When referring to lower extremity movements in textbooks or literatures, generally only the hip, knee, and ankle joints are described. Of the foot movements, the talocrural (ankle) and subtalar joints, particularly the plantar flexion of foot, are typically described. In actuality, the foot is largely involved in lower extremity movements as a movement link, particularly in push-off during walking, running, and jumping. Therefore, it is insufficient to only discuss the ankle joint, and the effect of metatarsophalangeal joint (MP) should not be neglected (Chang 1995). Meanwhile, most of lower extremity movements of badminton, such as sudden stop, starting to move, back to move, take-off, are related to pedal and stretch (P&S) movements of lower extremities. A few scholars have explored the important role of the MP in movement (Hetherington et al. 1990; Stefanyshyn et al. 1997; Oleson et al. 2005); however, no study on the MP in badminton has been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the biomechanical characteristics of the MP in badminton critical footwork during push-off and compare the effects of different footwear on these characteristics, in order to develop a theoretical basis for the scientific training of badminton footwork, the prevention of foot injury, and the exploitation of footwear, especially for badminton athletes.