2026 ASICS & adidas Netball Shoes Are Here

 Mike Wood · 28 January, 2026

At Players Sports, netball is serious business. For 2026, we’re bringing together the largest netball shoe range in New Zealand, led by the long-standing on-court dominance of ASICS and the highly anticipated first-ever netball shoe release from adidas.

For Kiwi netballers, this is a genuine moment. ASICS have set the benchmark for decades across schools, clubs, and representative levels. Now adidas are stepping onto the court with a shoe built specifically for netball. Different design philosophies. Same goal. Better performance for players.

Whether you’re training twice a week, playing Saturday competition, or chasing consistency across a long season, we’ve got women’s, men’s, and kids’ netball shoes in sizes from US 3 and up, available in store and online with fast NZ-wide delivery.

Why Netball Shoes Matter (And Why Running Shoes Don’t Cut It)

Netball places unique stress on the body. Hard stops, sharp pivots, repeated jumps, and lateral movements demand footwear that’s built for side-to-side stability.

Netball shoes are designed to:

• Support lateral movement and sudden direction changes

• Reduce knee and ankle strain through firmer midsoles and stabilising systems

• Provide consistent grip on indoor and outdoor courts

• Stay durable through repeated high-impact landings

If you’re playing netball in running shoes, you’re missing that support where it matters most.

ASICS Netball Shoes for 2026: Proven, Trusted, Refined

ASICS continue to lead the way in netball footwear, and the 2026 lineup builds on what Kiwi players already trust.

ASICS GEL-NETBURNER™ Shield 2

Built for stability and control, the GEL-NETBURNER™ Shield 2 is a go-to option for players who value confidence on every pivot and landing.

Why players choose it:

• TRUSSTIC™ and DUOMAX™ support to control pronation and protect knees and ankles

• GUIDANCE LINE™ technology for smoother changes of direction

• Dual-density FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning with a balanced 7mm heel drop

• Secure, breathable upper with reinforced side panels

This is a strong choice for defenders, midcourters, and players logging big minutes each week.

ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 4

For players who rely on speed and agility, the Ballistic FF 4 is lighter and more responsive.

Key benefits:

• SPEEDTRUSS™ for faster acceleration and sharper cuts

• X-GUIDANCE™ for controlled multi-directional movement

• FLYTEFOAM™ midsole with a 15mm heel drop for impact protection

• PRECISION SOLE™ for grip, balance, and court feel

A popular option for attacking players who want quick feet without losing stability.

ASICS Netburner Professional FF 4

This model blends a running-shoe feel with netball-specific support.

Standout features:

• Lightweight BIO-FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning for long matches

• Internal midfoot panels for controlled pivots and stops

• Flex grooves for smooth transitions

• At least 30% recycled upper materials

Ideal for players wanting speed, comfort, and responsiveness across full games and tournaments.

ASICS GEL-NETBURNER™ 21 (Wide)

A favourite for players who need extra room or wear ankle braces.

Why it works:

• Wide fit without sacrificing control

• Rearfoot GEL™ and FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning to soften landings

• TPU TRUSSTIC™ for side-to-side stability

• Durable AHARPLUS™ outsole for indoor courts

Reliable, supportive, and built to last through a full season.

ASICS GEL-NETBURNER™ Academy 10

A strong option for school and club players looking for comfort, grip, and value.

Key highlights:

• Breathable upper with secure lockdown

• Rearfoot and forefoot GEL™ for shock absorption

• FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning for responsive movement

• Durable outsole designed for netball courts

adidas Enters Netball: The Netcourt Elite

This is the first time adidas have released a shoe designed specifically for netball, and it’s a serious statement.

adidas Netcourt Elite

The Netcourt Elite brings adidas’ performance DNA into the netball space, with a focus on agility, grip, and energy return.

What sets it apart:

• BOOST foam midsole for responsive cushioning without instability

• Secure textile upper that locks the foot in during hard stops

• Multidirectional rubber outsole with Flex-Crosses and a dedicated pivot point

• Non-marking outsole suitable for indoor and outdoor courts

It will be fascinating to see how Kiwi netballers respond. Early feedback points to a shoe that feels energetic underfoot while still offering the lateral support netball demands.

Which Netball Shoe Should You Choose?

At Players Sports, we always recommend choosing based on how you play.

Need maximum stability and injury support:

Look at ASICS GEL-NETBURNER™ Shield 2 or GEL-NETBURNER™ 21

Fast, agile, attacking style:

ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 4 or adidas Netcourt Elite

Comfort for long matches and tournaments:

ASICS Netburner Professional FF 4

School and club netball:

ASICS GEL-NETBURNER™ Academy 10

If you’re unsure, trying them on makes all the difference.

Try Netball Shoes In Store or Shop Online NZ-Wide

You can try the full 2026 netball shoe range at our Players Sports Greenlane store in Auckland, or shop online with fast delivery across New Zealand and easy returns.

We stock netball shoes for:

• Women, men, and kids

• School sport, club competition, and high-level training

• Indoor and outdoor courts

You’ll also find our full netball footwear collection and related training gear available online for easy browsing.

FAQs: Netball Shoes in New Zealand

Are netball shoes different from basketball or running shoes?

Yes. Netball shoes are built for lateral movement and sudden stops. They offer firmer midsoles and reinforced side support that running shoes don’t provide.

Can I wear these netball shoes outdoors?

Most models listed are suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts, thanks to durable non-marking rubber outsoles. Always check court conditions and usage frequency.

Are adidas netball shoes suitable for competitive play?

Yes. The adidas Netcourt Elite is designed specifically for netball, with stability, grip, and cushioning built for competitive match play.

Do ASICS netball shoes help reduce knee and ankle strain?

ASICS stability systems like TRUSSTIC™, DUOMAX™, and GEL™ cushioning are designed to reduce excessive movement and absorb impact during play.

Do you stock wide-fit netball shoes in NZ?

Yes. Models like the ASICS GEL-NETBURNER™ 21 (Wide) are ideal for wider feet or players wearing ankle braces.

Final Word

Netball footwear in New Zealand is entering an exciting new chapter. ASICS continue to set the standard with refined, trusted designs, while adidas are making their first move into the game with a bold, performance-focused option.

If you’re upgrading for the 2026 season, we’re here to help you find the right fit for your foot and your game. Come in store to try them on, or explore the full netball shoe range online at Players Sports with fast NZ-wide delivery.

Shop our current netball shoe range here

______

Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand