Volleyball has become a more popular and people-favourite sports for the past decade or so now. Japan takes a lot of credit for that too, with their anime focusing on volleyball. Lately, their international teams keep performing in such an animated style, you can’t help but love it!
Need The best Volleyball Shoes? Here’s A List To Get You Going
If you’re reading this 101 guide, you’re either new to this or you wanna gear up right to play. I’ve been a volleyball fanatic for as long as I can remember and if there’s one thing I know, shoes mean everything! If you’re looking for the best volleyball shoes to get comfy in, I’ve made a detailed list of all the best pairs you can choose from.
When it comes to shoes, I’m a real enthusiast. Combine that with my love for volleyball, this detailed 101 for the perfect volleyball footwear was a no-skip for me. I’ve created a curated list for you after examining many shoes at close range so you can go ahead and choose whichever you like.
9 Best Volleyball shoes List
What To Look For In A Volleyball Shoe?
Every sport requires good and supportive footwear but when it comes to volleyball, you gotta make sure it’s comfortable, doesn’t restrict your agility and your legs stay flexy. When playing volleyball, every player plays a designated position requiring different styles of movement, thus an appropriate pair of shoes to wear.
What sets apart volleyball shoes is that their manufacturer focuses on exceptional grip and traction. You know that squeaky sound from the volleyball court? That’s because it’s smooth and has a polished surface. All volleyball sneakers have rubber outsoles which guarantees stability and also makes them unique compared to other sports footwear.
A hitter may need shoes that could promote their jump but also support enough to safeguard their rogue contact with the floor. On the other hand, a setter might need a different pair of shoes as they play more analytically and defensively.
Every brand has its own speciality when it comes to designing their best volleyball shoes. But I’ve put together a list that includes them all so you can pick what suits you before you get on the court.
Choosing The Right Shoes For Your Position On Court
The biggest misconception people have is that you can play any position on the court wearing your best joggers or sneakers and that is totally WRONG! I know my volleyball all too well, so believe me when I say this.
Volleyball involves lateral as well as vertical movement and the shoes you play in greatly affect your performance in that position. If you’re playing in a hitter position, you’re likely to be jumping as high as you can so you need shoes with great shock absorption, especially in the heel region.
As a libero, you’re bound to make swift motions. If you’re going with Chuck Taylors, say goodbye to the next round! What you need is a fresh pair of shoes with snug fit and padded collars so your ankle doesn’t twist. Choose the right shoe and you don’t have to worry about those awful blisters either.
But if you’re still wondering about the overall best volleyball shoes, I’ve got you covered!
TOP PICKS
Asics Sky Elite FF2
Asics KNOWS what you want and they deliver! For any experienced volleyball player, the Asics Sky Elite FF2 is a great choice, offering remarkable traction, cushioning has insane shock absorption that makes this the best choice as an overall best volleyball shoes 2024.
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Best Overall Volleyball Shoes
Finding a pair that doesn’t only fit your feet but also gives you the overall benefits while playing volleyball can be hard to find. Sometimes, you get all those things, too, but it’s never in your size. I’ve got small feet and finding the perfect pair is a big challenge for me.
I’ve examined more than enough shoes myself to know what it takes to find the best overalls. Let me just say… It is ‘not’ cheap that way at all.
Here’s one of the best volleyball shoes you can ease yourself into if you’re looking for something with a few colour options. And there is an exciting fact with this pair but you’ll get to it as you read on.
Asics Sky Elite FF2
Asics KNOWS what you want and they deliver! Asics Sky Elite FF2 are the perfect shoes with a variety of sizes giving everyone a chance to try them out. They come with extra padded collars that ensure you don’t get any ankle injuries.
Sky Elite FF2 should be on your list of best volleyball court shoes because they’re the perfect candidate if you want to jump higher and spike that point. Yes, it’s made best for the attackers.
I’ve tried and tested similar shoes but they don’t come even close to what Sky has to offer. They come with a thick midsole that guarantees extensive cushioning under your foot. A foot being comfortable all the time, you’re destined to spike the ball with high jumps.
Though, what I love the most about these shoes is the TWISTRUSS™ technology used for the sole. It provides wider lateral space within the shoe giving your feet the ease of adapting and movement. Why does that matter, you ask? Because nobody likes blisters! Plus, it has a curved heel that lets you smoothly sprint forward without your toes cramping. I mean, what’s there not to love about this, right?
