If you’re searching for your next pair of shoes (or looking for your first ever pair), keep reading! You’ve come to the right place.
I, as well as Volleyball Vault’s head product tester Caity Meale, are currently in the process of conducting detailed testing and performance reviews of each product listed in this article.
We’ve tried dozens of shoes, and narrowed it down to the top 10, each with a specific attribute that makes it the best in its category.
10 Best Volleyball Shoes – At a Glance
Best Overall
.
ASICS Upcourt 6
Budget Backcourt
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Adidas Ligra 8
I suggest skimming through the descriptions of each shoe below and picking the one which best suits your individual needs as a volleyballer.
If you’re having a tough time deciding, at the end of the article I’ve included a list of the most important things to look for.
So without further ado, let’s begin!
The Upcourts are Asics’ most affordable court shoes, which explains their popularity. They may not be the toughest shoes on the market, but they deliver solid performance for the price. This shoe isn’t just for volleyball; many players also use it for sports like squash.
Best Overall Volleyball Shoe
Let’s start with the most popular entry in our list: the ASICS Upcourt 6. As of writing, they hold the top spot on Amazon’s bestseller list for volleyball shoes in both the men’s and women’s sections.
But I’m not convinced that the Upcourt 6 is the best pair of volleyball shoes ASICS has ever released; not by a long shot. However, the Upwork 6 is an excellent choice for your first pair of shoes if you are getting into volleyball.
It’s easy to see why these shoes are so popular. Asics has nailed the design once again, blending comfort and stability into a sleek design that won’t break the bank.
The Upcourt 6 isn’t the most durable or the most comfortable volleyball shoe out there, but for the price, it offers a very compelling package.
What I like most about these shoes is that they are very lightweight. So, it’s perfect for a fast style of play. I expected the grip to be a bit compromised since the shoe is quite light, but I must say it’s actually pretty decent.
Many volleyball shoes focus heavily on one aspect, such as cushioning, which can mean sacrificing a bit of stability. The Asics Upcourt 6, however, blends the essentials nicely, giving you a well-rounded option for all-around play.
The men’s version has a faux leather exterior, which makes it more durable and helps with balance. For the women’s version, Asics chose mesh as its outer material. This compromises the durability factor but makes the shoe more breathable.
Recommended Use
A solid all-around shoe that works for any position on the court. Hitters may miss extra jump support, but they are a solid pick for everyone else.
The Good
Highly flexible, these shoes move easily with your foot and can bend in many directions without losing shape.
Thanks to their lightweight build, they’re gentle on your feet and feel very comfortable.
They offer solid performance at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. A dependable choice from a brand you can trust.
You can choose from over 20 different color schemes.
The Bad
Not the best for ankle support, so if you’re playing at a highly competitive level, you might want to consider other options.
The Upcourt 5 are some of the most popular volleyball shoes, and they’re often used for other sports, such as squash. These shoes are flexible, durable, and comfortable, making them a great choice for most positions. This is also the perfect choice if you are looking for your first volleyball shoe!
Recommended Use
A solid all-around shoe that works for any position on the court. Hitters may miss extra jump support, but they are a solid pick for everyone else.
The Good
Highly flexible, these shoes move easily with your foot and can bend in many directions without losing shape.
Thanks to their lightweight build, they’re gentle on your feet and feel very comfortable.
They offer solid performance at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. A dependable choice from a brand you can trust.
You can choose from over 20 different color schemes.
The Bad
Not the best for ankle support, so if you’re playing at a highly competitive level, you might want to consider other options.
2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 12 Sneaker (Budget Frontcourt)
The Gel-Rocket 12 is all about effortless excellence! The GEL cushioning gives you an extra spring whenever you take off for a jump.
Looking for a budget-friendly frontcourt shoe? The Asics Gel-Rocket 10 fits the bill, offering a fresh design with GEL cushioning for excellent shock absorption.
Asics first used this tech in their running shoes to protect runners on concrete. They’ve now brought it to court shoes, which means the Gel-Rocket 12s deliver excellent shock absorption.
Asics Gel-Rocket has been a popular footwear pick for indoor sports, and the latest entry to the series comes with the perfect mix of comfort, durability, and performance.
It’s designed to meet the needs of both casual players and pros, with a sturdy build that offers plenty of stability and support to help reduce the risk of injury during fast, intense movements.
