Running Blog

Yonex is best known for badminton, but it also makes running shoes. At Central Sports, the Yonex running range is small and focused. This guide covers the Yonex running and training shoes we list, what each one is for, and how to choose. Quick answer: Yonex running shoes at Central Sports Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT: a carbon-plated road running shoe for tempo runs, intervals and race day. Unisex. Yonex Power Cushion Saferun 100X: a cushioned daily-training running shoe for women, reduced from £150.00. Yonex Prime Trainer: a training shoe for footwork drills, HIIT and circuits. It is listed under Running Shoes on our site, but Yonex does not position it as a distance running shoe. Stock and prices change, so check the product pages for live availability. Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT The Aerus GT is a unisex, carbon-plated running shoe and the successor to the Carbon Cruise Aerus. It is built around Yonex's Graphite Throttle (GT) construction, which pairs a new midsole foam with a speed-focused carbon plate. Midsole: Power Cushion REV (upper layer) and Feather Light X (lower layer, Yonex's lightest material so far). Plate: 3D Power Carbon plate, with raised wings at the forefoot and midfoot to reduce wobble on landing. Outsole: Endurance Rubber, also used in Yonex's pro tennis shoes. Upper: Durable Skin Light, a thin, seamless synthetic. Weight: approximately 215g per shoe (size 26.0cm). Sizes and colours: UK 7 to 11.5 in half sizes; Cool White, Sky Blue and Lemon Yellow. Ride: smooth and rolling, with quick turnover. Go deeper with our full Aerus GT guide, the Graphite Throttle technology explained, or the sizing and fit guide. Shop it in Cool White, Sky Blue or Lemon Yellow. Yonex Power Cushion Saferun 100X (women's) The Saferun 100X is the everyday option in the Yonex range. Yonex describes it as a shoe for serious female runners, with cushioning and energy return for long-distance training. Cushioning: Power Cushion, for shock absorption and energy return. Weight: 215g per shoe (size 23.5cm). Upper: breathable synthetic fibre. Midsole: synthetic resin, for durable rebound. Outsole: Endurance Rubber, built for regular mileage. Fit: women's-specific fit. Product code: SHR100XL It has no carbon plate, so it is a better fit for easy runs and steady mileage than for racing. See the Saferun 100X (women's). Yonex Prime Trainer The Prime Trainer is designed for training rather than road miles. Yonex lists Power Cushion Plus, a Position Guide Pod under the forefoot, a zero-drop (0mm) design, a memory foam insole and a carbon midfoot plate. The intended use is technical footwork training for badminton, squash and tennis, plus HIIT and circuit training.  Which Yonex shoe should you choose? You want to race or do speed sessions: Aerus GT. You are a woman who wants a cushioned daily running shoe: Saferun 100X. You want a gym and footwork training shoe on a budget: Prime Trainer. You are a racket player who also runs: consider a running shoe for the road and the Prime Trainer for off-court training. See our Aerus GT vs Prime Trainer comparison. You play badminton matches: none of these. Choose a court shoe from our Yonex badminton shoes. More running shoe choices For other cushioned everyday trainers, browse our full range of running shoes, including Hoka and On. Frequently asked questions Does Yonex make running shoes? Yes. The Carbon Cruise Aerus GT is a carbon-plated road running shoe, the Power Cushion Saferun 100X is a cushioned women's running shoe, and Yonex also makes training shoes such as the Prime Trainer. Which Yonex running shoes does Central Sports stock? The Carbon Cruise Aerus GT in three colours, the women's Power Cushion Saferun 100X in Emerald, and the Prime Trainer training shoe. Stock changes, so check the product pages. Are Yonex running shoes good for badminton? No. Running shoes are designed for the road. For the court, choose a dedicated badminton shoe. Is the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT worth the money? It suits runners who want a smooth, controlled carbon shoe for fast days. It is a performance shoe rather than an everyday trainer. What sizes do Yonex running shoes come in? The Aerus GT is unisex in UK 7 to 11.5 in half sizes. The women's Saferun 100X is listed in UK 5 to 7.5. Check each product page for live size availability.

