Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z4 review: the most universal shoe Yonex makes
Twenty years of 65-series iteration converge in the Z4 — same all-court DNA, sharper grip, lighter foot feel, and a sole that finally lets the shoe breathe.
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Overview
Among badminton shoes, one line has lasted over twenty years — still iterating detail by detail, still kept by pros and club players alike: Yonex's classic 65 series. Viktor Axelsen, Kento Momota, and plenty more wore it worldwide; it carries countless match footprints. Now the latest SHB-65Z4 (65Z4) arrives. Can it hit the same nerve? Today I'm unpacking twenty years of buildup.
Appearance
This review focuses on the white 65Z4. First glance: clean pure white from upper to midsole, sharp ink-blue side lines for speed. Recycled polyester heat-press texture adds depth. On foot the streamlined shape slims the leg line — simple aesthetics that work on court and off. Fourth generation, strong family DNA. Finer lychee-grain leather and heat-press feel more premium — a restrained tweak that fits the 65 series' stable tone, balanced between heritage and refresh.
Official tech
Upper: flexible leather with one-piece inner boot for smooth toe-to-midfoot fit, reinforced thumb zone against drag wear. Seamless upper plus recycled polyester heat-press on key stress zones forms a lightweight skeleton. Forefoot vents and tongue mesh create a cooling system for long wear. Midsole: zoned design — light EVA platform, midfoot Light Power Graphite for anti-torsion, heel hidden Power Cushion+ for landing buffer and rebound (no visible window now, but inside). Forefoot uses a denser rebound unit like a launch pad — barefoot ground feel plus direct drive. Classic soft-hard zones. Outsole: durable gum rubber versus solid rubber for grip; slightly weaker on wet courts. Forefoot grooves guide drive and cuts; heel sphere smooths multi-angle landings. Keeps Power Cushion 65Z3 radial paddle pattern — small and large deformation zones for longitudinal, lateral, and diagonal grip. Midfoot Z-TPU links front and rear rubber for dynamic anti-torsion with independent fore-aft motion; arch vent aids breathability. Still proven front-B rear-C split — stable, safe layout.
On-court testing
Static fit My 65Z4MEX standard width, size 42, 270 mm. Left 304 g, right 306 g — light class. Laced tight, wrap is strong; liner like memory foam fits the forefoot with no gap and no squeeze — high comfort, Yonex last skill. Midfoot recessed EVA plus raised insole arch gives double arch support, more wrap, less plantar fascia pull and fatigue. Heel Power Cushion+ rebounds fast and strong on press — instant response. V heel foam plus spherical insole groove locks the Achilles. Six to seven hours, three matches — singles, men's doubles, mixed — key points below. Dynamic feel Launch: 65Z4 feels instant low-to-ground, especially on singles receive-drive — less sink before push, short direct power transfer, no drag. On second launch and scramble, stop-cut-drive links feel like a spring underfoot. Chasse and parallel step: mostly forefoot power; side moves get tight upper support and forefoot ground feel — smooth. Wavy insole texture locks forefoot; Malaysian step and cross cuts feel rock steady. Vertical move: first match felt slightly high front-rear; I held back. After break-in, shoe-foot unity improved; by match three they merged. Heel height feeling faded — also shows frame cushion and wrap may fade over time, later demanding leg and ankle strength. Landing: Power Cushion+ limit shows on landings. In doubles — mixed rear, men's front intercept — ankle must help buffer; passive rear coverage needs foot strength. Singles jump smash: dual-foot jump — heel cushion feels tight on heavy smash landing, needs leg support; forefoot rebound helps kill-and-net speed. Overhead burst: forefoot ball contact uses fast forefoot advantage — next shot response is a 65Z4 specialty. Front receive and backhand block need heel contact — knee loads more, needs leg strength. Spherical outsole rolls well for strong ankles — clean forward rhythm after landings.
Summary and recommendation
After several sessions, 65Z4 feels direct — stiff-yet-soft balance, crisp, agile, light, good for serious and club play. That is why 65 stays evergreen with real court genes and pro favour. It also shows this speed boot needs fitness and technique — recommend strong legs, moderate weight, flexible drive-and-attack advanced players to unlock its fast feet. Casual players should match intensity to support needs so muscle mismatch does not hurt performance.
Additional notes from a second on-foot session
White / light-grey family look, reverse-Z midfoot TPU versus Z3, hidden Power Cushion window, inner abrasion patch smoothed for a cleaner sidewall. Size 42 standard men’s last about 300 g — still light. Fit for thin feet is excellent wrap, almost pressing the vamp; fewer vents can feel slightly muggy. Launch is obviously fast after any cushioned all-rounder — and the forefoot is extremely thin and hard, close to bare-mat feedback even in thick socks. Multi-hour sessions can leave forefoot ache and friction heat; a thicker aftermarket insole helps. Soft upper deforms on hard cuts; torsion sits below stability shoes. Best for strong feet and ankles that prioritise first-step speed — including many pros. Club players should add insole cushion and skip it if heavy or if they need max anti-torsion. Same 65-series bargain: extreme launch, paid for with hardness and protection trade-offs.
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