Made with a polyester upper, lining, and insole, these shoes feature a round toe and lace-up closure.
They come with a round toe and lace-up closure, no-sew overlays for better support and flexibility, TRUSSTIC technology for stability, and FLYTEFOAM cushioning to help you jump higher and land softer.
Its gum rubber outsole adds dependable traction. As a result, it’s easier to make fast side-to-side movements and sharp directional changes.
Overall, this is an excellent budget-friendly shoe, though don’t expect it to last forever. It’s perfect for a season of regular play, offering solid all-around performance without the long-term durability of higher-end models.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 12 Volleyball Shoes
Recommended Use
Perfect for any court position, the shoe moves easily with your foot while providing comfort. Like most Asics shoes, they work well for both flat feet and high arches.
The Good
Super flexible, the shoe moves easily with your foot, no matter how you bend it.
With GEL technology, this shoe provides superior shock absorption and keeps your feet comfortable.
TRUSSTIC technology for improved balance and stability.
The Bad
Not the best option for wider feet.
3. Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 (Most Comfortable)
Mizuno’s newest volleyball shoe is lighter and springier than ever, offering a fantastic playing experience for any position on the court.
Mizuno has long been a leading name in volleyball shoes. Their Wave Momentum line is hugely popular among players of all levels, and the latest version, the Wave Momentum 3, keeps the same winning formula while adding a few key improvements.
One of the first things you’ll pick up on with the Momentum 3 is its feather-light feel, which makes jumping quicker and easier.
The cushioning isn’t the softest, but that actually helps with bounce and stability. It’s not the best for heavy impact, though it’s still comfortable enough for most players.
At the heart of the midsole is the Mizuno Enerzy Core, a compact foam insert placed under the ball of your foot. It’s designed to give you that snappy, bouncy feel and adds a real boost during take-offs and quick movements.
Lockdown and stability have definitely improved with the Wave Momentum 3. Mizuno kept the same bootie upper design as before but added a more secure heel fit and tweaked the laces to give better midfoot support. The wavy foam wall on the outer side of the shoe also helps your foot stay nicely in place.
Traction has always been one of Mizuno’s strong points, and the Wave Momentum 3 keeps that tradition going. The updated grip pattern works well across different court types.
That said, I did notice that they lose a bit of traction when they get dusty. But, it’s pretty common with shoes that have solid traction. Just give them a quick clean before training or a game, and you are good to go.
Mizuno Women’s Wave Momentum 3
Recommended Use
These shoes are built for flight: the Wave Momentum 3s are ultra-light and ridiculously bouncy, making every jump feel effortless.
The Good
Weightless feel, making them perfect for jumps.
Improved lockdown and stability.
Excellent traction.
The Bad
The cushioning might not provide enough protection for some players during landings.
4. Adidas Ligra 8 Indoor Sneaker (Budget Backcourt)
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.
Adidas Ligra 8 misses some of the key parts of higher-end Adidas volleyball shoes, but it gets a lot of things right.
The traction on the Ligra 8 really stands out. That non-marking rubber outsole bites into the court for smooth, controlled movements in any direction.
If you are switching from a pair of basketball shoes, or other volleyball shoes with bit less traction, you can feel how easier it is to change directions during rallies.
Don’t let the first impression fool you: these shoes might look heavy, but once you lace them up, they feel surprisingly light and full of bounce. Just what you need to stay quick on your feet.
The shoe’s upper combines mesh for airflow and synthetic leather for support, with an Adituff toe to protect against wear and tear from all those lunges and dives.
Thanks to its solid construction and slightly wider fit, the shoe provides a stable base for planting, digging, and sudden stops. It is a great choice for players with wider feet who have trouble getting the right fit in other models.
The midsole gives a “step-absorbing” feel that keeps things comfortable and light on your feet. For most recreational players, it’s more than enough, but high-volume jumpers might need the extra cushioning found in pricier models.
Adidas Women’s Ligra 8 Indoor Sneaker
Recommended Use
I wouldn’t recommend this for middle blockers because the cushioning doesn’t feel sufficient. So, it’s not great for frequent jumpers. Liberos and other defensive positions, however, might be ideal for this shoe since its lightweight and offers decent traction.
The Good
Mesh and synthetic layer combination for better breathability and durability.
Good traction.
