Handball shoes: Christmas gift ideas

A new pair for the second half of the season

In the middle of winter, indoor shoes often reach the end of their life: smoothed out soles that grip less, compressed cushioning, and uppers that no longer hold the foot during direction changes. A new pair under the tree comes at just the right time, just before the matches resume. It's also the most personal gift, which is why it's important to carefully prepare your choice.

Stability or lightness: check the position before the size

In handball, the footings are violent and repetitive. Each position requires different features from a shoe.

• Back and pivot: a powerful player who makes contact needs a wide sole and good lateral support.
• Wing and centre-back: speed is key, a lighter and more flexible shoe works better for quick starts.
• Goalkeeper: they look for cushioning for landings and a sole that grips during splits.
• Recreational or beginner player: a versatile, comfortable indoor shoe with a non-marking sole is more than enough.

adidas, Mizuno, Hummel, Asics, Kempa: shoes by brand

The brands in the selection each have their reputation in indoor sports.

• Christmas adidas Shoes: the Stabil, with its Boost insert, focuses on supporting powerful players, while the Crazyflight emphasises lightness.
• Christmas Mizuno Shoes: the Wave plate, the brand's signature from Japan, is found in the Wave Stealth for handball, and in the Wave Momentum and Wave Lightning for players looking for lightness.
• Christmas Hummel Shoes: the Danish brand behind handball clubs also offers indoor shoes.
• Christmas Asics Shoes: the Sky Elite, popular among high-jumping players, and indoor shoes designed for the footings and contacts of handball.
• Christmas Kempa Shoes: the Kourtfly and Wing, from a German brand almost entirely focused on handball.

The selection also includes Nike Christmas Shoes which are light for indoor use, like the Hyperace and Hyperset, Salming Christmas Shoes, a Swedish brand for indoor sports, and Puma Christmas Shoes, including the Eliminate Nitro, designed for the support of backs and pivots.

Lightweight shoes for fast players

A good part of the selection consists of shoes primarily designed for volleyball. They share with handball the hardwood floor, the non-marking rubber sole, and the need for cushioning during landings. Many fast players prefer them for their lightness. A back who takes lateral hits will be better served by a handball indoor shoe, more stable in footings.

Finding the right size without ruining the surprise

The shoe size is the only real risk with this gift. Check the size listed under the tongue of their current sports shoes, and note the brand: the same size does not always fit the same across all manufacturers. Then compare with the size guide shown on the product page. Also, consider match socks, which are often thicker than regular socks.

Making the gifted pair last

An indoor shoe is reserved for indoor use: concrete wears out the rubber in just a few uses and makes it slippery on the wooden floor. After each session, take out the insoles and let the pair dry in the open air, away from a radiator. Slip this advice with the gift, the sole will maintain its grip longer.

Affordable shoes before and after the holidays

For a specific budget, the gift ideas under €100 include plenty of indoor shoes. All year round, the special shoe offers and the shoe clearance will have other pairs, before the shoe sales after the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find cheap handball shoes for Christmas?

Start with the intermediate budget gift ideas page, which features plenty of indoor shoes. The special shoe offers complement the choice all year round. Filter by size right from the start to see only the pairs available in the right size.

What shoe should I buy for a goalkeeper?

Choose an indoor shoe that provides good cushioning for landings and has a sole that grips during splits. The goalkeeper spends a lot of time in splits and on the floor, so foot support is as important as lightness. Check the size before buying.

High-top or low-top shoes: what to choose for handball?

A mid-top offers a sense of support around the ankle, while a low-top allows more freedom. The choice mainly depends on the player's preference. A high-top shoe does not replace a brace after an ankle sprain.

Can running shoes be used for handball?

No: their sole is designed for running straight ahead, not for lateral movement, and many mark the floor. The risk of ankle twisting is higher. An indoor shoe is essential as soon as you play indoors.

Should I take a half size up?

Not necessarily. Follow the brand's size guide and only take the half size up if the person wears thick socks or is between two sizes. The foot should be held without touching the end of the shoe.