Are you on the market for a new pair of volleyball shoes but don’t want to fork out a ton of cash?
I’ve got you covered.
Having played volleyball for well over 10 years, I’ve come to learn that cheap shoes either end up being really awful, or surprisingly good.
In this article I discuss 5 volleyball shoes that are surprisingly good for their price tag, and I’ll also be able to point you in the direction of the budget shoe that’s right for you.
Let’s begin!
Best Budget All-Around Volleyball Shoe
If you ask me to name the safest budget volleyball shoe, my answer would always be the Gel-Rocket line from ASICS. Throughout the years, they have always remained the shoe that beats all others with simplicity, and the Gel-Rocket 12 is no exception.
What I love about this shoe is how predictable it feels on court and how easy it is to trust. It only takes you the first session to understand how the shoe reacts.
The platform is stable, the grip is consistent and trustworthy, and the cushioning is surprisingly good. This is why, in the budget category, this shoe’s consistency is what keeps me coming back.
Underfoot, the GEL cushioning and structured midsole are tuned for controlled impact instead of softness. When I playtest shoes in this class, I look for how quickly I can land and reset. This model supports that well.
Landings feel dampened but not squishy. You do not sink and stall. You land, stabilize, and move again, which is exactly what hitters and blockers need between contacts.
Another thing I genuinely appreciate is the lateral behavior. Many lower-priced court shoes feel loose when you push hard side to side. This one stays composed.
The midfoot support and torsion control help keep the shoe aligned during shuffles and block moves. If you close blocks aggressively or move a lot along the net, you will notice the difference.
Traction is also strong for the price tier. On clean indoor courts, grip is reliable and easy to read. It is not overly sticky, which I actually prefer for newer and intermediate players.
Too much bite can cause abrupt stops and extra knee stress. This outsole gives you a confident grip without feeling grabby.
The upper uses breathable mesh with structured overlays. From experience, this type of build usually breaks in fast and stays comfortable through long practices.
I often suggest shoes like this to players who train multiple times per week and want something that feels light but not flimsy.
What I would suggest you consider before buying is jump volume and fit. This is not a max impact protection shoe. If you find yourself jumping a lot during the game, or if you are already dealing with knee pain, you might want a shoe that has better cushioning.
Performance between the men’s and women’s versions is very similar, but the women’s model usually fits narrower through the heel and midfoot. In this case, this is more of a sizing choice than not.
If you are developing, playing club, or need a dependable second pair for practice, this is one of the easiest budget recommendations I can give.
If you want one budget volleyball shoe that rarely disappoints, start here.
Recommended Use
Best for budget-focused hitters and all-court players who want stable landings, reliable traction, and predictable performance for practices and matches.
The Good
Very stable and predictable under load.
Reliable indoor traction for the price tier.
Good lateral support for net play.
Breathable and comfortable upper.
Similar performance across men’s and women’s models.
The Bad
Cushioning is controlled, not plush.
Not ideal for very high jump volume.
Fit runs slightly narrow in some versions.
Best Budget Stability Pick for Net Play
If I had to pick one budget shoe that consistently surprises people once they actually play in it, the Ligra 8 would be near the top of that list. On paper, it looks simple. On court, it feels far more dependable than most entry-priced indoor shoes.
That gap between expectation and performance is exactly why I rate it highly in the budget category. What I like most about the Ligra 8 is how stable it feels during messy volleyball moments.
It ensures your approaches and landings are reinforced and stable. The base is wide enough and firm enough that when you come down slightly off balance near the net, the shoe does not feel like it wants to fold.
For middle blockers and opposites who live in traffic, that matters more than extra bounce. Plus, the midsole setup is not built for plush comfort or explosive rebound. It is tuned for firmness and control.
Personally, I prefer that in a budget shoe because softer foams at this price usually break down fast. Here, landings feel direct and predictable. You do not get a trampoline effect, but you also do not get that cheap foam collapse feeling after a few weeks of play.