Adituff Toe for better traction during serves, volleys, and fast movements across the court.
The Bad
Insufficient impact protection for mid-blockers.
5. Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2 (Runner-Up)
The Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2 comes with a near-perfect package, but falls just short of our best selection. Still, most players will feel the investment is well worth it.
Trying out the Wave Stealth Neo 2 was a pleasure from the get-go. The cushioning feels exceptional, making every step and jump comfortable.
The fit hugs your foot just right, supportive but not restrictive, and the grip on the court is impressive, keeping you stable and responsive even on dustier surfaces.
MIZUNO ENERZY’s next-gen midsole is engineered to give you maximum bounce and comfort. This upgrade makes your movements feel more lively and reactive. The cushioning offers a soft, supportive feel that holds up even through long practices.
POWNCE midsole is another standout feature I must talk about. It’s ultra-light, comfortable for long wear, and resilient enough to absorb shocks. The springy feel adapts to your foot while maintaining excellent stability.
The XG rubber sole is a game-changer for grip. It kept me steady during intense action, making pivots and lateral moves feel precise and controlled, especially on indoor courts.
The U4icX strobel lasting board makes a real difference in comfort. It provides soft cushioning while still giving solid support, so long days on your feet feel much easier.
I appreciated the Dura Shield toe for its toughness and practicality. It shields my toes from friction on the court, helping the shoes hold up better over time.
Recommended Use
This shoe can give you the premium impact protection and traction you need while playing as a hitter, middle blocker, or power attacker.
The Good
Excellent fit for all foot shapes and sizes.
Marvelous grip across all surfaces.
Premium midsole material and technology for better stability.
The Bad
A short break-in period might be needed for the fit to feel perfect.
6. Nike Zoom Hyperset 2 (Best Basketball Shoe)
While it feels like one of Nike’s premier basketball shoes, the Hyperset 2 is really made for the volleyball court.
Volleyball shoes can double as basketball shoes, and vice versa. Sports like volleyball, tennis, basketball, and handball all require similar support, traction, and agility. So, the shoes share similar features.
The Nike HyperSet 2 might just be Nike’s best volleyball shoe yet. It stole the show at the Paris Olympics in a bold traffic cone orange with black cheetah spots. Nike may not be the first brand you think of for volleyball shoes, but this one argues they should be. It’s versatile, reliable, and perfect for almost anyone.
Nike went with a simple yet effective cushioning setup in the HyperSet 2: React foam plus Zoom Air in the forefoot. React provides that familiar bouncy feel, while Zoom Air ramps up the responsiveness. The result? A quick, springy shoe that makes a simple cushioning system feel super effective.
Nike’s traction can sometimes be unpredictable, especially on the plastic courts used in volleyball. Fortunately, the HyperSet 2 nails it. Its wavy outsole and durable rubber compound provide reliable grip no matter the surface.
Thanks to Flywire and the large lateral strap integrated with the laces, my foot felt locked in without being cramped. Lateral movements in the front or back row were effortless, and forward pushes or sudden landings felt secure.
Recommended Use
This shoe is a top pick for setters, liberos, and outside hitters. Its lightweight design, sticky traction, and responsive cushioning make quick movements effortless on the court.
The Good
Top-notch cushioning.
Fits true to size.
Mesh upper with supportive overlays ensures excellent airflow and stability.
The Bad
Poor quality insoles.
7. ASICS Netburner Ballistic FlyteFoam 3 (Best Overall)
The ASICS Netburner Ballistic FlyteFoam 3 is about as close as it gets to the ultimate volleyball shoe. It’s responsive, offers excellent court feel, and delivers outstanding traction.
The Netburner Ballistic FF 3 is the third release in Asics’ popular Netburner Ballistic line. Using insights from actual player data, Asics has added clever design elements and tech that give it a real edge over other volleyball shoes in its lineup.
The standout feature of the Asics Netburner Ballistic FF 3 has to be the traction. While most volleyball shoes stick well, this pair feels like it’s glued to the court. The X GUIDANCE outsole makes every move feel snappy and responsive.
I tried them on both wood and plastic courts, clean and dusty. Even when the floors were grimy, the shoes maintained an impressive grip, though a quick wipe helps on particularly dusty surfaces.
Grip means nothing if your foot isn’t secure, however, because even the stickiest outsole can’t help if your foot slides inside the shoe. Asics nailed the lockdown with a smart mix of insole shaping and a sturdy upper.
