ASICS2025 Review
Asics Gel-Netburner Ballistic FF 3
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See price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)We only have it in stock at Amazon.es
GEL + FF BLAST: elite cushioning for court sports.
Fit
Who is it for?
- Position
- WingBackGoalkeeper
- For
- Men
- Player weight
- 75 – 90 kg · 90 – 110 kg
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Professional
We recommend it if…
- Goalkeepers who put in a lot of training hours
- Wings with a history of joint injuries
- Players stepping up to professional level
- Anyone who prioritises long-term comfort
Pick another if…
- Pivots who need maximum lateral stability
- Players who prioritise grip above all
- Beginner and youth categories
- Tight budgets
Our test
The good and the bad
Pros
- Exceptional GEL + FF BLAST cushioning
- Very comfortable from the first wear
- Good for long matches
- Breathable
Cons
- Grip slightly behind Mizuno
- Priced at the high end
Before you order
Sizes and fit
- Fit
- Regular
- Weight
- 295 g
- Drop
- 10 mm
Where to buy
Price at each shop
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Amazon.es
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See price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)How we score it
Score by category
- Grip
- 8.8
- Cushioning
- 9.2
- Stability
- 8.6
- Durability
- 8.9
- Value for money
- 8.8
Gorka Cabañas' opinion
Journalist. Former handball player and coach. Co-founder of Liftados
Handball goalkeepers are possibly the players whose joints take the most punishment in the sport. They absorb high-load impacts in extreme positions throughout the session, and most of them wear shoes that aren't specifically designed for that. Asics' Gel-Netburner Ballistic FF 3 is one of the few that does take it into account.
In my tests I analyse cushioning quantitatively as well as subjectively, and the GEL + FF BLAST combination in this shoe produces a very balanced cushioning curve: the GEL softens the impact peak and FF BLAST adds responsiveness in the propulsion phase. For a goalkeeper who makes hundreds of landings per session, that protection shows in the health of their knees at the end of the season.
Where it gives ground to the Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo is in grip for high-speed positions: AHAR+ is excellent for durability but slightly behind GUM8 in instant traction. For goalkeepers and wings with a history of joint injuries, that difference in grip is a sacrifice worth making. For wings who have never had joint problems and prioritise explosiveness, the Mizuno may be the better option.
Published on 8 December 2025 · Liftados.com
On-court review
Full review
Grip and traction
Asics' AHAR+ outsole is one of the most durable compounds on the market for indoor court sports. Harder than standard compounds, this outsole resists the gradual wear that sports-hall courts inflict on any footwear, keeping its friction coefficient throughout the season. In pure traction it sits below Mizuno's GUM8 in the first few weeks, but the gap closes over time until AHAR+ outlasts its rivals.
Cushioning and energy return
The combination of GEL in the heel and forefoot with FF BLAST foam is the most complete cushioning package we've tested for court sports. The GEL absorbs impacts smoothly and quietly, while FF BLAST returns energy on every step with surprising responsiveness for its level of protection. Goalkeepers who make extreme stretches and wings who shoot on the run will especially notice how this shoe looks after their joints without taking away their explosiveness.
Stability and support
The Jacquard mesh upper offers very well-balanced structural support: rigid where the foot needs containment (the sides) and flexible where it needs to move (the top of the foot). With an 8.6 for stability, the Gel-Netburner Ballistic FF 3 is stable enough for high-level wings, but doesn't reach the figures of shoes designed specifically for pivots. It's the most balanced shoe in the high-end range: no clear weak point in any area.
Who this shoe is for
The Asics Gel-Netburner Ballistic FF 3 is the best option for players who prioritise comfort and cushioning without sacrificing performance. Handball goalkeepers who do long training sessions and intermediate-to-advanced wings with a history of joint injuries will find the perfect ally in this shoe. It's also an excellent first professional shoe for players moving up a category.
Liftados verdict · 8.9/10
The Asics Gel-Netburner Ballistic FF 3 is the most complete shoe in the cushioning category of the handball market. Its GEL + FF BLAST combination is unrivalled for players looking for top-level joint protection, and its AHAR+ durability means it will pay for itself over the whole season.
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Comparisons
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What you ask us about the Asics Gel-Netburner Ballistic FF 3
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