Volleyball is a very popular sport for people of all ages. While the sport is very fun and engaging, it can be very tough too. It requires a lot of movement and it needs strength.

Everyone who is familiar with volleyball knows that it requires a player to be all over the court during sets. It demands flexibility and endurance on every move, especially during jumps and hits. And just like in any sport, in order for players to keep up and perform, they need to have the right gear on just about any game, shoes are one of those.

A players ultimately need to invest in a good pair of shoes in volleyball. Something that can withstand sets and can last for quite a while, even during rough play. Players do need to have shoes that are specifically designed for the sport.

There are a lot of good volleyball shoes from different brands available in the market today and they surely deliver. But first, before finally buying your shoes, you need to check some of the important factors to consider when choosing which pair is the best for you.

Features to consider when buying volleyball shoes

Cushion System

Comfort is a big factor for just about any player. In a very physical sport like volleyball, comfortability plays a big role. A player needs to be comfortable otherwise, focus and concentration will be at stake and the entire game affected.

Imagine what pain on the sole can cause you when you are playing with very stiff and uncomfortable shoes. Most brands are popular and in-demand because of their cushioning system so when buying a pair, check the cushion and everything that goes with it — materials and technology used. Comfortable shoes with a good cushion can last even longer that you don’t need to get another pair for a good period of time.

Stability

This is another factor that should not be neglected. As a player, you literary move around the court on your feet and the game is solely base upon the team’s strength and movement with the ball. What supports those movements? The feet and a good pair of durable shoes.

A pair of shoes must give lateral stability and good ankle support. When buying a pair, check if the midsole is flexible enough and if the uppers (material can be mesh) are supportive enough to help you during play.

Size

The size is often neglected when buying a pair of shoes. Surely, we know our size and we stick to what we know most of the time but it depends on the type of shoes, its materials, and its composition.

Some shoes particularly sport shoes, can either be too big or small, too narrow or wide and may differ completely from your regular shoes. When buying your pair of volleyball shoes, try it on and check the comfortability level. Do they support your feet completely when you walk? How about when you jump?

The size goes hand in hand with the weight as well and aids ultimately with support when doing physical movement and with support comes to traction, another important factor. The size should also be checked in the outside as well as the inside of the shoes.

Weight

Volleyball shoes are made light so players can move with ease. Generally, women’s shoes are slightly lighter than men’s. But the weight of the shoes depends on a lot of factors — the materials, the style, the technology used, and the brand. Some brands are typically heavier than the other because of the design.

If a pair of shoes is made of synthetic materials and mesh, they are lighter and they are easy to wear during play. Weight should be considered because it provides balance and helps the player remain agile.

Now that you have an idea of the most important factors to consider, its time to check what fits you best in terms of shoes. We’ve summarized the best per category to help you decide.

Top 10 Best Volleyball Shoes in 2024

1. ASICS Mens Gel-Rocket 8 Volleyball Shoe

ASICS is a popular brand of volleyball shoes and for a good reason. What they have in the market are not only stylish but highly functional as well. The GEL-Rocket 8 is a top pick overall for men with its exceptional features at a very reasonable price.

The shoes feature a Forefoot Gel Cushioning System that works by reducing the shock on each impact during the game. Its mesh upper body gives a good amount of air, allowing your foot to stay cool even with all the movements you are doing.

The shoes also boasts the Trusstic System technology that works to stabilize the sole. The cushion is impeccable and its specialized rubber called the NC Rubber Outsole provides the best grip compared to other volleyball shoes.

The Gel-Rocket 8 is perfect for both beginners and pro. It simply would not disappoint.

2. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning RX3 Volley Ball Shoe

When taking about Mizuno, the quality is guaranteed remarkable. It is one of the best shoe brand there it in terms of durability.

The Wave Lightning RX3 offers women on the court strength, movement support, and ease of use. The shoe composition offers amazing breathability, allowing the feet stay dry during trainings or matches. This type of volleyball shoes have an ankle break design to further support you during play.

For comfort, you can rely on its breathable mesh design and it’s outsole. The design construction overall is to provide you ease during the game that you would not even think about the weight on your feet.

While this particular design is popular among pro players and is somewhat expensive, it surely is worth it. It’s very durable too so you may be able to use this good for a long time. And don’t you just love the waves and the design overall?

3. Mizuno Wave Lightning Men’s Z4

Another one from Mizuno enters the list as one of the best in terms of comfort.