A snug midsole, a tough upper, and laces that pull everything together keep your foot secure while still comfortable. Asics call this the 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION, and it made me a fan.
Lateral cuts, jumps, and landings all feel locked in, showing that ankle support comes from smart engineering, not just tall shoes. Defensive players will love the 15mm heel drop, which keeps you bouncing on your toes. The TWISTRUSS technology makes front-row blocking feel natural, and heel-to-toe transitions smooth.
ASICS Women’s Netburner Ballistic FlyteFoam 3
Recommended Use
The ASICS Netburner Ballistic FlyteFoam 3 is a great pick for all positions, but it truly shines when you play back row positions. The shoe would have been perfect for front-row play if it had slightly better cushioning.
The Good
Incredible traction across all court types.
Tight on foot, but doesn’t feel uncomfortable. The lockdown is perfect.
TWISTRUSS technology for facilitating smooth movement.
The Bad
The cushioning could have been better.
A great choice for any experienced volleyball player. The Netburner Ballistic has great traction and cushioning, all while providing ankle stability. Wearing these on the court will have you feeling (and looking!) like a great volleyball player.
8. RIP-IT Future Court Volleyball Shoes (Best for Ankle Support)
Players love this pair for its premium ankle protection features, but the comfort it offers should not be underestimated at all.
The longitudinal flex grooves let the shoe flex in sync with your foot, helping to minimize the chance and severity of ankle injuries. RIP-IT claims the shoe can lessen the effect of a hard landing by 63% and decrease landing impact by 22%.
While I can’t verify the statistics, my friend says that her ankles feel much less stressed on landings while wearing these. So, RIP-IT’s claims of minimizing the risk of ankle injuries seem legit.
Designed with three key flex grooves, the shoe moves naturally with your foot. It helps to transfer energy efficiently for faster steps and higher jumps.
SwiftStep Technology gives the Future’s sole unmatched responsiveness on the court. Sprint, pivot, or halt: every move feels secure, and the advanced traction lets you chase the ball and execute every play just the way you want.
This is a women-only model, which is a bummer. I would have really wanted to try this out, but there is no men’s version of these shoes.
Designed with women in mind, the Future Court shoes use FitSync 360° technology for a custom fit. A roomy toe box and locked-in heel keep your foot stable. For the best comfort, consider sizing up half a size from your usual sports shoes.
Recommended Use
The superior ankle protection features and impact reduction greatly benefit middle blockers and outside hitters.
The Good
Reduced risk of ankle injuries.
Specially designed to fit female foot sizes and shapes.
Makes movements quicker and more effortless on the court.
The Bad
No men’s or unisex version.
9. LI-NING Wade All City 12 (Also Great)
Designed for quick movers like setters, liberos, and outside hitters, these shoes combine a featherlight feel with excellent traction and comfortable cushioning. They’re also the most beautiful pair of shoes on the list.
Want to be quicker on your feet? Need ankle support and cushioning that lasts? The Li-Ning All City has got you covered.
Li-Ning’s BOOM Lightweight Technology in the midsole gives the shoe extra bounce. It gives you increased cushioning to reduce forefoot pressure effectively.
The midsole comes packed with a double-layer PROBAR LOC stabilizer, a full palm TPU surround, and a rubber flip-up. This ensures extra stability and dual anti-torsion support for quick moves on the court.
Crafted from ultra-durable TUFF RB rubber, the outsole offers unbeatable traction and long-lasting performance, giving you the confidence to move freely on any surface.
A dense woven mesh at the toe shields your foot during fast take-offs. The airy midfoot mesh boosts breathability, while the TPU Li-Ning logo provides a snug lateral wrap. The leather heel with an inner boot design ensures rock-solid stability for every move.
Recommended Use
The LI-NING Wade All City 12 is perfect for setters and outside hitters. Traction, ankle protection, and agility: it checks all the right boxes.
The Good
Offers great comfort and shock absorption without losing its bounce.
A great pick for players with wider feet.
Available in two stunning colorways.
The Bad
The collar feels a bit too open, so the lockdown isn’t quite as snug as you’d want.
Durable.
This is a great shoe for people with bad ankles.
