What's unique about Table Tennis shoes?
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Topic: What's unique about Table Tennis shoes?
Posted By: MTMT
Subject: What's unique about Table Tennis shoes?
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 10:11am
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Currently, I wear whatever I happen to be wearing - basketball shoes, walking shoes, hiking boots etc. Is there something unique about TT shoes that make them particularly suited for TT? And are there shoes from other sports that 'cross apply' to TT? And are there particular brand/models that offer high 'bang for the buck' values? Thanks.
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Replies:
Posted By: TTEquipment.co.uk
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 10:28am
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Yes, mostly lateral movement support (side-to-side) and yes it does cross over multi discipline in sports :) This thread is on the same topic, https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/showthread.php?14569-Table-tennis-shoes Mizuno TT shoes... https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/showthread.php?15461-Why-many-Chinese-players-play-with-Mizuno-Wave-Drive-7 More shoes threads but has a spin on why to choose a type of shoe from a poster called UpSidedownCarl.. https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/showthread.php?15046-Need-a-Pair-of-Shoes |
Posted By: Ranger-man
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 4:20pm
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I use standard Adidas trainers but I do believe that because of the lateral movement a thinner sole would be better since there is less a chance of twisting my ankle. Standard trainers are not exactly designed for this lateral movement. So I am looking to get a pair of Stiga table tennis shoes now. TT shoes also have a gum sole or non-marking sole which is better for wooden floors. ------------- Darker Speed 90 10mm: Dawei IQUL Ahinoki Lutz Spruce Jpen: 729 SuperFX Member: 1-ply Hinoki Club Violin/Acoustic Clan The speed of a Rhino and the power of a Gazelle! |
Posted By: Leshxa
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 4:53pm
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I use volleyball shoes. Asics Gel - 7, now looking at Asics Gel - 8 as mine have worn out. They are great in both design, fit, comfort, traction, light weight, and amazing at lateral movement. The only thing different in volleyball shoes from TT shoes or Badminton shoes is that volleyball shoes have more padding - they are designed to soften the jumps. Probably adds a bit more weight, but for me, since I'm diabetic, it actually is better long term. ------------- Back to table tennis... |
Posted By: Tassie52
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 7:40pm
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I have a lot of difficulty buying appropriate shoes in regional Australia. Sports shoe stores are almost exclusively focussed on sports which are not primarily lateral movement. I can choose from a really wide range of running shoes - normal, pronation, supination, curved last, straight last, low drop, and a dozen different brands - but there are zero table tennis shoes, no volleyball shoes, perhaps one or two tennis shoes and half a dozen basketball shoes (which are primarily fashion items for kids who don't know how to wear clothes). The best I can manage are Innov8 cross trainers - which I had to ask a sports store to get in for me. |
Posted By: lineup32
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 7:53pm
| Its no different here in the San Francisco Bay Area as nobody carries TT shoes so its internet and even then the issue of inventory in your size whatever it may be is a constant challenge. My current shoes are Donic speedflex 2 that I purchased from a shop in Canada since they had my size in stock!!!!!! Many online retailers list TT shoes but are sold out of your size. |
Posted By: igorponger
Date Posted: 04/03/2018 at 8:22pm
 https://www.aliexpress.com/category/200112007/table-tennis-shoes.html?site=glo&isrefine=y" rel="nofollow - https://www.aliexpress.com/category/200112007/table-tennis-shoes.html?site=glo&isrefine=y Be happy 
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Posted By: MTMT
Date Posted: 04/04/2018 at 1:29am
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Thanks everyone for the reply. Very helpful. I will be purchasing a pair then... Thanks.