This new take on the classic Mizuno wave lightning shoes is so incredible you’ll fall in love with it at first sight. The design is gorgeous and the cushion, soft and light. The fact that the low-cut design is perfect for beginners and pro alike make this shoes one of the best in terms of fit and performance grip.

The best thing about the shoes is that it moves with you whenever you are hitting or striking. This is brought about by the DynaMotion Fi that is part of the shoes’ technology. It also has the Mizuno Wave Technology in the soles for stability.

The Z4 is very lightweight but it has a good amount of flexibility and grip. The mesh design provides such a good ventilation especially for sweaty feet. This one has got power.

4. ASICS Men’s Volley Elite

The setter has a quite difficult task to do in a court. He or she is responsible with the offense of the team, aiming at who should get or hit the ball. They’re all over the court as well as they are in charge of keeping the team together with a good set of play and communication. With that in mind, a setter needs to have a good pair of shoes to assist and give comfort during the play.

One of the top shoes for setters is the ASICS Men’s Volley Elite. This one has an incredible and sleek design and it definitely delivers. It has a FlyteFoam cushion technology that protects the feet from difficult jumps and it has an Octipod outsole for solid support and stability.

The Men’s Volley Elite also features a seamless mesh for amazing breathability and a rearfoot and forefoot get cushioning to absorb most shock and impact. Further more, it has a special trusstic system technology that allows you to move without feeling all the weight.

5. NIKE Women’s Air Zoom Hyperspike

Nike is known for producing quality and durable shoes that truly performs on various sports. Their line of products for volleyball shoes is no exemption and for years, it continues to stand out in the industry. One of the favorites for a long time now is the Volley Zoom Hyperspike, preferred choice for hitters who are responsible in the court to block, pass, jump, and play on rows.

The Hyperspike comes with Phylon midsole, a specialized technology for comfort and a synthetics mesh uppers. It is one of the lightest volleyball shoes with its Nike’s flywire 3.0 technology. It’s also great in absorbing shocks in every hit and movement.

The Hyperspike also has a sturdy grip with its supporting, durable rubber. While this one is good for spikers, the pair can also work for beginners because of the comfort and support it brings on the feet. There really is no doubt about quality with Nike.

6. Adidas Performance Ligra 4

Adidas’ line of volleyball shoes is always stylish and on point plus, they actually deliver. One good shoes is the Ligra 4 that is made of synthetic materials for utmost durability and comfort. The soles are actually flexible and it also has a thick padding for better shock absorption.

These shoes are reasonably priced and this could be a good thing for those whoa re starting with the game but would want to invest in a good pair of shoes.

The traction is incredible as well.The design of the threads were specifically made to provide solid traction so that you can go around the court in full defense and control.

7. Mizuno Men’s Wave Tornado X

The Mizuno Wave Tornado X gives utmost breathability, comfort, and solid support. It has a specialized Mizuno Intercool technology which means that the shoes have air vent holes located at the soles. It also has the Mizuno Dynamotion Fit Technology for superb fit during play.

The shoes may take a while to break in. You really have to wear it and work on in during play but there is not doubt about support and protection. Excellent support is brought about by the Infinity Wave Technology on the midsoles.

While this tops the list for best in support, its durability is unquestionable as well. In fact, it is one of the most durable volleyball shoes available in the market today. And the designs and the colors available are great too. It’ll surely shine in the court with you.

The Mizuno Wave Tornado X has an average price point and you can wear it even if you are just starting with volleyball.

8. Adidas Originals Crazyflight

What’s not to love about this shoe? It has all the good technology from Adidas, it delivers during the game, and it tops the list of being the most stylish. Each of the colors available are totally beautiful.

Crazyflight’s two-tone mesh provides ultimate breathability and has a technology that even prevents feet from sweating. The Boost, Adidas most responsive cushioning, offers ultimate comfort. It also helps in absorbing shocks made during contact.

Another good thing about Crazyflight is its non-marking sole. This means that it works superbly on the grip without really sticking on the floor. Through this shoe, you can move around the court with ease.

Released in 2017 with just an average price point, the Crazyflight is both available for men and women. Overall, apart from the design, it delivers in terms of comfort

9. ASIC Gel Rocket 7

ASIC Gel Rocket 7 is actually one of the best volleyball shoes available in the market today. It provides comfort and ultimate breathability. It has a superb cushioning system and an incredible rubber sole allows you to jump without the shock. You can move around the court at ease with these at they are very flexible too.

The Gel Rocket 7 also has a Trussic System that reduces the weight of the sole. The outsoles has more natural rubber in it, allowing good traction.

Yes, you can move around comfortable and fast in these beauty without breaking the bank.