Not only are these some of the best volleyball shoes from Adidas -- they're some of the best volleyball shoes on the market today. With the BOOST technology allowing players to jump higher and their excellent durability, this is a great pick for spikers.
The top part of the shoe is a lightweight stretch mesh with adjustable lacing, making the shoe very breathable.
Also Great
If you’re a setter, you need a shoe that will let you move quickly on the court, support your ankles, and provide cushioning. The Li-Ning All City ticks all these boxes.
As a setter, you’re the player running around the most on your team. Wherever your teammates play the ball, it’s your responsibility to get there and set one of your attackers. This means you need to be stable and change direction quickly, but also be fast!
These shoes have a comfortable but thinner sole, which makes them a much better alternative than most of the shoes we’ve already looked at in this article, which tend to have much thicker soles.
These shoes are also a solid option for outside hitters, since they have all the attributes needed to play at the net, but also play defense in the backcourt.
They’re nice and low, extremely responsive with incredible traction, and also have a really solid cushioning system, making them great for passing, hitting, and all of the movements setters perform, front court and back court.
These shoes also have a reputation for being some of the most comfortable shoes on the market – they even look like you’re walking on clouds when wearing them!
The All City 9s are very similar to the All City 10s, so go for whichever tickles your fancy. They have some amazingly vibrant unisex colorways which makes these great for both men and women.
These shoes have the wide feet check of approval!
Recommended Use
The attention to detail and inclusion of so many important features makes these another fantastic option for both setters and passer-hitters.
Final Verdict?
After considering all the options, I’d recommend the Asics Netburner Ballistic for anyone looking for the best volleyball shoe. It has everything you need to play at your highest level, without costing a fortune.
For a more budget-friendly option, go for either the Adidas Dame 7 or Asics Gel-Rocket 10. Either of them will give you plenty of comfort and bounce without hurting your bank account.
If you know what you want and you don’t mind spending a bit more money on a quality shoe, then consider the Asics Sky Elite FF2.
For setters and outside hitters, definitely give the Li-Ning All Citys a crack.
For players with high arches or flat feet, any of the Asics shoes will give you the support you need! If you have wide feet, give the Adidas Dame 8’s a try.
At the end of the day, every one of these shoes are on the list because they are exceptional in their own right. What you have on your feet is an important factor in whether or not you can play your best, so don’t be afraid to do some research and consider your options!
Keep reading to learn more about what things you need to be aware of when buying volleyball shoes…
What To Look For In A Volleyball Shoe?
When we consider what factors are most important for us to play our best, athletes will often talk about staying hydrated, being focused, and pure athleticism. We rarely consider the importance of the equipment we wear, other than whether or not it looks good!
As we discussed above, factors like comfort, shock absorption, and grip are so important for volleyball players to play their best.
What’s more, each individual position has slightly different skills, which means every player demands something slightly different from their bodies.
For example, a libero and middle blocker are both playing on the court, but one is often diving and rolling while the other is jumping and shuffling. This means it’s important to consider your position’s demands when choosing your shoe.
I’ll briefly run through the design aspects I looked at to help me decide which of the above volleyball shoes were worth recommending.
Ankle Support
Any sport where jumping and lateral movement is involved requires a fairly hefty amount of ankle support.
Some defensive specialists, particularly ones with exceptional body control, will need less ankle support and can instead opt for a lighter weight, more flexible shoe to increase their court agility.
On the other hand, hitters who are constantly jumping and landing are putting lots of strain on their ankles, especially if they don’t have proper landing mechanics. Learning to jump and land safely are crucial, but having shoes with ankle support is important protection to have.
Shock Absorption
I believe this is the most important factor to consider for volleyballers who do a lot of jumping (outside hitters, middle blockers, and opposites).
Every time you jump, or land from a jump, your joints take a hit.
If your shoes absorb force poorly, that pressure will slowly wear your knees down until you’re left with a chronic overuse injury like tendonitis.
This is one of the main reasons I often recommend basketball shoes for volleyballers, because they’re designed with these landing forces in mind.
As a middle blocker myself, this is why my favorite shoe is the Adidas Dame 7.
Traction & Grip
The Asics Sky Elite FF shoes are the best of the above so far as traction goes.
If you’re primarily playing on an outdoor court, either of the basketball shoe options on this list are by far the best choice.
However, if the floor you’re playing on doesn’t offer much traction, there’s no shoe in the world that can help.
