Worried about how long that shiny new pair of volleyball shoes you just bought will last?
The good news is that a good pair of volleyball shoes will typically last you 10 to 12 months with regular use.
That being said, things like where you play or how frequently you use it can affect its lifespan. On top of that, how you treat your volleyball shoe when you’re not playing also plays a huge role.
Of course, there are some simple hacks to extend its lifespan (I’ll get to them later).
I’ll explain how long volleyball shoes last and discuss the factors that affect their lifespan. So, let’s hop in!
Factors Affecting Volleyball Shoe Lifespan
Any decent pair of volleyball shoes should last you at least one full season when you use them 4 to 5 days a week. A truly premium set of shoes used sparingly, with proper maintenance, can even last you up to two whole years!
However, different factors, such as the playing surface or how much you care for them, can affect their lifespan.
Let’s talk a bit more about these factors to give you a clearer idea:
- Frequency of Use
Here’s a freebie: how often you use your volleyball shoes can significantly affect their lifespan.
If you play every single day, your volleyball shoes will start to wear out faster. The sole will lose its grip, and the cushioning will get compressed.
On the other hand, if you play only on the weekends and store your shoes properly after each game, you’ll get more mileage out of it.
- Playing Surface
Whether you’re playing on an indoor court, sandy beach, or grass also impacts how long your volleyball shoes will survive.
Indoor courts are usually a lot more forgiving on your shoes. If you only play indoors, then your one pair of shoes can last you an entire season easily.
Grass or sandy courts, however, can wreak havoc on your volleyball kicks, especially if you don’t do post-game maintenance. For those courts, expect to replace your shoes every six to nine months.
Of course, it’s important to wear the right shoe for the right court if you want to get the most out of it.
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Summary of the most important concepts/key takeaways
This should go at the top of most informational articles so people can quickly get the ‘cliff notes’ or key takeaways.
- Quality of the Shoe
Not to state the obvious, but – expensive shoes last longer. So, spending more on your shoe upfront will end up saving you money on replacements later on.
With that said, there are certainly some great budget volleyball shoes out there that are durable enough to last you an entire season.
However, going with top-tier brands that have a solid reputation for your volleyball shoes usually will give you a better lifespan.
- Care and Maintenance
There’s no alternative to good judgment if you want to extend the lifespan of your volleyball shoes.
A little bit of love and care is all it takes to keep your volleyball shoes fresh and game-worthy.
Timely cleaning and storing your shoes properly post-game will make sure it lasts longer.
Most people who keep their shoes in their sports bag and don’t care much for care and maintenance, on the other hand, need to replace them more frequently.
Signs Your Volleyball Shoes Need Replacing
It’s smart to invest in a new set of high-quality volleyball shoes at the first sign of wear. Here are some telltale signs that your volleyball shoes need replacement:
- Traction Loss
Traction is important to keep you stable and balanced when you’re playing on the court.
When you start noticing a lack of traction, it means the sole is wearing out. It’s a clear sign that your volleyball shoes need replacing.
- Lack of Ankle Support
Going with a top-tier volleyball shoe with ankle support is important to protect yourself from a twisted ankle.
However, with repeated use, the cushioning around the ankle can fail. When that happens, it’s best to replace it right away.
Read Also: Should Volleyball Players Wear Ankle Braces?
- Cushioning Breakdown
Volleyball shoes come with a lot of strategic padding to protect your feet and legs from the impact shock.
Over time, the cushioning fails, and the foam cells start to get compressed. This is another indication that you should replace your shoes.
How Do You Take Care of Volleyball Shoes?
Taking care of your volleyball shoes is not rocket science. All it takes is a bit of patience and some elbow grease. Here are the steps to clean and take care of your volleyball shoes:
- Wipe the exterior using a wet cloth to remove any dirt or stains
- Brush off any dirt from the soles using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Wipe the interior using a damp cloth
- Let the shoe air-dry
- Store it in a cool, dry location once it’s fully dried.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shoes are good for volleyball?
It mostly depends on your playing position. I’ve discussed some of the best volleyball shoes for setters, hitters, and liberos in other articles. This should give you a better idea of which shoes will be good for your play style.
How often should you replace your volleyball shoes?
The saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rings true for volleyball shoes. If you bought a nice pair of shoes, don’t worry about replacing them for a year unless you notice any major signs of damage.
So… How Long Do Volleyball Shoes Last
End of the day, how long your volleyball shoes will last depends on you, for the most part. Most shoes can handle six to seven months of use easily. However, if you want them to last longer, you need to clean and maintain them regularly.
I hope my in-depth discussion on the durability of volleyball shoes could help you take better care of your shoes. Good luck!