10. Adidas Kids’ Ligra 6 Volleyball Shoe

Volleyball is a sport that is suitable to be played by almost everyone, even the kids. For those who are just starting with the sport, the kid’s version of Adidas Ligra 6 is a good shoes to try and begin with. It is very comfortable that kids can move around without feeling the weight on their foot. And as with other Adidas shoes, the design and style are incredible. It is also a great choice for those who are starting with their training in the sport and into the youth league. It may take some time for the shoes to break in but after it, you’ll definitely love the performance. Sure enough, most parents preferred the Ligra 6 for their kids and teens.

The Ligra 6 is lightweight with a breathable mesh that prevents the feet from sweating during play. It is made of synthetic leather for strength and stability. It also has a cushioned midsole for good traction and grip.

These shoes and durable enough for long play.

Guide to Buying the Best Volleyball Shoes

It’s easy to get yourself a pair of shoes from a popular and reputable brand. But if you are going to take volleyball seriously, you also have to familiarized yourself with the terms you may encounter when shoe shopping.

Here’s a little buyers guide with information to help you with your volleyball shoes anatomy.

The Upper

This is literary the upper or top part of a shoe. It is consists of mesh material, leather, or synthetic leather. This one is responsible for the ventilation and even the weight of the shoes.

One of the popular upper for volleyball shoes is mesh. Mesh material provides good ventilation and is generally lightweight. Another one is synthetic which is lightweight as well and allows utmost breathability.

The Midsole

The midsole lies between the outsole and the insole. It should be well taken care of as it is prone to sprain. Proper cushioning and better midsole shoe support are needed for a player to work and play comfortably.

Most good and quality volleyball shoes have EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam. A single layer of EVA is good enough for cushion while a multiple layers is used for further flexibility. Gel cushion is often being used as well. Remember that the midsole absorbs most of the shock during play therefore, the materials for the midsoles should be strong and flexible to help reduce the shock.

The Outsole

This part needs great support as well because it comes in direct contact with the group. To have proper outsole support, a shoe must have a firm and steady grip all throughout the play.

Most brands would claim that their shoes have natural rubbers for a more steady grip. For ASICS, Mizuno, and Adidas the outsole support is incredibly good in terms of grip.

The Arc

Some volleyball shoes have arc support insoles that further enhance comfortability and flexibility. Arc support is really important especially for setters who are always in action.

The Closure

This one can depend on your preference as a player but it also plays an important role when choosing the best volleyball shoes for you. What would be your preferred closure? How about the straps? What would be the most comfortable for you?

The closure literary encloses your feet. If they are not good or sturdy enough, it will really affect your play. The closure can also absorb shock and impact so the materials should be durable as well.

Some other things you may want to consider include:

Breathability

Since volleyball is rough and highly physical, the feet tend to be prone to sweat, blisters, and irritation. For utmost breathability, mesh and synthetic materials are the top choices. Other shoe technology encourages air to flow in and out of the shoes.

Flexibility

A shoe should be flexible to allow you to move all-around in ease and by move, we mean walking, running, and even jumping. A stiff shoe can cause pain and even blisters and would prevent you from delivering your best performance in the court.

Design

There are a lot of brands out there offering great designs. If the features and technologies of a shoe work well with you, you may also want to consider the overall design and style. You must not only feel your best when playing, but you must also look your best too. If you are a fan of colors, go ahead a choose something that is bright and colorful. There are a lot. For the minimalist, there are also a lot of single-color shoes with a great design that looks absolutely sharp on the court.

Price

You may want to consider your budget when buying your pair of volleyball shoes. Brands have difference price ranges but it does not always mean that a more expensive pair of shoes is better than the one that has an average price. It will still depend on the brand. There are many budget volleyball shoes that deliver and perform during games. But the rule is, if you want something that will last for a long time, it is ok to invest in shoes within the higher price point. If you are still starting, check the affordable options first.

Finding Your Right Fit

You know a pair of shoes has the right fit if:

How to fit your volleyball shoes

Choosing the volleyball shoes that are right for you can help you earn enough confidence for your game. Yes, there may be a lot of things to consider but if you are going to go all the way with the sport, you should best keep these things in mind.

At the end of the day after the game, when your body is sore, you’ll be thanking your shoes for protecting your feet. Most brands have the best technology for a reason. Your feet will experience a lot of stress, shock, and movement during the game and it’s best to keep it in the best shape. Here is a good video on how you can choose a suitable pair for you:

You may also check some reviews for kids and women’s shoes.