Grass volleyball is my favorite outdoors alternative to indoor volleyball.
It’s a far more social and relaxed game while being nowhere near as brutal as beach volleyball.
While you don’t have to wear shoes to play grass volleyball, plenty of players prefer having that extra traction, and having played both barefoot and with shoes, I’ve found it far more enjoyable with the right pair of shoes.
I’ve just spent the morning researching the best footwear options for grass volleyball and put together a proper list covering a range of preferences and budgets.
For more on how I picked these, skip to the end of the article where I go through what actually matters when shopping for grass volleyball shoes.
7 Best Grass Volleyball Shoes in 2026 Comparison
Best Women’s
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New Balance Velo V4 Turf
Plush Fresh Foam comfort, loads of colorways and half sizes. Easy pick for a great fit.
Best Minimal
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Whitin Minimalist Trail
Barefoot feel with just enough grip. Keeps you low and connected on uneven grass, and it’s the cheapest here.
Have a skim through the grass volleyball shoes below and pick whichever suits your game best.
Still torn? I’ve broken down what actually matters when choosing shoes for grass volleyball at the end of the article.
So without further ado, let’s get into it!
The Salomon Speedcross trail runners are one of the most popular picks among regular grass volleyball players. They're a more high-end option built for athletes who take the game seriously, offering about as much grip as you'll get on grass without switching to cleats.
Best Overall Grass Volleyball Shoes
The Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes are easily one of the most popular grass volleyball shoes for anyone who takes the game seriously.
They’re on the pricier side, but they offer about as much traction as you can get on grass without strapping on actual cleats.
This is the newer Speedcross 6, which replaced the old Speedcross 5 a lot of players swore by. Salomon trimmed the weight down, opened up the toe box a bit, and tweaked the lug pattern so it sheds mud even better than before.
Those lugs were designed for soft surfaces like dirt and grass, which is exactly why these work so well for grass volleyball.
The outsole has multidirectional grip, so every move you make on a grass court, planting, pushing off, changing direction, is covered.
Cushioning is excellent with high energy return, so they feel great to jump in.
And durability is where these really earn their keep. For the serious grass volleyballer, these will outlast just about anything else on this list.
One thing to know: the Speedcross has always run narrow. The 6 is a touch roomier than the 5, but if you’ve got genuinely wide feet, tread carefully and check the sizing before you commit.
Ideal For
- Serious grass volleyball players. If most of your volleyball happens on grass or you’re playing in decent tournaments, these will serve you best.
Not Ideal For
- Really wide feet. Better than the old model, but still not a wide-foot shoe.
- Anyone after a cheap option. The Salomons sit at the top end of this list on price.
The Boombah Viper turf shoes give you aggressive traction for around half the price of the Salomons. With low-key looks and a comfy, high-rebound midsole, they're the best all-rounder for the vast majority of grass volleyball players.
Best Value Grass Volleyball Shoes
Stepping out of the trail running world and into turf shoes, the next best option (and arguably the best all-rounder) is the Boombah Viper turf shoe.
This one replaces the old Boombah Raptor that used to hold this spot. The Raptor got discontinued, and the Viper is Boombah’s current turf shoe, so it’s what I’d point you to now.
It comes in at around half the price of the Salomons, which is a big part of why it lands here.
The Viper runs an aggressive 4mm stud pattern that bites really well on grass, dirt, and turf. During my research, grass volleyballers kept coming back to two things: grip and a low-key look, and this shoe nails both.
It’s also a good-looking, understated shoe. Personally, I’ve always found the Salomons a bit of an eyesore for what’s usually a relaxed, social game, and the Boombahs are way more low key.
With a breathable upper, a high-rebound foam midsole, and a supportive heel counter, these are, in my opinion, plenty of shoe for the vast majority of grass volleyball players.
Ideal For
- Casual players who want to keep it affordable. Roughly half the price of the Salomons, so they’re friendly for beginners and casuals.