Durability is one of the biggest reasons I would suggest this shoe to frequent trainers. The reinforced toe area holds up well against foot drag during approaches and defensive slides.
That is one of the most common failure points in low-cost volleyball shoes, and this model clearly reinforces it on purpose. If you are someone who burns through toe boxes, this detail alone makes it worth considering.
If you are playing indoor courts, you will find the outsole grip is consistent during your lateral shuffles, short approaches, and block movements. It’s not overly sticky, which is preferred because it keeps my movement smooth and not jerky.
That makes traction another strong point for the shoe. Furthermore, direction changes feel controlled, not abrupt. For players still refining footwork, that is actually much safer for the joints.
The upper balances ventilation and structure fairly well. It is not ultra-thin race mesh, but it also does not feel hot or stiff. Lockdown is secure enough for aggressive movement, especially once the shoe is broken in.
I would suggest this for players who want comfort that feels supportive instead of soft. Performance between the men’s and women’s versions is very similar in terms of traction, platform stability, and midsole feel. The main difference is fit shaping.
The women’s version has a narrower heel and midfoot, while the men’s version offers a bit more volume. Neither version feels underbuilt compared to the other, so the choice should be based on your fit, as performance remains the same throughout.
What I would caution buyers about is impact protection. If you are a very high-volume jumper or already managing knee pain, this will likely feel too firm over long sessions. This shoe rewards controlled movers and moderate jumpers more than heavy vertical attackers.
Still, for the price, it gets the fundamentals right. And at the budget level, that is exactly what I want to see.
If you drag your toe on approaches, this reinforced front build is a big plus.
Recommended Use
Best for middle blockers and opposites on a budget, plus players who want a durable indoor shoe for frequent practices and net-heavy play.
The Good
Very stable base for net play and lateral movement.
Reinforced toe area improves durability.
Reliable indoor traction.
Firm and predictable landings.
Comparable performance across men’s and women’s models.
The Bad
Cushioning feels firm, not plush.
Limited impact protection for heavy jumpers.
Not built for maximum bounce or jump enhancement.
Best Budget Entry Level Volleyball Shoe
If someone asked me which budget volleyball shoe is the safest starting point for most players, I would confidently point to the Upcourt 6.
I have recommended this type of shoe many times to newer hitters and training-focused players because it does the basics right without adding unnecessary features or heavy bulk. The simplicity keeps it the perfect budget shoe.
What I love most about the Upcourt 6 is how natural it feels on foot. The shoe is light, flexible, and close to the floor. That combination makes the movement feel smooth and dependable, and is perfect for learning movements with less in-built assistance.
Your footwork errors are not hidden by thick foam, and your good mechanics are not slowed down by heavy structure. For developing players, that is actually a big advantage.
The midsole is simple and low profile, which keeps your foot closer to the court. From my experience, this helps with approach timing and defensive balance. You feel where you are placing your steps instead of guessing.
During short approaches, quick shuffles, and reactive plays, the shoe responds quickly rather than lagging behind your movement.
Cushioning is basic but consistent. I would not call it plush, and it is not designed for repeated max height landings. However, it does not feel unstable or cheap under moderate jump loads.
For practice sessions, drills, and standard match play at beginner to intermediate level, it holds up well. What I would suggest is pairing this shoe with good landing mechanics rather than expecting the foam to do the work for you.
Traction is dependent on clean indoor courts. The rubber outsole grip is enough for approaches, lateral slides, and quick stops without feeling overly sticky.
Personally, I prefer this more predictable grip pattern in an entry shoe because it reduces the risk of awkward foot sticking during rushed movements. Plus, the excessive stickiness might lead to injury for inexperienced players.
The upper uses breathable mesh with light structural overlays. Ventilation is solid for long practices, and the shoe does not feel overly hot. This means during long matches, this shoe will serve you better than most.
Lockdown is secure enough for controlled play, though not as tight or wrapped as premium models. I would describe the feel as comfortable and forgiving rather than performance locked.