Another great thing I’ve always appreciated about Sky Elite FF2 is how efficiently they use the GEL® Technology. The cushioning has insane shock absorption that makes this the best choice as an overall best volleyball shoes 2024 has to offer.
Oh and if you’ve been watching volleyball games lately and wonder what shoes Yuji Nishida wears, that’s Sky Elite FF!
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Best for Men’s
Netburner Ballistic FlyteFoam 3
One of the most popular men’s best volleyball shoes which has Great traction and cushioning with the FlyteFoam technology ensuring a lightweight, yet robust performance: a true marvel in sports footwear
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Best men’s Volleyball Shoes – most popular
Asics steps up its game with the Men’s Netburner Ballistic FlyteFoam 3 Volleyball Shoe: a true marvel in sports footwear- after all, it is one of the most popular men’s best volleyball shoes of 2024 due to its impressive stability, traction, and cushioning.
This shoe screams dedication to volleyball and offers an umatched support as well as agility on the court. Its sleek design embodies Asics’ commitment to excellence with the FlyteFoam technology ensuring a lightweight, yet robust performance.
The breathable upper design complements the shoe’s agile nature. The innovative heel structure provides exceptional stability and support. Asics’ unique styling is evident, with a tasteful color scheme that enhances its sporty appearance.
The sole’s design maintains an impressive grip and you can move dynamically on the volleyball court. The attention to detail, especially in the heel cage very much adds to its functionality.
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Runner-up
Asics Gel Rocket 10
One of the Most flexible volleyball shoe designed for all types of volleyball positions. Get Rocket 10 is designed especially concerning that. If I feel like it, I can play cricket, tennis or squash in this and they’d work just fine.
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Best Overall Volleyball Shoes – Runner-up
It’s no surprise that Asics also gets the runner-up position in my list regarding what shoes are best for indoor volleyball. The next model in line continues to impress me with every successor they bring forth. It is such a low-cost pair and has fabulous 13 combinations to choose from. Curious? I have it all covered here.
Asics Gel Rocket 10
Talk about getting insanely great shoes at an amazingly good price. That’s where Asics Gel Rocket 10 shines other than being my runner-up choice for the best volleyball shoes, of course! I’m a sports person and a good pair of shoes are essential for every sport. Get Rocket 10 is designed especially concerning that. If I feel like it, I can play cricket, tennis or squash in this and they’d work just fine.
Asics has always been one of my favourite brands. They know what I love and they give so many options in designs and colours. People love the luxury of choice, don’t they? But that’s not all you get from this amazing pair. With every successor, they focus on a certain element. With Rocket 10, they improved its stability which improved their flexibility by a mile. I noticed that was missing in Rocket 9 but Asics has redeemed itself with this.
Liberos need to make swift cuts and change directions instantly. Rocket 10 has synthetic leather overlays and it supports the forefoot so well, you wanna switch to that instead of being the spiker at times. It makes you look skilful and agile, two things that are a must in volleyball.
Unlike Sky Elite FF’s TWISTRUSS™ technology, Asics showcases the TRUSSTIC application in the midsole. It’s designed to offer a firmer transition and prevents you from getting your ankle jerked. My complaint with most of the shoes I’ve tried is how fit they can be, leaving no space for your feet to snuggle even a little. Asics Gel Rocket 10 is constructed ergonomically and has enough room to let your feet bend naturally and I love everything about that.
It also comes with a wrap-up style outsole and it ain’t just a fashion statement. It has a functional importance making your glide across the court as smooth as it can get. After all, you’re gonna play as a libero wearing these, no? You need to readjust and groove through to the other side of the court right away. In my experience, there’s no pair that can do that better than the Get Rocket 10.
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best for ankle support
HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0
As a former volleyball player I’d say If you play as a setter, these shoes will be your perfect companion.Under Armour tailored these shoes with compression web mesh and I love how it moulds the foam to support your feet.
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Best Ankle Support Volleyball Shoes
If there’s one injury a volleyball player is terrified of, that’s ankle injury. It can happen for loads of reasons but having shoes with insufficient ankle support is the most common one. As a sportsperson, I’ve been through more than enough of those to happily invest some extra bucks and get a pair that guards my ankles with a guarantee. And Under Armour does it so well. These shoes are designed to provide both cushioning and stability, ensuring that your ankles are securely supported when landing around the net.
HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0
Now say goodbye to those ankle injuries because if there’s anyone who can make protective footwear, that’s Under Armour and I loved every single thing about it when this came out. Under Armour’s HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0 is a thing of beauty and I may be biased because of how good it really is. The ultra high top design offers some of the best ankle support we’ve ever seen in a volleyball shoe. No need to war ankle braces with these either!
If you play as a setter, these shoes will be your perfect companion. They are incredibly lightweight and are made of a breathable material which keeps you feeling fresh throughout the game. Under Armour tailored these shoes with compression web mesh and I love how it moulds the foam to support your feet.
What makes Highlight Ace 2.0 one of the best volleyball shoes 2023 has is the super-stretchy extended ankle collar. It keeps the back of your feet in a comfortable position the entire time you wear it and it also prevents your ankle from jerking and spraining when you glide.
They’re actually pretty snazzy too. Remember 2008 when Supra Skytops got really popular really quick? A part of me feels like Under Armour pays homage to that with HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0. I loved those and I would still wear them, of course, if I didn’t have all these sporty footwear around me.
On the volleyball court, I’ve tested them in all positions and it lives up to its name. With a highly durable TPU toe cap, I never had to be careful about my toes getting bruised. Abrasion-resistance, ‘walking on the cloud’ feel, snug fit, you name it. HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0 has it all, along with amazing colour combos!
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Most Affordable
Adidas Dame 7 EXTPLY
Dame 7 EXTPLY has an impressively unique design, something that completely sets it apart from all the other volleyball shoes out there. You look at it and you know they fit the feet just perfectly.
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Best Affordable Shoes for Volleyball
Be it a US national, Australian, European or any other part of the world, footwear can be very expensive. And if you’re hunting for the best volleyball shoes 2023 has to offer, you might have to spend $$$ for that.
But I’ve got you covered! I’ve tried and tested so many shoes over the years, and I know what can offer comfortable movement, snug fit and affordable price all in one package.
Adidas Dame 7 EXTPLY
You hear the word Adidas and your mind immediately goes to sports. For me though, it speaks ‘footwear heaven’ and I’m all in for it. when it comes to Adidas women’s volleyball shoes dame 7 are all-rounded shoes, budget friendly and they’re a great fit for all position on the court.
Let’s be clear. When has Adidas ever disappointed in the first place? The only complaint I’ve ever had with them is how they’ve got so many products and made me wonder what shoes are best for indoor volleyball. Adidas Dame 7 EXTPLY is the answer to all of it. If I had a penny for every time I’ve suggested this to people, I’d have lots of pennies.
Dame 7 EXTPLY has an impressively unique design, something that completely sets it apart from all the other volleyball shoes out there. You look at it and you know they fit the feet just perfectly.
On wearing I noticed the cushioning was different and it was a great kinda different. They call it Lightstrike cushioning and I agree with every bit of it. The top of the shoe is carefully tailored with a breathable material to keep your feet fresh while the insole and boundaries really hug your feet as you put these on.
They also feature a rubber outsole which guarantees you never end up straining your ankle or falling that easily. But what I really loved about it was the Milky Way detailing they did on it. And it doesn’t even end at that!
They make a bold statement with the “Opponent Advisory” slammed on the outer side of the forefoot. Talk about being sassy, right? And guess what? They’re originally made for basketball players so you can grind into those on the basketball court too. A win-win situation, isn’t it?
If you’re on a strict budget, I can’t stress enough how Adidas Dame 7 EXTPLY will be your best affordable volleyball shoes decision this year.
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Best for Beginners
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 are the best volleyball shoes for youth, beginners and even experienced players. Mizuno’s Wave Lightning Z6 has such a neat outsole design that ensures you never fall or trip when you glide across the court.
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Best Volleyball Shoes for Beginners
Getting your first pair of volleyball shoes shouldn’t be so tricky, but it is. Trust me, I’ve been through it and everyone goes through it. But I’m going to make it easy for you. I’ve tried so many by now and this one pair has everything you need to get started.
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6
If you can’t decide what kind of shoes you want to buy, Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 are the best volleyball shoes for youth, beginners and even experienced players. It’s the absolute choice you should make when you can’t figure out which pair you should opt for.
Its intelligent design is made to help you go beyond your limits. Mizuno produced a sturdy piece of art with the Z6 model and I can’t praise it enough. It looks like a heavy pair but it’s extremely lightweight with padded cushioning. It keeps your ankle and heels protected from injuries with its foamy corners.