Always wipe your shoes and keep them clean. It’s important to consider replacing your shoes once you notice the grip on the sole starting to fade.
If you start to slip more often and you can’t figure out why, I’m sorry to say, it might be time to look at getting another pair.
Weight
This factor will often come down to personal preference.
Certainly it’s not ideal to have great big bulky shoes, but nowadays most shoes are fairly similar in terms of weight.
The Mizuno Wave Momentum 2s are easily the lightest shoe on my list and are considerably lighter than most of the others.
Perhaps more important than weight is how mobile, flexible, and agile the shoe allows you to be on court.
The Mizunos offer great support and grip, allowing you to change direction quickly if you need to lunge after a ball. This makes them a great choice for liberos or defensive specialists.
Style
I know I said that earlier we tend to only care about how our shoes look. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it some thought when you’re deciding what pair to get!
If I’m wearing a crisp new pair of shoes with lots of cushioning and bounce, I’m going to feel a lot more powerful and explosive on court than I would if I was wearing an old pair of worn out trainers…
There are plenty of options out there in terms of colors and design. Don’t be afraid to go for something bold, but remember not to choose a nice-looking pair rather than something that actually feels comfortable.
Confidence goes a long way when it comes to playing your best, but it isn’t everything!
Best Place To Buy Volleyball Shoes?
Obviously, being able to try on the shoes you want before you buy them is ideal, so a bricks-and-mortar store would be the best option.
Try searching for a store that has experienced employees who can give you insight on the shoes you’re looking at. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Unfortunately, it’s pretty rare to find volleyball shoes in sports stores these days, which is why most people turn to the internet to buy their shoes.
After writing over 50 articles on volleyball shoes, I’ve learned which sites work best and offer the biggest range at the most affordable prices.
Amazon
My first preference is usually Amazon for a couple of reasons:
- Huge range of shoes from each of the major manufacturers.
- Frequent discounts.
- Competitive range of sizes.
- Plenty of information regarding whether the shoe runs big or small and what size is best to get.
- Super quick & easy checkout and fast shipping so you can be playing in your new shoes sooner!
- Easy returns.
For those reasons, I tend to mostly link to Amazon in my articles.
I’ve also found that Amazon will often have a wider range of sizes as well as shoes that have been discontinued by the manufacturer.
What Are The Best Volleyball Shoe Brands?
While there are plenty of shoe manufacturers out there today, there are really only four of them who specifically design volleyball shoes AND do it well.
These would be Asics, Mizuno, Nike, and Adidas.
Many moons ago, Mizuno and Asics were the top dogs when it came to volleyball shoes. This was mainly because these were the only brands making shoes specifically for volleyball.
Nike and Adidas jumped into the volleyball shoe game not so long ago and have been making some really quality shoes.
Recently, Nike and Adidas have added volleyball shoes to their product line.
This was a natural progression, since 1) they were already making basketball shoes, which have plenty of overlap with what’s needed in a volleyball shoe, and 2) the game of volleyball has grown so much in recent years. Why not try to tap into that market?
While Nike is now marketing shoes as specifically designed for volleyball, Adidas tends to market more to the general court sport (handball/squash/badminton) market.
What Are The Most Popular Volleyball Shoes?
Not too long ago, if you were to look around most volleyball courts, you’d probably see a lot of Mizunos and Asics being worn.
These two brands have been the most popular for a long time now. However, Nike and Adidas are becoming more and more popular as their shoes become better suited for volleyball.
Recently, a lot of the top pros in the world have been seen wearing the Nike React Hypersets, as depicted below.
In recent times, a lot of the top pros in the world have been seen wearing the Nike React Hypersets as depicted below.
The next time you’re watching a pro or international volleyball match, see if you can tell how many players are wearing a specific brand. You can use that as a starting point when you’re looking for your next shoe!
What Are The Most Comfortable Volleyball Shoes?
Having worn the Asics Sky Elite FF shoes, I can confidently say that these are the most comfortable volleyball shoes I’ve worn.
This is thanks to how well the shoe keeps your ankle locked into the heel of the shoe. Having your foot slide around inside your shoe during a game is uncomfortable, and can even risk injury.
Ultimately, how comfortable a shoe is comes down to your personal foot shape and preference.
Do you have flat feet or high arches? or have wide feet?