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Posted By: DreiZ
Date Posted: 04/04/2018 at 8:08pm
I'm still searching for a perfect TT shoe.....  So far ive tried: Mizuno: Wave Drive 8, Wave Medal 5, Wave Medal Z Special Edition (current) Asics: Gel Court Control Its so hard to find a shoe that fits you properly that its almost like looking for a your perfect blade. My criteria for a perfect TT shoe are: light weight, good cushioning, soft grip, breathable and soft upper, good ankle support. So far Wave Medal Z SE are closest but not perfect. Ive also tried basketball, tennis, indoor soccer shoes and none of these worked for me. I've even stopped caring how much the shoe costs... as long as its good. ------------- Main: Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC 85g FH/BH: Glayzer 09C 2.1mm Chopper: Stratus Power Defense 85g FH: Hybrid K3 max BH: Grass D.TecS 0.9mm USATT: 1725 |
Posted By: viva
Date Posted: 04/04/2018 at 10:04pm
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yonex makes badminton shoes that are perfect for table tennis ------------- My trade feedback here: http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40170&title=viva-buy-sell-feedback |
Posted By: DreiZ
Date Posted: 04/05/2018 at 9:25am
which model would you recommend? ------------- Main: Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC 85g FH/BH: Glayzer 09C 2.1mm Chopper: Stratus Power Defense 85g FH: Hybrid K3 max BH: Grass D.TecS 0.9mm USATT: 1725 |
viva wrote:Posted By: Basquests
Date Posted: 04/06/2018 at 10:36pm
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I like a bit of thickness, but I find badminton shoes [i have some yonex ones], too thick for table tennis. Great for badminton because of the jumping / impact being mitigated, not so much for table tennis, which is all about the speedy lateral movement. That's why I play with Medal 5's. Great shoe, still have a decent wedge of support, but not nearly as thick as most badminton shoes [yonex or otherwise] Edit: 2020 now, and I've done a 360. Before I was using very supportive badminton shoes, then moved to Wave medal 5's in 2017/2018, then bought another pair, went through those for a year as well, then moved to WM6. I find the medium support badminton shoes are just as agile [10-20g more, which is nothing cf WM5], but far better for dusty flooring. I found this out when playing in Australia briefly; i had no grip on my WM6's, so took the Victor badminton shoes along and felt totally fine. I think badminton shoes are just as good for TT shoes, as long as you get the right ones; don't get too supportive unless you are overweight / injury prone and need the support, otherwise get middle of the line ones [I recommend Victor A920/A922/A960, or Yonex ZM2's or even Aerus 3 if you want agile ones], but strictly better when the flooring is not ideal.
The extra bonus is they are far sturdier so will last a long time - badminton shoes take far more of a beating with the jumping and lunging than TT shoes. |
Posted By: ericd937
Date Posted: 04/07/2018 at 9:16pm
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Basketball shoes and volleyball shoes do lateral movement well, but they are typically too heavy and bulky. Most shoes for other sports are made for jumping and have much thicker soles. Its so difficult to find shoes with thin soles, good grip, and made for lateral movements. Running shoes don't stay under your feet when doing lateral movements. I also wear size 13us. It's super hard to find table tennis shoes in my size. In Saigon, it's super hard to find any shoes in my size. I have managed to find a few pairs of table tennis shoes in my size online. Donics have been really good, comfortable, and the soles seem to last forever. I had one pair of Stiga shoes and they are awful. Poor quality and the insole moves while in playing and ends up jammed into one side of the shoe. I'm playing in these converse currently: https://www.google.com.vn/search?q=converse+one+star+leather&prmd=ivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwitsO-jv6naAhXFMI8KHbyoCm8Q_AUIESgB&biw=598&bih=279&dpr=3#imgrc=6oakMzoXJtRTdM: and they are quite good and light. ------------- Current Setup: TBS FH T80/BH D80 Official USATT Rating 1815 Current estimated level: 1800-1900. |
Posted By: Chicobo
Date Posted: 04/07/2018 at 9:40pm
What about indoor soccer shoes? They seem to fit your criteria - light, not truly made for jumping, good grip. I'm not sure about the lateral movement part but my thought was that all non-tennis shoes work well for lateral movement (pls elaborate if I am incorrect). ------------- Stiga Genesis x2 on Nexy Rubicon Galaxy Moon/Air Illumina Alpha on Andro Temper Tech Off- USATT 1620...Learning to play vs long pips |
