If netball is back in full swing for your club, school, or social comp, you are not alone. We have had a big lift in shoppers looking for netball footwear lately, and it usually happens right when training ramps up and bodies start remembering what hard stops and pivots feel like.

How to choose netball shoes for Aussie courts (without ending up with sore feet)

Netball shoes are not just “any runners you can get away with”. Netball is built on sharp changes of direction, sudden deceleration, and repeat jumping. The right shoe helps you feel stable when you land, confident when you cut, and comfortable through a full match.

1) Start with the court surface you actually play on

Most netball in Australia is played on indoor timber or sport court, or outdoor acrylic courts. Either way, you want a non-marking outsole with reliable grip. If you play indoor, focus on a gum or court-style outsole that bites without feeling sticky. If you play outdoor, you need durability as well, because abrasive courts chew through soft rubber quickly.

Quick tip: If you are doing both (training indoors, games outdoors), pick a netball shoe designed for court play but with a slightly tougher outsole compound. It is the easiest way to avoid burning through shoes too fast.

2) Prioritise lateral support, netball is a side-to-side sport

In netball, the risky moments are usually when you cut, land, or stop hard. That is why netball shoes are built with:

A stable platform: a wider base so you feel planted.
Sidewall support: material that wraps up the sides to resist rolling.
A firmer midfoot: so the shoe does not twist too easily when you pivot.

If you have ever felt your foot slide around in the shoe when you change direction, that is a sign you need more structure or a better fit (or both).

3) Get the fit right, heel locked, toes comfortable

Fit is where most people get caught out. Two players can buy the same model and have totally different experiences, simply because of foot shape.

Heel lock: Your heel should feel secure, not lifting when you walk. Heel lift often leads to rubbing and blisters.
Midfoot hold: You should feel supported through the arch area, without pinching.
Toe room: You want a little space in front of the longest toe, but not so much that your foot slides forward on stops.

If you are between sizes, we usually suggest trying the smaller size first for netball, because you want control. If your toes feel cramped or you are getting numbness, go up half a size and focus on lacing for lock-down.

4) Cushioning matters, but stability matters more

Cushioning helps with impact, especially for players who jump a lot (think defenders contesting rebounds and shooters landing repeatedly). But too much soft cushioning can feel unstable when you change direction.

A good netball shoe balances both: enough cushioning to take the sting out of landings, and enough structure so the shoe does not feel like it collapses sideways. If you are new to netball or returning after a break, this balance becomes even more important while your legs re-condition.

5) Match the shoe to your position and how you move

Position does not lock you into a single shoe, but it can guide what to prioritise:

Defenders (WD, GD, GK): lots of lateral movement and contesting. Look for strong side support and a stable base.
Mid-court (C, WA, WD): constant change of direction and high work rate. Look for a lighter feel with dependable grip and support.
Shooters (GA, GS): repeated landing and quick footwork around the circle. Look for cushioning plus a secure heel and midfoot hold.

If you know you overpronate (your feet roll in), choose a shoe that feels stable through the midfoot. If you tend to roll out, make sure the platform is wide and the upper holds you in.

6) Little details that make a big difference

Laces: Use the extra eyelet at the top for a runner’s loop if you need better heel lock.
Socks: A proper sports sock helps reduce rubbing and keeps your foot stable inside the shoe.
Break-in: Do not debut brand new shoes in a full match if you can help it. Wear them to training first.

Popular right now at Sportsmart

Here are a few netball and court picks that many players are comparing at the moment:

Common mistakes we see

Buying running shoes for netball: runners are built for straight-line movement, not hard side-to-side cuts.
Going too big “for comfort”: extra room often causes sliding and blisters, especially on sudden stops.
Ignoring outsole wear: once the grip pattern is worn down, you lose confidence quickly. Replace before it becomes a safety issue.

FAQ

Do I need netball-specific shoes, or are indoor court shoes fine?

Netball-specific shoes are designed for repeated lateral movement and sudden stops. Some indoor court shoes can work well, especially if they have strong side support and a stable base. If you are unsure, start with a netball shoe and you will usually feel the difference straight away.

How long should netball shoes last?

It depends on how often you train and whether you are on abrasive outdoor courts. As a rough guide, if you are playing weekly and training once or twice, many people get a season out of a pair. Watch the outsole and how stable the shoe feels, that is usually the first thing to go.

What if I have wide feet?

Look for models that come in a wide fit, or that have a roomier toe box. A shoe that is too narrow often causes hotspots on the outside of the forefoot, or numb toes. If you can, try on later in the day when feet are slightly more swollen, it is a more realistic fit.

Should I size up to fit orthotics?

Sometimes, yes. If you wear orthotics, bring them when you try on shoes and check that your heel still feels locked in. You want the orthotic to sit flat without lifting your heel too high.

Disclaimer: This guide is general advice to help you choose gear. If you have ongoing pain, numbness, or a suspected injury, please speak with a qualified health professional.

How to Choose Netball Shoes this Netball season