Best Volleyball Shoes For Men & Women
In scoring-based Sports, talent isn’t alone enough; you need game gear to make or break your team’s success. Whether it is an intense basketball or a fast-paced volleyball game, the importance of trendy, comfortable, and ideal game shoes cannot be neglected.
Volleyball requires effortful support, in which your body moves full circle from head to toe, and the movement and comfort of your feet play an essential role in getting you up. Therefore, the best volleyball shoes are a perfect option to keep your feet gripped, support traction, and be well-ventilated to perform top-notch volleyball without any sweat pain or ankle twists.
Every volleyball player like me has a heart desire to purchase trendy, out-class volleyball shoes. There are thousands of options available in the market, and some players even start using basketball shoes as their only volleyball shoes. Is this correct?
When the volleyball coaches were asked about the importance of sung fit shoes, they gave their best opinion and suggested Nike, Adidas, and Mizuno brands products to make you more comfortable on the court.
Wearing the best volleyball shoes is always a top priority for any volleyball player. This is because vertical, straight, and lateral movements like Jumping, sprinting, diving, shuffling, and quick-stepping during a match put substantial pressure on the foot, ankles, and knees.
A good volleyball shoe not only protects players from injury but also increases performance. Keeping this in view, I and a team of experts have checked and tested different renowned volleyball shoe brands, including ASICS, Adidas, Mizuno, and Nike.
Here are our best volleyball shoes list:
Best Volleyball shoes – reviews & Recommendation
The other sneakers in my best volleyball shoes list are:-
Most Popular and Best Budget Shoes for Volleyball:-
How and Why do we select these shoes?
We have tested each shoe on the criteria for best volleyball shoes i.e. traction, cushioning, comfort, breathability, and durability, the key characteristics of a top volleyball Shoe.
Importantly, all the shoes on the list are of premium quality and the best volleyball shoes. You may select any suitable pair as per your needs and depending on the recommendations given below against each shoe. Moreover, your experience with these shoes may be different from ours.
Therefore, we highly acknowledge and appreciate your experience sharing. Feel free to help us by sharing your experience for the betterment of other users.
So let’s begin with our top choice i.e. the ASICS SKY ELITE FF-2.
ASICS Sky Elite FF MT-2
Popular, Premium, and Best Asics Volleyball shoes. A good combination of flexibility, comfort, breathability, and heel-to-toe transition.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Why Asics Sky Elite?
Features and Design
Performance
Whatever aspect of the performance you consider, Sky Elite’s has no match. After testing the performance on the aforementioned parameter, we have noticed the following things:
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use
To me, these are allrounder and best volleyball shoes for men and women, I would recommend these shoes for all volleyball positions including outside hitters, opposite hitters, middle blockers, liberos, and setters due to cushioning, heel-to-toe transition, lateral support, and traction.
Mizuno Wave Momentum 3
Mizuno Wave Momentum is an upgraded version of Wave Momentum 02. The shoe is equipped with the latest Mizuno cushioning technology i.e. Mizuno Enerzy foam.
Upgraded version of Mizuno Wave Momentum 02. Excellent support, cushioning and lateral stability
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Mizuno Wave Momentum 03 vs Mizuno Wave Momentum 02
In my opinion, this sneaker has three major upgrades/changes, which I think are relatively large and worthy of attention.
Recommended Use & Positions
In my opinion, Wave Momentum 3 has excellent cushioning so I will label it as jumper shoes. The shoe is best for all hitting position.
Mizuno Wave Momentum-2
Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 is among the top and best Mizuno volleyball shoes. These are the improved versions of Mizuno Wave Momentum. Momentum 2 are also popular volleyball shoes at all levels
The ultra-lightweight Volleyball shoes with good ankle support and comfort, offering optimal traction and heel-to-toe transition.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use & Positions
In my opinion, Wave Momentum 2 is best for outside hitters, opposite hitters, and setters because most of your jumping is going to be fairly straightforward and controlled so you won’t feel the effects of that delayed change of direction as much. Moreover, this is a jumper’s shoe which is great if you’re max jumping all the time.
On the other hand, as a libero, you’re going to feel too high off the ground because you actually want a thinner sole so you can feel the floor and have a much more responsive shoe that doesn’t necessarily have a lot of cushioning.
However, these shoes were worn by the renowned US Libero Erik Shoji.
ASICS SKY ELITE FF MT-2 VS. MIZUNO WAVE MOMENTUM 2
ASICS SKYY ELITE FF-2
MIZUNO WAVE MOMENTUM 2
Adidas Dame 8
Basically, these are basketball shoes and an upgraded version of Dame 7. The predecessors of these sneakers including Dame 6 and 7 were quite solid and stiff respectively. However, considering the specifications and performance, these shoes can be regarded as the best basketball shoes for volleyball
It has a perfect balance of lightweight and secure flexibility and firmness, springiness, and support. It is rare to find shoes that have all the qualities together.
