Top Team Handball Gear in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Save

Why picking the right team handball gear matters

Ever laced up and felt like something was off — the shoe slipped, the ball felt weird, or your wrist protest after a hard throw? In handball, the gear isn’t just kit; it’s part of your performance. The right ball, shoes, and protective pieces help you play faster, shoot truer, and avoid niggles that turn into long-term problems. Think of your equipment like a good pair of glasses: when they fit, the whole game snaps into focus.

Where to buy team handball gear in the UK

Buying in the UK means you’ve got options: big-box sports retailers for value, specialist brand stores for pro-level kit, and online marketplaces for rare finds. Each channel has pros and cons — convenience, price, stock levels, and returns all differ — so I’ll walk you through the most useful places to shop and what to expect from each.

Major sports retailers (easy buys, good value)

Decathlon is a go-to for many players looking for affordable handball basics: balls, basic indoor shoes, and training accessories. Sports Direct (part of Frasers Group) often stocks indoor trainers and clothing suitable for handball players who want decent kit on a budget. Amazon UK is unbeatable for variety — you’ll find multiple brands and price points with user reviews to guide you. These retailers are good for beginners, casual players, or clubs buying on a tight budget.

Specialist brands and dedicated handball shops

If you want pro-level kit, head to brand specialists. Kempa, Hummel, and SELECT are established handball names with gear designed for the sport’s demands: match balls with consistent grip, shoes engineered for quick lateral moves, and goalkeeper gloves with proper cushioning. These brands often sell directly or through specialist European retailers that ship to the UK — perfect when you want equipment designed by people who live and breathe handball.

Secondhand, club contacts, and marketplaces

Want to save a chunk of cash? Local handball clubs are goldmines for lightly used gear. Players upgrade often, and clubs sometimes run swaps or sales. Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can also yield bargains if you don’t mind pre-owned items. Just check condition carefully — a shoe with a worn sole or a damaged ball isn’t a saving at all.

Must-have gear: handball balls

The ball is the heart of the sport, and choosing the right one is more than color and logo. Balls vary by size, grip, and weight. Buy the correct size for your age and competition level, and choose a ball with the right surface — tacky synthetic leather for indoor play is the norm. Premium balls maintain consistent bounce and grip even after long sessions.

Choosing the right ball size and weight

Handball balls come in three common sizes. For men’s senior competition, size 3 is usually used and has a circumference between about 22.8 inches and 23.6 inches, weighing roughly 0.94 pound to 1.05 pound. Women and youth often use size 2, at about 21.3 inches to 22.0 inches in circumference and weighing close to 0.72 pound to 0.83 pound. For younger children, size 1 is typically about 19.7 inches to 20.5 inches around and weighs roughly 0.64 pound to 0.73 pound. Picking the wrong size makes control harder and increases mispasses — so measure, or test a ball in store if you can.

Top ball brands and what to expect

SELECT and Hummel make official match balls used in many competitions: expect consistent feel, reliable air retention, and durable outer layers. Kempa produces high-grip training balls that handle repeated indoor sessions without needing constant replacement. Budget balls are fine for practice but may lose shape or grip faster — for competitive players, investing in a higher-end model pays off.

Shoes and footwear for indoor handball

Your shoes are arguably the single most important purchase. Handball is full of sudden stops, pivots, and leaps. A shoe designed for indoor court sports protects your knees and ankles while giving you the traction to cut and accelerate. Slip-proof soles and lateral support are a must — think of these shoes as your foundation.

What to look for in handball shoes

Look for non-marking rubber soles with a patterned tread that bites on wooden or synthetic courts. Cushioning matters for landing from jumps; look for midsole foam that absorbs impact. Lateral stability — reinforced side panels and a secure lacing system — helps when you change direction at pace. Fit is personal: shoes that squeeze or leave excess room will kill your confidence and your toes. Try before you buy when possible, and remember indoor court shoes should be snug but comfortable.

UK retailers for shoes

Decathlon offers budget court shoes suitable for newcomers. Pro:Direct and specialist online sports shops often stock more performance-oriented indoor trainers from brands like Asics and Mizuno, which are popular among handball players for their support and court-specific technology. Amazon UK and Sports Direct give you broad choices and frequent discounts — just double-check fit guides and reviews before ordering.