Posted By: Basquests
Date Posted: 04/08/2018 at 2:33am
My ankle ligaments needed me to see this 3 months ago! |
Posted By: Swiff
Date Posted: 04/10/2018 at 4:36pm
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I'm sure any shoe for racket sports or volleyball will likely perform well for you. I do not recommend your basic athletic shoe or running shoes. I tried wearing my Adidas and Nike shoes. They're horrible. Very bulky. And as others said, they don't stay under your feet as your moving from side to side hitting the ball. ------------- 
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Posted By: ericd937
Date Posted: 04/10/2018 at 9:04pm
Indoor soccer shoes could probably work just fine. Here again, I have a problem with those fitting my feet. Even if by some miracle they happen to have my size, indoor soccer shoes are typically very narrow. They just don't feel comfortable on my feet. When all else fails I can play in Converse Chuck Taylor Low tops but even those are a little bit heavier than I prefer. ------------- Current Setup: TBS FH T80/BH D80 Official USATT Rating 1815 Current estimated level: 1800-1900. |
Posted By: hookumsnivy
Date Posted: 04/10/2018 at 9:57pm
| I've always had a problem finding long last table tennis shoes that are wide enough for me. First I tried Tibhar, and they fell apart. Stiga lasted a bit longer, but even they fell apart. Those actually broke through the top front. But the difference in weight between table tennis shoes and volleyball shoes is enormous. |
Posted By: HowToPlayChineseLoop
Date Posted: 04/11/2018 at 3:23am
I'm very pleased with this one, light, breathable, and until 4 years, it is still good! http://amzn.to/2JzVNza" rel="nofollow - https://amzn.to/2JzVNza
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Posted By: MTMT
Date Posted: 04/17/2018 at 1:36am
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Not sure if any of you are still following this thread...:) But two questions. 1. I went online to look for the Asics Rocket Gel 8 here in the USA vendors but they are all sold out in my size regardless of vender. These are around $60 shipped when they are available. So started looking at Asics Tactics and they are also sold out. But then found the Asics Netburner. Around $90 - at this price, the otpions open up. Anyone use the Netburner? 2. I realize that I'm tall for the TT table so I am also very bent on my knees and feet wide apart. So I'd like shoes that are less 'tall' - meaning thinner soles and yet have decent shock absorption. So does TT shoes have lower height than Volleyball and Badminton shoes in general? 3. By the way, the Mizuno Wave only goes up to 28cm which I think is USA size 10. I need USA size 11 - which apparently really limit my options...? Thanks in advance for any additional help.
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Posted By: ericd937
Date Posted: 04/17/2018 at 6:07am
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Try tabletennis11.com. They have a lot of shoes up to size US12 (46). Occasionally, I can find 47 there. ------------- Current Setup: TBS FH T80/BH D80 Official USATT Rating 1815 Current estimated level: 1800-1900. |
Posted By: Basquests
Date Posted: 04/17/2018 at 7:42pm
Careful with mizuno wave medal sizing. Only the cm size (i. E. 28.5) is accurate (relative to all my other shoes). You can certainly get it in various sizes above 28, try tt japan and tt11. Fantastic shoes that are perfect for your needs |
Posted By: avova
Date Posted: 04/17/2018 at 8:47pm
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>> What's unique about Table Tennis shoes? Not much. For example, Miu Hirano wears badminton shoes. |
Posted By: piligrim
Date Posted: 04/17/2018 at 10:29pm
Only small sizes |
Posted By: SmackDAT
Date Posted: 04/17/2018 at 11:47pm
------------- Zhang Jike ALC AN (88g) Tenergy 05 Hard (2.1, B) Tenergy 19 (2.1, R) https://goo.gl/bFWoxW" rel="nofollow - https://goo.gl/bFWoxW |
Posted By: Baal
Date Posted: 04/18/2018 at 9:27am
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I like TT shoes because they flex a lot and I can dig my toes into the ground more. For me that is a big part of how I move and stay in balance. I have used Mizuno Wave Drive and various Butterfly and Asics shoes and they are really good but my current favorites are Tibhar Blue Thunder (price, comfort, quality, durability all good). I can't dig in like that with badminton or volleyball shoes. They are too stiff. BUT, and this is really important, I play on a relatively soft red gerfloor. TT shoes would work well also on the kind of rubberized floor you often see in the gymnasiums of schools in Europe where a lot of clubs play (as in Germany). I would not be able to use TT shoes on a hard wood or concrete surface!!!! Not enough padding or support and foot and Achilles tendon problems would result. |
