Best Volleyball Shoes

ByWilson Francis Last Updated On
Best Volleyball Shoes

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.

Our top choices are:

The other kicks in my best volleyball shoes list are:-

Budget Options are:-

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. So 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.

Best Volleyball shoes– Top Position

Our Pick
Asics Sky Elite FF MT-2 Best Volleyball Shoes

Overall Rating

4.8/5

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.

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Why Asics Sky Elite?

  • SKY Elite FF2 is the most popular, premium, and best ASICS volleyball shoe.
  • Excellent cushioning, traction, and heel-to-toe transition
  • The SKY Elites have all the features of the best volleyball shoes.

Features and Design

  • Thick padding in the ankle/collar area.
  • The tongue of the shoe is a traditional type and is separate from the upper of the shoe.
  • The shoe’s upper is made of breathable mesh material with ample padding.
  • Flyte Foam is used to construct midsoles for comfortable landing and shock absorption.
  • The outsole is made of rubber with a pattern.
  • The shoe has a little upper blade and a wider lower for lateral support.
  • Flexible edges on the outer sides for facilitating comfortable foot movement. 
  • Curving on both sides of the heel for rolling of the heel comfortably and spring into any direction.

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:

  • Shoes have great flexibility and durability.
  • After trying these shoes on dusty, clean gym floors, the traction was excellent on both surfaces and the shoe binds like glue.
  • The landing was super soft, even softer than the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 and the Nike Hyperace.
  • Very responsive to direction change while defense.
  • The shoe has good springiness on both the heel and forefoot, which helps in getting the extra bounce from the soul. The heel-to-toe transition of the shoe was also excellent.
  • These shoes have thicker soles and might not be fit for the liberos, who prefer to remain closer to the court.
  • One thing I do recommend is buying them a half-size big. There’s so much cushioning inside of them and so much padding that it’ll take up more space in the shoe than you’d prefer if you were wearing a true size.

Positive Points

  • Comfortable
  • Excellent traction
  • Great cushioning support
  • Agile and supportive in lateral movements

Negative Points

  • Expensive
  • Might Not be an excellent choice for liberos due to high heels.

Recommended Use

To me, these are allrounder shoes, 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.

Best Volleyball shoes– Runner-Up

RUNNER UP
Mizuno Wave Momentum Best Volleyball Shoes-2nd Position

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Mizuno Wave Momentum-2

The ultra-lightweight Volleyball shoes with good ankle support and comfort, offering optimal traction and heel-to-toe transition.

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Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 is among the top and best Mizuno volleyball shoes. These are the improved versions of Mizuno Wave Momentum.

Features and Design

  • First and foremost the shoes are lightweight which is one of the important qualities of a good volleyball shoe.
  • The shoe’s upper and tongue are one piece and maintain a sock-like appearance.
  • The upper is made of breathable mesh material.
  • There is adequate padding around the ankle with a reinforced strap.
  • The Toe box contains a Dura Shield for preventing/minimizing damage in case of collision.
  • The Mizuno energy foam coupled with Mizuno wave plate technology provides springiness, stability, and cushioning on impact.
  • The insole is stiffer than the average volleyball shoe so it maintains its shape better.
Mizuno Wave Momentum 2

Performance

  • The shoe is a snug fit and is softer than the first version which is a nice improvement.
  • Sneakers also have good traction both on the gym and dusty floors. But, this is not as good as Asics Sky Elite FF 2. However, I didn’t have to face many problems with the traction.
  • The shoe is quite durable. In fact, the durability of the shoes in comparison to the weight was quite surprising for me.
  • Wave momentum offers a good heel-to-toe transition and a much smoother landing.
  • The shoes have better comfort as compared to the previous version i.e. Wave Momentum, in which the landing was hard due to the stiffer sole.  However, it still needs improvement.
  • It is very suitable for wide feet which gives a lot of extra space in the toe box to move around and allow your toes to spread out.

Positive Points

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Good traction
  • Lightweight and bounciness
  • Mid-top variant for ankle support

Negative Points

  • Costly
  • Shock absorption needs further  improvement

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

ASICS SKY ELITE FF MT-2 VS. MIZUNO WAVE MOMENTUM 2

ASPECT

ASICS SKY ELITE FF MT 2

MIZUNO WAVE MOMENTUM 2

Weight

Heavier than Mizuno

Lighter than Asics

Tongue

Traditional tongue

One Piece, sock-like

Ankle Padding

Adequate

Adequate

Upper

Breathable Mesh

Breathable Mesh

Midsole

Flyte Foam

Mizuno Enerzy Foam

Outsole

Ruber

Ruber

In sole

Softer than Mizuno

Stiffer than Sky Elite

Wide Feet

Approved

Approved

Traction

Excellent

Less than Sky Elite

Best Volleyball Shoes-3rd Position

3rd Position
Adidas Dame Best Volleyball Shoes-3rd Position

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Adidas Dame-08

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.

