Having played volleyball for 15 years and represented my country in international tournaments around the world, I know exactly what makes a solid volleyball shoe.
I’m also a hitter, having started out as a middle blocker, moved to opposite, and finally transitioned into an outside hitter – so I know exactly what’s required from each of these positions.
I’ve just spent the last couple days doing nothing but researching volleyball shoes in order to put this review together…
I probably went through 20-30 of the latest kicks on the market to see which would meet my grading standards for volleyball hitters.
I’ve also had first hand experience with many of the shoes I’ll be reviewing today so I can tell you with great detail why they’ve made my list.
Note that the shoe requirements for different volleyball positions varies massively.
A middle blocker should wear a very different shoe to a libero.
For that reason, I’ve included a number of basketball shoes in this list, as they often have superior shock absorption and ankle support for play around the net.
Best Volleyball Shoes For Hitters – At A Glance
Runner Up
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Fantastic impact protection helps protect your joints from large volumes of jumping.
Best For Outsides
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Improved bounce/springiness makes this shoe great for jumping in. Ultra lightweight too!
Most Popular
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Incredibly comfortable for playing volleyball and are specifically designed for hitters.
Best For Middles
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Great bounce, impact protection, and ankle support – ideal for playing around the net.
Best Budget
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Middle blockers and opposite hitters, for the best value, you can’t overlook this shoe.
Best For Opposite Hitters
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This shoe meets hitters’ needs for flexible jump support, and they delivered.
To see how the shoe requirements of each position differs, and exactly how I chose the shoes on this list.
I’ve included a short guide at the end of this article.
Let’s dive right in!
Best Volleyball Shoe For Hitters – Overall Winner
Out of every shoe I tested this year, this one didn’t just top the list for hitters: it came out as my best overall volleyball shoe.
The Sky Elite FF 3 quickly became a favorite over the season, mostly because it feels like it was built for the way hitters actually move. The FF BLAST PLUS cushioning is the best shock absorber I’ve worn so far.
When you’re landing from more than 200 heavy swings in a match, that kind of protection makes a real difference. My knees were genuinely less worn out after long tournament stretches.
The real difference-maker, though, is the RISETRUSS system in the outsole. It redirects your horizontal approach momentum into upward lift, and I swear you can feel it working.
My approach just feels smoother and more efficient, almost like the shoe is doing its part in the jump. The curved heel helps too, making changes of direction feel really natural during approach footwork.
The grip is another huge win. I play in all kinds of gyms: clean, dusty, everything in between, and these hold their grip even when other shoes start to skid.
Add in the breathable mesh upper and the Energy Lock System that keeps your heel from slipping, and you’ve got a shoe that stays comfortable even in marathon matches.
Sizing is the one thing to watch out for: the women’s version runs much smaller. Most women should go up one to two sizes, while men with wider feet usually only need to go up half a size.
Otherwise, both versions share the same tech.
This shoe is excellent for wide feet.
Recommended Use
Perfect for outside hitters, opposites, and middles who need maximum protection during high-volume jumping. Works for both club and collegiate level play.
The Good
FF BLAST PLUS cushioning delivers exceptional impact protection without sacrificing responsiveness.
RISETRUSS technology genuinely enhances vertical power during approaches.
Superior grip maintains traction across various court conditions.
Curved heel geometry improves cutting efficiency and approach mechanics.
The Bad
Premium price point puts these out of reach for many players.
This shoe is ideal for any hitter who prefers a really lightweight shoe but doesn’t want to compromise on cushioning and impact protection.
Best Volleyball Shoe For Hitters – Runner Up
While the Sky Elite FF 3 takes my top spot, the Nike Zoom Hyperset 2 lands solidly at number two for hitters, and honestly, it was a close call.
What sets this shoe apart is the forefoot Zoom Air unit. It’s not just marketing speak: you genuinely feel that responsive pop when you’re exploding into your approach.
The cushioning hits a sweet spot between soft landings and quick energy return.
The Flywire cable system, combined with the lacing, keeps your foot locked in place during lateral cuts and aggressive approaches.
