Handball shoes and volley at Black Friday

Handball: lateral stability and braking

The handball player runs, brakes, feigns and lands a jump shot on one leg: their shoe must primarily prevent the foot from rolling. Lateral stability comes from a wide sole that extends beyond the upper, a firm heel counter, and reinforcements on the sides. The adidas Stabil, a reference line in handball, embodies this principle even in its name; its women's version has the same construction on a slimmer profile. The Puma Accelerate and Eliminate Nitro feature nitrogen-injected foam, lightweight and dynamic, and an upper that locks in the midfoot during changes in footing.

The rest of handball and volleyball

Handball and volleyball for Black Friday are also available:

• Shirts.
• Shorts.
• Protective gear.
• Accessories.

All handball and volleyball products are gathered on the handball and volleyball page.

Volleyball: absorbing jump receptions

A volleyball player jumps dozens of times per match, during serves, attacks, and blocks, and often lands out of balance. Their shoe therefore prioritises cushioning and lightness. The Mizuno Wave Momentum, Luminous, and Stealth Neo rely on the Wave plate, a wavy blade incorporated into the sole since the late 1990s, which distributes the shock of landing across the entire foot surface. The Nike Air Zoom Hyperace and Hyperset combine a responsive Zoom Air unit with an enveloping upper that supports the ankle. The adidas Crazyflight, very light, targets attackers looking for maximum jump height.

Rubber, resin and flooring: indoor grip

All these shoes feature a rubber sole that does not mark the floor, a requirement in most gymnasiums, often with a circular pattern under the forefoot to facilitate pivots without locking the knee. In handball, many players use resin on their hands: it ends up on the floor and then under the soles, causing them to get dirty and slip. A wash with warm soapy water and a brush after the match restores their grip. The Hummel Topflight Pro and Powerstrike Pro, from the brand founded in Hamburg in 1923 and a longtime partner of handball, have rubber designed for these demanding surfaces.

Women and children: models and sizes for indoor

Female players can find women’s versions of the adidas Stabil and adidas Courtstabil, as well as the Hummel HB Topflight Pro, built on a narrower heel shape. For children, the Hummel Flex VC and Multiplay Flex VC close with a Velcro strap: the child can put them on by themselves in the locker room, and the shoe stays snug throughout the session. In terms of size, keep about half a centimetre in front of the toes, with sports socks: a shoe that is too large allows the foot to slide forward during braking, a common mistake when buying a size up to anticipate growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a handball shoe and a running shoe?

The running shoe cushions movement forward, and its high sole makes the ankle unstable on lateral supports. The handball shoe is lower and wider, designed for braking and pivoting without the risk of sprains.

Do volleyball shoes work for beach volleyball?

No, beach-volleyball is played barefoot on sand. Volleyball shoes are designed for wooden floors or synthetic surfaces in gyms, with rubber that grips smooth indoor surfaces.

Does a handball goalkeeper need special shoes?

The goalkeeper mainly seeks a lightweight and flexible shoe that supports large stretches and lateral jumps. Good heel support and a non-slip sole are essential for quickly moving from one post to another.

High or low volleyball shoe?

The mid-high upper reassures the centre and players prone to sprains, often caused by landing on an opponent's foot under the net. The low upper, which is lighter, appeals to setters and liberos who prioritise speed of movement.

How long do handball shoes last?

For two or three training sessions a week and a match on the weekend, expect them to last a season. A smooth rubber sole under the forefoot or compressed foam at the heel indicates it's time to replace the pair.