Posted By: AntSj00
Date Posted: 04/19/2018 at 5:14am
What about playing on ceramic floor? Better using TT shoes that are more flex like Mizuno Wave Drive/Asics Excounter, Stiga/Thibar or using Multicourt Shoes that are more stiff like Asics Gel Rocket 7? ------------- TB ZLC + T05 + O7E Link Feedbacks To Me : http://mytabletennis.net/forum/feedback-antsj00_topic84038_post1041973.html?KW=" rel="nofollow - Feedbacks |
Posted By: pgpg
Date Posted: 04/19/2018 at 8:27am
In my limited experience, I find that Gel Rocket and similar shoes perform better on wooden and concrete (probably similar to ceramic) floors, while TT-only shoes seem to be better on a proper sports floor like Gerflor. I had Tibhar shoes for a while but found them to be too slippery for our club (wooden floor), but Gel Rocket 7 do just fine. ------------- USATT: ~1810 Butterfly Defense Alpha ST - H3 Neo - Cloud&Fog OX |
Posted By: Baal
Date Posted: 04/19/2018 at 9:05pm
Ceramic is very hard. You need protect your feet. So Gel Rocket or a badminton shoe I think. |
Posted By: AntSj00
Date Posted: 04/23/2018 at 10:14pm
Actually I use Stiga Shoes on ceramic floor right now. It's comfortable, not slippery & flex. I've brand new Asics Gel Rocket but has never been used cause it's a little bit heavy than my Stiga shoes & too stiff. ------------- TB ZLC + T05 + O7E Link Feedbacks To Me : http://mytabletennis.net/forum/feedback-antsj00_topic84038_post1041973.html?KW=" rel="nofollow - Feedbacks |
Posted By: Kolev
Date Posted: 04/24/2018 at 3:42am
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This is a sad subject for me because it is 9AM and just woke up with the nasty pain in my heels. One year ago I finally decided to buy me tt shoes and purchased two pairs of wave medal 5 and since few months I am having a constant pain in my heels. Haven't changed anything else, haven't overdone my training routine. I blame myself for not doing my homework and buying so badly cushioned shoes. These are not good for hard floors, nor offering any special grip. Lateral support yes...I should have stayed with my previous Asics gel blade, or any other badminton or squash shoes all of them offering better cushioning , usually better grip,not necessarily heavier and overly the same height. Only the people with similar experience would understand me. ------------- Hallmark Carbon Extreme (x3) FH: D05/G1/RX BH: Z2/D64/Ω7Pro |
Posted By: anubhav1984
Date Posted: 07/05/2018 at 5:30pm
Kolev - Really sad to hear about your pain and thank you for pointing out the lack of proper cushioning in the Mizuno shoes. I am a big Asics gel shoe fan myself. I usually complement them with an additional gel insole to provide even more cushioning. Seeing what you described about your morning heel pain, I would recommend that you get yourself checked for Plantar fasciitis. It is a very common condition and the symptoms sound similar. I know this because my wife is facing the same right now. Hope you feel better soon! In my opinion, as Kolev mentioned, the badminton or volleyball court shoes are better for TT in every aspect, as compared to the regular TT shoes. I would recommend Asics gel series.
------------- Butterfly Viscaria FL FH - Undecided BH - Undecided |
Posted By: book4all
Date Posted: 07/06/2018 at 5:28pm
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Buy the Yonex badminton shoes. As sports wise, they are probably the most close. For hard floors, the protection from the best badminton shoes is better than table tennis shoes.
Check Yonex website to find the one fits you.
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Posted By: Basquests
Date Posted: 09/26/2020 at 10:11am
I agree. I made a post in 2018 saying badminton < TT shoes, but have now done a 180. High end Yonex or high end Victor shoes, in my experience, are the best shoes for TT I've worn. I've gone through several pairs of WM5, and now have a few months old WM6's sitting around, as badminton shoes are king. Ah well. [The reason i didn't like badminton shoes earlier was the pair i had was very good, but it was THE most supportive badminton shoe out there, the heel area was way too large for TT. Most badminton shoes are not like this]. Now my weight is down, any vaguely supportive high end badminton shoe has enough support for TT, is just as agile, but is far better across the myriad of flooring situations you find yourself in - I never have to use water, and never lose grip. |