Yonex Eclipsion Z3 review: protective beast or slow tank?

May, 2024 UPDATE

I decided to update this review after having played in these shoes for about 40 hours on court and testing a bunch more badminton shoes.

The Yonex Eclipsion Z3 differentiates itself from other Yonex flagship shoes by focusing on stability and protection. 

This model dropped just a few weeks before I got them, so I was stoked to find them in my size as that’s always difficult here in Asia.

Before we get into the review, make sure you don’t confuse them with the more affordable X3 model or last year’s Z2 model. The easiest way to tell the difference between the former Z2 and the new Z3 models is around the ankle as illustrated in this image.

The easiest way to tell the difference between the new Z3 (the high-end model) and the new X3 (the affordable sibling), is that the outsole underneath the X3 isn’t dyed in a different color.

Now, for the review (which is also available on Youtube).

Yonex Eclipsion Z3 review (2023 model)

Upon seeing these shoes my first thought was: FINALLY, a pair of non-marking badminton shoes that looks good! 

When I tried them on for sizing at the store, I noticed they felt extra snug around the toe area compared to my current Yonex SHB 65Z3. Especially at the top of the toe (when pointing your toes upwards), and I’m cautious of that area in particular as it has caused me problems with broken toenails in other shoes.

They felt a tad too small in my normal size, but the clerk reassured me that they follow Yonex’s standard sizing for badminton shoes. Just to make sure, I tried one that was half a size bigger but it was easy to tell that it wasn’t right as there was too much space between my foot and the shoe.

I told myself that this extra tight, almost claustrophobic, feeling would go away after breaking them in.

So far so good.

When I opened the shoe box at home, I was reminded of how well they look and I noticed how much their design and color scheme stand out from other badminton shoes.

I’ve played with these shoes for about 10 hours doing games and drills, and I’ve used the same slightly thick socks as I normally do to keep consistency between the shoes I test. 

The fit

During the first test session, it took a while to get used to just how tight the fit was around my foot inside the shoe. It wasn’t in a bad way or as if they were too small anymore, just an unusual feeling coming from the Yonex SHB 65Z3. 

The fit is one of the highlights of the highlights of this shoe. It’s surprisingly stiff throughout from the heel to the toe box and gives this incredibly snug feeling as if the shoe will be firmly planted on your foot no matter how intense your match gets.

It’s one of the few shoes I’ve tested where I even noticed the sides and upper area of the shoe feeling snug with a touch of stiffness when I wear them.

The outsole

As soon as I got on court, I got curious about the grippy radial blade outsole underneath the shoe and whether it would feel the same as with the Yonex 65Z3. I remember being impressed when I first got those on.

It is that same sole but for some reason, it didn’t feel as grippy as on the 65Z. I figure it’s because I’m used to it now, whereas when I first tried that sole, it made a big impression on me as I upgraded from a budget shoe.

The Eclipsion Z3’s outsole has what Yonex calls the “The Semi One-Piece Sole” and they describe that “The Semi One-Piece Sole combined with radial blade sole increases the overall grip and area of contact by integrating the outer rubber of the tread and heel with a ninja star rubber pattern calculated to ensure grip for sudden vertical, horizontal, and diagonal movements. This increases stability when landing and reduces the risk of sprains.”

I didn’t notice this “improvement” in grip compared to the 65Z but the language is slightly vague, so I guess they could be referring to a comparison with a more budget-friendly shoe. Coming from a marketing background myself, this feels like a common way of phrasing it so as not to get in trouble while still conveying a benefit.

As we can see, the outsole is the same on both shoes and the only two obvious differences are that the outsole is dyed in a different color on the Eclipsion Z3 and that it’s all connected in one piece, whereas it’s made up of two pieces in the SHB 65Z.

I actually mildly twisted my ankle towards the end of my playing test, while playing in the Eclipsion Z3. When I played the following session, I felt more confident using them as I went back on court due to the stability when landing.

The toe area (toe protection)

The skin on the inner side of my big toe (the bit that faces towards the other foot if you place them side by side) has often felt uneasy after a session, almost in a pre-blister stage, but it never turned into blisters. That was my reference point.

I felt the same in this pair of Eclipsion Z3. In some sessions, it felt as if it was a bit more than in the 65Z3, while in others, it felt as if it was a bit less. Two pairs of socks didn’t help, and throughout my entire experience testing, this didn’t go away or get any better.

I figure it has been due to the more “booty” style, which may make the feet hotter and thus sweat more as the skin on the big toe grinds against the side of the shoe when you’re lunging or otherwise moving explosively forward or sideways on the court to cover the corners. 

