Best Netball Shoes for your Netball Position

This article examines the significance of selecting appropriate footwear for playing netball based on an individual’s position on the court.

Netball shoes are purposefully designed to accommodate the multidirectional movements, sudden changes in direction, and pivoting required during gameplay. In contrast, running shoes are tailored for linear movements and repetitive impacts.

The article emphasises the importance of opting for specialised brands, such as Asics and Mizuno, to enhance comfort, protection, and performance. Furthermore, it highlights the superior attributes of netball shoes in terms of injury prevention, durability, and overall suitability for the sport.

Recommendations for specific positions, such as lightweight options for midcourters and stability-oriented choices for shooters and defenders, are also provided.

By selecting suitable footwear based on one’s netball position, overall performance can be enhanced while minimising the risk of injury.

Netball Shoes for your netball position

When selecting netball shoes, it is important to consider the specific requirements of one’s netball position in order to optimise performance and minimise injury risk.

Different positions in netball have varying demands on the feet and ankles, necessitating specific features in footwear.

Midcourters, for example, require a lighter ride with netball-specific support due to the agility and direction changes in their positions.

Shooters and defenders, on the other hand, benefit from netball shoes with cushioning to absorb the impact of jumps and landings. Stability is crucial for shooting accuracy, especially for circle players like Goal Shooter and Goal Attack.

Defenders, such as Goal Keeper and Goal Defence, need agile and quick footwork, along with reliable support and traction for intercepting the ball.

Netball Shoes for Midcourter Players

Midcourters require netball shoes that provide agility, direction changes, and netball-specific support. As midcourters play a crucial role in transitioning the ball from defense to attack, they need shoes that allow quick movements and sudden changes in direction.

Netball shoes designed specifically for midcourters offer the necessary support and stability to withstand the demands of their position. These shoes often have features such as a grippy and hard-wearing outsole, cushioning to absorb impact, and a structured fit to prevent foot shifting. Brands like Asics and Mizuno offer a range of netball shoes suitable for midcourters, providing options that prioritize lightweight and fast performance.

Midcourters should consider factors such as comfort, durability, and netball-specific features when selecting their shoes to optimise their performance on the court.

Netball shoes for defenders and shooters

Shooters and defenders in netball require different attributes in their shoes to optimize their performance on the court.

For shooters, the following factors are important:

• Cushioning: Shooters need shoes that provide ample cushioning to absorb the impact of jumps and landings during shooting. This helps to minimise the risk of injury and allows for better control and accuracy.
• Stability: Stability is crucial for netball players, especially for circle players like Goal Shooter and Goal Attack. Shoes with stability features help maintain balance and control during shooting, leading to improved accuracy.
• Fit: Shooters should prioritise comfort and support in their shoe selection. A well-fitting shoe ensures that the foot is secure and stable, allowing the shooter to focus on their technique and performance.

All rounders

Mizuno Wave Stealth: C, WA, WD, GS, GK, GA, GD
Mizuno Wave Phantom: C, WA, WD, GS, GK, GA, GD
ASICS NETBURNER PROFESSIONAL FF 3 – C, WA, WD, GS, GK, GA, GD

Factors to consider when purchasing netball shoes

When considering the purchase of netball shoes, it is important to compare them to running shoes in terms of their design and functionality. Netball shoes are specifically designed for the multi-directional movements and sudden changes in direction that are required in the sport. They are built to provide stability and support during quick lateral movements. On the other hand, running shoes are designed for consistent forward momentum. They are built to provide cushioning and shock absorption for the repetitive impact of running.

Factors such as the court surface should also be taken into account. Netball shoes often have specific outsole patterns that provide traction on indoor courts, while running shoes may not have the same level of grip. The fit of the shoe is another important consideration. Netball shoes typically have a snug fit to prevent the foot from sliding inside the shoe during quick movements. Running shoes, on the other hand, may have a more relaxed fit to accommodate the foot’s natural movement during running.

Style and color choices may also play a role in the decision-making process. Netball shoes often come in a variety of colors and designs, allowing players to express their personal style on the court. Running shoes may have more limited options in terms of style and color.

Netball Shoes VS Runners

The suitability of netball shoes versus running shoes is influenced by the specific demands of the sport and the player’s position. Netball shoes are designed for multi-directional movement, sudden breaking and acceleration, and have a grippy and hard-wearing outsole with a pivot point. Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed for consistent forward momentum, flexibility, and breathability, with an outsole for repetitive impacts in a straight-line movement.

