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A netball shoe is specially designed to meet the specific requirements of the sport, so you can maximise your performance and help avoid injury.
Australia has been a leader in world netball since the game landed on our shores in 1897. The Australian Diamonds have won the World Netball Cup a record 12 times, with the current generation of Diamonds holding all major trophies. Below, we explore the benefits of netball shoes as well as the ASICS netball range to help you choose a shoe that's right for you.
Alanna has more than 20 years' experience in elite sport and has been with the Australian Netball Diamonds since 2011.
Netball Fact: In 2023 Netball participation continued to grow year on year, reaching over 1 million participants across both women and men.
Why Netball Shoes?
Netball combines a variety of short, sharp, and dynamic movements during play, from short fast sprints with sudden stops, to pivots and jumps. This is comparatively different to other court sports which typically run in a straight-line.
In recognising that netball movements place more force through the lower limb, foot and shoe, it is important to wear footwear that specifically supports netballers.
Benefits of a Netball Shoe
Stability: The secure fit and stability features integrated into each NetburnerTM sole enhances control for landing, pivoting and other agile movements.
Durability:: The wrapped and dense rubber outsole increases on court durability, differing to runners that has a soft blown rubber outsole that can catch underfoot during lateral movement.
Extra Protection:: The ASICS NetburnerTM range stability features with GELTM technology to provide extra shock absorption.
Which Netball Shoes?
Innovated in Australia, ASICS Netball shoes have been supporting the Australian Diamonds for 28 years in 2024. The local ASICS Australia team are hands on in working with elite athletes and research institutions to lead global production across Kids, Women’s and Men’s netball range.
For Paige Hadley (Australian Diamond and NSW Swifts), "there’s nothing better for your feet or my feet than ASICS Netball shoes, I’ve played in them since childhood and only trust ASICS on court.”
The ASICS Netball range has been tailed around three silos to deliver the support, comfort and focus of each player.
Speed
Light and fast feeling, the Netburner ProfessionalTM FF 4 and Gel-Netburner AcademyTM are built for speed and durability.
Updated in 2024, the Netburner ProfessionalTM FF 4 revamps the upper material and forefoot flex grooves, to blend the feel of a running shoe with improved support for change of direction stability.
For those commencing their netball journey, the Gel-Netburner AcademyTM provides an entry level option, built on a similar tooling to the Netburner ProfessionalTM FF.
Jamie-Lee Price (Australian Diamond and GWS Giant) says "my favourite shoes are the Netburner Professional lTM FF 4 as they're so lightweight and I feel closer to the ground, so more stable and protected around my ankle."
Control
Balance of speed and protection, the NetburnerTM Ballistic FF allows precise movements on court.
Available in both an ankle cut and mid top cut version, the NetburnerTM Ballistic FF provides responsive cushioning and Flexion Fit technology for a more natural and faster feeling with acceleration.
Jo Weston (Australian Diamond and Melbourne Vixen) loves the Ballistics, “I've tried a few other ASICS models but always come back to the Ballistics as I love how robust and stable they are, and how dynamic I feel in them in being able to change direction really quickly.”
Protection
Ideal for those searching for the ultimate protection on court, both the Netburner ShieldTM FF and NetburnerTM 20 both offer added support in the midsole.
The Netburner ShieldTM FF builds on ASICS’ traditional DuomaxTM technology by further incorporating supportive footwear features identified through University of Melbourne research to help reduce knee loads in girls and women during movement.
NetburnerTM 20 is the most durable shoe in the ASICS range, particularly ideal for outdoor courts. DuomaxTM provides the maximum amount of support for those who need medial support the most. Available in Women’s D-Wide fit or Kids Standard fit.
Maddy Proud (Australian Diamond and NSW Swifts Player) chooses the Netburner ShieldTM FF "as the support it offers my arches and feet overall is incredible. They make me feel confident to take the court and get through the demands of a game.”
Ready to shop?
View our full range of ASICS' netball shoes online, or head in-store and speak to one of our friendly rebel staff to help you find the perfect fit and shoe for you.
Written in partnership with ASICS Australia