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’m Harvey Meale, a former international-level volleyball player. Together with our head product tester Caity Meale (competitive club player, 13+ years experience), I’ve personally worn and tested every shoe on this list during real training sessions and matches – not just unboxed and photographed them.
We narrowed it down from over two dozen options to the 10 best, each one earning its spot for a specific reason. Whether you’re a libero looking for quick footwork or a middle blocker who needs serious landing protection, there’s a shoe here for you.
How We Tested: Caity and I each wore every pair for a minimum of 30 hours across volleyball training sessions and competitive games.
We evaluated traction, cushioning, lockdown, weight, durability, and value for money on both wood and plastic courts. Shoes that only worked well in one setting didn’t make the cut. Read our full product review policy.
10 Best Volleyball Shoes – At a Glance
Best for Beginners
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ASICS Upcourt 6
Lightweight, affordable, and well-balanced – an excellent first volleyball shoe that covers all the basics.
Budget Backcourt
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Adidas Ligra 8
An excellent backcourt shoe that excels in quick defensive movements, sharp turns, and wider feet.
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 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.
Best Overall Volleyball Shoe
The ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 3 is the closest thing to a perfect volleyball shoe I’ve tested. Responsive, locked-in, and with traction that genuinely feels like it’s glued to the court.
This is the third release in Asics flagship volleyball line, and it keeps improving. Asics used actual player data to make refinements over the previous version, and you can feel it the moment you lace them up.
The standout feature is the X GUIDANCE outsole. Most volleyball shoes grip well on a clean court – but the Netburner Ballistic FF 3 stayed sticky even on dusty plastic courts that would normally have me slipping.
I tested them on both wood and plastic, clean and grimy, and the grip held up better than anything else on this list.
Lockdown is the other area ASICS nailed. Their 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION – a snug midsole, firm upper, and laces that pull everything together – keeps your foot secure without cramping it.
Lateral cuts and hard landings all feel locked in. Defensive players will appreciate the 15mm heel drop that keeps you light on your toes, and TWISTRUSS technology makes front-row blocking and heel-to-toe transitions feel natural.
If I were buying one pair right now with no budget concerns, this is what I’d buy.
Recommended Use
Works for all positions, but truly shines in back-row play. Would be perfect for frontcourt too with slightly softer cushioning. See our full guide for hitters if you want to compare it against frontcourt-specific options.
The Good
Highly flexible, these shoes move easily with your foot and can bend in many directions without losing shape.
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.
Mizuno’s newest volleyball shoe is lighter and springier than ever, offering a fantastic playing experience for any position on the court.
Mizuno has been making volleyball shoes for decades, and the Wave Momentum line is one of their best.
The Wave Momentum 3 takes everything that worked about the previous version and makes it lighter and springier.
The feather-light feel is the first thing you notice. These shoes make jumping quicker and easier in a way heavier options simply can’t match.
At the heart of the midsole is the Mizuno Enerzy Core – a compact foam insert under the ball of your foot that gives you snappy, bouncy energy return on take-offs and quick movements.
Mizuno kept the bootie upper from the last version but improved the heel fit and lacing system for better midfoot support.
The wavy foam wall on the outer side helps your foot stay in place during lateral movements.
Traction is excellent too, though these lose a little grip when dusty – a quick wipe before your match sorts that out.
The cushioning isn’t the plushest on this list, which actually helps with responsiveness. But if you’re a heavy lander, consider aftermarket insoles.
This shoe offers a lively, responsive feel on the court, making it ideal for players who depend on speed and jumping.
Recommended Use
Built for setters, outside hitters, and anyone who needs to get off the floor fast. Also a great pick for liberos who want something light and responsive.
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.
While it feels like one of Nike’s premier basketball shoes, the Hyperset 2 is really made for the volleyball court.
Nike isn’t the first brand most players think of for volleyball shoes, but the Hyperset 2 makes a strong case that they should be.
It stole the show at the 2024 Paris Olympics in traffic cone orange with black cheetah print – hard to miss on the court.
Nike went with a simple but effective cushioning setup: React foam plus Zoom Air in the forefoot. React gives you the familiar bouncy feel, Zoom Air ramps up the responsiveness. The result is a shoe that feels quick and alive underfoot.
Traction-wise, the Hyperset 2 nails it. The wavy outsole and durable rubber compound grip well on both wood and plastic – better than you’d expect from Nike.
Flywire and a large lateral strap integrated with the laces keep your foot locked in without feeling cramped.
A lot of top pros have been wearing Hypersets recently, which tells you something. For more options from Nike, check our best Nike volleyball shoes guide.
Recommended Use
Top pick for setters, liberos, and outside hitters. Lightweight design and sticky traction make quick movements effortless. Also works well as a basketball shoe for volleyball.
