Yonex 65Z4 vs Subaxia GT vs Aerus vs Eclipsion: Which Shoe to Buy in Canada

Jun 12, 2026

By Badminton House

The shoe comparison separates all-round, lightweight, stability and cushioning priorities.

Last updated: August 2026 · Badminton House

Quick answer

65Z4 is the all-rounder and the right default. Aerus is the lightest. Eclipsion is the most supportive. Subaxia GT is the newest, sitting between the 65Z4 and the Eclipsion.

All four come in a Wide version, which matters more than most people realise — if a Yonex shoe pinches, the same model usually exists in a wider last.

The four model families are compared by their stated priorities rather than by a single overall ranking.

Model	Weight	Character	Wide?	Buying check
Power Cushion 65 Z4	~325 g	The all-rounder. Balanced cushioning, grip and weight.	Yes	Check current listing
Aerus Z (2nd Gen) sold as Aerus Z2 or Z3	~271 g 240 g at 26 cm	The lightest Yonex makes. Fast, minimal, least protective.	Yes	Check current listing
Eclipsion Z3	~367 g	The most supportive. Lateral shell and stability reinforcement.	Yes	Check current listing
Subaxia GT	~343 g	Newest. Power Cushion REV plus Power Graphite. Runs small.	Yes	Check current listing
Power Cushion 65 X4	—	The budget sibling of the 65Z4. Most of the shoe, much less money.	—	Check current listing

Weights are independent measurements at around a 27–28 cm size, not Yonex figures, so use them for ranking the models rather than as specifications. Check the current model listing for price and available sizes.

Subaxia GT vs 65Z4

This is the comparison people are actually making now, because the Subaxia GT is the newest shoe in the range and sits right next to the long-standing default.

	65Z4	Subaxia GT
Weight	Lighter, ~325 g	Heavier, ~343 g
Cushioning	Power Cushion+	Power Cushion REV with Power Graphite — Yonex states 37% impact absorption and 42% repulsion gains over its lighter predecessor
Fit	True to size	Yonex flags it as running smaller — try before committing
Choose it if	You want the proven balanced option	You want more underfoot protection than the 65Z4 without going up to the Eclipsion

Aerus Z2 or Aerus Z3? The Naming, Decoded

If you have been searching for an “Aerus Z3” and finding contradictory results, that is because the same shoe is sold under three names.

Yonex calls it Power Cushion Aerus Z (2nd Gen).
Most badminton retailers call it the Aerus Z2.
Some Canadian general sports retailers list it as the Aerus Z3.

There is no separate Aerus Z3 model in Yonex’s catalogue. If a listing says Z3, check the item code and the photo — it is almost certainly the 2nd Gen shoe. The same applies to the Eclipsion: the current model is the Z3, and there is no Z4.

Wide Fits: All Four Have One

This is the most useful thing on this page for anyone whose Yonex shoes pinch.

A wider last changes forefoot room, so length and width should be checked separately.

Yonex sells a dedicated Wide version of the 65 Z4, the Aerus Z, the Eclipsion Z and the Subaxia GT, alongside several other models. So if the standard last is too narrow across the ball of your foot, you do not have to abandon the model or switch brands — buy the Wide version of the same shoe.

Do not size up in length to solve a width problem. That gives you heel slip and blisters on top of the original complaint. For more, see our wide-feet shoe guide.

Which Should You Buy?

If this is you	Buy
You want one shoe that does everything	65 Z4. The default for a reason.
Fast doubles, you want minimum weight	Aerus Z. Around 50 g lighter per shoe than the 65Z4.
You have rolled an ankle, or you are heavier	Eclipsion Z3. The lateral shell is the point.
Knees or heels ache after a session	Subaxia GT. Most underfoot protection short of the Eclipsion.
You want the 65Z4 but not the price	65 X4. Compare its current price with the 65Z4.
Any of the above, and Yonex pinches	The Wide version of the same model.

Common Questions

What is the difference between the 65Z3 and 65Z4?

The Z4 is the current generation, launched in January 2025, with a redesigned Radial Blade outsole pattern and a slightly lighter build. The Z3 remains a good shoe and is often discounted.

Is there a Yonex Aerus Z3?

Not as a distinct model. Yonex calls the current shoe the Aerus Z (2nd Gen); most retailers call it the Aerus Z2, and some Canadian general sports retailers list it as the Z3.

Which Yonex shoe is best for wide feet?

Whichever model you like, in its Wide version. The 65 Z4, Aerus Z, Eclipsion Z and Subaxia GT all have one.

Which is the lightest Yonex badminton shoe?

The Aerus Z, at roughly 271 g measured at a mid-size, and 240 g at 26 cm by Yonex’s own figure.

Does the Subaxia GT fit true to size?

Yonex flags it as running smaller than its other models. Try it on if you can, and expect to consider half a size up.

Not sure which fits your foot? Tell us your usual size and where it pinches through our contact page. New to court shoes? Start with the beginner guide, or compare brands in Victor vs Yonex.