This is the 2025 version and 12th generation of the Yonex Power Cushion 65 badminton shoe, more commonly known as the Yonex Power Cushion 65Z4 (UK, buy here). This is a new design, not just a colour update, so let me tell you more about my experience with this shoe alongside its more budget-friendly cousin, the 65X4.
There’s also a new colourway for the super popular ultralight Yonex Aerus Z and Aerus X shoes, which I'll talk about more later!
2025 Yonex Power Cushion 65Z Badminton Shoe
This Yonex Power Cushion 65Z4 badminton shoe is Yonex’s 12th generation update of this ever-popular shoe and will be available worldwide come January 2025. Check out my review and comparison of the 65Z3 and 65X3 here.
Immediately, you will notice the most significant update it has had. Gone are the days of multiple pieces of shoe upper material being sewn together, and you now see an entirely seamless design and construction of the shoe. This seamless design provides a better fit with added flexibility around the forefoot for us players as we lunge, twist and turn many times on the court.
This added flexibility reduces stress points as the material folds and unfolds when we move around the court. Also, because this is a 1 piece design, there are no lumps and bumps internally in the shoe compared to traditional production methods where each material is overlapped and sewn together.
The only immediate difference on the upper side of the shoe is the mesh around the ankle area with the newer 65Z4 having a finer mesh design compared to the older model.
At launch, this white colour will be available in four different options: men’s, ladies’, wide-fit, and narrow-fit. I’m unsure if all regions carry all four options, so check with your local retailers for more details!
Apart from the new upper, Yonex has retained a lot of its existing technologies and materials into this 65Z4 with Power Cushion+ being embedded into the soles of the shoe. However, the window where the yellow Power Cushion+ is shown has been removed from this latest model compared to the previous generation. The Power Graphite Lite around the foot arch area is also present.
The air vent at the bottom of the 65Z4 has been retained with some slight updates regarding sizing and shape. The radial blade rubber outside which I rate very highly is also present. The grippy insoles from the previous generation which Yonex calls Synchrofit insoles are also transferred across to the new version.
In terms of weight, there is virtually no change compared to the previous generation with this 28.0cm size coming in at 325g per side whilst the previous generation models, the 65Z C-90 variant coming in at 323g and the standard model around 328g. So very little difference there.
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In terms of wear experience, the 65Z4 did have a closer, better immediate fit during first wear. It felt like my foot was better wrapped around the shoe, especially on the upper side of my foot. This also means that those with wide or narrow feet will also have to adjust their purchase to those wide or narrow models accordingly as I didn't have much space left on the side of my foot from the closer fit. If you’re unsure, do try a pair of them in-store to verify your fit.
Those who are familiar with the 65 model will require no break in time with the 65Z4 as it felt very comfortable from the get-go and the feeling sensation was very familiar to previous generations. However, when you start lunging and moving around the court, you will feel that slightly added flexibility or pliability from the newly designed upper and I only noticed it because I was wearing my 65Z3 pair before swapping to the 65Z4.
It’s a minor improvement in comfort, but with the Z3 being such a good shoe already, it was going to be very hard to make big improvements to this updated model. You will have no problem in terms of the performance as the fit, feel and performance from the previous generation is also moved across to this Z4.
I personally like the white colour scheme but I guess Yonex will be dropping new colours throughout the year as they normally do. So if you need a new pair of super comfortable badminton shoes, get these, but get the right width! If you’re happy with your 65Z3s, there’s no real need to immediately upgrade, unless you really want to.
Yonex Power Cushion 65X Badminton Shoe
Let’s also now take a quick look at the more budget-friendly model, the Yonex Power Cushion 65X4. The last time I reviewed the 65X model, it was almost 3 years ago when the Z3 and X3 were launched. This time, Yonex have transferred more of the high-end Z model aesthetics across to the X with a similar white colour scheme with updates compared to the previous generation.
Instantly, I noticed the 65X4 now has radial blade outsoles although they are still dyed for colour like the previous generation, I also noticed the quality of the radial blade outsole isn't as good as the higher-end Z4 model. Obviously, compromises will have to be made for a more budget-friendly option shoe but I think moving to radial blade outsole is a good step in this instance.
In terms of materials and technology inside the shoe, many are transferred across from the previous generation with the insoles still looking the same with a smooth finish on the top and a power cushion piece on the heel section. The insoles are more basic and not designed like the synchro-fit insoles in the Z models.
Additionally, this X model doesn't have the fully seamless upper design present in the 65Z4 and retains the more traditional manufacturing method. However, the 65X4 model is also slightly lighter than the Z4 model coming in at 316g per side for the same size of 28.0cm. The 65X is a decent shoe if budgets are a concern but in all honesty, the jump in quality, fit and performance to the Z model shoes is worth it if you’re able to afford the pricing. After all, we only have one pair of feet!
Yonex Power Cushion Aerus Z Badminton Shoes
Lastly, we also have some updates for the ultralight Aerus badminton shoes from Yonex, including the 2025 colour updates for the Aerus Z2 and the Aerus X2. You can also check out my review of the first Aerus Z and Aerus X here!
For the Yonex Aerus Z2, this navy colourway will be available from Jan 2025 onwards and will come in its usual 3 options, men's sizing, ladies' sizing and wide fit. To make things interesting, Yonex will be releasing new quarterly colour options in May and September.
The Aerus Z2 already features a seamless upper design since its original launch so besides the colour updates, everything from the existing Z2 will be transferred across. Power Cushion + 3D Power Graphite Sheet as well as the insoles. Also, I have weighed the Aerus Z2 at 28.0cm size at only 271g per side.
Yonex Power Cushion Aerus X Badminton Shoes
The Yonex Aerus X2 again will be the more budget-friendly option but it differs slightly to the 65X shoe by having Yonex’s more traditional hexagonal-shaped outsole design. The Aerus X is also heavier than its Z counterpart coming in at 317g per side for the same 28.0cm size. However, the fresh white outsole with the dark navy colour scheme does look cool.
Quick note: the upper of the Aerus Z2 has a bit more texture than the X2. The Aerus X will be a unisex shoe so there’s only a single option in terms of fit. I also want to add that many of the existing colours for the Aerus Z2 and X2 will be discontinued once these 2 new models are launched so check with your local retailer if you’d like to stock up on some of your existing favourite colours.
As usual, please put any questions you have in the comments and make sure to use my code 'CKYEW' for extra discounts! I’ll see you in the next one!