The Yonex Cascade Accel is marketed as a shoe with “toe-assist shape for quick footwork without power loss,” and promises a soft, comfortable fit.
In their 2024 catalog, this shoe is positioned alongside Yonex’s entry-level and mid-range options, typically priced around 20% lower than their top-tier models, like the 65Z3.
As someone who has been testing various Yonex shoes, I was curious to see how this mid-tier model stacks up against their best flagship badminton shoes.
Coming in at 371g per shoe in my size (28.5 cm), the Cascade Accel is categorized as an all-around model designed for comfort.
As usual, I purchased these shoes with my own money to provide you with an unbiased review. After ten hours on the court, I’m ready to share my thoughts.
My testing began with a mild knee injury during the first session.
What a start.
This has happened to me before with Yonex’s more budget-friendly shoes, so I was initially concerned about whether it was the shoe’s fault. Thankfully, the rest of my sessions went fairly smoothly, so let’s focus on the positives.
This model comes in normal fit, slim, and wide options. I opted for the normal fit since that should be relevant for most players.
Table of Contents
Yonex Cascade Accel review
Let’s dive in, starting with the toe box.
Toe protection
Surprisingly, the toe box of the Cascade Accel didn’t feel as roomy as other Yonex shoes I’ve tried. A nice surprise for someone with slightly narrow feet.
It reminded me of the Li-Ning Blade Max in terms of fit—somewhere in the middle—not particularly narrow, but not as spacious as other non-wide Yonex models (which has always been an issue for me as the sides of my big toe bangs against the side of the shoe).
One positive note is that the toe box feels well-cushioned, which is beneficial for players like me who don’t have lightning-fast (or even just good) footwork. I’m often late to reach the shuttle, and tend to land heavily and lunge forward, which can cause my toes to bump against the front of the shoe.
Many of Yonex’s top-tier models lack cushioning in the toe box, so I was surprised to find it in the Cascade Accel. So I’m wondering if those other Yonex badminton shoes are meant to cater more to players with better footwork without making that clear in their marketing.
Cushioning + shock absorption (midsole + insole)
Now onto the midsole.
It feels somewhat “flat” and stiff in a way that’s tricky to describe. It’s as if there’s a plate underneath that you’re walking directly on without much cushioning. While it does provide some cushioning overall, there’s something peculiar about how it feels upon landing.
This model lacks Yonex’s top ‘Power Cushion+’ technology, which might explain why it doesn’t feel quite as comfortable or responsive as other models I’ve tested.
During singles play, I noticed that the insole was starting to slide around a bit. That’s concerning as it feels similar to sliding when there’s liquid on court, but fortunately, it didn’t truly slide.
I wouldn’t tempt fate on this one, though. It could become an issue for singles players who sweat a lot. That said, I had no problems during doubles matches.
The insole is basic, even for a non-flagship model like this one that’s just slightly more affordable than top-tier shoes.
Fit (upper, sides, and heel)
The upper part of the shoe has an… interesting design.
While it has thick cushioning in the tongue, and somewhat thick in the sides, the outer layer appears surprisingly thin. This design combo seems to work well because I didn’t feel overly hot even when playing while it was super hot and humid.
On a side note, it felt like no matter how hard I tied these shoes, they still didn’t feel snug enough due to all that cushion in the tongue area 😉
The comfort of the cushion in the sides feels too loose for me as well, but I’m sure beginner players would assume they like it if they haven’t tried other options.
The Cascade Accel also feels super cushioned in the heel area, but I wish it was more stiff. While this softness may feel nice when trying on at a store, it doesn’t inspire confidence on court for me.
Speaking of the heel area, it feels too low for my preference, too, and offers too much movement for my liking.
Outsole (grip)
When it comes to grip, this shoe feels consistent with the top Yonex models. The outsole has a nicely sticky and gluey feel thanks to its radial blade sole grip.
Durability
I won’t dive too deep into durability since ten hours on court isn’t enough time to get a good sense of that (you will of course hear about it if there are any meaningful issues).
So far it’s in line with what I’d expect regarding the ‘lunge tear’ and ‘outsole wear’ compared to other shoes I’ve tested.
The verdict
POSITIVE
The toe box cushion is decent and the only other Yonex shoe (other than the Eclipsion Z3) to add enough cushion for my bad footwork.
NEGATIVE
The midsole seemed odd. It had decent cushioning, but a stiff plate-like feel that wasn’t my favorite.
Yonex Cascade Accel: the verdict
Summary + the beasty score
To my surprise, this is one of the most cushioned shoes I’ve encountered in Yonex’s 2024 catalog.
Earlier in my badminton journey, I would have loved this level of cushioning, but now I find it to be too much. Personally, I prefer something more snug and stiff with better cushioning in the midsole to combat fatigue beneath my feet.
After switching from more cushioned shoes, I felt soreness in my thigh and knee on my non-racket foot during the initial sessions. If you’re around my body size, you might experience this too.
This could be due to the basic insole or the lack of the Power Cushion+ technology, since it doesn’t match what I’ve experienced with better shoes in similar categories.
Considering how close these are in price to higher-quality options, I don’t see why anyone would take the risk on these rather than saving up just a bit more to get a pair with better support and injury prevention…
Except, if you’re all in on soft cushioning (except in the midsole). To my surprise, this is the most comfortable shoe I’ve come across from Yonex and ironically, I found it more comfortable than their Comfort Z3.
Who the Yonex Cascade Accel is suited for
As someone who believes injury prevention should be a top priority so we can play more, I wouldn’t recommend these or other budget options to anyone serious about their game.
But if you’re new to badminton and just looking for something comfortable to get started with, this could be a decent option.
That said, they aren’t a particularly budget-friendly choice. They seem best suited for players who want comfort and prefer the Yonex brand (to be fair if you’ve never tried better badminton shoes before, you might not notice the issue I had with the midsole).
I wouldn’t recommend this shoe for players heavier than me as you could experience fatigue due to the midsole.
Yonex Cascade Accel vs other badminton shoes
Next, let’s look at this shoe compared to other similar models.
Cascade Accel vs Li-Ning Blade Max
Li-Ning’s Blade Max has a stiffer heel and sides along with a taller heel that offers a more reassuring and snug fit.
Its midsole is also more comfortable and cushioned compared to the Cascade Accel, almost like an upgraded version of a very similar styled shoe.
While both offer similar cushioning levels overall, the Blade Max feels slightly narrower due to its stiffer plates added for support. I prefer that combo of the Blade Max stiffness and cushion.
Cascade Accel vs Yonex SHB 65Z3
In comparison with the SHB 65Z3, the Cascade Accel feels more cushioned in all areas. The 65Z3 does offer some cushioning but not as much, and it feels slightly stiffer overall.
If you’re a regular player wanting support, you might prefer this stiffer feel since you’re more tucked into the shoe… As opposed to having excess ‘flex’ (for a lack of a better word) from the cushion that could lead to rolling your ankles (beginners might appreciate that extra cushion, though).
Interestingly enough, while my toes felt sore after playing in the 65Z3, they felt much better in the Cascade Accel due to its cushioned toe box. This is something I’m missing from most of Yonex’s top-tier offerings except for perhaps the Eclipsion Z3.
One downside of the 65Z3 for me is its loose fit around the tongue and upper area. It’s an odd combo for my feet since the sides are snug and seem to attempt to keep the foot in place.
