Handball Shoes: Finding The Right Pair

Handball is one of the fastest, toughest and most demanding sports in the world – and without the right handball shoes, it can really take its toll on your feet. You need fitness, accuracy, speed and agility – plus a pair of shoes which allow you to make the most of your talent and skill.

Not everybody will want the same kind of handball shoes because different styles of play and different positions on the court benefit from specific features. For example:

Not everybody will want the same kind of handball shoes because different styles of play and different positions on the court benefit from specific features. For example:

• If you prefer pure speed, you’ll want a lightweight, pacey trainer – something like the ASICS GEL-FASTBALL™ will make a big difference
• If you need rock-solid stability, a highly supportive shoe like the ASICS UPCOURT™ is the way to go

Let’s look at what you should be looking for in your handball shoe.

What makes handball shoes different to other hard court  sports footwear?

All handball shoes include certain features that make them especially suited for the kind of movements you’ll be making. These include:

• Sole pattern: look at the sole of a pair of handball shoes and you will see they differ from other trainers. The sole pattern is uniquely designed for quick stops and fast turning on the spot
•  Low profile: Handball players need maximum balance, so handball shoes will keep you low to the floor
• Lightweight material: You will be moving quickly and do not want a heavy weight on your feet – handball shoes are therefore always constructed from lightweight fabrics, rubber and leather
• Toe cap: the toe cap on handball shoes is designed to prevent drag and help you power forward when sprinting

Handball Court Shoes: Finding the Right Pair

Broadly speaking, there are two types of handball players – those who play more defensive positions and those in more attacking roles. This translates into different kinds of footwear.

If your role is more defensive:

For goalkeeper or defensive players, you’ll be looking for something that plants you firmly and grips the court. And if you’re a centre you’ll need shoes that are really secure so you can break up your opponents’ attacks and make offensive plays yourself.

You’ll therefore need:

• Stability and ground control for a well-planted feel
• Impact protection to protect against the jarring shocks of a hard-court sport
• Superb traction to maximise grip when turning fast or sprinting
• A secure fit to make the last minute of the match as comfortable as the first

If your role is more attack focused:

If you’re up and down the court, making plays on offence and defence, you’ll need something that makes the most of your speed and agility. The pivots and wingers therefore go for a speed shoe that’s all about rapid play. The correct shoe propels you on the break, lets you get into clear space for those winning shots on goal, and allows you to sprint back to disrupt your opponents’ attacks.

This is what you’re looking for:

• Lightweight and flexibility to aid speed and acceleration
• Optimal traction to grip the court and help with sudden shifts in direction
• Cushioning to prevent jarring when sprinting hard
• Breathability to keep your feet cool throughout the whole match

Ready to browse handball shoes? Check out the ASICS range today.