The Good
Excellent React + Zoom Air cushioning combo.
True to size. Great lockdown.
Reliable traction across court types.
The Bad
Stock insoles are thin – swap them out for long sessions.
Not the best pick for heavy front-row impact compared to the Netburner Ballistic FF 3.
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 first session. The cushioning feels exceptional – every step and jump is comfortable in a way that cheaper shoes just can’t replicate.
The MIZUNO ENERZY next-gen midsole is the star of the show. It gives you maximum bounce while staying soft enough for long practices.
The POUNCE midsole adds another layer of ultra-light, shock-absorbing comfort that adapts to your foot while maintaining good stability.
The XG rubber sole is a game-changer for grip. Pivots and lateral movements felt precise and controlled even on dustier indoor courts.
The U4icX strobel lasting board adds cushioning under the foot without sacrificing support, and the Dura Shield toe cap protects against friction wear – a detail you’ll notice if you’re playing four or five times a week.
There’s a short break-in period, but once these settle into your foot shape, they’re outstanding.
Recommended Use
Best for outside hitters, middle blockers, and opposites – anyone jumping and landing hard, repeatedly. This is our top recommendation for frontcourt power play.
The Good
Exceptional cushioning for high-impact positions.
Outstanding grip across all court types.
Excellent fit for all foot shapes
Dura Shield toe cap extends shoe life.
The Bad
Short break-in period.
Heavier than the Wave Momentum 3 – not the top pick if speed is your priority over protection.
This is quite simply the best volleyball shoe we’ve seen hit the market in recent years. They stick to the floor like glue, have a super fluid heel-toe transition, strong support, and excellent shock absorption.
I’ll be direct: the Sky Elite FF 3 is the most comfortable volleyball shoe I’ve ever worn, and it gives you the best grip of any shoe on this list on clean courts. ASICS’ flagship volleyball model earns that title.
What makes it stand out is how ASICS combined their FLYTEFOAM cushioning with an incredibly secure heel lockdown.
Your heel barely moves inside the shoe – which is exactly what you want. Every time your heel slides around, you lose energy and risk a rolled ankle. That problem doesn’t exist with the Sky Elite FF 3.
The AHAR+ outsole delivers grip that makes you feel stuck to the court. I was genuinely impressed on clean indoor wood – it outperformed even the Netburner Ballistic FF 3 in pure grip on a well-maintained surface.
It’s no accident that ASICS markets this as their premium competition shoe.
The mid-top collar provides ankle support without restricting movement – something that’s surprisingly hard to get right. You get protection where you need it without the bulkiness that tanks agility.
It also sits at #1 in our best volleyball shoes for flat feet and best ASICS volleyball shoes roundups.
The Good
Best grip on this list for clean courts.
Outstanding heel lockdown
FLYTEFOAM cushioning is plush but still responsive
Mid-top collar gives ankle support without restricting movement.
The Bad
Premium price – most expensive on the list.
If budget matters, the Netburner Ballistic FF 3 gets you close for less
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.
The ASICS Upcourt 6 is the most popular volleyball shoe on Amazon right now, and the reason is simple: ASICS has nailed the formula for an entry-level court shoe. Light, stable, well-made, and priced so it doesn’t hurt to buy.
It’s not the toughest shoe ASICS makes, and it’s not the most cushioned either. But for a new player getting into volleyball, it covers every base you actually need.
The lightweight build makes it comfortable to move in all session long, and the grip is solid enough for most indoor courts.
The men’s version has a faux leather exterior for durability and better lateral support. The women’s version uses mesh – sacrifices a little durability but breathes better. Neither is a bad choice.
Over 20 colorways means you can match your team kit without much trouble. For more options at this price point, see our budget volleyball shoes guide.
Recommended Use
A solid all-around shoe for any position. Hitters will eventually want more jump support, but for beginners or recreational players, the Upcourt 6 is hard to beat. Works well for both flat feet and high arches.
The Good
Very lightweight and flexible with 20+ color options.
Great value from a trusted brand
Solid all-around performance at the price.
The Bad
Not ideal for ankle support at a competitive level.
Won’t last as long as higher-end options if you’re playing multiple times a week.
A dependable indoor court shoe that balances cushioning, stability, and traction, ideal for players who want reliable volleyball performance without premium pricing.
The Gel-Rocket line has been a reliable budget pick for indoor sports for years, and the Gel-Rocket 12 keeps that tradition going.
ASICS originally developed GEL cushioning for running shoes to handle impact on concrete – bringing it to court shoes was smart, and the shock absorption is noticeably better than most shoes in this price range.
You get FLYTEFOAM cushioning to help you jump higher and land softer, TRUSSTIC technology for stability, and no-sew overlays for a cleaner fit.
The gum rubber outsole gives dependable grip for side-to-side movement and directional changes.