The rest of the toe area felt very protected. Especially, when pushing your toe upwards or forward, so the toes hit against the front of the shoe when you’re lunging or performing a net kill. For someone careful about protecting your toes, this feels reassuring. 

On the other hand, I’m not entirely sure how the cushioning at the top of the toe box helps besides just making the toe box more hot and your feet sweat more. The extra top cushioning isn’t something I’ve noticed missing in other badminton shoes.

Stepping on my toes during split steps feels nice and snug, like playing on a small cushion. Although it did take a little while to get used to how tucked in my toes were.

I understand that this is due to what Yonex calls their “Lateral Shell” technology and they describe it as “The Lateral Shell is the shell-like portion positioned to support the area that absorbs the most force, reducing lateral shake in sidestep footwork.”

I often feel fatigue underneath my big toe when playing and this shoe wasn’t any different. I wish it would have more cushioning underneath the toe box.

Insole (+ Airflow and heat reduction)

Where the 65z’s insole felt more grippy or grip-resistant with the wave-like design, the Eclipsion felt slightly softer and reminded me of sock-like material.

The airy holes in the insole were a nice touch, especially as they’re connected to the little semi-open area in the bottom of the shoe, but it didn’t feel as if it made that big of a difference against the heat I felt on my feet.

This shoe felt almost like a sports boot, but the extra protection also meant my feet felt hot. It isn’t a deal breaker for me, even if I don’t like it.

I play in hot weather, so depending on where you live, you might not feel the same but this is an expected trade-off against the extra protection.

The heel area

A small area at the top of my heel, where most other badminton shoes end, just below the Achilles heel begins, did feel irritated as the skin and sock were grinding against the top of the heel on the unusually high heel of this shoe.

This forced me to change shoes every now and then throughout my testing to avoid the skin coming off entirely and causing blisters.

Fortunately, that went away after playing with the shoe for 10-15 hours and partially using two pairs of socks and plaster as protection at first. Even after spending quite a bit of time breaking them in. No biggie, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re investing in the Eclipsion Z3 and haven’t had a pair that is that tall around the heel before.

Despite the annoyances I had with the top of the heel area, the bottom bit where the heel actually is, felt nice and locked in, which was reassuring when I was moving backward to return an attacking clear or landing from a jump smash, for example.

When the skin on my heel finally got used to this shoe, I fell in love with this heel as it helps create a great fit at the back of your foot.

Cushioning and shock absorption

I didn’t notice any difference in cushioning or padding between the SHB 65Z3 and the Eclipsion Z3 underneath my feet and in the midsole area.

Both shoes use the Power Cushion and Power Cushion+ technologies. It feels decent, but for a supportive shoe, it wouldn’t hurt to make it softer and more comfortable to move around the court.

I’ve found myself feeling fatigued underneath my feet after playing demanding sessions in this shoe. While the comfort and cushioning aren’t terrible, I’m surprised it doesn’t feel softer underneath the foot and toe box.

Which player is the Yonex Eclipsion Z3 for?

Let’s finish this Yonex Eclipsion z3 review by comparing this model to other similar ones. But first, let’s see who this shoe is suitable for.

Who this shoe is for 

In my opinion, the Yonex Eclipsion Z3 will be a great fit for the casual player who is concerned about injuries and wants extra protection. That could for example be an adult player or senior returning to court after many years away and is willing to trade some performance for extra protection.

Who this shoe isn’t for

The tournament player or a player who’s serious about their achievements in badminton doesn’t seem like a good fit for this shoe. I figure they will prefer other options on the market as this shoe can feel a bit heavy and bulky at times.

Yonex Eclipsion Z3 compared to other similar shoes

I’ll compare it to the all-around Yonex SHB 65z3 and the bulkier Yonex Comfort Z3. If you want to see how it compares to the ultra-comfortable and supportive Victor P9200III follow that link (you’ll find the comparison towards the end).

Yonex Eclipsion Z3 vs. Yonex SHB 65Z3

Compared to the popular Yonex SHB 65Z3 shoe, this Eclipsion Z3 feels like a buff tank. On the other hand, the 65Z is an all-around shoe that shares some protective qualities but also focuses on speed.

Both are terrific shoes but are not intended for the same type of player.

Yonex Eclipsion Z3 vs. Yonex Comfort Z3

Before testing both of these shoes, I expected them to be quite similar. That turned out not to be the case.

Where the Eclipsion Z3 is bulky, sturdy, protective, and well-suited for the casual player who’s doing everything they can to avoid getting injured, the Comfort Z3 feels more like a performance shoe with a touch of cushioning around the heel area.

As I described in my review of the Comfort Z3, I was expecting more cushioning and protection based on its description before trying it on court.