Opened the box. Pulled out the shoes. Milk White with minimalist design. No flashy logos. No aggressive patterns. Just clean lines.
First thought: finally, a badminton shoe that doesn't look like a spaceship. Second thought: these feel lighter than my A970Ace pair.
Tested them for 12 hours across matches and training sessions. Here's whether Victor's 2025 Capsule Edition delivers on the hype.
The A970 NitroLite Capsule isn't just a color refresh. Victor upgraded the midsole technology completely.
The original A970Ace used HyperEVA. The NitroLite uses nitrogen-infused EVA foam. Sounds like marketing speak until you feel the difference on court.
My A970Ace weighs 285g for size 9.5. The NitroLite Capsule weighs 272g. That's 13 grams lighter. Doesn't sound like much. Feels significant after 90 minutes of play.
Also comes in five Capsule Collection colors: Milk White, Flamingo Pink, Grape Purple, Iceberg Blue, and Mystery Black. I tested the Milk White. Looks cleaner than any badminton shoe I've owned.
Slipped them on. Immediate difference from the A970Ace. The heel padding feels softer. Less structured. More like a pillow than a boot.
First session, my heels felt slightly loose during hard stops. Not sliding around, just less locked in than the Ace version. By session three, they broke in perfectly.
The toe box fits identically to the A970Ace. Narrow enough to prevent sideways movement. Wide enough that my toes don't feel crushed. Same V-shape design Victor uses.
Arch support is excellent. Better than Yonex 65Z3. The insole has more contouring. My feet felt supported through the entire sole, not just at heel and toe.
After 6 hours of court time, zero blisters. Zero hot spots. The double mesh upper breathes better than any shoe I've tested. My feet stayed cooler in 85°F heat.
This is where the shoe shines. Victor's nitrogen-infused EVA foam creates a different feel than traditional midsoles.
Landing from jumps feels bouncier. Not soft and mushy. Responsive. Like the shoe is pushing back.
Compared to my A970Ace, the NitroLite cushions impacts better without losing court feel. Hard to explain. Softer landings but same stability during direction changes.
The E-TPU material around the heel adds extra shock absorption. Combined with the NitroLite midsole, my knees felt less beat up after long sessions compared to the 65Z3.
Played three consecutive matches in one day. Usually my feet are toast by match three. With these, they felt fresh enough for a fourth match.
VSR Rubber outsole. Same Radiation pattern as the A970Ace. Asterisk design with triangular shapes.
Grip is excellent. Not quite as sticky as Yonex 65Z3 on brand new court surfaces. But better than 65Z3 on dusty courts.
Tested on three different court types: pristine tournament court, club court with dust, gym floor with questionable cleaning. The VSR rubber gripped consistently across all three.
The outsole flexes well during push-offs. You feel the split design helping with toe bend during lunges forward. More natural movement than solid outsoles.
After 12 hours, the outsole shows minimal wear. No chunks missing. Pattern still deep. Durability looks promising for long-term use.
The Carbon Power Plate in the midfoot provides torsional stiffness. You notice it during quick direction changes.
My ankle never rolled during testing despite aggressive lunges. The wider base compared to speed-focused shoes creates a stable platform.
However, it's not as stable as Yonex Eclipsion Z3. That shoe feels like a boot. The NitroLite Capsule balances stability with agility. More mobile, slightly less locked down.
For players with previous ankle injuries, this might not provide enough support. For players with healthy ankles wanting performance, it's perfect.
At 272g, these feel noticeably lighter than the A970Ace during rapid footwork drills.
Six-corner drills felt easier. My legs weren't as tired after repetitive movements. The weight savings compound over time.
Compared to Yonex 65Z3 (280g), the difference is subtle but real. Split-second faster direction changes. Less effort to lift foot during recovery.
This isn't a speed shoe like some ultralight models. But it's light enough for fast players while maintaining cushioning and support.
The V-Durable+ toe protection is holding up well. My toe drag during lunges hasn't created visible wear yet.
The Milk White color shows dirt easily. Needed cleaning after every session. The black or purple colorways would hide dirt better.
Inner lining near big toe shows no damage. This is where shoes usually fail first for me. The microfiber PU leather is tougher than expected.
Heel counter maintains its shape. No collapsing or deformation. The E-TPU material isn't breaking down despite heavy use.
This shoe suits intermediate to advanced players who value cushioning without sacrificing performance.
If you play 3+ times per week and your feet or knees hurt after sessions, the NitroLite cushioning will help. It's significantly more comfortable than budget or speed-focused shoes.
If you prioritize style, the Capsule Collection colors are the cleanest badminton shoe designs available in 2025. The minimalist aesthetic works on and off court.
If you need maximum stability or have chronic ankle issues, look at shoes in the stability category instead. This is an all-around performance shoe, not injury prevention.
Victor A970 NitroLite Capsule Edition - $140-160
Available in five colors. Sizes range from 35-48 EUR (220mm-315mm). Most retailers stock common sizes but specialty sizes may require ordering.
Price is competitive with Yonex 65Z3. You're paying for premium materials and the latest cushioning technology. Worth it if you play frequently.
The Victor A970 NitroLite Capsule Edition improves on the already excellent A970Ace. Lighter weight. Better cushioning. Cleaner design.
At $150, it's expensive. But you're getting flagship-level technology and materials. This isn't a shoe you replace every 2 months.
For players wanting the best all-around performance shoe in 2025, this is the one to beat. The combination of cushioning, support, and style is unmatched.
My A970Ace isn't getting retired, but the NitroLite Capsule has become my primary match shoe. That says everything.
← Back to All Articles