Participating in netball requires good quality footwear that provides support during play. The right netball shoes can enhance performance, prevent injury and give players confidence on the court. This guide will examine key considerations when selecting netball shoes and review the top shoe choices for different types of players and budgets.
Netball Shoe Features and Benefits
Netball involves quick changes of pace and direction, constant movement, repetitive landing impact and occasional ankle rolls. Shoes designed specifically for netball provide benefits including:
- Cushioning – Absorbs impact to reduce foot and leg fatigue. Cushioning in the heel softens landing.
- Stability – Lateral support prevents the foot rolling on the multi-directional movements. Protects ankles from injury.
- Grip – Durable rubber outsoles prevent slippage when pivoting, especially on polished indoor courts. Flex grooves enhance traction.
- Lightweight – Reduces fatigue from constant running. Synthetic uppers and mesh panels make shoes breathable.
- Flexibility – Allows natural foot movement but still maintains structure around the footbed.
- Durability – Withstands the demands of frequent training and competition without falling apart.
- Comfort – Well-fitted shoes feel great during play. Padding and foam collars prevent blisters and chafing.
- Style – Many shoes come in stylish, bold designs and team colors. Helps motivation and confidence.
Quality shoes incorporating these features will provide the foot support, comfort and confidence netballers need to perform at their best.
Netball Shoe Types
There are two main types of netball shoes – mid and high-cut models:
Mid-cut
- Extend just above the ankle bone
- Allow a good degree of ankle movement and flexibility
- Lighter weight than high-cut shoes
- Preferred by mobile players like Centres and Wing Attack
High-cut
- Extend 4-5 inches above the ankle bone
- Provide maximum ankle support and stability
- Heavier than mid-cut shoes due to more material
- Favored by Goal Shooters and Defenders who jump more
High-cut shoes offer enhanced protection against ankle rolls at the cost of some mobility, while mid-cut provides greater freedom of movement. Trying both styles can determine individual preference based on your foot type and playing position.
Netball Shoe Features to Look For
Here are the key technical features to evaluate when selecting netball shoes:
Outsoles
- Durable rubber compounds that resist slippage
- Flex grooves that support foot pivoting
- Herringbone and multi-directional traction patterns
- Avoid completely flat bottoms lacking grip
Midsole
- EVA foam or cushioning units in heel and forefoot
- May have a medial post for controlling foot pronation
- Lightweight foam or air units for shock absorption
Uppers
- Durable synthetic leather or mesh material
- Reinforced toe box to protect against drag
- Overlays or bands to lock the midfoot in place
- Padding around the collar and tongue
Ankle Collar
- Foam padding for comfort and lockdown
- Neoprene or synthetic leather for structure
- Measure collar height from the ankle bone up
Lacing System
- Asymmetrical lacing for adjustable instep fit
- Wider laces hold better than thin laces
- Fast loops for quick lacing and adjustment
Prioritize comfort, support and traction in the outsole and midsole. Lightweight, breathable uppers with support overlays optimize fit.
Shoe Height Considerations
Choosing between mid-cut or high-cut netball shoes depends on playing style and support needs:
Mid-Cut Shoes
Best for:
- Mobile players in Wing Attack and Center positions
- School-level and social netball
- Beginners still developing footwork skills
- Smaller, lighter players who are more agile
Benefits:
- Increased speed and mobility
- Reduced leg muscle fatigue
- Low-profile and lightweight feel
- Easy to put on and take off
Limitations:
- Less ankle support and stability
- Increased risk of ankle rolls
- Not ideal for jumping positions
High-Cut Shoes
Best for:
- Circle players like Goal Shoot and Goal Attack
- Defensive positions where jumping is frequent
- Bigger, heavier players
- Players recovering from ankle injuries
Benefits:
- Maximum ankle bracing and medial/lateral support
- Prevents ankle rolls and impact injuries
- Provides stability when landing from jumps
- Can strapping for added restriction
Limitations:
- Heavier and less nimble than mid-cut
- Restricts mobility slightly
- Heat can build up around the ankle
Consider your position, injury history and style of play. Many players have a personal height preference. Try on both types to decide what feels best. Combine with ankle taping or bracing for added protection.