Apparel, protective gear and accessories

Clothing might seem simple, but breathable fabrics can keep you fresh across a packed training week. Jerseys and shorts with sweat-wicking material reduce chafing, while compression pieces help with post-match recovery. Don’t forget small items — tape, finger supports, and breathable socks all add up to bigger comfort on court.

Goalkeeper gear and specialist protection

Goalkeepers have different needs: padded jerseys or undershirts help absorb hard shots, and gloves with added grip and padding can protect fingers during dives. Some keepers prefer taped fingers or lightweight guards to prevent hyperextension. If you’re a keeper, invest in protective layers that don’t inhibit movement — safety and mobility must balance.

Training accessories: grips, tape, and nets

Grip aids, like resin or liquid grip products, give extra tack on your hands but check competition rules before using them in matches. Athletic tape supports wrists and fingers, useful after a sprain or during heavy training. Portable training goals, rebounders, and high-quality nets make practice more effective, and they’re available from both general sports stores and specialist suppliers.

Setting up practice: goals, nets and court equipment

Clubs and schools sometimes need portable goals for training. While official match goals are large and heavy, many retailers sell foldable or pop-up training goals that are easy to move and store. If you need a full-size goal, expect it to stand around 6 feet 6.5 inches tall and about 9 feet 10 inches wide for regulation play — check product specs carefully to make sure what you buy matches the space you’ve got.

Budget vs performance: where to spend and where to save

Not every item demands top-tier cash. Spend more on shoes, a quality match ball, and protection if you play competitively. Save on spare jerseys, basic training balls, and some accessories — these items wear out faster or don’t affect performance as directly. Think of your kit like a toolset: spend on the tools you use every day, economize on the ones you only use occasionally.

How to compare prices and snag the best deals

Want to find the best value without wasting time? Comparison sites help you scan retailers quickly, letting you compare price, availability, and seller reputation. Sign up for retailer newsletters to catch flash sales, and watch season changes — many shops discount handball gear outside peak season. Also, follow club groups and community pages; members often post one-off deals or secondhand kit for a fraction of new prices.

Care, maintenance and lifespan of your kit

Take care of your gear and it’ll repay you with longer life and better performance. Wipe balls after play to remove dust and sweat — that preserves grip and surface life. Shoes should air out after matches; don’t leave them in damp bags. Wash jerseys on a gentle cycle and avoid tumble drying if the manufacturer warns against it. A well-kept ball will keep its bounce and feel longer, and shoes that are rotated between sessions last much longer than those worn every day.

Buying for kids and youth teams

When shopping for juniors, size and weight matter more than brand. Younger players benefit from lighter, smaller balls — remember those approximate sizes: size 1 balls are around 19.7 inches to 20.5 inches in circumference and weigh about 0.64 pound to 0.73 pound. Leaders of youth teams often find local sports shops or Decathlon good options for budgeting, while occasional splurges on a higher-quality ball for match day teach kids better handling and confidence.

Where to try before you buy

If you’re unsure about shoes or the feel of a ball, try your local sports store or university sports centre; many will let you test indoor trainers on a small demo surface. Clubmates are also great resources — borrow a pair of shoes for a training session to see how they handle your play style before you commit. Trying beats guessing, and it’s the quickest way to avoid a costly mismatch.

Final tips for smart shoppers

Always check return policies and read product reviews to gauge real-world performance. For apparel and shoes, follow the brand’s size guide and consider ordering two sizes if you’re between sizes — many retailers offer free returns in the UK. When buying a ball, consider inflation needs — some premium match balls benefit from a brief break-in period, while cheaper ones may need more frequent inflation. And if you play regularly, budget for replacements: a worn-out ball or flattened shoe sole will slow you down quicker than you expect.

Wrapping it up

Buying team handball gear in the UK is a balance between budget, performance, and personal fit. Use big retailers for value and convenience, specialist brands for competition-level quality, and local clubs or marketplaces for bargains. Focus spending on shoes and the match ball, maintain your kit, and don’t be afraid to try gear in person. With the right choices, your kit will feel less like equipment and more like an extension of your game.

Conclusion: Whether you’re a Saturday-league striker, a club goalkeeper, or a coach equipping a squad, the right gear makes a real difference. Shop smart, test where you can, and lean on specialists and comparison tools to find the best mix of price and performance. Play comfortable, play confident — and enjoy the game.