Before you head out and prowl through the endless options available in sports shoe stores this netball pre-season it might be a good idea to make a check list of what you want in a shoe, for comfort, performance and injury prevention.
We have used our clinical knowledge, research and experience to give you our best recommendations for netball shoes this season. I have 4 main check points.
– Lightweight: when speed, agility and jump height are essential, it is not surprising that a lightweight shoe will be best for performance.
– Flexible: Netball requires your whole body to move and change direction quickly. You want a shoe that will allow your foot to move in its natural dimensions.
– Durability/ sole: often the number one item on a netball shoe checklist, but in terms of injury prevention and performance probably the least important. A non-marking sole is essential, a durable sole will save you money on new shoes, but maybe not in injury rehabilitation.
– Minimal heel raise: An ideal landing technique involves landing on your forefoot (front of your foot), bending your knees and flexing at your hips. Having a large heel raise or a big chunky padded heel allows you to land on your heels which increases the shock through the body on landing. A minimalist shoe encourages correct landing technique at the forefoot.
Nike Tiempo Neutral/ Nike CTR360 Libretto:
These shoes are designed as indoor football/ soccer shoes, a sport that requires speed, agility and a quick change of direction also. Most indoor soccer boots reviewed were lightweight, flexible and comfortable and I found these 2 pairs to have the best tread for durability on the netball court.
Nike Air serve return Q:
This was a good midrange shoe. This tennis shoe is designed for quick acceleration and deceleration and
has a durable, non-marking sole. The air serve is more flexible then the ASICS netball range and felt light with jumping and landing.
Asics Netburner Ignite:
ASICS certainly has the other brands covered in marketing a specific netball shoe. I found all the ASICS netball range to be heavy and rigid on landing. The only thing I liked about the ASICS was the durable outer sole which covers the inner forefoot to protect against dragging. The ASICS netburner ignite was the lightest of the netball range.
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