Handball Shoes

Handball requires proper footwear that can handle players’ quick movements and sharp turns during games and practices. This indoor sport made its Olympic debut in 1972. Since then, handball shoes have helped provide the best traction for players. Major sports brands have developed different types of shoes to provide optimal performance.
Benefits of Handball Shoes
Handball shoes are arguably the most important pieces of apparel used in the game of handball. Having an advantage in speed and sharp changes of direction is essential in this sport. There are also many design features of handball shoes that allow for enhanced performance on an indoor court. These shoes are built with gum rubber soles, which provide a better grip on slippery indoor surfaces.
Another important benefit of handball shoes is the lightness that players feel when wearing them. Most handball shoes weigh around 10 ounces; their lightweight construction enhances running and jumping efforts while playing the game. Finally, a lot of handball shoes come with breathable materials. Having more mesh material in the design of the shoe helps prevent the player's feet from getting too hot during a game.
What Should You Look For in Handball Shoes?
When looking for handball shoes, you'll want to consider a number of questions. What size handball shoes do you need? How much are you looking to spend on handball shoes? What kind of handball shoes are you looking for? Answering these questions will help you find the best pair of handball shoes, depending on your personal preferences.
There are a number of factors that make or break a good pair of handball shoes, including the following major characteristics that you should look for:
- Affordability
- Durability
- Ankle Support
- Size
- Grip
- Style
A good pair of handball shoes will combine all of these factors into one. For further information on the kinds of handball shoes that are available, what brands make them, and what they cost, keep reading!
Types of Handball Shoes
The most popular types of handball shoes are low-top and mid-top handball shoes. Below, we will discuss each type and its pros and cons.
Low-Top Handball Shoes

The low-top handball shoe has a low collar, which doesn’t cover the ankle. As a result, the low-top handball shoe allows players more mobility, which can make sharp changes in direction easier. However, they don’t have ankle support, increasing the chances of suffering an ankle injury.
Pros:
- Lighter shoe
- Better mobility
- Increased breathability
Cons:
- Not as much ankle support
- Can slip off more easily
- Harder to find
Mid-Top Handball Shoes

The mid-top handball shoe has a collar that goes up slightly higher than low-top shoes. It is designed to cover the ankle of a player. As a result, it weighs slightly more than a low-top shoe. The higher collar of the mid-top handball shoe also helps provide extra stability to the ankle and can aid in preventing injury.
Pros:
- More ankle support
- Helps create more stability
- Protects players from errant handballs
Cons:
- Can weigh more
- Doesn’t allow as much mobility
- Can be more expensive
Handball Shoe Brands
The most popular brands of handball shoes include ASICS, Mizuno, and Adidas. However, many shoe companies, including Nike, Kempa, Ouma, Hummel, and Under Armour, also make handball shoes. Read on to learn more about their features and pricing!
ASICS
This brand of handball shoes produces some of the highest-quality shoes that players can purchase. In particular, these shoes offer enhanced cushioning, grip, and stability. ASICS is a great choice for players who want optimum speed and agility. In addition, players can choose from low-top and high-top options. ASICS Men’s and Women’s Handball Shoes range in price from £70.00 to £140.00 ($85 to $171).
Mizuno
Mizuno offers Wave-Plate technology, which is an advanced cushioning system that provides extra stability. Players who are looking for a light handball shoe should make use of this brand. Due to the lightness of their shoes, players can expect to see an increase in agility. Mizuno handball shoes for men and women range in price from €60.00 to €155.00 ($63 to $163).
Adidas
Adidas is known for producing the most famous handball shoes on the market. This shoe brand is best known for supporting players during constant changes of direction. As a result, the brand captures the combination of elegance and stability. Adidas is known to produce shoes for all kinds of sports in addition to handball. Adidas handball shoes range in price from £40 to £160 ($50 to $100).
FAQ
How do you know what size handball shoes you need?
Handball shoe sizing is equivalent to United States standard sizing for normal shoes. For example, a person whose foot is 8.75 inches in length should wear a size 5.5 handball shoe, and a person whose foot is 9.25 inches in length should wear a size seven handball shoe. This gradual increase in foot length and shoe length stays consistent.
How much do handball shoes cost?
The pricing of handball shoes will depend on the quality of materials and production methods. In addition, the choice of brand affects the price of handball shoes. Some of the cheaper types of Mizuno shoes can cost around $100. On the other hand, Kempa offers more expensive pairs of shoes that cost around $250. Most handball shoes will cost somewhere within these prices.
Can you wear basketball shoes while playing handball?
For outdoor play, it is not recommended to wear basketball shoes while playing handball. This is because basketball shoes can't grip the grass. However, basketball shoes are a relatively solid option for indoor handball. The rubber soles of basketball shoes are similar to the soles of handball shoes. In addition, basketball shoes can offer extra ankle support and allow players to change directions quickly.