Netball's footwork rule means sharp decelerations and single-foot landings — netball shoes prioritise lateral support and grip over cushioning. Here are the best options.
Our picks
ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF
The benchmark netball shoe. Outstanding lateral support, grippy outsole and landing stability for the footwork rule's demands.
Check price on AmazonASICS Gel-Netburner 20
More cushioned Netburner option for players who want extra impact protection on landings.
Check price on AmazonGilbert Synergie X9
Affordable netball-specific shoe with solid grip and support for club players.
Check price on AmazonMizuno Wave Stealth
Lightweight with excellent grip — popular with shooters and quick midcourt players.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability accurate at time of writing.
What to look for
Netball places specific demands on footwear that running shoes and cross-trainers are not designed for. Here is what to prioritise.
Lateral support
The netball footwork rule (players must land and pivot without moving their landing foot) means constant single-foot landings with directional changes. This creates substantial lateral stress on the ankle and foot. Dedicated netball shoes have reinforced medial and lateral walls and a wider base than running shoes to resist this sideways load. Ankle collar height is a personal preference — low-cut allows more freedom; mid-cut provides more lateral ankle support.
Court grip
Non-marking rubber outsoles are mandatory for indoor courts. Netball-specific outsoles use herringbone or pivot-point tread patterns that provide grip for directional changes and a smooth pivot zone under the ball of the foot. Running shoe outsoles are directional (optimised for heel-to-toe movement) and significantly less effective on court.
Cushioning for landing impact
The combination of the footwork rule and the hard indoor surface means netball players land single-foot thousands of times per match. Cushioning in the forefoot and midfoot — not just the heel — is important for knee and ankle joint protection over a career. Look for shoes with visible midsole cushioning technology (GEL, Boost, FlyteFoam equivalents) rather than purely firm court shoes.
Fit
Fit should be snug around the midfoot with a thumb-width of space at the toe. Too much volume in the upper allows the foot to slide during lateral movements, reducing the effectiveness of both cushioning and support. Court shoes typically fit slightly narrower than running shoes — try court-specific sizing if a brand runs wide in its running range.
- Never use running shoes on court — they lack lateral support and grip for court movements.
- Check non-marking sole — required for all indoor netball courts.
- Prioritise forefoot cushioning — landings in netball are forefoot-dominant.
- Replace when outsole wears smooth — grip loss is a significant injury risk on court.
Handy converters
FAQ
Can I play netball in running shoes?
Not recommended. Running shoes are designed for forward motion and lack the lateral support needed for netball's sideways movements and single-foot landings. The outsole grip pattern is also directional — inadequate for the pivoting and sharp directional changes of netball. Playing regularly in running shoes increases ankle sprain risk and wears out the outsole quickly on a hard court surface.
What brands make the best netball shoes?
ASICS, Mizuno, and New Balance dominate the netball shoe market in the UK and Australia. ASICS Netburner and Gel-Netburner are the most widely worn at club and international level. Mizuno Wave Momentum and Wave Lightning are popular alternatives. Some players also use volleyball shoes from the same brands, which have similar lateral support characteristics.
How long do netball shoes last?
For regular club players (2–3 sessions per week), netball shoes typically last 6–12 months before the outsole wears significantly. Signs of replacement: smooth outsole patches (grip lost), visible midsole compression, or upper breakdown. Rotating between two pairs extends both pairs' life. Replace when grip is noticeably reduced — worn-smooth court shoes are a significant ankle sprain risk.
Are netball shoes suitable for indoor volleyball?
Yes — netball and volleyball shoes share similar design priorities (lateral support, court grip, forefoot cushioning) and can be used interchangeably in most recreational contexts. Dedicated volleyball shoes may have slightly more emphasis on vertical jump cushioning; dedicated netball shoes prioritise lateral stability slightly more. At recreational level, either works well for both sports.