Between the men’s and women’s versions, performance is essentially the same in outsole grip, midsole behavior, and flexibility. The difference is mainly in fit, shaping, and sizing scale.
The women’s model is typically narrower through the heel and midfoot. The men’s model offers slightly more width and volume. I would advise choosing based on foot shape first, not the label.
Where I would be careful is jump volume and joint sensitivity. If you are a high-frequency jumper or already dealing with knee pain, you will likely want more impact protection than this model provides. This shoe shines more in movement training than heavy vertical workloads.
Still, for the price, it delivers exactly what it promises. Light. Simple. Reliable. That is why it stays on my budget list.
Great choice if you want low court height and natural foot movement while learning proper footwork.
Recommended Use
Best for beginners, developing hitters, and budget buyers who want a lightweight, movement-friendly indoor shoe for training and early competitive play.
The Good
Lightweight and flexible for quick movement.
Low profile improves court feel and timing.
Breathable upper stays comfortable in long sessions.
Reliable indoor traction.
Men’s and women’s versions perform similarly.
The Bad
Limited cushioning for heavy jumpers.
Not ideal for knee-sensitive players.
Lockdown is good, not elite.
The Adidas Liga 8 is a well-rounded indoor sneaker that checks nearly every box for a solid volleyball shoe. Its airy mesh and lightweight build keep your feet comfy enough that you’d forget that you’re even wearing them.
Best Cushioned Budget Volleyball Shoe
If I think in practical volleyball terms, the Court Team Bounce 2.0 is the budget shoe I would point to for players who complain that most entry models feel too hard underfoot. What I like right away is the step-in comfort.
The Bounce midsole is much softer, and so, it feels much more forgiving than most shoes in this price range. This softness also helps a lot during repeated jumps, long drills, and matches.
From my experience, this shoe feels more cushioned than typical budget volleyball options, and it usually doesn’t make your movement unstable. The balance between softness and cushion matters a lot, and in no way is this shoe considered ‘sloppy’.
Here, the platform stays wide and planted enough that landings feel controlled instead of wobbly. I would suggest this especially for players who train often and want their legs to feel less beaten up after sessions.
Movement-wise, it is not the lightest shoe in the budget group, but it stays reasonably agile. Approach runs feel smooth, and lateral movement near the net feels supported.
The base has a slightly broader, more grounded character, which I personally prefer for blockers and opposites who land in traffic. It gives you a bit more margin for imperfect foot placement.
Traction is one of the stronger points. On clean indoor courts, the outsole grips confidently during approaches, shuffle steps, and defensive recoveries.
I found direction changes to feel predictable rather than sticky. That predictability helps rhythm. You are not guessing whether your foot will stop too hard or slide too far.
The upper uses a mix of mesh and synthetic support layers. Breathability is solid, and the structure is better than what I usually expect at this price. Lockdown through the midfoot feels secure once you lace properly.
What I love is that it does not feel flimsy after a few hard sessions. It keeps its shape reasonably well for a budget model. Most cheaper options usually tend to fall apart, but this shoe’s resilience is surprisingly great.
Looking at men’s and women’s versions, the performance intent stays the same. Both are built on the same Bounce cushioning concept and indoor traction design.
The difference comes down to fit geometry and sizing scale. In my view, buyers should choose based on proper fit and foot shape, not expected performance gaps, because on court, they behave very similarly.
Now, I would not position this as a max jump performance shoe. Energy return is decent, but not explosive. What I really like is for comfort-first players, heavier athletes, or anyone who finds firm budget shoes uncomfortable.
Word of advice: if you are looking for joint comfort but your budget is a bit tight, this shoe is the safest pick for you. This is a perfect starting shoe until you can increase your budget for more premium options.
If most budget shoes feel too firm for you, start your shortlist here.
Recommended Use
Best for budget-minded volleyball players who want softer cushioning, solid traction, and stable landings for regular indoor training and match play.