Not Ideal For
- High-level players who play a lot. At this price, longevity is never going to match a premium trail shoe. If you’d call yourself hardcore, I’d look higher up the list.
If you want a pair that won't break the bank, the Saucony Excursion TR is hard to beat. Chunky trail lugs bite well on uneven or muddy grass, and with 2,700+ reviews behind it, it's a safe, cushioned pick for casual players.
Best Budget Grass Volleyball Shoes
If you want a pair for grass volleyball that won’t break the bank, the Saucony Excursion TR is a cracker.
This slots in where the old Boombah Arctos used to be. The Arctos is no longer around, and honestly the Excursion is a better budget pick anyway, with over 2,700 reviews and a rock-solid reputation.
It’s a trail runner, so it has larger, grippier lugs than a turf shoe, which makes it more effective in worse conditions and dodgier grass.
Those aggressive lugs plus a bit of underfoot cushioning mean you’ll stay planted on uneven ground or a slightly muddy pitch.
So unless you’re playing on really well-maintained grass, a trail shoe like this can actually beat a turf shoe for volleyball.
It’s one of the most affordable shoes on this list, which makes it perfect for the recreational or occasional grass volleyball player who just wants something that gets the job done.
Ideal For
- Anyone balling on a budget. One of the most affordable grass volleyball options going, and it doesn’t feel cheap.
Not Ideal For
- Players on pristine grass. If your court is flat and well kept, the chunky lugs might be more traction than you actually need.
These New Balance turf shoes pair plush Fresh Foam cushioning with a grippy outsole and come in loads of colorways and half sizes. If you value comfort and a proper fit, they're an easy choice for grass volleyball.
Best Women’s Grass Volleyball Shoes
Plenty of the shoes above come in women’s sizes, but if you haven’t found a style you love in your size yet, the New Balance Velo V4 turf shoes are worth a proper look.
They come in a bunch of colorways and half-size increments, so finding a pair you actually like is easy.
The turf outsole bites nicely on grass without being so gnarly that you’re a danger to your teammates.
They ride on New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole, which is where these really shine, soft, cushioned, and comfy for a full day on the grass, with that nice low-to-the-ground feel you want.
Comfort, support, and durability all around make these a genuinely easy recommendation for grass volleyball.
Heads up that New Balance turf shoes can run a touch small, so if you’re between sizes I’d size up half.
Ideal For
- Women who care about fit and style. With the colorways and size options, finding a pair you’ll love is simple.
- Anyone who values comfort. That Fresh Foam cushioning is the standout here.
Not Ideal For
- Bargain hunters. Not wildly expensive, but not the cheapest on the list either.
In my opinion these are the best-looking kicks on the list, and they've got the traction to back it up. Pro-grade quality means they're just as happy on grass and turf as they are in the gym.
Best Looking Grass Volleyball Shoes
If you’re chasing style points, look no further than the New Balance 3000 V7 turf shoes. In my opinion these are the best-looking kicks on the list, and they’ve got all the traction you need for grass volleyball.
This is the current version of the 3000 turf line (the old V4 that used to sit here is long gone), and that clean upper with the gum-style outsole just looks the business.
It’s one of the most popular turf shoes going, and you can wear it on turf, on grass, in the gym, basically anywhere except an indoor volleyball court.
If the Salomons felt a bit much for you, this is still a pro-grade, high-quality sports shoe, so durability and performance are a given.
The outsole tread isn’t as chunky as a trail runner’s lugs, but it’s plenty sharp to bite on a grass court.
If you play a fair bit of grass volleyball or could see yourself wearing these for other stuff too, the 3000 V7 is a really solid buy.
Ideal For
- All levels of grass volleyball players. On quality and performance, this handles even the more serious players.
- Anyone who thinks trail runners look like fashion suicide. If you’re like me and not sold on the gnarly trail look, these are far easier on the eye.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone after a cheaper option. Cheaper than most indoor volleyball shoes, but still a fair chunk of change.