My friend, who used the shoe, never felt any heel slippage, even during those chaotic scramble plays where you’re changing direction on a dime.
Traction is excellent. The rubber outsole grips well on most court surfaces, and my friend didn’t experience the same dusty-court slip issues that plagued some other shoes we tested.
The breathable mesh upper with overlay reinforcements keeps your feet cool during long matches while still providing the structure you need for explosive movements.
Recommended Use
Ideal for outside hitters and opposites who prioritize explosive first-step quickness and responsive cushioning. Great for players at the high school through club level.
The Good
The Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provides exceptional responsiveness for explosive approaches.
Flywire cables deliver superior lockdown and stability during quick directional changes.
Grippy rubber outsole maintains traction across various court conditions.
The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool without compromising support.
The Bad
Narrow fit requires careful sizing.
Best Volleyball Shoe For Outside Hitters
I’ve always thought of outside hitters as the hybrids of volleyball: part libero, part opposite, always switching between passing and attacking.
Because of that, their shoes need to do everything: stay low and responsive for defence, but still provide enough bounce to get up for big swings.
That’s exactly where the Wave Momentum 3 shines. Compared to its predecessor, the Momentum 2, Mizuno upgraded the Enerzy foam and tweaked the eyelet structure, and the difference is immediately noticeable.
The midsole feels way more springy and far more responsive. So, it’s perfect for a position that moves nonstop.
The DynamotionFit bootie gives you that snug, sock-like feel that keeps your foot locked down on hard pushes and takeoffs.
The traction is unreal. The rubber outsole and Dura Shield toe guard give you confidence on quick slides, digs, and lateral cuts.
This is also one of the lightest volleyball shoes on the market, and it stays comfortable even on those long tournament days thanks to the Intercool ventilation system.
A huge bonus: the forefoot runs roomy, making these a brilliant option for players with wider feet.
Great for wide feet!
Recommended Use
Designed for outside hitters needing speed, responsiveness, and reliable cushioning during constant transitions from passing to attacking.
The Good
Enerzy foam offers explosive bounce and energy return.
Traction is top-tier for defensive movements.
Ultra-light without giving up support.
Bootie construction makes it unbelievably comfortable.
The Bad
The price range might be too high for some.
Another Great Volleyball Shoe for Outside Hitters
After extensively testing the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12, I understand why it’s become the go-to shoe for volleyball hitters everywhere. These shoes strike the perfect balance between stability and explosive power that hitters desperately need.
The standout feature is ASICS’s GEL technology in the midsole, which provides exceptional shock absorption during those brutal landing impacts after a spike.
Combined with TRUSSTIC technology, these shoes keep you stable during rapid lateral movements and sudden directional changes at the net.
What sets the Gel-Rocket 12 apart is its “stronger” playing style design. Unlike shoes built for speed or jumping, these are engineered for players who operate close to the ground and need rock-solid stability during aggressive hits.
The flex grooves in the outsole deliver surprising flexibility without sacrificing that crucial stability hitters demand.
The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool during intense rallies, while the no-sew overlays provide support without adding unnecessary weight.
I’ve worn mine through countless practices, and they’ve maintained excellent grip on indoor courts.
Recommended Use
Perfect for middle blockers and outside hitters who need stability and durability.
The Good
Exceptional stability during lateral movements.
Superior shock absorption with GEL technology.
Excellent traction on indoor courts.
Affordable price point.
The Bad
Runs slightly narrow, even in wide sizes.
Best Volleyball Shoe For Middle Blockers
Feeling a bit skeptical about wearing basketball shoes for volleyball? Been there! But the 361° Joker 1 can change your perspective entirely.
The primary needs of a middle blocker are vertical explosion, ankle stability, and cushioning for repetitive impacts. This shoe delivers on all three better than any volleyball shoe I’ve tried.
The engineering is impressive: a dual TPU support system wraps the foot, an arch-stabilizing torsion plate prevents midfoot collapse, and the Qu!kCQTECH midsole provides responsive bounce without bottoming out.