This is a great shoe for a season of regular play. Don’t expect it to last three or four years of hard use – it’s not built for that. But for the price, the all-around performance holds up well.
A dependable budget pick that’s perfect for regular indoor games.
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
GEL technology gives better shock absorption than the price suggests.
Flexible and moves naturally with your foot.
TRUSSTIC for improved stability. Reliable ASICS brand.
The Bad
Not ideal for wider feet.
Average durability, this is a seasonal shoe, not a long-term investment.
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.
The Adidas Ligra 8 misses some features of higher-end Adidas volleyball shoes, but it gets the important things right – especially for backcourt play.
The traction is the standout. That non-marking rubber outsole bites into the court cleanly, and directional changes feel smooth and controlled.
If you’ve been playing in basketball shoes or running shoes, you’ll immediately feel the difference when you plant for a dig or cut hard across the court.
Despite looking fairly bulky, these feel surprisingly light once you lace them up.
The upper combines mesh for airflow with synthetic leather for support, and the Adituff toe protects against wear from lunges and dives – a smart detail for defensive players who spend a lot of time near the floor.
The slightly wider fit makes this a great option for players who struggle to find volleyball shoes that don’t pinch. For more Adidas options, see best Adidas volleyball shoes.
Recommended Use
Best for liberos and other defensive players who prioritize quick footwork. The cushioning isn’t sufficient for high-volume jumpers like middle blockers – step up to the Gel-Rocket 12 or higher for that.
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.
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.
Li-Ning isn’t a brand most volleyball players in the US know, but they make quality court shoes and this one is genuinely impressive.
The Wade All City 12 is designed for quick movers – setters, liberos, outside hitters – and it shows in how it’s built.
Li-Ning’s BOOM Lightweight Technology in the midsole gives the shoe extra bounce with cushioning that keeps forefoot pressure low.
The double-layer PROBAR LOC stabilizer, full palm TPU surround, and rubber flip-up in the midsole provide stability without adding bulk. The TUFF RB rubber outsole gives reliable traction across court surfaces.
The upper construction is well thought out – dense woven mesh at the toe, airy midfoot mesh for breathability, and a leather heel with inner boot design for lockdown. Works well for players with wider feet too.
My one complaint is the collar – it’s slightly too open, which means the lockdown isn’t as tight as I’d like. But it’s also the most visually striking shoe on this list, available in two excellent colorways.
Recommended Use
Best for setters and outside hitters who prioritize agility and court feel. Good ankle support for a low-top shoe. Not my first pick for heavy blockers who need serious cushioning on repeated high jumps.
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.
Players love this pair for its premium ankle protection features, but the comfort it offers should not be underestimated at all.
The RIP-IT Future Court is a women-only model, which is a shame because I would have genuinely wanted to test these myself.
Our tester Caity has been very impressed, particularly when it comes to how her ankles feel during landings.
Three key flex grooves let the shoe move naturally with your foot, reducing both the chance and severity of ankle rolls.
RIP-IT claims the design lessens hard landing impact by 63% and decreases overall landing force by 22%.
I can’t verify those specific numbers independently, but Caity says her ankles feel noticeably less stressed during games -consistent with what RIP-IT claims.
SwiftStep Technology gives the sole strong responsiveness – sprinting, pivoting, and stopping all feel secure.
FitSync 360° creates a custom fit with a roomy toe box and locked-in heel. RIP-IT recommends sizing up half a size from your usual sports shoes.
If ankle injuries have been an ongoing issue, also check our best volleyball shoes for ankle support guide and best ankle braces for volleyball.
Recommended Use
Best for female outside hitters and middle blockers with a history of ankle issues, or players coming back from an ankle injury. The impact reduction genuinely helps for positions involving frequent high jumps and hard landings.
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.
Final Verdict?
If I had to pick one shoe from this list, it’s the ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 3. The most well-rounded volleyball shoe I’ve tested – great traction, solid lockdown, and it works for any position. For most players at most levels, this is the one.
If budget is the priority, go with the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 for frontcourt or the Adidas Ligra 8 for backcourt/libero. Both punch well above their price point.
For competitive-level play, the Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 and the ASICS Sky Elite FF 3 are exceptional. The Mizuno wins on bounce and weight; the Sky Elite wins on grip and overall comfort.
Every shoe on this list earned its spot. What’s on your feet matters more than most players realise – it affects how you move, how high you jump, and how your joints feel the morning after a long game.
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 volleyball 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.
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 3 is 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.
What are the best volleyball shoes for beginners?
Can I use basketball shoes for volleyball?
What are the best volleyball shoes for women?
What about Under Armour volleyball shoes?
How much should I spend on volleyball shoes?
How should volleyball shoes fit?
Our Top Recommendation
ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 3
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