Netball Surface Recommendations
Netball can be played indoors or outdoors on different court surfaces:
Indoor Courts
The majority of competitive netball is played indoors, usually on polished wooden floors similar to basketball courts. The key qualities to look for in shoes for indoor use are:
- Cushioning – to cope with the hardness of indoor floors
- Traction – rubber outsoles prevent sliding on wooden surfaces
- Lateral support – for multi-directional footwork on smooth floors
- Lightweight – reduces fatigue from constant movement
Cushioned high-cut or mid-cut shoes with good grip work well indoors.
Outdoor Courts
Casual and school netball is often played outdoors on asphalt or concrete surfaces. The ideal outdoor shoe features are:
- Durable outsoles – withstand outdoor abrasion
- Shock absorption – for jumping on harder grounds
- Ankle support – for uneven outdoor terrain
- Resistant to dirt – easily cleaned after outdoor play
High-cut shoes provide the most ankle protection on rougher outdoor courts.
Multi-Court Shoes
Many premium netball shoes are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They blend key features like:
- Versatile traction for different surfaces
- Lightweight cushioning for hard indoor floors
- Reinforced outsoles that resist outdoor wear
- Mid-cut height for mobility and support
Quality shoes with well-designed outsoles will perform well on different courts. Rotate two pairs if playing indoor and outdoor regularly.
Getting the Right Netball Shoe Fit
It’s vital to get the sizing right when buying netball shoes:
- Shop late in the day when feet are most swollen
- Wear your typical netball socks
- Ensure a thumbnail gap between the toes and the shoe end
- Lace the shoes up properly to check tightness over the arch
- Walk and jog in different directions to test comfort and hold
- The shoe should bend with your foot without pinching
- High-cut shoes shouldn’t dig into the ankle when laced
- Consider grip underfoot and stability when changing direction
Ideally, try shoes on in-store. Online purchases make sizing tricky – check return policies. Well fitted shoes enhance comfort, performance and safety.
Netball Shoe Care Tips
Caring for netball shoes properly enhances their lifespan:
- Use shoe bags to store shoes after play to prevent damage
- Remove laces to fully air out and dry shoes between use
- Wash mud off outsoles to maintain grip
- Spot clean upper material with mild detergent
- Use shoe deodorizing sprays or baking soda for odors
- Replace insoles regularly for cushioning and support
- Check for tearing along the sides, toe and sole
- Avoid over-washing which can damage structural integrity
- Retire shoes once excessive wear is evident
Rotate between 2-3 pairs of netball shoes to extend their usable life. Well maintained shoes help prevent injury and smelling fresh keeps feet healthy.
Top Netball Shoe Picks
Now that we’ve covered how to select the ideal netball shoes, here are top recommendations across price ranges:
Asics Gel Netburner Ballistic
- Category: High-performance
- Profile: High-cut
- Cost: $180
- Buy on Amazon – > https://amzn.to/3E3PWzD
Features:
- Maximal rearfoot and forefoot cushioning Gel units
- Durable rubber outsole with herringbone tread
- Mono-sock fit system improves heel fit
- Stabilizing midfoot overlays
- Popular among elite netballers
Overview: The Gel Netburner Ballistic from Asics is packed with premium technologies and cushioning features perfect for competitive netball. The high-cut design provides excellent stability and support on court. A great choice for serious players.
Adidas Essential Star 3.0
- Category: All-rounder
- Profile: Mid-cut
- Cost: $100
- Buy on Amazon – > https://amzn.to/3E3PWzD
Features:
- adiPRENE midsole cushioning
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Mesh upper for breathability
- EVA sockliner
- Great value for money
Overview: A well-priced mid-cut all-rounder, the Essential Star 3.0 offers the Adidas quality and comfort. The lightweight feel suits attacking positions. Cushioning provides protection on hard indoor courts making it suitable for training or casual matches.