Every shoe is going to fit slightly differently, and it’s important to make sure that the shoe you choose is the right fit for you!
How Should Volleyball Shoes Fit?
Volleyball shoes should fit snug around your foot, without letting your heel slide around as you’re taking steps.
They shouldn’t be too tight around the sides of your feet, which can cause discomfort after long games.
I’ve included information about which shoes fit well for people with wide feet in the above write-ups.
But if your heart’s set on the look of a certain shoe that isn’t ideal for wide feet, I’d suggest buying half a size higher than normal.
In a perfect world, we’d be able to try before we buy, but that’s simply not an option for a few of these shoes.
Volleyball Shoe FAQ
Below I’ve taken the time to answer a few of your most commonly asked volleyball shoe questions.
How often should you replace volleyball shoes?
If you take good care of your volleyball shoes, they should last a number of years.
It’ll depend quite a bit on whether you’re using them on indoor courts exclusively and whether you take them off after playing or walk them out to the carpark.
Even if you’re playing volleyball multiple times a week, you should get at least a year or two out of them before they might need replacing.
What are the lightest volleyball shoes?
The Mizuno Wave Momentum 2s are widely regarded as the lightest volleyball shoe on the current market. If you include basketball shoes as well then you’ve got the Nike Giannis Immortality which is lighter still!
What shoes does Yuji Nishida wear?
Yuji Nishida typically wears the Asics Sky Elite FF Tokyo edition.
Nishida is one of only two volleyball athletes sponsored by Asics, so if he’s not wearing the Sky Elites, it’s often something similar.
Are volleyball shoes good for lifting?
Volleyball shoes are definitely not ideal for lifting weights in.
Many volleyball shoes have quite a thick, soft sole which makes lifts like squats and deadlifts a very bad idea.
The Adidas Stabil Next Gen volleyball shoes are low enough to the ground that they’d probably be fine to lift in.
Although still not recommended, if you’re just doing general fitness workouts in the gym, most volleyball shoes will probably be fine.
Can you use indoor soccer shoes for volleyball?
Indoor soccer shoes are not suitable for volleyball and will probably be quite uncomfortable to play in.
Indoor soccer shoes aren’t designed for jumping.
They have a flat sole with a poor heel-toe transition, making jumping inefficient and landing even worse due to the minimal shock absorption.
Are volleyball and squash shoes the same?
Squash shoes are similar to volleyball shoes and most people will happily wear them interchangeably.
If you’re a front court volleyballer doing a lot of hitting, I’d avoid most of the court shoes marketed towards squash or badminton as you’d be better off going for something closer to a basketball shoe.
Impact protection is extremely important in volleyball shoes and a lot of the squash shoes have quite thin soles which will put stress on your joints after a considerable amount of jumping.
Are volleyball shoes non-slip?
Volleyball shoes are indeed non-slip and most of them have exceptionally good traction patterns for both indoor and outdoor courts.
Are volleyball shoes worth it?
Volleyball shoes are certainly worthwhile if you’re regularly playing volleyball.
Due to the nature of the sport, unless you have basketball shoes or certain generic court shoes, you’ll benefit greatly by having some shoes designed specifically for the volleyball court.
Most cross trainers will be fine for beginners to wear but they’ll notice significant performance benefits by investing in some volleyball shoes.
What are the best youth volleyball shoes?
Youth volleyball shoes are no different to adult volleyball shoes.
Any of the recommendations I’ve made here today will be suitable for volleyball players of any age.
What are the best looking volleyball shoes?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Personally I prefer the look of Adidas shoes but I also think the Li-Ning All City line looks amazing as well as the Nike Hypersets.
Do Volleyball Shoes Run Small Or Big?
The vast majority of volleyball shoes run true to size. However, Adidas has been known to make a shoe on the smaller side, so consider going up half a size with Adidas.
As always, it’s important to try on a shoe if you can before you buy it!
Are Volleyball Shoes Supposed To Be Tight?
In volleyball, you’re constantly going to be running, jumping, and changing direction. So, it’s best to get shoes that fit fairly snug and can be laced up quite tight.
Obviously you don’t want the shoe to be too tight, so I highly recommend taking heed of my wide feet warnings!
Ideally you’d like the heel to be locked down nice and secure so there’s minimal movement during these explosive movements.
Our Top Recommendation
Asics Netburner Ballistic
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