TOKYO, Japan – The new POWER CUSHION 65 Z, first spotted at the Sudirman Cup Finals in October, has since taken over courts being spotted on many top athletes at the World Championships. With a 20-year heritage, the new POWER CUSHION 65 Z model touts decades of advancements for evolving footwork, packing proprietary performance technology into a classic beloved fit. The new 65 Z will be available in stores from January 21st.
The new POWER CUSHION 65 Z is designed with the goal of a “shoeless feel” in mind. The new model combines an upgraded comfortable fit and increased traction for an overall elevated badminton shoe that glides across the court with ease.
To achieve an improved fit on this all-around model, a new seamless upper and lateral shell were introduced to the classic synthetic leather build. The new seamless upper is an expanded synthetic leather piece that minimizes material overlap. This releases the stress from when the shoe is flexed, allowing a more comfortable fit. The hardened shell-like portion near the ankle, also known as the expanded lateral shell, provides a secure fit around the ankle. In addition, the RADIAL BLADE SOLE, a sole reminiscent of a ninja star pattern, is implemented to provide ultimate grip for sudden vertical, horizontal and diagonal movements.
The new 65 Z will launch in multiple colors; White/Red (men’s), Black (men’s), Navy Blue (wide), and White/Lime (women’s). Additionally, an exclusive design collaboration with world no. 2 men’s singles Kento Momota (JPN) brings a matching look with the new ASTROX 99 racquet design known as White Tiger.
The POWER CUSHION 65 Z will be accompanied by the POWER CUSHION 65 X, a mid-tier all-around model designed with the same performance concept.
INNOVATION
Seamless Upper + Lateral Shell
The seamless upper is an expanded synthetic leather piece that minimizes material overlap. This releases the stress from when the shoe is flexed, allowing a more comfortable fit. The hardened shell-like portion near the ankle, also known as the expanded lateral shell, provides a secure fit around the ankle.
RADIAL BLADE SOLE
The grip pattern of the sole has been redesigned creating the RADIAL BLADE SOLE. By finely arranging a windmill shape that combines areas with large and small indentations, the weight of the shoe is dispersed, and the grip is improved by approximately 3%*. Resulting in a grip that supports quick dashes and sudden stops.
*Tested by Yonex
POWER CUSHION+
The 65 Z features a specially shaped wedge of POWER CUSHION+ in the heel designed specifically to absorb shock associated with the footwork of badminton. By improving shock absorption, our POWER CUSHION+ technology transforms impact into energy. A 28%* increase in shock absorption and a 62%** increase in repulsion when compared to the standard EVA materials.
*Measured by the Japan Vehicle Inspection Association **According to research by the Boken Quality Evaluation Institute, JIS Law is applied
