Netball is a very dynamic sport with lots of changes of direction, start-stop movements, lateral movements, and high-impact landings. Therefore, it is important that your footwear is suitable for the job.
Celebrity athletes and social media often influence our footwear choices. However, it is important to select a netball shoe that will provide the correct support and structure for your feet.
A normal running shoe is not designed to withstand the lateral/side-to-side movements that are undertaken by a netball, which is why a specific netball shoe is required.
Criteria to look for when purchasing the best netball shoes:
The best netball shoes should have;
- Durable soles to withstand multi-directional movements, pivoting, hard change of direction, and rough surfaces.
- A good grip to stop sliding and slipping.
- A durable upper to withstand lateral movement and reduce the foot from sliding over the side of the shoe.
- Good cushioning to absorb hard impact and forces associated with netball movements.
Mizuno Wave Rider vs Wave Stealth
Asics Netburner Professional FF2
This shoe is lightweight and a good all-rounder. It is great for indoor netball due to its airy mesh upper.
It is one of the lightest netball shoes available and this can be an attractive aspect as most netball shoes can be rather heavy due to the hard-wearing rubber soles.
The Asics Netburner Professional FF2 has a forefoot flex which is better suited for midcourt players that have to do a lot of running.
Asics Netburner Super FF
The Asics Netburner Super FF is a good netball shoe for players wanting to play outdoors as it has a high abrasion resistance outer, known as Aharplus.
It comes with a removable EVA sock liner and has built-in shock absorbing technology making it a good shoe option for players under the ring.
Mizuno Wave Stealth V
The Mizuno Wave Stealth V has an X10 durable rubber outsole making it a good choice for both indoors and outdoors.
The in-built Mizuno wave plate provides the user with good shock absorption.
Overall, this shoe is great for midcourt and goalers.
Asics Netburner 20
The Asics netburner 20 is a highly durable netball shoe.
It is also suitable for players with wide feet type and bunions, as it comes in various wide widths.
It has built-in trusstic technology which provides the user with extra stability by reinforcing the middle part of the sole and preventing the shoe from twisting.
