One of the main things you will need to consider before investing in a pair of footwear you'll be using for playing netball is the traction said footwear will provide you with. Played both on indoor and outdoor courts, you might even need two pairs, as not all outsoles can take the demands of both wooden flooring and concrete.

During a game, you will be expected to make quick stops and starts, as well as to change direction rapidly, which means that a good traction pattern is a must. It needs to work just as well during lateral movement as it does when it comes to forward and backward motion, and it needs to stick to the court, but without limiting your range of motion.

Outsoles made for basketball would be ideal, as they take all of these motions into consideration and should allow great performance. Alternatively, you can look into volleyball shoes for indoor, as well as tennis shoes for outdoor play. Running footwear will offer the least appropriate results in these situations, so try to stay away from them if you're playing at a higher level.

Another specific thing to keep in mind is that the sport may require you to pivot and turn, which is where a pivot point comes in especially handy. Some of the models on our list make use of this feature, and if you know that it would suit your playing style, then definitely go with such an addition.

Furthermore, you may want to take outsole flexibility and durability into consideration. Some players will need more bend in their footwear, and some models simply do not allow this. Others, especially those playing outside, will prefer a more durable (thus harder) design that won't need to be replaced too often, saving their hard-earned money.

Almost all sports require a supportive shoe, but the part of the foot that needs to be kept stable varies from discipline to discipline. In netball, the type of movement you will be doing is similar to basketball or tennis, where you'll have to quickly move laterally, as well as forward, so a netball design that locks you in and prevents any internal movement is crucial.

Most models on this list will have some internal or external cage structure. The main reason for this is to wrap the foot from the arch to the instep, keeping it secure and supported and preventing it from sliding inside the shoe when you make a quick stop.

Leather and synthetic footwear provide the best results in terms of stability, but technological advancement has allowed for some innovation as well, so you may see knit or mesh models that have a supportive cage that works just as well.

Another thing to consider is arch support, which is important not just during sports activities, but also in everyday life. As you'll be jumping and running, the tendon at the bottom of your foot will need to do a lot of work to keep your foot comfortable and to help absorb shock. A great netball option will offer some level of arch support in order to prevent this tendon from working overtime, allowing for you to play with less fatigue, and preventing pain at the end of the day.

Last but not least, you may want to consider the amount of ankle stability you require from your footwear. Some players prefer high tops, seeing that they hold the ankle, however, it's not advised that you opt for best basketball shoes.

The main reason for this is that they may give you a false sense of stability, preventing your muscles from doing their job, thus resulting in unwanted sprains or injuries. If you do go with a pair of basketball kicks, your best bet would be to get some low tops, as these have all the benefits of traction and shock absorption without the overbearing height and motion control.

All athletes need shock-absorbing footwear since their training sessions and games are difficult and they put much more than normal amounts of pressure on their feet when performing.

Every time you land from a jump, or your foot hits the ground when running or walking, a large amount of shock is generated that is supposed to be absorbed by your arch. However, since you're not simply walking but performing strenuous exercise, this shock is often much larger than what you should be putting your body through.

The best athletic footwear will have some components that will absorb this shock, especially with netball footwear. These components will prevent the shock from running up your legs, and will even provide some amount of bounce back or energy return to make the next step or jump easier.

There are a lot of materials used to provide shock absorption (also known as cushioning), and they can all do a great job - from EVA foam, GEL pads, Air units or specially designed materials - all of these can prove to be the best option for your next pair of shoes. Note that what works for one person may not work for another, as the amount of cushioning needed often depends on our anatomy, including weight, pronation, arch height and style of play.

If you're a veteran, if you compete and you practice for long hours, then you should definitely go with as much cushioning as possible, as it will help reduce recovery time and will save your feet in the long run. If, however, you are an amateur or enthusiast who plays a couple of times a week, then you won't have to shell out hundreds of dollars on the most cushioning designs, as more budget-friendly shoes will do just as well.

You may expect the quality to be dependent on the name on the side of your shoe, but the two are not always related. You are probably aware that all manufacturers, especially those who make sports equipment, cater to large audiences, and they will often make footwear at different price points to make their products available to everyone.

For the lower-end models, this often means cuts in quality and technology, which may not make a huge difference to recreational players, but can seriously impact the performance of pro athletes.

When it comes to netball footwear, there are very few manufacturers who make shoes specifically for this sport, and these are limited to ASICS, Gilbert, and Mizuno. They're often very difficult to find, and are not always available in all countries, so players who don't like the few available styles need to look elsewhere.

If you are having trouble finding a pair that meets your specific requirements, you may want to look at equipment made for other sports, such as basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis, or even running.

Determine what it is you require in terms of traction, support and cushioning, and you may be lucky enough to find the perfect pair of shoes. You may end up with something completely unexpected that works perfectly for your playing style, making you a better athlete.

Last but not least, any type of athletic footwear needs to do a good job at providing your feet with adequate airflow to prevent overheating, excessive sweating and unwanted issues such as blisters or athlete's foot.

As you'll be moving a lot for a prolonged period of time, you need to be aware of the fact that your feet will inevitably sweat. A perfect netball shoe will wick this sweat away from your foot and allow all moisture to leave the shoe, keeping you as dry as possible.

The best way to ensure this is to go with a style that has some form of a mesh or knit in the upper. These are not only lightweight and breathable but also allow a great amount of flexibility to the foot. To ensure a supportive fit, make sure there's a support cage in the netball design as well, and you'll be good to go.

If, however, you opt for a sturdier model, such as those made with leather or synthetic uppers, you'll want to check whether there are any ventilation inserts. A few over the toes can be sufficient, and your comfort can be ensured by wearing the right pair of socks - preferably ones made for athletic wear, with a good amount of of moisture management that won't retain sweat, and won't allow bacterial and fungal overgrowth.