The popularity of netball as a sport is increasing. The fast pace and intensity of the sport means that people are naturally drawn to wanting to give it a try.
With lots of newcomers around, it’s important to address the issue of footwear.
Injuries are common among netball players and one of the best ways of reducing your chances of becoming injured is by wearing the right trainers – but which are the best netball trainers? Today, we will be assessing the top options to help you find the best ones for you.
Why Netballers Need Netball Trainers
Not all trainers are made equal. Runners, for example, will browse the shelves for the best running shoes. Being a netball player is no different. Just because you’re not pounding the pavement for miles on end, doesn’t mean your feet don’t need something specific. For netballers, a standard pair of trainers just isn’t enough.
Whether you’re new to netball or an experienced player, trainers designed for the game are worth buying. This is because they are built to cope with the different types of movements netball players make. Walking and running shoes are built differently; they have more resilience at the heel and toe to deal with all of the high-impact, straight-line movements.
A netball trainer, on the other hand, needs to cope with micro-movements on a large scale: short sprints, jumps, spins, and more. When you find the perfect netball trainers, you’ll notice the difference straight away.
Let’s take a look at the best netball trainers right now.
Our Top 8 Netball Trainers
Here is a list of our Top 8 netball trainers reviewed in detail:
1. ASICS Ballistic FF 3 Netball Trainers (Best Overall)
ASICS Ballistic FF3 is an ideal netball trainer that’s supportive yet lightweight. This is a flexible shoe that allows you to react quickly to changes in movement. ASICS has developed a technology called Twistruss™ that improves your stability when twisting and pivoting. This outsole creation helps netball players to continue their momentum when they’re going into and out of a turn.
As well as the improvements in cutting motions and speed, ASICS Flytefoam™ in the soles mean that impacts are cushioned and absorbed. Not only does this protect the players from injury but it improves their responsiveness too.
The trainers contain gel that is located strategically at the rear foot and forefoot. This gel is a high-density shock absorber that is targeted to where players need it most for their maximum comfort and cushioning while ensuring their landings aren’t unstable.
The front of the trainers have added toe protection in the form of polyurethane rubber ridges. While these protect the forefoot, they also improve the flexibility of the shoe without diminishing any of the support.
The internal heel is also specially designed for confidence so that players can make abrupt cuts securely in gameplay.
The Ballistic FF33 trainers have a removable sock liner too.
2. Netburner Academy 9 (Best Value)
Like the ASICS Ballistic FF 3s, the Netburner Academy 9 trainers use a FLYTEFOAM™ midsole. This trainer is an update to the ever-popular Netburner Academy 8, which we also feature in this review.
The Academy 9 has a hard-wearing sole most often associated with professional models of trainers. As such, it performs equally well outdoors and indoors and is great value for money as it lasts a very long time.
This ASICS model features a cushioned twin-layer using Fluidride technology. This helps them to absorb impact on the court. This technology also helps players bounce back and create dynamic movements during gameplay.
Netball shoe cushioning is specific to the sport and these shoes are designed to give the best bounce back. In addition to that, they will also be safe and efficient too. When shoes give too much cushioning or allow too much movement, this will impact upon how fast a player can respond and how stable their feet will be.
The difference between the Academy 9 and Academy 8 (which we still love!) is that the Academy 9 has better support and grip underfoot. With flight foam added, the midsole is 30% lighter. The Academy 9 is also a hybrid shoe and works well both indoors and outdoors, unlike the Academy 8.
Having used both the Academy 8 and Academy 9’s for a full season of netball, I prefer the 9’s as they offer more protection around the top of the rear padding, which leads to more comfort in grueling matches. I play goal attack and goal shooter and they are ideal netball trainers for these positions, but will also suit mid court and defensive positions alike.
3. ASICS Professional FF 3 (Best Professional Trainer)
The Professional FF3 is ASICS’ latest professional model that’s the most responsive and lightest netball trainer made by the company. This shoe is made with advanced technology allowing excellent flexibility and easy movements.
These trainers have a highly adaptable fit that follows the natural motions of the feet. What’s more, they’re also responsive and lightweight thanks to the FLYTEFOAM cushioning and gel technology. As such, the trainers feel soft yet are highly shock-absorbent without being heavy.
No matter how long you play in them, the shoes will maintain their cushioning. The FLYTEFOAM make these 35% lighter compared to standard trainers whilst also making them more durable by 10% compared to running trainers.
The gel in these ASICS trainers has been placed strategically to support the front and rear of the feet with shock absorption for maximum comfort.
Finally, this trainer’s outer sole flexion grooves make the shoe flexible when players are transitioning during the game. Players can change direction with flexibility and ease.
No matter the position played on the court, these top-of-the-range ASICS shoes allow you to change position and direction easily wherever you are on the court.
4. Netburner Academy 8
We’ve already talked about the Netburner Academy 9 but this predecessor is still one of the best netball trainers out there. These have the shock absorption GEL technology to aid when reaching for the netball net. The gel is strategically placed in the rearfoot and forefoot for maximum cushioning.
In addition to the gel, the Netburner Academy 8 uses an AHARPLUS outsole. This is used to improve traction and durability.