Want that barefoot feel on the grass but wish you had more grip? These minimalist trail shoes get you as close to bare feet as possible while adding the traction you need, and they're often the cheapest option here.
Best Minimal Grass Volleyball Shoes
One thing you notice the moment you play grass volleyball is that even the best-kept courts aren’t flat.
Uneven turf is unavoidable, which means you really want something that keeps you connected to the ground.
Anything with a thick midsole that sits you up high leads to more lateral instability on bumpy grass.
That’s why grass volleyballers do so well in thin, minimalist shoes, and the Whitin barefoot-style trail runners are about as close to bare feet as you’ll get while still having grip.
They give you that ground feel plus the extra bite on grass you’re after.
They’re super comfortable and feel great to jump in. The thin midsole means very little cushioning, but that’s not a big deal since grass is already soft underfoot.
Oh, and these are usually cheaper than everything else on this list, budget shoes included.
Ideal For
- Barefoot players who want a bit of safety. Grass can get annoyingly slippery. These are perfect if you’d otherwise be playing barefoot.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone who can’t spare time to break them in. Minimalist shoes feel different and take a few sessions to get used to. If you need something that performs straight out of the box, these aren’t it.
Best Indoor Shoes For Grass Volleyball
A lot of players wonder if they can just wear their indoor shoes on the grass. Not every indoor volleyball shoe suits grass, but the Gel-Rockets fit the bill.
This is the current Gel-Rocket 12, the latest in the line that was voted my number one outdoor volleyball shoe. Same reliable formula, just updated.
While I don’t actively recommend playing grass volleyball in indoor shoes, plenty of people do it all the time without much drama.
If you are going to, the Gel-Rockets are your best bet for a couple of reasons.
First, they sit low to the ground, which gives you that confident, connected feel instead of teetering up high.
The traction pattern also has surprisingly decent bite for an indoor shoe.
They’re affordable and seriously durable too, so they’ll take a beating across concrete, grass, and hybrid courts without giving in.
Ideal For
- Indoor players who don’t want to buy a second pair. If indoor is your main game and grass is occasional, these are fine to double up.
Not Ideal For
- Serious grass players. If you’re on grass often or at a high level, any of the shoes above will give you better traction.
Final Verdict?
As an occasional barefoot grass volleyball player, based on the research I’ve done and the reviews I’ve read, if I were spending my own money I’d grab the Boombah Viper turf shoes because they’re affordable, low key, and grip like mad.
For the high-level players who know more about the game than I do, you can’t go past the Salomon Speedcross 6 or a pair of New Balance 3000 V7 turf shoes, especially if you want something a little more low key and versatile.
For the ladies, look no further than the New Balance Velo V4 turf shoes. That one’s a layup.
If you like the idea of playing barefoot but want a bit of extra traction, give the Whitin minimalist trail runners a crack.
And if you mostly play indoor but dabble on the grass now and then, a pair of Gel-Rocket 12s will happily perform on just about any surface.
Do You Even Need Shoes For Grass Volleyball?
The honest answer comes down to how seriously you’re taking the sport.
If you’re just mucking around with mates in a relaxed, social setting, you’ll be perfectly fine barefoot.
Even if you’re playing fairly competitively, some people simply prefer to go without.
But if you’re playing often, taking it seriously, or jumping into tournaments, you’ll definitely get some performance benefit from wearing shoes.
If you’re new to grass volleyball, ask your mates whether they’re wearing shoes first. You don’t want to rock up to a game of doubles in brand new Salomons while everyone else is going barefoot!
Are Indoor Volleyball Shoes Okay To Wear For Grass Volleyball?
They’re not ideal, but indoor volleyball shoes are usually fine for grass volleyball.
It depends a lot on the grass and the state of your shoes. If it’s slippery grass and you’ve got an old pair with no tread left, it can actually be dangerous, and you’re better off barefoot.
