatory at most Australian courts and clubs.
- Fit: a thumb-width of toe room; your heel should not lift. If you're between sizes, go down for court shoes.
- Cushioning vs stability: more cushioning (e.g. Kumpoo KH-G826) for heavier players or hard wooden floors; lighter builds (KH-E305) for speed.
Kumpoo shoe sizing
| AU size | Kumpoo label | Foot length |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | EU 38 | 24.0cm |
| 8 | EU 41 | 26.0cm |
| 10 | EU 44 | 28.0cm |
| 12 | EU 46.5 | 30.0cm |
Measure your foot at the end of the day (feet swell). The full size chart is on every product page.
Our picks
- KH-G826 — flagship cushioning and stability
- KH-E305 — lightweight speed shoe
- KH-J08 — kids' court shoe with reinforced toe
All Kumpoo shoes are genuine and ship Australia-wide from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.