WithfiveofthebiggestbrandsinsportASICS,Nike,Adidas,Mizuno&Gilbertofferingarangeofnetballtrainersforevery personineverypositiononeverycourt,we knowthechoicecanbeoverwhelming. OurNetballExpertsareheretohelp.
We'reproudtobeattheheartofthenetballcommunity, speakingwithplayers,coaches,umpiresandmoreweekin,week-out.Soweknowwhatwe're talking aboutandwe wanted tosharethatinsightwithyouinthisfree& exclusivebuyers'guide.
Plus,don’tforget,ifyoustillhavequestionsthen youcancontactourexpert team,includingnetballplayers andcoachesfromeverylevelofourgame,justemail sales@netballuk.co.uk,call uson01616263936,orpopby andseeusinOldhamatthePrinceofWalesBusinessPark, VulcanStreet(OL14ER). netballuk.co.uk/shoptrainers
WhywearNetballTrainers?
You wouldn’t wear football boots for tennisor court shoes for rugby, butmany netballers still wear running trainers for our sport.Often, it’sbecause they don’t realise how much difference proper netball trainers make.
Netball trainers are designed specifically for the movementsof ourgame: landing, pivoting, stopping, and rapid changesof direction. After more than25years supplying netball footwear to players atevery level, we knowthe right shoe isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Whichbrandsarebest?
We stock five brandsof trainers here at Netball UK:
• ASICS – The biggest investor in netball footwear, workingclosely with elite athletes including internationals and SuperLeague players.
• Adidas– The newest addition to the netball-specific trainermarket, and it’s one of the biggest brands in global sport.
• Mizuno– Have made important investment in premium performance technology with durable, netball-specific soles.
• Gilbert– More focused on participation-level players, offering strong performance at accessible prices.
• Nike-Producing high quality court shoes, designedwith lots ofelements that make them brilliant for netball and far more suitable than simple running shoes, however it’s important to be aware these are not netball-specific shoes.
DoNetballTrainerspreventinjuries?
Nothing canguarantee injury prevention, but netball trainerssignificantly reduce risk. They are engineeredto:
• Keepthe foot stable during lateral movement
• Prevent rolling off the sole edge
• Provide correct grip indoors and outdoors
• Balance cushioning (supportive, not too soft)
• Support natural netball movementswith roundedsole edges
Taken together, this all protects ankles, knees,hips, and overall alignment- especially important in a sport built around repetitive landing and pivoting.
DoNetballTrainersimproveperformance?
Yes - absolutely.
Testing with Mizuno andextensive ASICSresearch shows netball trainers:
• Improve change of direction
• Increase stability during pivotsand stops
• Reduce unnecessary strain through ankles, knees, andhips
• Runningor fashion trainers allow foot movement inside the shoe, slowing you down andincreasing injury risk.
Cushioning&performancetechnology
Top brands use advancedfoams to absorb impact and return energy quickly, something that’s so importantin our sport in particular:
• ASICS–FLYTEFOAM™Propel:Lightweight bounce and responsiveness
• Mizuno–EnerzyNXT:High energy return with lateral stability
• Adidas–Boost:Long-lasting rebound and impact absorption
• Gilbert–GeniusFoam:Netball-specific stability and cushioning
• Nike-ZoomAir:Uses pressurised air and tightly stretched fibres to absorb impact and then snap back
All these technologies help you land safer, move faster, andfatigue less.
AreNetballTrainersexpensive?
Compared to othersports, no.
We’re not going to pretend all the trainers are cheap, but for the technology they contain they are competitively priced andoften last longer than running shoes because they’re built for multidirectional movement, reinforcedwearareas, and roundededges.Running shoes break down quickly when used for netball.
Arethereposition-specificNetballTrainers?
No - andthat’s acommon myth.
Brands design shoesfor movement styles, not positions. While midcourters often prefer lighter shoes andcircleplayers may favourextrastability, movement overlaps across positions.
The best shoe dependson how you move, yourcomfort andstability needs, andyour injury history.
Sizing
&fit
All the brands we stock are true to size. We recommend:
• About half an inch (thumbnail width) at the toe
Trying shoeson is always recommended. You can do that atour Netball UK Shop in Oldham, or whenyou orderfrom us online you can returnor exchange themwithin 28 daysofyourpurchase giving you plenty of time to try them on athome before deciding whether to keep them.
Indoorvoutdoor
• Avoid sizing up unnecessarily - excess space causesmovement, blisters, and injury
• Our netball-playing staff testevery shoe across multiple sizes to give accurate advice.
The majority of the Netball Trainersin ourrange are suitable for both indoor and
outdoor use- but, asyou would expect, using themoutdoorsdoesintroduce more wear and tear so they might not last quite as long.
Look for:
• Rounded sole edges forsaferturning and landing
• Durable grip that “warms up”as you play
• Avoid squash shoes or indoor-only rubber soles - they’re unsafe outdoors and place excessive stressthroughjoints.
Whatdoeliteplayerswear?
At professional level, players overwhelmingly choose specialist netball trainers. Across elite leagues worldwide, the message is clear: stability, grip, and protection matter.
If the world’s best players won’t compromise on footwear, neither should you.
WhytrustNetballUK?
Because netball is all we do. We don’t sell other sports, we’re not just a retailer, we are netball expertsat the heartof the netball community.
With over 25 years in the sport, every shoe is tested, and a team of netballers behind the advice, players trust us for:
• Honestexpertise
• The biggestnetball range inthe UK
• Competitive pricing
• Exceptional service and fast delivery
Istillhavequestions
Ask us! We’re here to help- sales@netballuk.co.ukis our email address andyou can call us on01616263936.
