Indoor handball shoes for men

Back, pivot, winger, goalkeeper: what each position requires

The back often lands on one leg after a jump shot: it needs cushioning in the heel and a shoe that doesn’t twist. The pivot thrives on contact, facing the goal, and looks for a wide base and strong support. The winger relies on his sprints and jumps from the corner, so he needs lightness and grip at the front of the foot. The centre-half, who alternates roles, does well with a versatile model. Finally, the goalkeeper makes a lot of lateral movements and wide splits: stability and cushioning come before weight.

Indoor men's: the sole that grips the court

An indoor handball shoe has a non-marking rubber sole, flat and wide, often designed in a honeycomb pattern with a point of pivot under the forefoot to turn without getting stuck. It’s what sets it apart from a city shoe, whose rubber struggles to grip a court surface. To maintain its grip, reserve the pair for indoor use: asphalt wears down the rubber and dust makes it slippery.

Wide or narrow feet: the right reflexes

Not all brands fit the same way. Some indoor shoes are quite narrow at the front, while others are more generous. If you have wide feet, check the width specification on the product page and prefer a soft mesh upper that quickly adapts to your foot. If you have narrow feet, a lacing that goes low on the shoe allows for a better fit around the midfoot.

Stabil, Wave Stealth, Eliminate: the standout lines for men

• adidas: the Stabil, its handball shoe, comes in many colours, with a The Last Dance edition dedicated to Nikola Karabatic.
• Mizuno: the Wave Stealth, its handball shoe, built on the Wave plate that disperses impacts at landing.
• Asics: indoor shoes like the Powerbreak FF and the Metarise, which many handball players adopt.
• Hummel: the Powerstrike Pro and the Topflight Pro share the same base, Reach cushioning and non-marking sole, with the Algiz being aimed at defenders and heavier players.
• Nike: no handball shoe at Nike, but the Air Zoom Hyperace, light and responsive, is appreciated by speedy handball players for its cushioning.
• Puma: the Eliminate Nitro SQD, with a Pumagrip sole and lateral support at the midfoot.

For men, low or mid-cut

The low cut remains the norm in handball: it lightens the shoe and keeps the ankle free during feints. A mid-cut upper provides more coverage around the joint and can reassure a player who has previously suffered a sprain. Specialists' opinions remain divided on its ability to prevent injuries: proprioception work and good strapping are at least equally important.

Men’s pairs on the page that aren't made for handball

Part of the page features pairs from other indoor sports. These shoes also grip the court, but their higher upper and weight are better suited for recreational play. Tennis shoes have a sole made for clay courts or outdoor courts: leave them for the racquet club. For handball, the sports filter keeps only the essentials.

Women, juniors, best-sellers: continue the search

For a female player on the team, the page women's shoes groups women's versions and mixed models. For a son or a young club member, head to the junior shoes. And if you want to see what other players are choosing, the best-sellers shoes show the trend.

Great deals on shoes for club players

Season discounts are on the page men's sales, end-of-range items in the men's clearance. The special offers on shoes change throughout the year, and the page Black Friday men’s takes over at the end of autumn. For a pair that needs to leave quickly, check out the shoes shipped in 24h.

Frequently asked questions

Can you play handball with running shoes?

For the odd session, perhaps, but not for regular practice. A running shoe is made to run straight ahead: its high and narrow sole does not provide good lateral support and exposes the ankle more during feints.

How long does a pair of handball shoes last?

Specialist retailers estimate about one season for a player who trains two to three times a week. The sole may appear intact while the foam has compressed: when landings become hard, the cushioning has reached its limit.

What shoe for a goalkeeper?

A stable and well-cushioned shoe, with a wide sole that grips during lateral movements. Some brands offer models specifically for goalkeepers: they often reinforce the side of the foot, which is heavily used in stretched leg saves.

Why do my shoes squeak on the court?

This squeaking comes from the rubber rubbing against a surface clean floor: it’s usually a good sign for grip. If it suddenly disappears, the sole is likely dirty from dust, and a damp cloth will restore its grip.

What size to choose when wearing thick socks?

Measure your foot with the socks you wear in a match, then compare this length to the size guide on the product page. The heel should stay in place and the toes shouldn't touch the end of the shoe during sudden stops.