Dame -08 is the Basketball shoes and Upgraded version of Dame 06 and 07. The shoe is good for outdoor use and is also a low-price option.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use & Positions
These are some of the best shoes in terms of Comfort, performance, durability, and versatility. Best for setter, outside hitter, and middle blockers
Nike Women Zoom Hyperace 02
Specially designed volleyball shoes by Nike. Very comfortable, cushiony, and durable. A good option for hitters.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use & Positions
Nike Hyperacce is one of the top volleyball shoes in terms of cushioning, comfort, and durability. However, due to their thicker soul, I’ll recommend these shoes for hitters and middle blockers.
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Top
Wave Lightning Z6 along with Momentum 2 are considered the highest standard and most demanded Mizuno Sneakers. Although not provided officially, the shoe construction hints that the major focus of the model is mobility.
One of the premium Mizuno Volleyball shoes. Lightweight, explosive with comfort and breathability. A good option for the setters.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use & Positions
These shoes are good for setters as they support lateral movements with a good grip and adequate cushioning for the setter.
Nike React Hyperset
After looking at first glance these shoes look quite good in design and resemble more to a basketball shoe. I have seen a good number of professional players wearing these shoes Micah Christenson is one example among those players.
One of the most popular volleyball shoes by Nike. Equally popular at professional and local levels
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use & Positions
In my experience, the shoe lacked adequate comfort which may be due to wide feet. The performance including traction, responsiveness, durability, and support was good.
However, considering the best practice I will recommend these shoes for setters as they are not on too high jumps compared to outside hitters.
I will also suggest buying a number or half size bigger.
Adidas Women Crazyflight Mid
Famous volleyball shoes and various pro players are spotted wearing these shoes. One of the best all-rounder volleyball shoes for Men and women
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
One of my team members who plays as a libero used these shoes and has observed that:
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Use & Positions
These shoes are good for liberos due to adequate lateral support and cushioning. Moreover, I will recommend these shoes as one of the best volleyball shoes for women volleyball players
Adidas Stabil Next Generation
Available in various colors, and cool looks. Supportive in lateral movement. A good option for the liberos being close to the ground.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Asics Netburner Ballistic FF MT 3
These shoes are an improved version of the former model i.e. Netburner Ballistic FF2. ASICS has emphasized enhancing speed and explosiveness with this new version. This is an upper mid-tier volleyball shoe by the Asics and is less expensive than the SKY Elite FF-2.
Specially designed volleyball shoes by Asics. Very comfortable, cushiony, and durable. A good option for hitters.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Position & Levels
A good volleyball shoe for beginner and lighter athletes who want a shoe specifically for jumping and feeling lighter on the court.
Setters, hitters, and some liberos if you don’t mind feeling a little higher off the ground and some middles if you’re on the lighter side also if you just want a lightweight shoe that’s not going to fall apart and makes you feel a little bit more springy then this is the shoe for you.
Playing Levels: Beginners, club, college, national
Adidas Harden Vol. 06
Adidas Harden Vol 6 is also a basketball shoe.
Features and Design
Positive Points
Negative Points
Budget Options
ASICS Gel Rocket-10
Asics Gel Rocket-10 is an upgraded version of its previous Asics model i.e. Asics Gel Rocket 09. It is also among the most popular volleyball sneakers available in the market. The shoes are equipped with the Asics gel technology for cushioning and support.
A popular, budget-friendly shoe, with all the qualities of a good volleyball shoe.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design:
Performance
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Position & Levels
An all-rounder volleyball shoe for enthusiasts with a low budget.
Playing Levels: Beginners, club, college, national
ASICS Upcourt 05
Asics Upcourt 05 is also a popular and budget-friendly option from Asics. I will regard it as one of the best budget volleyball shoes. They are almost parallel to the Gel Rocket-10 in terms of quality and popularity. However, Gel Rocket has added stability in the outsole.
A lightweight popular, very budget-friendly shoe, with adequate traction stability and shock absorption.
Your purchase may earn us a commission at no cost to you
Features and Design:
Considering the design and features, the Upcourt-5 and the Gel Rocket are almost parallel. So I will take a bird’s eye view of these:
Upcourt are little light as compared to the Gel Rocket with a different outsole. However, the upcourts are lighter in weight than the Gel Rocket 10.
Performance:
I’ve tried these shoes out on the court they were simply amazing.
In a nutshell, if you’re in search of a budget-friendly option and aren’t too worried about longevity, then give these a try.
Positive Points
Negative Points
Recommended Position & Levels
An all-rounder volleyball shoe for enthusiasts with a low budget.
Playing Levels: Beginners, club, college, national
A Guide to Finding Perfectly Fit Volleyball Shoes
While buying the best volleyball shoes in 2024, it is not only about buying a shoe that fits your feet perfectly. There are many other factors that are important to consider for extra grip and traction, like checking the arch of your foot, looking at the shoe brand, and, most importantly, reading reviews of top players about the shoes.
