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9 Mar 2007 - Trainer Advice

Here is some advice from my sister Lia. She has been playing Korfball for over 12 years and has represented at National level. During her years she has been through heaps (and I mean HEAPS) of trainers. After trying every brand, make, and shape Lia has come to know what good Korfball trainers are made of. Here is a bit of advice on what to look out for if you are thinking of investing in some new korfing footwear. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to drop me an e-mail and I will pass your questions onto Lia. I'm sure she will be most happy to help. (Her top Mastermind subject would be Harry Potter but Korfball trainers I think would come a close second!)

Korfball Trainers

Good korfball trainers are essential and the correct footwear is important as the constant changing of pace and direction in korfball can have lasting impact on your feet.
Many korfballers at higher levels seem to opt for an upper cut trainer similar to basketball trainers. This is because there is more support and protection around your ankle. If you opt for a lower cut trainer, you can put pressure on your achilles and risk spraining your ankle.
Good grippage is paramount. When buying trainers I always check the soles of the shoes. If there are many indents which face the same way then I wouldn't buy them as in Korfball we change direction lots and need trainers with cross court grippage.
Trainers should hold your feet firmly and support the ankle. I would not recommend any soft material that does not support your foot. If you try a trainer on and you can wiggle your toes and see the movement in the trainer, I would say these are not strong enough.

Some brands which I find to be best for korfball are:

* Nike
* Asics
* And1
* Reebok (to an extent)

I find Adidas trainers have little grippage and are flat on the soles without much arch support - but that's my opinion!

Places in Cambridge/ Ely to find these types of trainer:

* Paul Days in Ely sell Asics and some upper cut boots.
* Sports World in Lion Yard Centre. They sell And1 and Nike basketball boots in their basketball section.

I personally do not shop locally for trainers I would prefer to go to either:
* Nike Town in London
* Footlocker

P.S. I would also advise against Nike Shox trainers as some people I know have played in them only for the Shox to break after a few games. They are not designed for movements such as veering and defending.

* this is just an opinion based on previous experiences