Mizuno’s Wave Lightning Z6 has such a neat outsole design that ensures you never fall or trip when you glide across the court. While this is known as the beginner’s choice shoe, you can utilise its features to the fullest in the spiker position.
I mentioned I’ve got little feet and getting the accurate insole size is often tricky. Wave Lightning Z6 features a removable sole and that instantly got bonus points from me!
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Most popular
Nike React Hyperset
Dynamic – that’s the one word I’d use to describe the React Hyperset shoe.With this impressive pair, you don’t need to worry about what position you play because React Hyperset is the people’s choice for the volleyball court!
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Most Popular Volleyball Shoes
Volleyball got its hype a lot in recent years and with that, came many brands with their own version of volleyball footwear. However, not many offered the quality that was essential for this high-energy game. Here’s one that has been evergreen.
Nike React Hyperset
Time after time, Nike continues to impress the sports world and keep their prestige as the most popular brand. It’s no different from them when it comes to producing the best volleyball shoes either. Nike React Hyperset is a fan-favourite and personally my favourite, too.
Of all the shoes on my list, Hyperset has the most individualistic approach with the outsole. It showcases a Cheetah-like print that grips the surface perfectly while letting you move with agility. With this impressive pair, you don’t need to worry about what position you play because React Hyperset is the people’s choice for the volleyball court!
With its Flywire technology, Hyperset gives you a cloud-like experience. It also comes with a lateral strap and Flywire cable instead of laces which made me feel very skeptical at first. But when I tried and tested, that quickly got me to like it. The straps keep your foot aligned and cushioned into a perfect fit, enhancing your lateral moves, too.
On the top part of the shoes, Nike subtly added its motto and I personally love that. It has a NikeSkin overlay on the toe part making it more durable. Say goodbye to the bruising toes and glide through the court!
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Best Basketball Shoes
Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity
Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity is the best comfortable volleyball shoe for beginners. you can use your basketball shoes as volleyball shoes, but not every pair works. Nike has done wonders with Kyrie 8 Infinity in terms of features.
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Best Basketball Shoes for Volleyball
Based on how many brands and shoes I’ve tried by now, I’m somewhat of a shoe connoisseur myself and I take pride in that. There are many shoes that can equally be used in multiple sports since the surface it’s played on is similar. You can use your basketball shoes as volleyball shoes, but not every pair works.
Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity
I said it before and I’ll say it again. I love sports and I love shoes. Luckily, you can’t separate the two in most cases which is why you’ve got this as another pair in the list. Basketball is played on a similar court as volleyball which makes it very much possible they both could have similar shoes.
Such is the case with Nike’s Kyrie 8 Infinity. I’ve always thought of it as a thing of beauty because of how dazzling they look. But that’s not what got me to rate it so high, so much so that it makes its way into the best comfortable volleyball shoe for beginners.
When it comes to spectacular colour combinations, Nike is a champ at that and you can’t not appreciate the detailing Kyrie 8 has. Although it’s the perfect basketball pair, it’s nothing less than supreme comfort footwear at the volleyball court either. Nike has done wonders with Kyrie 8 Infinity in terms of features.
Now, whether you play as a libero, setter or even a spiker, these shoes work best in every position! Its advanced micro-engineered material is a lightweight and multi-layer cushioning system. Say goodbye to those energy-draining insole with Kyrie’s Air Zoom. I wasn’t too confident about it until I tried and I felt the comfort at its peak with these!
A usual complaint with volleyball players is how quickly the front of their feet feel strained and I’ve experienced that too. Kyrie 8 provides extra cushioning that not only counters that sprain but also helps firmly cover your entire feet.
What makes these basketball shoes the best volleyball court shoes is the enhanced responsiveness in the front part of the shoes. It helps you glide smoothly across the court having tractions up the side. It always helped me take advantage of the situation with that and I’m sure it would help you too.
Don’t wanna buy an extra pair of shoes for volleyball? Kyrie 8 Infinity lets you do it all.
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MOST COMFORTABLE
Nike Air Zoom HyperAce 2
The HyperAce 2 is the perfect candidate when it comes to immense support at the volleyball court. These shoes have such a sporty look to them and are super lightweight to wear. Put them on and its breathable cushioning will take care of your feet from all angles
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Most Comfortable Volleyball Shoes
When it comes to basics, a good pair of shoes always needs to offer great support, and convenient comfort and prevent your toes from cramping. If you’re a volleyball player or you’re just starting out, choose footwear that’s highly supportive and keeps your feet in comfort.