What volleyball shoes call “stability” feels flimsy compared to the Joker 1’s construction.
The high-top design offers genuine ankle support without restricting movement, and the rubber outsole provides exceptional grip on hardwood without the excessive tackiness that can cause knee strain.
Only men’s sizing is available. Female players should carefully consult the sizing chart, as the toe box runs wider than typical women’s athletic shoes.
The robust construction suits power players over speed-focused positions. Consider sizing up half a size for optimal comfort.
Recommended Use
Best for middle blockers focused on blocking and quick attacks, players with previous ankle issues, and anyone who jumps frequently.
The Good
The torsion plate and TPU system create a remarkably stable platform for explosive movements.
The responsive cushioning provides excellent energy return and enhances vertical jump height throughout matches.
High-top design with reinforced heel counter provides top-notch ankle protection. Prevents injuries during awkward landings.
Durable rubber compound maintains traction through hundreds of hours of play.
The Bad
Runs narrow and snug, requiring most players to order larger than their true size.
Best Budget Volleyball Shoe For Middles & Opposites
Shopping for volleyball shoes on a budget usually means compromising on either durability or performance. The Adidas Ligra 8 breaks this rule decisively.
I’ve tested these against shoes costing twice as much, and they hold their own in the categories that matter for hitters.
The mesh and synthetic leather upper balances ventilation with support beautifully, while the Adituff reinforcement addresses the number one failure point in volleyball shoes: toe degradation from foot drag during approaches.
The non-marking sole performs flawlessly on indoor surfaces, providing the grip necessary for explosive vertical jumps and rapid directional changes.
Recommended Use
If you’re a middle blocker or opposite and want an affordable volleyball shoe that’ll give you the bounce and impact protection you’re looking for, the Dame 7 is a fantastic option.
The Good
The Adituff wrapping shields against wear from repetitive dragging during hitting approaches and defensive slides.
The sizing is consistent. True-to-size fit eliminates the frustration of online shoe shopping guesswork.
The rubber outsole delivers confidence-inspiring traction without squeaking or marking floors.
Uses at least 20% recycled content, letting you perform well while reducing environmental impact.
The Bad
The midsole cushioning does the job, but it’s far from premium. Players who are used to wearing more high-end shoes or those with previous foot injuries might find it lacking, especially during extended training sessions.
Best Volleyball Shoe for Opposite Hitters
The Nike Giannis Immortality 4 isn’t marketed for volleyball, but it’s become the go-to shoe for many opposite hitters for one simple reason: it performs.
Basketball and volleyball share similar biomechanical demands. We are talking explosive jumping, rapid lateral movements, and sudden stops. This shoe excels at all three.
The padded heel shape provides crucial support when you’re landing from those outside attacks, while the upgraded traction pattern gives you confidence during those critical back-row defensive plays.
What impressed me most is the internal containment system. It keeps your foot stable through every phase of your approach.
I must also talk about the upgraded traction pattern. The grip is excellent across all surfaces, even during lengthy matches.
That said, it works best on clean indoor courts where the traction pattern can fully engage.
The unisex sizing means there’s no performance difference between men’s and women’s versions: just size conversions.
However, you should keep in mind that many reviewers recommend sizing up a full size, especially if you have wider feet.
Recommended Use
Perfect for opposite hitters who need explosive power, quick lateral movements, and superior court grip.
The Good
Firm cushioning maximizes energy return for higher vertical jumps.
Internal containment system eliminates heel slip.
Performance comparable to $150+ shoes at nearly half the cost.
Equally effective for blocking, attacking, and defensive movements.
The Bad
Runs narrow in the toebox. Most players need to size up one full size for a comfortable fit.
Three More Options Volleyball Outside Hitters Can Consider
i) ASICS Upcourt 6
ASICS Upcourt 6 delivers premium performance at an entry-level price. Hitters need their footwear to be lightweight.
Every ounce matters when you’re jumping dozens of times per match. The rubber sole provides excellent court feel.
When I was wearing these during matches, I could easily read the floor and adjust my approach timing perfectly.
