Babolat Shadow Tour 5 (30F26356) review

Full review

The Shadow Tour 5 is Babolat's fifth-generation badminton shoe, but court-shoe retailers such as Gannon Sports list it for badminton and squash players, and its specifications suit the squash court. Babolat publishes the numbers: 280 g in an EU 42.5 and a 10 mm drop, making it the lightest shoe here with a stated weight.

The midsole is a dual-density EVA with a rocker-style shape to help you roll through a push-off. A retailer listing says it is softer at the heel for shock absorption and firmer at the forefoot. The upper is an ultra-light, breathable mesh with a perforated reinforcement panel and two power straps for lateral support. A heavy-duty rubber guard covers the inner forefoot up to the toes, which matters for anyone who drags the back foot in a lunge.

The outsole uses Michelin-developed rubber with studs designed for wooden and smooth indoor floors; Babolat does not use the words non-marking, so check with your club if it is strict. Babolat itself talks only about badminton, so you are relying on retailers and player experience rather than squash testing. It suits lighter, quicker players; heavier players or those with sore knees will prefer the Salming Recoil Ultra or ASICS Gel-Tactic 13.