Volleyball is a game of agility, swift movement and critical thinking making you shift your position instantly. It’s essential your shoes have adequate support at the volleyball court because you move laterally.
If there’s not enough support or a lockdown system, you might have to miss out on the next few games. I dread the thought of my team needing me on the court but I’ve to sit on the sidelines wearing bandages.
Nike Air Zoom HyperAce 2
Nike needs no introduction when it comes to designing A-list products, especially the iconic footwear. Yes, Air Jordans, I’m talking about you. As much of a classy pair that is, you can’t get comfortable in that for a volleyball game. But that’s where Nike’s Air Zoom HyperAce 2 comes in.
The HyperAce 2 is the perfect candidate when it comes to immense support at the volleyball court. If you wanna look for shoes made specifically for volleyball, this is your definite answer. Nike loves taking pride in everything they put out and why shouldn’t they? They feature Air Zoom HyperAce 2 as the volleyball shoes on their official site and that was enough to make me wanna try that out myself.
These shoes have such a sporty look to them and are super lightweight to wear. Put them on and its breathable cushioning will take care of your feet from all angles. Nike has a knack for always putting their Tick in the most stylish way and they do it with a secondary colour to put it in the spotlight. They also fancy it on the underside of the shoe but it doesn’t affect its intense grip on the court at all.
I checked it online first, sifting through the entire shoe from a 360° angle to see if there was anything missing. But I swooned when I saw the extra attention given to the heel cage. It has an extended rubber on the back providing extensive support. If this doesn’t speak volumes as the best volleyball shoes, I don’t know what would.
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What to Look For in Volleyball Shoes?
Here are the major aspect that cannot be overlooked when purchasing volleyball shoes. Here is the infographic representation:
Weight
The best volleyball shoes should sustain a lighter weight to aid easy jumping—a frequent action in the sport. A lighter shoe helps to jump more effortlessly and reduces the pressure that may cause foot fatigue.
Style
The style of volleyball shoes varies accordingly, containing design, color, and aesthetic appeal so choose a shoe that aligns with your personal preferences and the requirements of your position in the game.
Transactional Grip
The finest volleyball shoes would be equipped with a good grip of rubber soles to enable better foot-surface contacts– this makes them useful especially when the player intends to make fast cuts, pivots, and side shifts without sliding. Therefore, shoes with maximum grip aid in injury prevention as well as improving control and stability during play.
Shock Absorption
Since volleyball involves a lot of jumping and landing, shoes with good cushioning are vital. Effective shock absorption protects your feet and joints from the stress of repetitive impacts. This feature helps avoid injuries and ensures comfort during intense gameplay, allowing players to maintain performance without discomfort.
Arch and Ankle Support
Volleyball shoes must be stable and supportive especially when making quick accelerations or movements changing directions. Arch support enhances stability while the necessary landing and movement of the ankle is supported with good ankle support. They must be tight but not too narrow while having a deep toe box and multiple-width option so that everyone can fit in them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Best Volleyball Shoes Brand?
There are a number of volleyball shoe brands you can opt for. Personally, I’ve always preferred Asics, Under Armour and Nike as my go-to option when it comes to getting the best volleyball shoes on a global level.
Where to Buy Volleyball Shoes?
You can find them conveniently online, either on the brands’ official websites or you can surf through Amazon and AllVolleyball to find what you like!
What Are The Most Comfortable Volleyball Shoes?
For me, nothing is more comfortable than Under Armour’s HOVR Highlight 2.0. I might be biased because I have a nostalgic connection to them but if you’re looking for elite comfort over anything, these are the best out there.
Best Volleyball Shoes for High School
Any shoes by Asics or Nike will do just fine as volleyball shoes for high school but my best choice would be Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity. If I wanted to, I could play basketball wearing those as well.
What is the difference between volleyball shoes and regular shoes?
Special volleyball shoes have been introduced with specific features intended to accommodate the needs of the sport. Generally, they have good footwear with rubber soles on indoor playing surfaces to give them more traction; they also have a high degree of shock-absorbing cushioning in the forefeet and heels because their sporting actions such as jumping require this as well as lateral supports where making sudden lateral changes are needed.
What Shoes Does Yuji Nishida Wear?
Yuji Nishida wears Asics Sky Elite FF.