If you’re stepping into netball more regularly, the jump from a basic trainer to a purpose-built court shoe can make a big difference to confidence on court.
ASICS GEL-Netburner Academy 10 Review: Fast, Stable Court Feel
What it is
The ASICS GEL-Netburner Academy 10 Womens Netball Shoes sits in the beginner to intermediate end of ASICS’ netball lineup, built for players chasing a faster and more responsive underfoot feel. In plain terms, it’s designed for the stop-start nature of netball: quick propulsion, sharp changes of direction, and the kind of lateral movement you do every time you lead, pivot, or contest space in the circle.
ASICS positions it as an alternative to the NETBURNER PROFESSIONAL, aiming to balance flex and stability rather than leaning hard to one extreme. That makes it a sensible “first serious netball shoe” for a lot of players, especially if you are training once or twice a week and want a shoe that feels nimble without giving up the support you need for repeated side-to-side efforts.
Who it’s for
The Academy 10 tends to suit players who are developing their game and want a shoe that can keep up as intensity increases. If you’re moving from social comp into club netball, or you’ve started doing extra sessions and your old runners are feeling sketchy on hard courts, this is the kind of upgrade that makes sense.
It’s also a strong fit for players who value a quick, responsive feel rather than a heavy, tank-like build. Netball is full of short accelerations and sharp footwork, so a shoe that feels ready to change direction is worth prioritising. If you’re a wing attack or centre who covers a lot of ground and wants that faster underfoot sensation, the Academy 10 is built with you in mind.
On the other hand, if you know you prefer the most structured, locked-in feel available, you may lean towards a more support-focused netball model within the category. The Academy 10 is about balance, and that balance is usually the sweet spot for beginners and intermediates, not the most demanding use cases.
Key design features (based on the product description)
ASICS uses a few familiar building blocks here, with each one aimed at the same goal: stable movement that still feels quick.
- 3D print upper for breathability: The upper uses a 3D print approach intended to increase breathability. For netball, where you’re often playing under lights or on warm indoor courts, airflow matters for comfort across a full match.
- Midfoot reinforcement for durability and support: The inner reinforcement through the midfoot is designed to maintain durability and support. This is the part of the shoe that takes a lot of stress during lateral cuts, so it’s a key area to be built with purpose.
- Eyelet loop system for fit and stability: The eyelet loop system is designed to provide a better fit and stability. In practical terms, netball players usually want a secure hold through the midfoot so the shoe moves with you when you plant and push off.
- FLYTEFOAM and GEL in the midsole: FLYTEFOAM and GEL technology are used together to deliver a cushioned feeling underfoot. Cushioning in a netball shoe is about taking the edge off hard landings and repeated impacts, while still letting you feel connected to the court.
- TPU TRUSSTIC in the midfoot: The TPU TRUSSTIC system is designed to improve torsional rigidity for added stability. Torsional rigidity is a fancy way of saying the shoe is built to resist twisting through the midfoot, which can help when you’re cutting hard or landing awkwardly.
Where it works best (and where it doesn’t)
This shoe is designed around court play where quick propulsion and change of direction are constant. It’s the sort of netball shoe that makes sense for indoor courts, outdoor hard courts, and training sessions where you’re repeating drills with a lot of lateral load.
The trade-off with a “faster, more responsive” feel is that some players who want maximum plushness may prefer a shoe that leans more heavily into cushioning. If you mainly want the softest landing possible, it can be worth comparing shoes that are built more around cushioning-first comfort. If you want court feel plus support, the Academy 10’s positioning is a good match.
Sizing and fit: what to think about
Fit is everything in a netball shoe. A shoe that is technically supportive but feels loose through the midfoot tends to cause more problems than it solves. The Academy 10 includes an eyelet loop system intended to improve fit and stability, which is the right focus for this category.
When you try netball shoes on, do it with the socks you play in and tighten the laces the way you would for a match. You want a secure hold through the midfoot, a stable feel when you shift side to side, and enough room at the front so your toes are not jammed when you stop suddenly. If you’re unsure, our team can help you dial in the fit in-store.
Trade-offs to know about
The honest call is that no netball shoe can be everything at once. The Academy 10 is built to balance flex and stability while aiming for a faster, more responsive feel. That mix is ideal for a lot of players, but it also means it may not be the best match if you have very specific preferences.
If you want the most structured, “built like a support platform” feeling, you may prefer a more stability-driven option in the netball category. If you want the lightest possible feel with minimal structure, you may chase a different style of court shoe. The Academy 10 is the middle ground: supportive enough for real netball movement, while still designed to feel quick underfoot.
Who should look elsewhere
If you are an advanced player who knows you punish shoes with high-volume training and hard cuts, it can be worth looking at a higher-tier netball model with a more premium build focus. If you want a shoe that prioritises maximum softness above all else, a cushioning-first court option may suit your preferences better.
For most beginner to intermediate netballers, though, the Academy 10’s balance is exactly the point.
The verdict
The ASICS GEL-Netburner Academy 10 is a smart pick for beginner to intermediate netball players who want a shoe that feels quick and responsive, without giving up the stability that netball demands. The combination of FLYTEFOAM and GEL aims to keep the underfoot feel cushioned, while the TPU TRUSSTIC and midfoot reinforcement focus on stability and durability through repeated changes of direction.
If you’re upgrading from runners or general trainers, and you want a netball-specific shoe designed for court movement, this one is well worth considering.
Where to buy at Sportsmart
You can shop the ASICS GEL-Netburner Academy 10 Womens Netball Shoes online, or compare options across our netball shoes range.
Need a hand?
Drop into our Moorabbin, Kilsyth or Preston stores to try on netball shoes and talk through what suits your position and court type. If you’d rather shop from home, our online team can help you narrow it down.
