Netball season is upon us, which means we need to get our game faces on.
But, like with all great sports, netball requires more than a competitive spirit to perform well on the court. Acquiring the correct kit to improve your play is imperative, especially given that netball is a winter sport played in mercurial conditions.
Owning a quality pair of netball trainers might just be the difference between a win and a loss. Being supported and comfortable when getting in the zone is of paramount importance. We don’t want any ankle injuries now, do we?
Netball trainers are specially designed to cushion the foot and provide maximum control. Mesh fabrics promise breathable comfort, while padded rubber souls grip the floor and offer a dynamic bounce when dodging defenders. Unlike running shoes, netball trainers are made to resist sideways micro-movements, such as short sprints, dodging and jumping.
Brands such as Asics, Mizuno, Nike and Gilbert provide outdoor and indoor models to adapt to smooth tarmac and hard asphalt floorings. Designs incorporate cutting-edge sports technology such as FlyteFoam (a cushioning foam material to improve bounce) and Twisstruss (placed at the midsole to allow for quick movements) which aid high-performance via comfort-centred features to pillow the feet and put a spring in your step.
And let’s not forget about aesthetics. Netball trainers come in a range of different shapes, sizes and colourways. Coordinate yours with your kit, or opt for a statement neon for a touch of flair.
What should you look for in a good netball shoe?
Netball players will know the perils of potential ankle and knee injuries. This is because netball is a sport founded on quick starts, pivoting, side steps and power breaks which put pressure on the legs and ankles.
A good pair of netball trainers should provide ample support and stability for your arches and soles, while of course looking good on the court. This also depends on what position you play. For example, nippy wing attacks and centres typically do a lot more running and dodging than say a goal shooter or goalkeeper. This means additional ankle support is necessary.
What are the differences between indoor and outdoor netball trainers?
The main difference is outsole durability but many shoe brands offer trainers for both outdoor and indoor play.
What model suits beginners and advanced players?
While you can’t go wrong with any of the trainers below, no matter your experience, certain ones will work better for professional players. Audrey Lévêque, Junior Product Marketing Specialist at ASICS EMEA elaborates: “First, it is important to understand how the players move on court. Then, we have a collection of netball shoes that answers the needs of your main movement and the benefit that goes with it. For example, if you are the running type then we have models like the Netburner Professional or the Netburner Academy to offer lightweight and flexibility but if you need more stability because of more side-to-side movement, then our Netburner Shield is the best shoe.”
Lévêque adds: “We recommend our top athletes to wear our top models: Netburner Shield (stability focus) or Netburner Professional (speed focus) but everyday players can of course play with them as well as long as it fits the way they move on court.”
From icy blue to sleek black, flamingo pink and more, there’s a colour scheme for everyone available to shop right now. Scroll on to discover how to score the perfect pair of netball trainers this sporting season.
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Asics Netburner Ballistic FF 3 Netball Shoes
Court Type: All Court
Upper Material: Engineered Mesh
Features: FlyteFoam Technology, Twisstruss System and Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems
The Asics Netburner Ballistic FF 3 Netball Shoes feature a highly supportive fit to boost your performance. Designed to help the wearer make quicker, more effective starts, the trainers combine a 3D Space Construction feature and X Guidance technology to give greater flexibility.
There’s also well-placed cushioning at the rear and forefoot and the Twisstruss system to absorb shock where it matters. An emphasis is placed on comfort with the sole, which is also fitted with twist technology to aid stability while pivoting and turning on the court.
Note Asics’ esteemed responsive FlyteFoam propel technology that pillows the foot during leaps and interceptions, making each landing soft yet stable. This is all while remaining lightweight.
Buy now £115.00, Asics
Asics GEL-Netburner Academy 9 Netball Shoes
Court Type: All Court
Upper Material: Engineered Mesh
Features: FlyteFoam Midsole, GEL Cushioning, Trusstic System
Electrify the court in a pair of purple trainers that will spark envy in teammates and opponents. Asics’ GEL-Netburner Academy 9 Netball Shoes have received positive reviews across the board, due to their shaped ankle collar, sturdy lace fastening and an uber-comfortable fit that locks your foot in place. A cushioning midsole and moulded outsole provide great traction against all court surface types.