So, for your convenience, we have created a buying guide, based on the opinions of experts and volleyball coaches, on how a volleyball player, whether a beginner or an expert, can purchase the best shoes. You have to keep the below-mentioned points in mind whenever you choose any trendy game shoes.
1-Sung Fit and Comfort:
The shoe that holds the foot in place while providing an above-average grip is best on the volleyball court. So, whenever you buy volleyball shoes, wear them and feel if they are too tight.
When the expert was asked about the shoe fitness factor, Kayla Banwart, the head coach, said that. Volleyball players perform many shop movements, so they need shoes that give them extra traction. Moreover, Atlanta, who was a women’s volleyball player in the Olympic Games in 2016, also had the same idea: Ankle support and shoe fitness should be the priority when purchasing shoes.
2- Super supportive and stability:
The stability factor can always be addressed in the intense field of volleyball. Therefore, always keep the shoe’s comfort factor as the number one choice whenever you purchase volleyball shoes for yourself. A shoe that rests on your foot or doesn’t grip because of extra sweat also keeps you mentally retired during the whole game. To further increase its importance, women’s club volleyball coach A.Dannete Stephens from Grand Canyon University tells the volleyball player:
Extra stability support and traction are always needed while performing lateral movements.
3-Responsiveness and lightweight:
Can you perform well on the volleyball field by wearing a heavy shoe? No, because during the volleyball game, you have to do lateral moments and jump. If your shoe is heavy, it will make your feet uncomfortable, and you’ll also lose your grip and victory!
So, finding a pair of super comfortable volleyball shoes can elevate volleyball performance. Stephen said:
I prefer a shoe with a toe room that can protect my feet from blisters and injuries. In the middle of the interview, a volleyball coach also said that shoes that absorb sole impact are better at running, jumping, and grip.
4-Durability and Court surface:
Almost the maximum number of volleyball players prefer to purchase a single shoe that is perfect for outdoor and indoor volleyball, so always try to choose a well-known brand such as Adidas, Nike or Mizuno that is highly durable. I prefer super supportive and extra responsive shoes (leather, mesh) to perform well on every volleyball court surface. The Kerri Walsh Jennings from the USA, Olympic Gold Medalist, reported
“I need shoes that can keep up with me as shoes’ durability is key to success.”
Prefer shoes that have:
- Toe cap
- Heel counter
- Breathable material
5-Budget friendly:
Budget-friendly volleyball shoes do not mean that they are of cheap quality or will wear out very quickly. Still, you should always keep your pocket in mind while purchasing volleyball shoes, like many famous volleyball players( Karch Kiraly (USA, Olympic Gold Medalist) and Foluke Akinradewo (USA, Olympic Silver Medalist)) who, to this day, wear under 50 dollar volleyball shoes and have raised the flags of success in many fields.
Do you know?
ASICS and Mizuno brands recently launched a new series of entry-level Volleyball shoes for athletes. Check out your trendy and dreamy shoes!
FAQs Best Volleyball Shoes
What are the best volleyball shoes?
Asics Sky Elite FF 2 and Mizuno Wave Momentum 2, 3 are the best shoes for volleyball. These shoes are top-rated and equally popular among men and women at all levels.
What are the key characteristics of the best volleyball shoes?
In volleyball, like any other sport, players have different roles and positions such as setters, hitters, and liberos. The requirement for volleyball shoes varies according to the roles and positions.
For instance, the shoe preference of the libero is low heels and allowing good side movement whereas a spiker requires a thick heel with a lot of shock absorption
In addition to the roles and volleyball positions, body weight and foot structure are also important factors in shoe selection.
So, the features of the shoe may vary according to the needs and requirements of the player and the playing position.
Importantly, traction and breathability are the features that remain the same whatever the position you’re playing at.
Considering this I’ve discussed below the salient characteristics of a volleyball shoe that should be considered while selecting. Furthermore, I have also reviewed the best volleyball shoes for hitters and best volleyball shoes for liberos in separate articles.
Conclusion
The perfect Volleyball shoes provide a complete package of traction, stability, comfort, and durability. Nike React Hyper and Adidas Crazy Light have no match in features, and Gel Rocket 10 offers exceptional value on a low budget. Kim-Ho-Chul and Korean volleyball players said, “I just admire all the volleyball brands, but I opt for shoes that sing fit and are best for long-duration tournaments like Adidas Dame 8!”
Also, whenever you choose the Best volleyball shoes for yourself, remember that your success and your defeat are dependent on your shoes. So, read people’s reviews and choose a perfect shoe by considering the recommendations of coaches and experts.
If you want to know anything about volleyball shoes, you can easily comment on our website. We are available 24 hours a day to help you because we can best support you in your volleyball journey!