Avoid indoor shoes with a thick midsole too, the ones that make you feel instantly taller when you put them on.
The higher off the ground you sit, the worse your stability on slightly uneven grass.
If you are going to wear indoor shoes on the grass, make sure they’re low to the ground with decent tread still on them. I’d point you to the ASICS Gel-Rockets for that.
And for heaven’s sake, don’t go buy a brand new pair of $250 indoor shoes and then wear them on the grass!
Benefits Of Wearing Shoes For Grass Volleyball
Grass can get slippery to play on, and it depends a lot on the type of grass, how much moisture is around, and how well the court is maintained.
Increased Traction
The most obvious benefit is extra bite on the ground, which stops you slipping.
The last thing you want is to leap for a spike and end up on your backside!
Once you’ve been barefoot on grass for a while, your feet get dirty and grass-stained, which makes your grip even worse. You’re pretty likely to slip at some point unless conditions are spot on.
Increased Lateral Support On Uneven Surfaces
Quick sideways movements are a big part of volleyball, especially when you’re passing and digging.
Even well-maintained grass courts aren’t perfectly flat, so there’s always a risk of stepping awkwardly and rolling an ankle.
A shoe with some bite and a bit of midfoot support gives you better stability on uneven ground and helps protect you from all sorts of foot and ankle injuries.
Increased Joint Protection
Grass is softer than an indoor court, but the ground underneath can still be surprisingly hard.
Spend all day jumping barefoot and your joints (knees, back, everywhere) start to ache.
That’s down to a lack of shock absorption when you land from a spike.
A pair of shoes with decent midsole cushioning helps keep your knees from turning to dust over a long grass volleyball tournament.
What To Consider When Buying Shoes For Grass Volleyball
Now that you’ve decided shoes are a good idea, how do you know you’re getting a decent one for grass volleyball?
What Types Of Shoes Are Appropriate For Grass Volleyball?
First, understand that there’s no such thing as a dedicated “grass volleyball shoe.” There simply isn’t a market for it.
So we have to get a little creative and find shoes that give grass volleyballers what they need: traction, support, and cushioning.
Trail runners and turf shoes (softball and baseball) are the two most common options for grass volleyball.
Both have plenty of grip on the outsole, which solves the main problem with barefoot grass volleyball: slipping.
As long as you find a pair with enough cushioning to protect your joints, you’ll be sorted.
How Often Are You Playing & At What Level?
Understand that not everyone believes in wearing shoes for grass volleyball.
In some very casual games it might even raise a few eyebrows.
The last thing you want is to be the only person turning up in brand new Salomons while everyone else is barefoot. You’ll look a bit out of place.
If you’re buying grass volleyball shoes as a gift, check the person actually likes the idea of wearing shoes on the pitch first, because it’s genuinely not for everyone.
If we’re talking competitive grass volleyball leagues and tournaments, shoes are a given, and at that point it makes a lot of sense to invest in a decent pair of turf shoes or trail runners.
How Much Are You Willing To Invest?
The good news is grass volleyball shoes aren’t particularly expensive, and there are some genuinely good budget options for entry-level players.
Below is a rough price comparison of the 7 shoes I’ve covered today, from least to most expensive.
| Shoe | Name | Best For | Rough Retail Price |
 | Whitin Minimalist Trail Runners | Minimal | $30–$42 |
 | ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 | Indoor crossover | $51–$80 |
 | Saucony Excursion TR15 | Budget | $60 |
 | New Balance 3000 V7 Turf | Stylist | $65–$95 |
 | Boombah Viper Turf | Value | $80 |
 | New Balance Velo V4 Turf | Women’s | $83–$95 |
 | Salomon Speedcross 6 | Overall | $140 |
As you can see, there’s a fair range in pricing, and a lot of it comes down to size, colorway, and availability.
Whether you want to spend $40 or $140, you really can’t go wrong with any of these shoes!