For netball, rebound is important and these shoes contain a midsole of SpEVA foam that gives a 20% improvement on rebound. With this technology, energy from impact is absorbed and transferred so players can be lighter on their feet. As such, players will have more energy to continue playing for longer.
Finally, the Netburner Academy 8 netball shoe has a removable sock liner. This absorbs excess moisture for extra comfort.
Netburner Academy 8 trainers are designed for indoor use and is popular among beginners and professionals alike. Though designed specifically as a netball shoe, lots of indoor hockey players also choose this trainer.
5. Mizuno Stealth Neo (best for indoors)
If you’re looking for the best indoor netball shoe, the Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo designed specifically with indoor play in mind. They’re ideal for players who require extra cushioning paired with high stability during gameplay.
These contain innovative core technology called Mizuno Enerzy. This gives 56% higher return on energy than its forerunner midsoles while also being 193% softer. As such, play will be more agile and jumps will be higher.
The heel counter and outer sole construction, coupled with the high sidewalls on the midfoot, are designed to be extremely stable.
The upper is knitted to provide excellent breathability and a great fit. These are ideal for circle players looking for a powerful pair of indoor shoes. They’ll give you an edge on court, allowing you to play efficiently for longer.
This trainer was actually designed with handball in mind and is designed for good pivoting and backcourt players. As handball is similar in gameplay to netball, these shoes are a great choice – especially if you’re wanting to reach higher on your jumps while maintaining balance.
6. Mizuno Momentum 2
Another great netball trainer from Mizuno is the Moment 2. These are described as a ‘hybrid power’ trainer due to being extremely comfortable while supporting players securely in the most intense movements. This is certainly a trainer capable of handling a change of stance readily.
Mizuno’s Wave technology means netball players get great cushioning combined with high stability. Its premium stability comes from a rearfoot high-density EVA insert while the rounded, flat sole has been engineered for a smooth heel-to-toe roll-off.
Like the Stealth Neo, the Momentum 2 uses Enerzy foam in its midsoles. This means the experience is 17% softer. What’s more, the energy return is 15% higher compared to its predecessors.
The Momentum 2 has a new boot structure. This makes for a more comfortable boot that eliminates pressure points thanks to an innovative new way of structuring the eyelets. All in all, it has fantastic cushioning with a comfortable and snug fit.
This is a great all-rounder for any netball player seeking comfortable cushioning and high stability, and it can be used both in indoor courts and outside too.
7. Gilbert Flare
These sky-blue Gilbert netball trainers are a shoe that’s suitable for players of all levels of netball.
The feature a synthetic, lightweight upper that provides optimal ventilation for the feet thanks to its strategically positioned mesh cut-outs. This upper is also designed with stability in mind.
The heel is supported by an external TPU counter for significant support and excellent fit while an overlay cradle supports the ankle and foot when players are doing abrupt sideways movements.
At the forefoot, there is a rubber wrap that gives the player a durable grip. They’ve also designed the shoe with netball in mind as it is built with key netball pivot points in mind. The rubber is Xtra-dura, which gives a good balance of durability and traction.
The midsole is a dual-density design that has extra stability positioned in the instep to support the arch. The top layer is spongy for cushioning while the base layer is dense for excellent rebound energy transfer with maximum stability.
Inside the shoe, there is an IPS – an Impact Protection System – that has an antibacterial foam layer to absorb energy on impact.
Gilbert has also considered this shoe with women in mind and the fit is specifically designed for ladies using Lasting Board technology.
The sock liner is removable and the footbed is made with EVA that provided advanced cushioning on high-impact movements.
Since their previous version, the Flare has had a face-lift and improved in quality. Not only is it more durable than its predecessors, but movements are more cushioned and supportive with good ankle support provided too.
8. Nike React Hyperset
Our final netball trainer is by Nike. This black and pink Hyperset model is a durable design that’s specifically crafted to be used indoors.
The outsole is made of gum rubber for excellent traction on indoor courts while the fastenings are secure for all movements on an indoor court. There is also additional material on the toes to make the shoes more durable on the court.
The whole foot is securely fastened in a lightweight lockdown while cushioning foam underneath the feet helps dampen impacts.
These netball trainers have a unique lateral strap that supports the feet and prevents them from rolling and twisting when doing fast lateral movements.
Unlike some of these trainers in our best netball trainers guide, these haven’t been designed specifically for netball. Nike has created these as a sport crossover shoe and so they’re sold as a basketball shoe as well as a volleyball shoe. This doesn’t really impact the low-level player but it might mean that players at a higher level might not opt for this trainer.
Unlike the Gilbert listed above, this trainer uses unisex sizing so it’s worth double-checking before ordering.
Verdict
It’s safe to say that there is plenty of choice out there when it comes to choosing a netball trainer. When it comes to deciding the best netball trainers, you need to consider what you want to use the shoes for.
While some netball trainers are specifically designed for indoor games, others can be used outdoors too (or exclusively). If you’re a defender, you might require a different style of shoe to someone who plays upfront and needs a lot of bounce.
Whatever your needs, we hope you’ve found a good option among our list of 8.