Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z Review

The Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z series has earned its place as one of the most iconic and reliable badminton shoes on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive player or an enthusiastic hobbyist, chances are you’ve seen — or even worn — a pair yourself. In this review-style breakdown, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 65 Z line so special. We’ll explore the technology behind it, how it feels on court, how well it holds up over time, and why so many players swear by it.

The Legacy of the Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z

Among Yonex’s footwear lineup, the Power Cushion 65 Z stands tall as a long-running flagship. It’s not just popular because of branding — it’s been trusted by some of the world’s best badminton athletes, including multiple-time World and Olympic champions. The “Z” label marks it as a top-tier, performance-driven shoe meant for players who want serious support and responsiveness.

Over time, Yonex has rolled out several generations of this model — from the 65 Z2 to the improved 65 Z3 and now the refined 65 Z4. Each one builds on what players already love, polishing the fit, tech, and court feel in incremental but meaningful ways.

Core Technologies: What Makes the 65 Z So Good?

Yonex doesn’t cut corners when it comes to innovation. The Power Cushion 65 Z series packs a long list of technologies created specifically for the high-speed, multidirectional demands of badminton.

1. Power Cushion+

At the heart of the shoe is Power Cushion+ — a cushioning material designed to absorb impact and then convert it into explosive rebound. Yonex claims that this tech offers 28% better shock absorption and 62% more repulsion than traditional EVA foam.

If you’ve ever seen the classic Yonex egg-drop test — where a raw egg survives a 12-meter fall and bounces without cracking — that’s Power Cushion+ in action. In the 65 Z series, this cushion is placed strategically in the heel to absorb harsh landings and help reduce joint fatigue.

2. Power Graphite Sheet / Power Graphite Lite

Right under the midfoot sits a lightweight graphite plate that helps prevent your foot from twisting during aggressive movements. This stability plate keeps the shoe rigid where it needs to be, ensuring you can change direction confidently without worrying about rolling an ankle. Some versions use Power Graphite Lite, which is even lighter.

3. Double Raschel Mesh

Badminton heats up fast — literally. To help keep you cool, Yonex uses Double Raschel Mesh, which provides eight times more ventilation than standard shoe mesh. This means drier feet, fewer hotspots, and less chance of blistering in long matches.

4. Seamless Upper & Lateral Shell

The upper of the 65 Z series has evolved beautifully over the years. The Seamless Upper Design minimizes stitching and joins, giving the shoe a soft, comfortable wrap around your foot.

On the outer forefoot, the Lateral Shell helps prevent your foot from “spilling over the edge” during sideways movements. This is a major plus for players who rely on fast, sharp cuts on court — it adds support and helps maintain proper form throughout rallies.

5. Radial Blade Sole / Hexagrip

When you’re darting around the court, grip is everything. Yonex’s Radial Blade Sole uses a windmill-like tread pattern that balances small and large indentations to enhance traction. Some versions also feature Hexagrip, a well-loved sole pattern known for its lightweight feel and strong grip.

Both patterns allow players to start, stop, and change direction with confidence.

6. Toe Assist Shape & Synchro-Fit Insole

Inside the shoe, Yonex has added features to help improve comfort and reduce energy loss. The Toe Assist Shape eases pressure around the big toe and helps maintain a stable midfoot and heel fit. Meanwhile, the Synchro-Fit Insole keeps your heel locked in, eliminating that annoying gap between your foot and the shoe.

7. Feather Bounce Foam

The midsole often uses Feather Bounce Foam, a lightweight cushioning that improves energy return. This gives the shoe a lively, responsive feel — perfect for fast players who thrive on speed.

Comfort and Fit

The Power Cushion 65 Z series is widely praised for its comfortable, secure fit. While every version has slight differences, the general feel is supportive without being restrictive. Yonex also offers Wide and Slim options for different foot shapes.

Between the seamless upper, responsive cushioning, and snug heel lock, most players describe the fit as “just right” — offering strong control without sacrificing comfort during long sessions.

Stability and Support

Badminton demands instant lateral movements, and that’s where the 65 Z truly shines. With the Power Graphite Sheet and Lateral Shell working together, the shoe keeps your foot stable, especially during sudden shifts in direction. This significantly reduces the chance of twisting or rolling your ankle.

The upper further enhances stability by keeping your foot tightly secured even during explosive pushes and lunges.

Durability

In terms of durability, the Power Cushion 65 Z is a strong performer. The synthetic leather upper handles abrasion well, especially in high-contact areas like the toe. While lighter-colored models may get dusty quickly, the shoe’s structural elements remain solid over months of intense play.

On-Court Performance

Here’s where the 65 Z really puts everything together.

Agility & Speed

Thanks to the lightweight upper, responsive midsole, and supportive build, the shoe feels quick underfoot. Players who rely on swift, attacking footwork will appreciate how little effort it takes to move around the court.

Shock Absorption

Power Cushion+ does its job beautifully. Landings feel soft, and your joints take noticeably less punishment, especially in long matches.

Grip & Traction

The Radial Blade or Hexagrip sole patterns provide dependable grip on most indoor courts. Quick stops, lunges, and push-offs feel controlled and confident.

Overall Feel

The 65 Z strikes a perfect middle ground between cushioning and responsiveness — not too soft, not too firm. It’s an all-around shoe that works well for most playstyles.

Variants and Special Models

The 65 Z family includes several options:

• Power Cushion 65 Z Men/Women – Standard versions.
• Power Cushion 65 Z Wide – For players needing extra toe room.
• Power Cushion 65 Z Slim – For narrower feet.
• Power Cushion 65 Z C-90 – An eco-conscious special edition using recycled materials.

Each new generation (Z2, Z3, Z4) brings refinements to comfort, upper design, cushioning, or grip — keeping the series modern and competitive.

Comparing the 65 Z to Other Yonex Shoes

Yonex offers other specialized shoes too:

Eclipsion Z Series

• Heavier and more robust.
• Prioritizes maximum stability and cushioning.
• Great for players who want a very secure, locked-in feel.

Aerus Z Series

• Ultra-lightweight.
• Ideal for players who prioritize speed and explosiveness.
• A bit less cushioned compared to the 65 Z.

The Power Cushion 65 Z sits perfectly between the two — a versatile, well-rounded choice suitable for most playing styles.

Conclusion

The Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z series has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best all-around badminton shoes ever created. With advanced cushioning, strong stability features, great ventilation, and a comfortable fit, it caters to both pros and everyday players who want peak performance on court.

The blend of Power Cushion+, Double Raschel Mesh, Power Graphite Sheet, Seamless Upper, Lateral Shell, and innovative sole design creates a shoe that excels in balance — speed, support, cushioning, and grip all come together seamlessly.

If you’re searching for a dependable, high-performance badminton shoe that can handle intense sessions while keeping you comfortable and agile, the Yonex 65 Z is absolutely worth considering. Its long-running legacy speaks for itself.

Note

This review is based on information available from various online sources, user impressions, and official Yonex materials. It’s a fan-made analysis and not a professional technical assessment.