Asics Gel-Task Elite 2
- Category: Versatile
- Profile: Mid-cut
- Cost: $140
- Buy on Amazon – > https://amzn.to/3E3PWzD
Features:
- Rear and forefoot Gel cushioning units
- NC Rubber outsole compound
- MONO-SOCK internal construction
- Growing popularity among netballers
Overview: The Gel-Task Elite 2 provides excellent cushioning and court grip in a flexible, agile package. The mid-cut height allows great freedom of movement suited to mobile players. Quality Asics construction makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor courts.
Under Armour Highlight Ace 3.0
- Category: Lightweight
- Profile: Mid-cut
- Cost: $110
- Buy on Amazon – > https://amzn.to/3E3PWzD
Features:
- Light, breathable Clarino mesh upper
- Full-length Micro G foam for cushioning
- Durable solid rubber outsole
- Anti-slip heel counter
- Antimicrobial Ortholite sockliner
Overview: The Highlight Ace 3.0 delivers lightweight speed and agility. Its mid-cut profile suits attacking players. The underfoot cushioning softens hard indoor court landings. The antimicrobial lining combats odor while the Clarino upper provides foot support.
Asics Gel-Rocket 9
- Category: Affordable
- Profile: High-cut or mid-cut
- Cost: $80
- Buy on Amazon – > https://amzn.to/3E3PWzD
Features:
- Forefoot GEL cushioning unit
- AHAR rubber outsole
- Traditional netball shoe design
- Available in wide fit sizing
- Good value
Overview: A reasonably priced netball shoe perfect for club players. The Gel-Rocket 9 provides great GEL cushioning and indoor court grip. With both high-cut and mid-cut options, they suit a wide range of positions and offer protection during play.
Kids Netball Shoes
It’s important young netballers wear appropriate shoes to protect growing feet and ankles:
- Look for cushioning and shock absorption
- Avoid slip-on styles with no laces
- Mid-cut provides mobility for kids
- Ensure adequate toe room to allow growth
- Try shoes on late in the day when feet are most swollen
- Replace shoes as soon as they feel tight
- Durability saves replacing them too frequently
- Opt for sport-specific kids netball shoes over cross-trainers
Asics, Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Under Armour all make great quality kids netball shoes. Investing in proper footwear prevents injury and encourages an active lifestyle long-term.
Netball Shoes Buying Checklist
When shopping for new netball shoes, consider this checklist:
- Intended use: training, matches, indoor, outdoor?
- Playing position and support needs
- Mid-cut or high-cut?
- Durability of outsole compound
- Adequate underfoot cushioning and shock absorption
- Stability and ankle support features
- Weight and breathability
- Comfort during changes of direction
- Sizing to allow a thumbnail gap at the toes
- Brand reputation and availability
- Budget and value for money
Having the right shoes can give players a competitive edge through enhanced performance as well as keeping feet and ankles protected. Take the time to find your perfect netball shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are netball shoes better than cross-trainers?
A: Yes, the sport-specific features like lateral support, ankle bracing and court traction make netball shoes a better performing and safer option than cross-trainers.
Q: Can I wear netball shoes casually?
A: While designed primarily for competition and training, many netball shoes work fine casually due to their athletic styling and comfortable fit.
Q: How often should netball shoes be replaced?
A: Around every 6-12 months depending on frequency of use. Replace earlier if excessive wear is evident on the outsole or support features.
Q: Do I need different shoes for indoor and outdoor netball?
A: Not necessarily, but rotating two pairs accommodates each surface better. Fully outdoor shoes may lack cushioning for hard indoor floors.
Q: Can other athletes wear netball shoes?
A: The lateral support and stop-start traction features make netball shoes suitable for other indoor court sports like volleyball, handball and badminton.
Conclusion
Great netball shoes enhance comfort, stability and performance – helping you run faster and jump higher during play. Look for cushioning, ankle support and floor traction when selecting shoes. Test sizing carefully for best fit. Take care of quality netball shoes and they will take care of your feet game after game. Playing netball is easier and safer in shoes built expressly for the demands of this fast-paced, athletic sport.