The price point is incredible; you’re getting quality ASICS engineering for a lot less than $100. But, as you can imagine, the pricetag is not the only selling point of this shoe for me.
Comfort is outstanding right out of the box with a supportive arch design that prevents foot fatigue.
Also, if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, you’d be happy to know that the eco-friendly sockliner uses solution dyeing, reducing water usage by 33% and carbon emissions by 45%.
Recommended Use
If you are willing to make some compromises cushioning-wise for agility, I would recommend this pair. These shoes provide the responsiveness needed for elite hitter play. They’re also fantastic for pickleball and other court sports.
The Good
- The lightweight design boosts jump height and reduces leg fatigue during long matches.
- The rubber outsole delivers outstanding traction.
- Minimum moisture buildup even during long matches.
- Significantly cheaper than premium volleyball shoes.
The Bad
- The main drawback is durability and lack of cushioning. The soles tend to wear out faster than expected, particularly with heavy use.
ii) adidas Dame 9
This shoe has phenomenal impact protection. As someone who jumps 50-100 times per practice, the Lightstrike cushioning genuinely saves my knees and ankles from fatigue.
The Dame 9’s grounded setup (7.7mm drop, moderate stack height) gives me excellent court connection while still absorbing shock. Can’t ask for better stability on the court.
The traction pattern, designed like thunderbolts, grips wonderfully during my approach steps and provides confidence during last-second adjustments. It bites into hardwood courts aggressively, though it does attract dust like a magnet. Nothing a quick wipe won’t fix, of course.
The internal bootie wraps the foot snugly. I barely experienced any slippage.
Recommended Use
These are ideal for outside and opposite hitters who rely on powerful approaches and need maximum stability during off-balance swings. The grounded cushioning setup works best for players who prioritize landing safety and court feel over pure bounce.
Use them only on indoor courts, though. The softer rubber compound deteriorates rapidly on concrete or asphalt.
The Good
- Plush Lightstrike foam creates a pillowy landing platform that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness.
- The wide, flat outsole and lateral support piece prevent ankle rolls during aggressive cuts.
- Offers premium performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Internal lacing extends deep into the midsole, creating a secure wrap that prevents in-shoe movement.
The Bad
- The break-in time is not the shortest. The synthetic leather upper and stiff torsion system require patience. Expect the materials to soften after three to five sessions.
iii) 361° Big3 5.0 Quick PRO
The last pair to get an honorable mention from me is another basketball shoe. The Qu!kCQTECH midsole compound maintains responsiveness throughout matches.
I prefer it to traditional EVA foam because it is more durable and provides the ideal amount of bounce.
Combined with the Qu!kBONE carbon fiber plate, energy transfer during approaches is incredibly efficient.
I felt like I was generating more power with less effort. This is a great feature to reduce player fatigue.
Stability was my biggest concern switching from volleyball-specific shoes, but the upward TPU support has delivered zero ankle issues, even during emergency saves.
The breathable mesh upper is perfect for summer tournaments.
Recommended Use
These are great for outside and middle hitters who need maximum vertical jump performance and ankle stability. They’re ideal for competitive players logging serious court time, especially in warm gyms where breathability matters.
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning makes jumping safer and easier.
- Carbon fiber plate boosts vertical jump performance.
- Breathable design prevents overheating during long matches.
- Firm court grip for quick direction changes.
The Bad
- Narrow construction may require sizing up for players with wider feet.
Another Great Volleyball Shoe for Middles & Opposites
The biggest selling point of Upcourt 5s is their flexibility – these shoes aren’t as bulky as many other volleyball shoes. This guarantees two things – the aforementioned flexibility and comfort.
They won’t weigh you down when you jump and your legs won’t get as tired as quickly.
To compensate for durability, Asics used double paneling at the heels and the toes, making them difficult to rip open. Since they’re so flexible, you can twist them however you want, but the double paneling prevents them from ripping open.
Mesh panels guarantee breathability, which affects comfort as well.
Just like Adidas CrazyFlight, these shoes come in a variety of colors, and you can choose from many different designs.