Both of these Yonex shoes are filed under Running Shoes at Central Sports, but they are built for very different jobs. The Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT is a carbon-plated road running shoe. The Yonex Prime Trainer is a training shoe for footwork drills, HIIT and circuits. Here is how to choose. Quick verdict If you want to run, buy the Aerus GT. If you want a shoe for gym circuits, HIIT and technical footwork training between racket sessions, buy the Prime Trainer. They are not interchangeable: the Prime Trainer is not marketed as a distance running shoe, and the Aerus GT is not designed for badminton or indoor courts. Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT vs Yonex Prime Trainer at a glance Feature Carbon Cruise Aerus GT Prime Trainer Built for Tempo runs, intervals and race day Footwork training (badminton, squash, tennis), HIIT, circuit training Cushioning Power Cushion REV and Feather Light X Power Cushion Plus Plate 3D Power Carbon plate (full speed-focused plate) Power Carbon midfoot plate for torsional strength and arch support Heel-to-toe drop Not published 0mm (zero drop) Weight Approx. 215g per shoe (size 26.0cm) Not published Extra features Endurance Rubber outsole, seamless Durable Skin Light upper Position Guide Pod under the forefoot, memory foam insole Fit Unisex, UK 7 to 11.5 Separate men's and women's models (women's uses the Ergo Shape last) Price at Central Sports £140.00 From £42.06; men's Black currently £49.99 (regular price £85.00) Prices were checked on our site at the time of writing and may change. Specifications come from the Yonex product information on our pages. Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT: the road shoe The Aerus GT uses Graphite Throttle (GT) construction. Yonex reports around 14% more shock absorption, 16% more rebound and 27% less weight than Power Cushion+ in the upper midsole layer. The plate has raised wings to reduce wobble on landing. Expect a smooth, rolling ride with quick turnover rather than a harsh feel. Read our full Aerus GT guide, or see the sizing and fit guide. Yonex Prime Trainer: the training shoe The Prime Trainer is designed around movement in every direction. Yonex lists Power Cushion Plus (28% more shock absorption and 62% more rebound than traditional EVA, according to Yonex), a Position Guide Pod under the forefoot to help with foot placement and footwork, a zero-drop design for a natural stride, a memory foam insole and a carbon midfoot plate. The intended use is technical footwork training, HIIT and circuit training. It is a sensible budget buy for racket players who train off court. Which one should you buy Running tempo sessions, intervals or races: Aerus GT. Gym circuits, HIIT and footwork drills: Prime Trainer. Racket player who runs for fitness and trains off court: you may want both, one for each job. Tight budget: the Prime Trainer is much cheaper, but do not expect it to replace a proper running shoe for regular road miles. Playing badminton or other indoor court matches: neither. Choose a court shoe from our Yonex badminton shoes. Frequently asked questions Is the Yonex Prime Trainer a running shoe? It is listed in our Running Shoes category, but Yonex describes it as a training shoe for footwork training, HIIT and circuits rather than a distance running shoe. Can I run in the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT every day? It is built for speed sessions and race day. Most runners keep a carbon-plated shoe for fast days and use a cushioned trainer for easy runs. Which is cheaper? The Prime Trainer, from £42.06. The Aerus GT is £140.00. Can I use the Aerus GT for badminton? No. It is designed for road running, not for badminton or indoor courts. Shop both: Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT and the Yonex Prime Trainer (men's).

Carbon-plated running shoes have gone from elite-only kit to something many club runners now consider. But a carbon plate is not a magic upgrade, and the wrong choice can be an expensive mistake. This guide explains what to look for when buying your first pair, and the carbon-plated Yonex option we stock at Central Sports. Quick answer Buy a carbon-plated shoe as a second pair for fast days, not as your only shoe. Keep a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles, and use the carbon shoe for tempo runs, intervals and races. What does a carbon plate actually do A carbon plate is a stiff, thin layer embedded in the midsole, usually combined with a soft, springy foam. The plate adds stiffness and helps the shoe roll you forward, and the foam returns energy. Brands tune the combination differently, so two carbon shoes can feel completely different: one smooth and controlled, another firm and snappy. That is why trying a specific shoe matters more than the words "carbon plate". Is a carbon shoe right for you Yes, if you do regular speed sessions, race 5K to marathon, or want to see what a performance shoe feels like. Probably not yet, if you run once or twice a week at an easy pace, or you are still building a base. A comfortable trainer will do more for you. Also consider your history of injury. If you are unsure, speak to a physio or running specialist before changing your shoes. What to look for in a first carbon shoe A forgiving, stable ride. Some carbon shoes feel harsh or unstable. A shoe with a stabilised plate and smooth rocker is easier to adapt to. Weight. Lower is better for racing, but compare weights at the same size. Fit. Racing shoes often have a snug, thin upper. Leave about a thumb's width at the toe and try them on with your running socks. Traction. Some road racers grip poorly on soft or wet surfaces, so check reviews if you run on mixed terrain. Price against use. If you will wear them eight to ten times a year, think about how much you want to spend per outing. The carbon-plated option at Central Sports: Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT (£140) The Aerus GT is a unisex carbon shoe built for tempo runs, intervals and race day. It pairs Power Cushion REV foam with a 3D Power Carbon plate and weighs approximately 215g per shoe in size 26.0cm. Our product notes describe a smooth, rolling ride rather than a harsh one, which makes it a good first carbon shoe. The plate has raised wings at the forefoot and midfoot to reduce wobble on landing. Read our full guide and comfort breakdown, check the sizing and fit guide, or see how it compares with the Yonex Prime Trainer in our Aerus GT vs Prime Trainer comparison. Shop the Aerus GT. Prices were checked on our site at the time of writing and may change. Do not forget your daily trainer Your carbon shoe should sit alongside, not replace, a cushioned trainer. Browse our full range of running shoes, including Hoka and On daily trainers. Frequently asked questions Are carbon-plated running shoes worth it? They can be, for runners who do faster sessions or race. For easy running, a comfortable trainer is usually the better buy. How often should I wear carbon shoes? Most runners keep them for fast days and races, which also helps them last longer. Are carbon shoes good for beginners? Not usually as a first or only shoe. A beginner is better off building mileage in a comfortable daily trainer first. Can I wear running shoes for badminton or other court sports? No. Running shoes are designed for the road. Choose a dedicated court shoe for badminton, such as our Yonex badminton shoes. How do I choose my size? See our Aerus GT sizing and fit guide, or contact the team in store.

The Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT is a unisex, carbon-plated running shoe that costs £140 at Central Sports. Before you spend that, you need to know two things: which size to order, and whether it suits the way you run. This guide covers both, and says plainly where Yonex has not published the numbers. Quick answer: should you buy it? Buy it if you want a first carbon-plated shoe for tempo runs, intervals and race day, or if you play racket sports, already trust Yonex and run to stay fit. Skip it if you want one shoe for every easy mile, or a shoe for badminton or other indoor courts. It is not designed for courts. Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT sizes at Central Sports The Aerus GT is sold as a unisex shoe in UK sizes 7 to 11.5, in half sizes (UK 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11 and 11.5). That is the range listed on the Cool White product page; stock changes daily, so check the colour you want for live availability. It comes in three colours: Cool White, Sky Blue and Lemon Yellow. Because it is unisex, there is no separate women's version. Women who normally wear UK 5 or 6 will not find a size in this model, so check the size run before you fall for a colour. Does it fit true to size? We cannot give you a confident yes or no. We could not find a published width, drop or stack height for this shoe from Yonex, and no independent fit review yet. We would rather say that than guess. What we can say from the product details is that it has a thin, seamless upper (Durable Skin Light) built for a light, flexible fit. Until you have tried it, use the standard approach for any performance running shoe: Leave roughly a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Try shoes on later in the day, when your feet are at their largest. Wear the socks you actually run in. If you will race half marathons or longer, your feet swell, so err on the roomier side. If you are between sizes, ask the team in our Birmingham or Milton Keynes stores, or contact us before ordering. Check our returns policy so you know what to do if the first size is wrong. What makes it different from a normal trainer? These details come from the Yonex product information on our page. The Aerus GT uses Graphite Throttle (GT) construction: a Power Cushion REV upper midsole, a 3D Power Carbon plate and a Feather Light X lower midsole. Yonex reports around 14% more shock absorption, 16% more rebound and 27% less weight than Power Cushion+. The shoe weighs approximately 215g per shoe in size 26.0cm. The outsole is Endurance Rubber, also used in Yonex's pro tennis shoes. On the road, expect a smooth, rolling ride with quick turnover rather than a big bouncy push. For the full technical breakdown, read our Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT full guide. Who should buy the Aerus GT Runners stepping up to a first carbon shoe. The ride is described as controlled rather than harsh. Runners who want stability at speed. The plate has raised wings at the forefoot and midfoot to reduce side-to-side wobble on landing. Racket-sport players who run for fitness. If you already trust Yonex on court, this is the Yonex shoe for the road. Who should look elsewhere Anyone who wants a single shoe for all their easy mileage. Carbon-plated racers are usually kept for faster sessions. Anyone looking for a court shoe. See our Yonex badminton shoes instead. Frequently asked questions What sizes does the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT come in? UK 7 to UK 11.5 in half sizes on our Cool White listing. It is a unisex shoe. Is the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT good for beginners? It is a performance shoe for speed sessions and race day, not an everyday trainer. It suits runners who want to try their first carbon-plated shoe, ideally alongside a normal daily trainer. Can I wear it for badminton? No. It is designed for road running, not for badminton or indoor courts. How much does it cost? £140 at Central Sports, in all three colours at the time of writing. How heavy is it? Approximately 215g per shoe in size 26.0cm, according to Yonex. Ready to try it? Shop the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT or browse all running shoes.

Light, stable, carbon-plated and built on decades of Yonex engineering. The complete guide to the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT.

Built for speed sessions and race day. Here's how to use the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT in your training and on the start line.

Yonex has been working with carbon for decades in its rackets. Here's how the 3D Power Carbon plate in the Carbon Cruise Aerus GT works.

Around 215g per shoe with a full carbon plate. Here's how Yonex got the Carbon Cruise Aerus GT so light, and why it matters.

Carbon-plated shoes have a reputation for feeling harsh. Here's why the Yonex Carbon Cruise Aerus GT is built to feel smooth instead.