Handball shoes Nike

Nike, from Blue Ribbon Sports to indoor shoes

Nike was born in 1964 under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports, founded in Oregon by Phil Knight, a middle-distance runner, and Bill Bowerman, his university coach. The Nike brand, named after the Greek goddess of victory, emerged in 1971, the year graphic designer Carolyn Davidson created the Swoosh. Initially focused on running, the company later expanded its expertise to basketball, volleyball, and indoor sports, where its indoor shoes are sought after for their lightness and responsiveness during sprints.

Other brands

Handball shoes are also available from:

• adidas.
• Hummel.
• Puma.
• Kempa.
• Mizuno.
• Asics.
• Salming.

All shoes can be found on the handball shoes page.

Air and Zoom Air: the Nike cushioning on court

The technical signature of Nike is still the air cushioning: a pressurised gas cushion located in the midsole, which appeared on a running shoe in the late seventies. Its Zoom Air variation, thinner and more responsive, places an energy-returning unit under the forefoot. On a handball court, this responsiveness aids in sprints and jumping shots, but cushioning alone is not enough: landings on one foot and repeated feints also require a low, stable sole that keeps the ankle close to the ground.

What an indoor Nike shoe should offer a handball player

Before choosing an indoor Nike shoe for handball, three points need checking. The non-marking rubber sole, with either a herringbone or circular pattern, must grip the court without leaving marks. The lateral support, provided by reinforcements on the sides and a firm heel counter, prevents the foot from spilling over the sole during direction changes. Finally, the Nike shape, known to be fairly narrow, may not suit all feet: try the shoe at the end of the day, with your match socks on, leaving half a centimetre in front of the toes.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Handball Spezial a Nike shoe?

No, the Spezial is not in Nike's catalog: it belongs to another brand. At Nike, the shoes used for handball are technical indoor models designed for volleyball or more broadly for indoor sports.

Does a Nike volleyball shoe work for handball?

It shares the essentials: rubber sole for the court and cushioning at the forefoot for jumps. However, handball places more demand on lateral support and contacts: check the heel fit and the sole width before using it in a match.

Are there Nike indoor shoes for women?

Nike offers some indoor shoes in women's versions, and its unisex models often come in smaller sizes. A female player should mainly check that the heel doesn’t lift during sprints, a sign of a too-wide fit.

How to recognise a Nike indoor shoe?

Its flat rubber sole, usually light or translucent, with no studs or deep tread, and its low or mid-rise upper distinguish it from a running model. The term indoor or court often appears in the description.

How to maintain Nike indoor shoes?

Keep them for the gym and transport them in a bag, so the sole doesn’t pick up dust or gravel. After your session, remove the insole and let it air-dry, away from a source of heat that could warp the foam.