Recommended Use
Middle blockers and opposite hitters will enjoy these shoes, but I would recommend them to outside hitters as well.
The Good
Crazy flexibility.
They’re lightweight and breathable.
Toes and heels are reinforced through double paneling, making them more durable.
You can choose from a lot of different designs.
The Bad
Stability may not be the best with these shoes, so I wouldn’t recommend them to people who have shaky ankles!
Final Verdict?
Both the Asics Sky Elite FF 2 and the Mizuno Wave Momentums are great, generic options for all volleyball players, especially those playing in the front court.
If you play a specific position, I think you can dial in your shoe selection a little more so that you get something that caters to your specific needs as a hitter.
For the outside hitters out there, I would strongly recommend the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2s for their improved midsole tech stack.
For the taller players in the opposite hitter or middle blocker positions, my first preference would be the Dame 8s or if you’re looking to save a little money, opt for the tried and true Dame 7s.
What Should Each Different Position Look For In A Volleyball Shoe?
There are three different positions which specialize in hitting in volleyball and each of them is quite different, meaning their shoes should be slightly different as well.
Outside Hitter
The outside, even though they hit more balls than the other positions, are a only a part time hitter.
They also spend a lot of their time in the back court focusing on passing – something that opposites and middles don’t have to think about.
For this reason, outsides need a shoe that is a hybrid between something a libero would wear, and something an opposite would wear.
It needs to be fairly low to the ground, which will help with serve-reception.
For the same reason, it should also be highly responsive, meaning quick and precise foot adjustments can be made.
This also requires excellent traction.
At the same time, any hitter needs a shoe that has decent shock absorption to protect their joints from high impact movements like jumping and landing.
After comparing well over 20 shoes, I’ve determined the two best shoes for outside hitters are the Nike React Hypersets and Nike KD14s.
Feel free to read the above reviews to see exactly why those shoes best fulfill the needs of an outside hitter.
Middle Blocker
Middle blocker is the position I played when representing my country playing volleyball overseas.
It’s a unique position which requires no passing, minimal digging, and significantly more blocking than any other position.
I determined the best shoes for middle blockers would have excellent lateral containment and support around the ankle.
The primary function of a middle blocker’s shoe should be to prevent ankle sprains in the common event of landing on someone else’s foot when blocking.
This happens all the time and so we need a shoe that will prevent rolling.
As middle blockers we also do plenty of jumping which is very tough on the joints, so shock absorption/impact protection is extremely high on my list of priorities.
These shoes should also have a good amount of bounce in them which will allow us to get into the air more efficiently when blocking and spiking.
I recommend the Dame 7s, Lebron 18s, or Dame 8s for both male and female middle blockers.
Alternatively, they can select from any of the shoes I’ve recommended for opposite hitters.
Opposite Hitter
In terms of what our feet do, the difference between middle blockers and opposite hitters is fairly minimal.
Opposites do plenty of jumping and a bit of blocking. They don’t do much in the way of passing.
Because they’re blocking significantly less than the middle, they can get away with shoes that focus slightly less on lateral ankle support, but should still be quite bouncy.
Each of the shoes recommended for middle blockers are also ideal for opposites, as well as the Nike Lebron 18s or Nike KD14s, each of which are suitable for men and women alike.
What’s With All The Basketball Shoes?
Over the years, volleyball shoes have slowly started looking more and more like basketball shoes.
The Nike Hypersets are the current most popular volleyball shoe and they’re almost identical to the Nike Hyperdunks.
Low tops are quickly becoming mid tops and basketball shoes are eating the volleyball shoe market alive!
But there’s good reason for that.
The basketball shoe market is literally millions of times larger than the volleyball shoe market.
Each basketball shoe is extremely nuanced and has its own characteristics and a personality that separates it from the pack.
For this reason, it’s easier to find basketball shoes that fulfill the needs of different specialist positions on the volleyball court.
Aside from the two volleyball shoes I mentioned, there simply aren’t many shoes that cater to the needs of volleyball hitters as well as basketball shoes do.