Netball shoes have firmer cushioning and a structured fit to prevent foot shifting, while running shoes have plusher cushioning for shock absorption during high mileage runs. Netball shoes have a lower heel-to-toe drop and stack height for stability and to minimize the risk of ankle rolling, while running shoes have a higher platform for cushioning.

Netball shoes provide better protection, injury prevention, and durability compared to running shoes for netball players. Investing in a specialist brand like Asics or Mizuno can enhance comfort, protection, and performance. Choosing last season’s models or colors can help stick to a budget without compromising on quality.

Your Court surface

Considering the court surface is important when determining the appropriate footwear for netball players.

Different court surfaces, such as indoor wooden floors, outdoor concrete courts, or synthetic turf, can have varying levels of traction and impact absorption.

Indoor wooden floors generally provide good grip and require shoes with non-marking outsoles to prevent damage.

Outdoor concrete courts may require shoes with durable and hard-wearing outsoles for resistance to abrasion.

Synthetic turf courts may necessitate shoes with multi-directional tread patterns for enhanced traction.

The court surface also affects the level of shock absorption required by the player’s footwear.

Softer surfaces may require shoes with more cushioning to reduce the impact on joints and minimise the risk of injury.

Therefore, understanding the court surface is crucial in selecting the appropriate footwear for netball players.

Your fit

Optimal fit is crucial when selecting footwear for netball players, as it ensures comfort, stability, and support during high-intensity movements. A proper fit can greatly enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort and pain, leading to distraction and decreased focus during gameplay.

Inadequate stability can result in ankle rolling and other injuries, hindering a player’s ability to move confidently on the court.

Insufficient support can lead to foot shifting and lack of control, compromising overall performance.

Choosing the right shoe size, width, and design is essential for a secure and comfortable fit. It is important to prioritize proper fit over style or brand loyalty to ensure optimal performance and enjoyment of the game.

Your style and colour choices

Style and color choices in footwear can be influenced by personal preferences and team uniform requirements.

While functionality and performance are typically the primary factors considered when selecting netball shoes, the style and color options available can still play a role in the decision-making process.

Personal preferences may vary, with some individuals preferring more vibrant and eye-catching colors, while others may opt for more subdued and neutral tones.

Additionally, team uniform requirements may dictate specific color schemes or designs that players must adhere to.

It is important to note that while style and color choices may be important to some individuals, the overall functionality and performance of the netball shoes should always take precedence in order to optimize player performance and prevent injuries.

Consider Your Position on the Court

Diverse roles on the netball court demand distinct styles of movement, consequently requiring varying types of footwear. Below is a breakdown of the most suitable shoes for each position.

Goal Shooter and Goal Attack	The task of scoring goals falls upon goal shooters and goal attacks, necessitating shoes that deliver solid stability and support. Asics Gel Netburner Super 8 footwear is an impeccable choice for these roles, providing commendable stability and support, while retaining sufficient flexibility to facilitate swift maneuvers and leaps.
Wing Attack and Centre	Wing attacks and centres necessitate footwear that is lightweight and pliable, combined with effective cushioning. Asics Gel Netburner Ballistic shoes prove highly fitting for these positions. Their lightweight nature, flexibility, and superior cushioning render them optimal for players who must promptly change direction and move with agility.
Goal Keeper and Goal Defence	Goal keepers and goal defences mandate shoes that offer unparalleled support and stability. Asics Gel-Netburner Professional 2 shoes perfectly complement these roles by furnishing exceptional support and stability, qualities paramount in effective goal protection.

Top netball shoes per position wrap up:

Midcourters

Asics Netburner Professional: C, WA, WD
WAVE PHANTOM 2 NB: C, WA, WD

Shooters / Defenders

Asics Netburner Ballistic: GS, GK, GA, GD
Asics Gel Netburner 20: GS, GK, GA, GD
Mizuno Wave Stealth: GS, GK, GA, GD

All positions

Asics Netburner Super FF: C, WA, WD, GS, GK
Mizuno Wave Phantom: C, WA, WD, GS, GK

Top Netball Shoes per position overview

When selecting netball shoes, it is important to consider the specific needs of each position in order to optimize performance and minimise the risk of injuries.

Netball shoes are designed to support multi-directional movement and sudden braking, with a grippy outsole and pivot point.

Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed for forward momentum and repetitive impacts.

Netball shoes have firmer cushioning and a structured fit to prevent foot shifting, while running shoes have plusher cushioning for shock absorption.

Considering these factors, it is clear that choosing the right netball shoes is crucial for optimal performance and injury prevention.

By understanding the unique demands of each position and selecting shoes that cater to those needs, players can enhance their game and reduce the likelihood of injuries.

This not only improves performance but also boosts confidence and enjoyment on the court.