Your child has just started netball, or perhaps they're moving from NetSetGo into competitive junior leagues. Either way, you're faced with the footwear question: what shoes does your young player need, and how much should you spend knowing they'll likely grow out of them within a season?
This guide is written specifically for parents navigating the world of junior netball footwear. We'll cover everything from sizing considerations and age-appropriate features to budget strategies that make sense for growing feet.
Do Junior Players Really Need Netball-Specific Shoes?
This is the first question most parents ask, and the answer depends on your child's age and level of play.
NetSetGo and Beginners (Ages 5-8)
For the youngest players participating in NetSetGo or introductory programs, the demands are relatively low. Activities focus on fundamental movement skills, coordination, and having fun rather than high-intensity competition. At this stage, any clean, supportive court shoe with non-marking soles is generally adequate. Many parents use multi-purpose indoor court shoes that can serve for various activities.
Junior Competition (Ages 9-12)
As children move into competitive junior netball, the demands increase significantly. Games involve more running, jumping, and lateral movements. At this stage, investing in proper netball or indoor court shoes becomes more important for both performance and injury prevention.
Teenage Players (Ages 13+)
Teenage players approaching adult competition levels should ideally wear proper netball shoes. Their bodies are growing rapidly, making joint protection important, and the intensity of play requires appropriate footwear support.
Ask your child's coach for footwear recommendations. They understand the level of play and can advise whether specialised shoes are necessary for your child's specific program.
Sizing Growing Feet: The Big Challenge
The most frustrating aspect of buying shoes for children is knowing they'll grow out of them—sometimes within months. Here's how to approach this challenge sensibly.
How Much Growing Room?
When fitting netball shoes for children, allow approximately 1-1.5 centimetres (roughly a thumb's width) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This provides room for growth while maintaining adequate fit for safe play. Shoes that are too large create tripping hazards and reduce ankle stability.
Don't be tempted to buy shoes several sizes too large "to grow into." Oversized shoes compromise support and safety, potentially leading to injuries that could put your child off the sport entirely.
Regular Fit Checks
Children's feet can grow quickly, especially during growth spurts. Check shoe fit every 2-3 months by:
- Having your child stand in the shoes and pressing on the toe area
- Watching for signs of discomfort during or after play
- Checking for excessive wear indicating poor fit
- Looking for red marks or blisters on feet
When Shoes Need Replacing
Replace shoes when:
- Toes are pressing against the front of the shoe
- Your child complains of discomfort
- The shoe no longer provides adequate support
- Grip has worn down noticeably
While passing down sports equipment makes sense for many items, shoes are an exception. Shoes mould to the wearer's foot and wear patterns. Used shoes won't support your child's feet properly and may have compromised cushioning and support.
Key Features for Junior Netball Shoes
When shopping for your child, prioritise these features:
Non-Marking Soles
Essential for indoor play. Most facilities won't allow shoes with marking soles on their courts. Check the shoe description specifically mentions "non-marking."
Good Grip
Junior players are still developing coordination and balance. A shoe with reliable grip helps them feel confident in their movements and reduces slipping.
Adequate Support
Look for shoes with firm heel counters and reasonable lateral support. Children's developing joints benefit from supportive footwear, especially as they learn the rapid direction changes netball requires.
Light Weight
Heavy shoes can fatigue young players quickly and feel cumbersome. Junior shoes should feel light on their feet.
Easy Fastening
For younger children, consider shoes with velcro straps rather than laces. This allows them to put shoes on independently and ensures a secure fit (young children often don't tie laces tightly enough).
Budget Strategies That Make Sense
Quality netball shoes can be expensive, especially when you're buying them repeatedly as your child grows. Here are practical strategies:
Match Spending to Playing Level
- Casual/beginner: Entry-level court shoes ($60-90)
- Regular competition: Mid-range netball shoes ($90-140)
- Representative/intensive: Quality netball-specific shoes ($140+)
Look for Junior Versions
Major brands often produce junior versions of their popular adult shoes. These are designed specifically for younger players' feet and typically cost less than adult equivalents. ASICS, for example, offers junior Netburner models.
End-of-Season Sales
Netball shoes often go on sale at the end of winter season (around September-October in Australia). If your child is between sizes, buying ahead during sales can save money.
Consider Versatile Court Shoes
For younger or casual players, indoor court shoes suitable for multiple sports (netball, volleyball, basketball) offer flexibility. These can be used for school sports and other activities, maximising value before they're outgrown.
Avoid False Economy
Very cheap shoes often have poor support and wear out quickly. A slightly more expensive shoe that lasts the season is better value than a cheap shoe that falls apart in weeks.
The Fitting Process: Tips for Success
Taking your child to try on shoes? Here's how to make it successful:
Timing Matters
- Shop later in the day when feet are slightly swollen (as they will be during play)
- Don't shop when your child is tired or hungry—meltdowns don't help decision-making
- Allow enough time for proper fitting; rushing leads to poor choices
Bring the Right Gear
- Bring the socks they'll actually wear for netball
- If they wear orthotics, bring those too
Let Them Move
- Have your child walk, jog, and do some lateral movements in the store
- Ask them how the shoes feel—children are often better than adults at sensing discomfort
- Watch their movement; stumbling or hesitation may indicate poor fit
Involve Your Child
Let them have input on colour and style within appropriate options. Children who like their shoes are more likely to wear them properly and take care of them.
Caring for Junior Netball Shoes
Teach your child good shoe care habits from the start:
- Remove shoes after play and let them air out
- Don't store in closed sports bags overnight
- Keep a cloth in the sports bag for wiping off dirt
- Store shoes where younger siblings and pets can't damage them
- Use shoes only for netball (not playground, walking to school, etc.)
- Match shoe investment to your child's level of play
- Allow 1-1.5cm growing room, but don't buy excessively large shoes
- Prioritise non-marking soles, good grip, and adequate support
- Check fit every 2-3 months during growth spurts
- Avoid hand-me-down sports shoes
- Involve your child in the selection for better buy-in
- Teach good shoe care habits early
Buying netball shoes for children doesn't have to be overwhelming or overly expensive. By understanding what features actually matter at each stage, sizing appropriately for growth, and spending wisely based on playing level, you can ensure your young player has safe, supportive footwear without breaking the budget. Most importantly, proper shoes help your child feel confident and comfortable on court—setting them up for a positive experience with the sport.