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).