The FlyteFoam midsole enhances bounce, which is complemented by GEL cushioning to absorb shock and a Trusstic system to improve ankle support for those all-important landings.
Buy now £75.00, Sports Direct
Adidas Crazyflight Mid Netball Shoes
Court Type: Indoor
Upper Material: Breathable Mesh
Features: BOOST Midsole, Top Grip Rubber Outsole
The Adidas Crazyflight Mid Netball Shoes incorporate a mid-cut design for ample ankle support, plus breathable mesh uppers with a sock-like fit. Made with recycled materials, the jump-focused shoe will take you to new heights mid-play.
A three-quarter BOOST cushioning pad midsole in each shoe improves take-offs and landings, while the top grip rubber outsole offers stable sidewise movements that may typically compromise the ankle. The five-star reviews have flooded in for these pristine white shoes that are proven to provide an elite experience on court.
Buy now £139.99, Adidas
Asics Netburner Professional FF 3 Women’s Court Shoes
Court Type: Indoor
Upper Material: Knitted mesh upper
Features: FlyteFoam Technology, Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems, Twisstruss System
This is one of the brand’s lightest models on the market, giving a barely-there feel that won’t slow you down as you bounce around. The mobility is only enhanced by the adaptable fit that allows for flexibility and motion. Like other Asics offerings, the shoes encompass GEL technology with FlyteFoam midsole cushioning that plays into and enhances the foot’s natural movement.
Most notable are the trainers’ shock absorption effects and flexion grooves in the outsole that help the player transition between positions. The Twisstruss system reinforces the arch and supports the ankle between quick twists and turns.
Buy now £74.99, Sports Shoes
Asics Netball Ballistic FF Men's Indoor Court Shoes
Court Type: Indoor
Upper Material: Synthetic
Features: FlyteFoam Technology, Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems, Twisstruss System
One designed specifically for men, Asics’ Netball Ballistic FF Men's Indoor Court Shoes can also be used for handball and volleyball, making the silhouette a highly versatile pick. Available in bright blue and vivid yellow, the trainers are fashionable and functional, demonstrating the latter with their flexibility for speedy reactions. This is thanks to the combination of a 3D Space Construction feature and X Guidance technology, plus Twisstruss technology which is positioned in the outsole to help with stability.
Flyteforam technology aids bounce for effortless interceptions and the GEL Cushioning systems work double duty to provide additional comfort and encourage a softer landing.
Buy now £90.00, Sports Direct
Adidas Crazyflight Boost Netball Shoes
Court type: Indoor
Upper material: Lightweight mesh upper
Features: BOOST midsole, Top Grip rubber outsole
Treat your feet to the Adidas CrazyFlight shoes. The indoor trainers have been made from the brand’s Primegreen material, a high-performance recycled fabric that is souped up with a high-traction outsole. They can double up as volleyball trainers, making them a versatile pick for the all-rounders.
Honourable mention goes to the TPU-reinforced midfoot which delivers excellent support and the BOOST midsole that cushions the foot. A Top Grip rubber outsole offers extra stability for turns and pivots.
Buy now £116.99, Sports Shoes
Gilbert Volt X Women's Netball Shoes
Court type: All Court
Upper material: Synthetic leather
Features: O-X25 Footbed, Litefoam Midsole, TPU Shank, Dura Rubber+
An affordable pair that doesn't sacrifice quality, Gilbert’s Volt X Women's Netball Shoes has all the elements of a solid netball trainer. Not only do they feature a covetable coral colourway, but the shoes boast an O-X25 Footbed to reduce the risk of injury, a cushioned Litefoam midsole to ease landings and durable rubber detailing to grip the floor and provide traction against smoother surfaces. A 3D torsional shank piece on the midsole to prevent twisting rounds off the shoes with an added dose of durability.
Buy now £53.99, Sports Shoes
