Initially I had no intention of reviewing clothing, shoes or bags on my blog. But, having worn the Yonex SHB200 shoe for a few sessions I thought I had to say something.
OK, you know I’m a Yonex fan! But, if I don’t like something, I won’t write about it.
First off, I purchased these shoes having tried them in a shop. I was not given the shoes as part of my sponsorship.
I wanted a pair of shoes that were really comfortable for the times when I’m coaching all day. So, the extra support was a major part of my decision making.
Initially, when I first saw this shoe I expected it to be much heavier than my others because of the “built-up” heel. Wrong! They are still a very light shoe and considerably lighter than the shoes I was coaching in earlier this year.
My other concern was the potential for lateral instability because of a more built-up heel. Wrong again. When tested I found I could move just as well in these shoes and there wasn’t a single occasion where I went close to going over on my ankle. Huge relief.
The heel area is different to my other shoes. There isn’t quite the sense of the shoe wrapping around the foot and locking you in compared to my SHB 100MX, but it’s still a good snug fit.
Within a very short while I forgot I had a different pair of shoes on and could easily have played a game or two.
Overall, this is a really good shoe. There’s extra “impact protection” with the built-up heel and I certainly feel that I could “live” in these shoes. They will certainly be an asset when I’m coaching for long periods.
RRP on Yonex SHB200 is £80.00. Is this expensive? Difficult to say. Chances are you’ll pick up a pair for £70.00 or less with the discounts available online. I haven’t researched the market well enough to know what the competition has to offer, but I know enough good players who choose this brand of shoe year after year to confirm that they consistently perform well.
On my rating system, these shoes are awarded 4.5 stars as it would be great to get to have the “wrap-around” feel alongside the additional support in the heel. Try a pair for yourself.
Hi Paul,
can you please briefly compare SHB 200 to the classic ones like 92 or 85?
thanks,
Tony
Tony
I’ll do my best but i haven’t used SHB92 shoe. From memory SHB85 is a lovely shoe (I used it) for players with slimmer feet. It’s not quite as built up as the 200 which in my opinion is better because too much shoe may be an issue for some.
92 shoe was only available in yellow from memory. Some players like the striking colours and say it’s a good study shoe – that personal choice again.
200 shoe is the one I use for coaching most of the time, although they have had some wear and I am about to replace. This is a slightly wider fit and more built up in the heel area. I’ve found all the shoe exceptionally comfortable but 200 is certainly the most comfortable for coaching. However, personal preference here, if I was playing, I would prefer a less built up shoe in the heel area and therefore i would choose 85’s. However if you had a wider foot 200 would certainly feel better.
I can’t say much more I’m afraid because there really isn’t much to say bearing in mind I haven’t tested 92.
I hope this helps.
Paul
PS 85 shoe has been superceded by 86. 200 shoe has also been superceeded by SC5.