Kids’ Netball Shoes

Netball asks a child’s feet to do something running shoes are not built for: stop dead, change direction sideways, and land on one leg, repeatedly, on a hard surface.

This guide covers why court shoes differ from running shoes, what to look for, how to fit them properly, and what’s available in New Zealand.

Why running shoes don’t work for netball

Running shoes are designed for forward motion. The cushioning is deep and soft, the sole is narrow, and there’s little structure resisting sideways movement — because in running, there isn’t any.

Netball is the opposite. ASICS describes the sport’s demands directly: all the jumping, landing and direction changing can be hard on ankles and knees, and netball shoes are designed with outsole grooves for stability plus GEL technology in the rearfoot for cushioning and shock absorption.

The practical difference in a child’s shoe is lateral support. When a young player plants hard to change direction in a soft-sided running shoe, the foot can roll over the edge of the midsole. Court shoes sit the foot lower and hold it inside a more structured upper and sole.

Grip works differently too. Running treads are laid out for forward roll; netball outsoles use pivot patterns that hold under sideways load.

What to look for

You can test a lot of this in the shop without any technical knowledge.

Torsional stiffness. Hold the shoe at both ends and twist. A netball shoe should resist. If it wrings out like a cloth, it isn’t a court shoe.

A firm heel counter. Squeeze the back of the heel. It should be stiff, not collapsible. That’s what stops the heel lifting inside the shoe on landing.

A wrapped, durable outsole. Rubber that carries up around the edge of the midsole lasts much longer on abrasive outdoor courts, and helps in pivots.

A supportive upper. ASICS’ Netburner Ballistic GS, for example, uses a combination of synthetic leather and mesh with PU reinforcements. Synthetic overlays hold shape better than all-mesh uppers on wet outdoor courts.

Removable insoles, if your child wears orthotics.

Fit: the growth-room question

Buying two sizes up to make shoes last is the most common mistake, and it undoes the reason for buying court shoes in the first place.

A shoe that’s too long lets the foot slide forward under braking. That produces blisters and bruised toenails, and — more importantly — puts the foot out of position relative to the shoe’s support structures, so the stability features aren’t doing anything.

Leave roughly a thumb’s width — about a centimetre — between the longest toe and the front of the shoe, with the child standing and wearing the socks they’ll play in. Check at the end of the day when feet are at their largest.

Width matters as much as length. If a child complains of pinching along the sides during warm-up, the shoe is too narrow, and going up in length won’t fix it. Some models come in wider fittings.

What’s available in New Zealand

The New Zealand kids’ netball market is dominated by ASICS, with adidas also present. Retailers stock models including the ASICS Gel-Netburner, the Ballistic, and the adidas Netcourt Junior, with sizing from US 3.

“GS” on a listing means Grade School — the industry term for the school-aged size range, as distinct from adult sizing.

The GEL-NETBURNER 20 GS is described as providing stability with a flexible design, with outsole grooves for quick dashes and pivoting. The GEL-NETBURNER PROFESSIONAL 3 GS is a lighter, more responsive option built for flexibility and pivoting. The NETBURNER BALLISTIC GS uses an EVA midsole with forefoot GEL cushioning and a reinforced synthetic leather and mesh upper.

Which suits your child depends more on fit and where they play than on model hierarchy. Try them on.

Indoor or outdoor?

Where your child plays should shape the choice, because New Zealand courts vary enormously by region.

Outdoor asphalt behaves like sandpaper and wears soft rubber down fast. If your child plays most weekends outdoors, durability of the outsole compound matters more than a few grams of weight.

Indoor timber is easier on shoes but often comes with a non-marking sole requirement, enforced to protect the floor finish. Check with the venue before buying if your league plays in a council or school stadium.

Court surfaces are covered further in our court dimensions guide.

Shoes are one part of injury prevention

It’s worth keeping footwear in proportion. Netball has a high rate of serious knee and ankle injuries, which is why ACC and Netball New Zealand developed NetballSmart, and ACC states a warm-up programme like NetballSmart can reduce ACL injuries by up to 50%. The official warm-up takes 15 to 20 minutes and is meant to be done two to three times a week.

Good shoes help. A structured warm-up and sound landing technique do more. Our guide to footwork and landing covers the technique side.

If a child has ongoing foot, ankle or knee pain, that’s a conversation with a GP or podiatrist rather than a shoe purchase.

Socks

Cotton school socks hold moisture against the skin, which softens it and produces blisters. Synthetic sports socks with some cushioning under the heel and forefoot are a cheap upgrade that makes a noticeable difference over four quarters.

Caring for them

Netball shoes are a real cost for a household, and heat is what kills them.

Never put them in a dryer or on a heater. Heat degrades midsole foam and the adhesives holding the sole to the upper.

Let mud dry, brush it out of the grooves, wipe the uppers with a damp cloth and mild soap, and air-dry them indoors — newspaper inside helps draw out moisture.

Encourage the habit of untying laces rather than levering shoes off, which breaks down the heel structure that’s doing the stabilising.

Keeping court shoes for the court also extends their life considerably. Our netball equipment guide covers the rest of a junior kit, and our bibs guide covers team uniform.

This article is provided for factual and informational purposes only. It is not medical, podiatric or purchasing advice, and it does not recommend particular brands or retailers. Product ranges, model names and specifications change between seasons — check current listings directly with manufacturers and retailers. If a child has persistent foot, ankle or knee pain, seek advice from a GP or podiatrist. For injury prevention guidance see NetballSmart. Details on this page were verified in August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child wear running shoes for netball?

They can, but running shoes are built for forward motion and lack the lateral support and pivot-oriented grip netball demands. For regular club or school play, court shoes are the safer choice.

How much growth room should I leave?

About a thumb’s width — roughly a centimetre — between the longest toe and the end of the shoe, measured standing, in the socks they’ll play in. Going bigger than that lets the foot slide and defeats the shoe’s support features.

What does GS mean on netball shoe listings?

Grade School — the school-aged size range used by athletic brands. In New Zealand, kids’ netball ranges typically start around a US 3.

Which brands make junior netball shoes in New Zealand?

ASICS dominates the market, with adidas also stocked. Available models include the ASICS Gel-Netburner, Gel-Netburner Professional and Netburner Ballistic in GS sizing, and the adidas Netcourt Junior.

My child has wide feet — what should I look for?

Width, not length. Going up a size to fix pinching creates a sliding problem instead. Look for models offered in a wider fitting, and try them on rather than ordering blind.

Do indoor courts need different shoes?

Often the same shoe works, but many indoor venues require a non-marking sole to protect timber floors. Check with the venue before buying if your league plays indoors.

How do I stop netball shoes wearing out so fast?

Keep them for court use only, let mud dry before brushing it off, never dry them with heat, and choose a durable outsole compound if most play is on outdoor asphalt.