Comparing the Yonex Eclipsion Z2, Yonex 65 Z2 and the Yonex Aerus Z Badminton Shoes

Today, I'll be looking at three of Yonex's flagship badminton shoes: the Eclipsion Z2, the 65 Z2 (which was what Kento Momota had been wearing) and the Aerus Z. If you want to check out my video comparing the Aerus Z against its mid-range cousin, the Aerus X, here's the link.

Yonex Aerus Z, Yonex 65 Z2 and Yonex Eclipsion Z2

The old Yonex SHB-65FT or SHB-86

When YC Sports reached out and asked if I wanted to review the Eclipsion Z2 and the 65 Z2 shoes, I immediately said yes as I've yet to try the Eclipsion series before. For the 65 series, it's been ten years since I last tried a 65 model. The original SHB 65-FT was a Japan-only model whereas the rest of the world had it as SHB-86. They were some of the best shoes I've had so I was very excited.

First of all, let me go through some of the specs and visual comparisons of the shoes. I wear a Yonex size 280mm, which is equivalent to UK size 9.5 or US size 10. In the UK, Yonex sizes are generally half a size down compared to normal shoes. So if you're coming from other brands or standard shoe sizes, go up half a size. The best way to accurately get the correct size is to measure your feet in mm. I recently posted a Yonex shoe size chart so feel free to check it out before you buy your next Yonex shoes.

Weight of Yonex Aerus Z, 65 Z2 and Eclipsion Z2

In terms of weight, the Aerus Z weighs 288g per side compared to 366g for the Eclipsion Z2; whereas the 65 Z2 came in at 345g per side. Now 78g difference per side might not seem much, but if you are someone like me who is very accustomed to the Aerus shoes, then you will immediately feel that the Eclipsion Z2 is heavier. In fact, even the mid-range model of the Aerus series, the Aerus X, weighs lighter than the 65 Z2 and the Eclipsion Z2 at 336g. On the other hand, you might not be able to feel the weight difference between the 65 Z2 and the Eclipsion Z2.

All three pairs of shoes share a lot of similarities in terms of design, for example, the Toe Assist shape, the Synchro Fit insole design, as well as the use of power cushion and power cushion plus.

Insoles of Yonex Aerus Z, 65 Z2 and Eclipsion Z2

However, the Aerus Z has a different type of insole compared to the 65 Z2 and the Eclipsion Z2. The Aerus Z has a more textured and grippier insole which is thinner and lighter compared to the other models. On the other hand, the insoles in the 65 Z2 and Eclipsion Z2 are smooth on the bottom but wavy at the top. They are also thicker and certainly will be able to take more pounding too. I personally prefer the Aerus Z's grippier insole as I don't slide in the shoe as much.

Ventilation holes on the insoles of Yonex 65 Z2 and Eclipsion Z2

There are also ventilation holes cut from around the arch area and the top of the wavy patterned insoles in the Eclipsion Z2 and 65 Z2. This is because both models have ventilation vents underneath the shoes covered by a mesh filter to protect dirt or pebbles from popping in. So if you're someone who's worried about getting very hot feet from playing badminton, you wouldn't have to worry about the Eclipsion Z2 and 65 Z2.

Ventilation holes at the bottom of Yonex 65 Z2 and Eclipsion Z2

However, I wouldn't walk through puddles in these shoes, if you wear them outside of a badminton hall, as water would come straight into your shoe otherwise! The Aerus Z, on the other hand, is completely sealed on the bottom but I've never had any issues with hot feet ever so I don't have any problems with its design.

Ventilation holes at the bottom of Yonex 65 Z2

Ventilation holes at the bottom of Yonex Eclipsion Z2

Dimple-like design on the face of the Yonex Eclipsion Z2

Moving on to other obvious visual differences, on the face of the shoes, you can see that the Eclipsion Z2 has a dimple-like design whereas the Aerus Z has a very clean, smooth design. The durable skin design on the Eclipsion Z2 combines three types of meshes, the coarse mesh on the very front of the shoe followed by a convex pattern that looks very similar to a golf ball dimple design and, finally, a layer of fine mesh throughout the shoe as well. The 65 Z2 sort of takes the middle ground with some rubbery and leather-like materials coupled with mesh on its face for ventilation.

Difference in the outer rubber soles between the Yonex Aerus Z, 65 Z2 and Eclipsion Z2

Another immediate area of difference is the outer rubber soles of the shoes. The Eclipsion Z2 model has a single connected piece of rubber outsole whereas the Aerus Z and 65 Z2 models have two pieces of rubber outsole, one at the top and another at the bottom of the shoe. Additionally, the grip design on the rubber outsoles is different for the