The Good
Softer Bounce cushioning than most budget models.
Comfortable step-in feel for long sessions.
Wide, stable platform for controlled landings.
Reliable indoor traction.
Men’s and women’s versions perform similarly.
The Bad
Slightly heavier than ultra-light budget shoes.
Not built for maximum jump explosiveness.
Cushion will compress faster than premium foams.
A very lightweight, flexible indoor court shoe that focuses on speed, comfort, and natural movement for budget-minded volleyball players.
Best Lightweight Budget Volleyball Shoe
If I had to describe the Thunder Blade Z from a player’s perspective, I would call it an “easy” shoe. Easy to move in, easy to trust, and easy to recommend to players who want something light on the feet without paying premium prices.
What I personally like most is how little it fights your foot. From the first session, it feels flexible and cooperative instead of stiff and demanding. For someone just starting out, this feel will help your confidence in the court by a massive amount.
On court, the biggest strength here is weight and mobility. The shoe feels noticeably lighter than most structured volleyball models, and that changes how your legs feel over a long practice.
Approach steps feel smooth, defensive shuffles feel quick, and transitions from back row to front row do not feel delayed by bulk. I found that especially useful during drills and multi-set matches where heavy shoes usually start to feel tiring.
Cushioning is simple but honest. You are not getting high-end foam or advanced shock systems here, and I want to be clear about that. What you do get is a consistent, predictable midsole that does not wobble or compress unevenly.
For moderate jumpers and developing hitters, that is often more useful than soft cushioning that feels unstable. I would suggest this more for timing-based hitters than pure power jumpers, as they prefer better cushioning than safety.
Traction is dependent on standard indoor courts. The outsole grips well enough for approach runs, lateral slides, and quick stops, without that overly sticky feeling that sometimes causes awkward halts.
During my movement tests, direction changes felt controlled and natural. It is not an elite-tier grip, but for the price class, it absolutely does the job.
As for the structure, the upper is built with lightweight mesh and supportive overlays that keeps it stable without becoming too heavy. Plus, the mesh is breathability, which I think is very important for newer players.
In long sessions, you will find the heat buildup stays manageable, and the firm fit won’t end up making you overheat even though the mesh maintains its supportive nature. It basically keeps the foot held securely, while not making it feel armored.
But yes, even though these features make it comfortable for long wear, I would not expect the same long-term shape retention as more expensive models.
For men’s and women’s versions, the overall performance character stays the same. Both deliver the same lightweight, flexible ride and indoor traction pattern. The difference is mainly in fit, shaping, and sizing scale.
I would advise buyers to focus more on correct sizing than on performance differences between the two versions, because functionally, they play very similarly.
Where I would be cautious is heavy impact use and rough landing habits. If you find yourself jumping a lot, or if you already have knee problems, then I would suggest investing in a more protective model.
This shoe is at its best when used as intended: light, fast, budget-friendly indoor play.
If you value lightness and flexibility over maximum cushioning, this one makes a lot of sense.
Recommended Use
Best for beginners, developing hitters, and training-focused players who want a lightweight, flexible, budget shoe for regular indoor volleyball.
The Good
Very lightweight and easy to move in.
Flexible sole supports natural foot motion.
Breathable upper stays comfortable in long sessions.
Reliable indoor traction for the price.
Men’s and women’s versions perform similarly.
The Bad
Limited impact protection for heavy jumpers.
Less upper structure than premium models.
Not built for very high abuse seasons.
Final Verdict?
By far the best option on this list for anyone doing a good amount of jumping (most volleyball players) is the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 due to its excellent cushioning setup and great overall performance.
Setters and liberos are really spoilt for choice here as any of the other 4 shoes will be a great fit.
I’d recommend going for the Harden Stepback 3 as it’s probably the best all-rounder after the Get Rocket 12.
Be sure to check out this article to learn more about the price of volleyball shoes.
