Badminton How To Play

Walking into Chris Sports at SM North the other day, I was immediately struck by the same feeling I get watching a well-oiled basketball team execute a perfect play—everything just clicks. The scent of new rubber soles mingled with the faint tang of disinfectant from freshly wiped down equipment, while racks upon racks of performance gear stood at attention like athletes awaiting their coach’s instructions. As someone who’s spent the better part of a decade reviewing sports gear and dissecting athletic retail trends, I’ve developed a sixth sense for stores that genuinely understand their customers. Chris Sports, I can confidently say, is one of them. It’s not just about the gear—it’s about the ecosystem. And that reminded me of something I’d recently read from basketball standout Carlos, who once noted, "Hindi ako pressured to score 38 points every game kasi may suporta ‘yun." Loosely translated, he isn’t pressured to drop 38 points every single game because he’s got support. That statement resonates deeply with me, not just in sports, but in how we approach our active lifestyles. You don’t need to break the bank or push yourself to extremes every time you step onto the court or hit the trail. What you need is reliable support—the right gear, accessible prices, and a place that gets it. And that’s exactly what Chris Sports SM North delivers.

Let’s talk about the deals first, because let’s be honest, that’s what brings most of us in. On my last visit, I clocked markdowns of up to 40% on select Nike running shoes, with some Adidas apparel lines sitting at a cool 30% off. I ended up snagging a pair of ASICS Gel-Kayano 28s—normally priced at around ₱7,500—for just under ₱5,000. That’s the kind of pricing that makes high-performance gear accessible, not aspirational. And it’s not just about the big brands. I’ve noticed their in-house brands, like Apex, consistently offer solid alternatives at about half the price of comparable items. For instance, their Apex training shorts retail for roughly ₱600, while similar Nike or Under Armour pairs can easily run you ₱1,500 or more. Now, I’m not saying the in-house gear will last you a decade of marathon training, but for casual gym-goers or weekend warriors, it’s more than enough. I’ve personally put their Apex compression shirts through the wringer—machine-washed them maybe 15 times now—and they’ve held up surprisingly well with minimal fading. It’s this balance of quality and affordability that keeps me coming back.

But Chris Sports isn’t just a treasure trove of discounts. The store layout itself feels intuitive, almost like it’s been designed by people who actually use the products. The footwear section is neatly segmented by activity—running, basketball, training—which saves you the hassle of sifting through endless aisles. I remember chatting with one of the staff, a guy named Miguel who’s been there for three years, and he mentioned that they move an average of 200-250 pairs of basketball shoes monthly, with peak seasons like back-to-school or Christmas pushing that number closer to 400. That’s a lot of sneakers, and it speaks to the trust the local community places in them. What I appreciate most, though, is their selection of niche items. Where else in the area can you find a decent range of badminton rackets priced between ₱1,200 to ₱4,000, or swimming goggles with anti-fog coatings for under ₱500? It’s these little details that make the difference. I’ve bought my fair share of gear online, but nothing beats being able to test the grip of a volleyball or feel the cushioning of a running shoe in person.

Of course, a great deal means nothing if the gear doesn’t perform. I’ve always been a bit skeptical of stores that prioritize quantity over quality, but Chris Sports manages to strike a rare balance. Take their basketball section, for example. They stock everything from entry-level Spalding models at around ₱1,800 to premium Nike LeBron editions that can set you back ₱8,000 or more. I’ve hooped in both, and while the pricier options offer superior ankle support and bounce, the budget picks are perfectly serviceable for casual play. It’s a lot like what Carlos was getting at—you don’t need the most expensive equipment to enjoy the game or stay active. You just need something reliable that won’t let you down when you’re going for that layup or pushing through your last mile. On the apparel front, I’ve been particularly impressed with their moisture-wicking tops. I picked up a couple of their store-brand running shirts last quarter, and after about 20 wears and washes, they’ve maintained their shape and functionality. Compare that to a similarly priced shirt I bought online that started pilling after just five uses, and the value becomes clear.

Now, I won’t pretend it’s all perfect. The store can get crowded, especially on weekends, and I’ve noticed that their stock of larger sizes tends to run out faster—something they might want to address given that the average Filipino male shoe size has crept up to around US 9.5 in recent years. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. What keeps me loyal is the overall experience. The staff are knowledgeable without being pushy, the prices are transparent, and the selection is curated enough to feel premium without being exclusive. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in unsure of what you need and walk out feeling equipped and excited to get active. In a world where retail is increasingly moving online, Chris Sports SM North reminds us that there’s still immense value in a physical space that understands and supports your active lifestyle. So the next time you’re thinking of upgrading your gear, skip the analysis paralysis and head over. You might just find that perfect pair of kicks—and the motivation to use them—sooner than you think.