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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. 

Features and Design

  • Thick padding in the collar area.
  • The shoe’s upper and tongue are made of the same mesh material.
  • The rounded edges of the sole.
  • The toe box is also nice and wide allowing your toe to spread.
  • The shoe also has a more pronounced outrigger, which is necessary for ankle and knee stability.
  • Adidas has used bounce technology instead of boost technology to make the shoe more responsive and springier compared to the previous which has a slower and softer feel.
  • Although the heel counter is firm, it is flexible so the heel can feel locked in and move around without any uncomfortable rubbing.
  • The overall width of the shoe is great for wide feet.
Dame 08, Basketball Shoes For Volleyball

Performance

  • Ankle support and stability were excellent.
  • The shoe had good shock absorption and springiness as well as being responsive to sudden change directions.
  • Traction was good on clean hardwood gym floors and sports courts, however, it wasn’t at best on dusty floors. So, I recommend using shoe cleaner or grip spray with your bag in case of a dusty floor.
  • The upper of the shoe was lighter and more flexible than Dame 7. This facilitated my foot to bend and twist in all directions.
  • It also allowed side-by-side rolling during defensive movements, where I turned and stepped at a steep knee angle.
  • I actually felt fitted without any part of the shoe rubbing my feet uncomfortably heel, side of the foot, the sole, or the toes.
  • As per my thought, it won’t work for a defensive position, but one of our teammates used this shoe and played as libero, as per his experience the shoes were unexpectedly much responsive to lateral movements. Usually, thicker sole shoes take longer to compress and decompress due to longer distances which makes them less responsive.
  • Sole is on the thicker side and I felt quite high off the ground which is normal for basketball shoes but not for volleyball shoes.
  • The padding in the collar area felt comfortable around the ankle and snug without feeling too tight.
  • The tongue thickness was also adequate and didn’t allow laces to press the foot and stay in place compared to other shoes.
  • This shoe is also best for wide feet.

Positive Points

  • Cushioning
  • heel-to-toe transition
  • springiness
  • Good traction
  • Mid-top variant for ankle support

Negative Points

  • Bulkier compared to other volleyball shoes

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

Best Volleyball Shoes-4th Position

Nike Women Zoom Hyperace 02

4th position
Nike Zoom Hyperace 02, Best Volleyball Shoes 4th Position

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Zoom Hyperace 02

Specially designed volleyball shoes by Nike. Very comfortable, cushiony, and durable. A good option for hitters.

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Features and Design

  • The shoe design looks quite basic, with a textured pattern around the whole shoe.
  • There is a long bold Nike logo on the side of the shoe.
  • The upper is made of breathable mesh material.
  • The tongue of the shoe is not one piece to the upper of the shoe and is also adequately thick.
  • Nike has used one of the advanced technology i.e. Zoom for the midsole construction.

Performance

  • The shoes are comfortable and do not require any break-in period
  • They felt comfortably fit and snug.
  • The padding in the collar and upper area was quite thicker and stiffer than other volleyball shoes, however, it was decently breathy and flexible. Although it was comfortable on my feet, it may be a bit uncomfortable for others with different feet.
  • The shoe has a thicker sole which made me feel a little higher above the ground. 
  • The shock absorption was very good in the shoes and the landing felt stable, firm as well as comfortable.  
  • The shoe neither put pressure on my feet nor rubbed the sides. Furthermore, with different side and front movements, there was plenty of space for my foot to move inside the shoes. Additionally, I also didn’t feel my foot slipping during these movements. 
  • The lateral support protects the ankle from twisting, however, the shoe is slightly less responsive to rapid direction changes. 
  • It was not very responsive and sticky

Positive Points

  • Cushioning
  • Stability
  • Comfortable and durable
  • Shock Absorption

Negative Points

  • Less sticky
  • Narrower Base

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.

Best Volleyball Shoes-5th Position

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.

5th position
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Top-Best Volleyball Shoes 5th Position

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Top

One of the premium Mizuno Volleyball shoes. Lightweight, explosive with comfort and breathability. A good option for the setters.

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Features and Design

  • The shoe is lightweight and explosive. 
  • The shoe has a thicker collar to better grasp the foot and increase coverage. 
  • The shoe tongue is flat and thin with a little cushion inside. 
  • The toe box is somewhat narrow and has a Dura Shield to protect the foot from collisions. It could be unsuitable if you get a tight pair as the hard shield will push your toe. 
  • The upper of the shoe is made of breathable mesh material which is a good thing.
  • It is further reinforced by hard leather, aimed at fixing the foot inside the shoe and preventing it from flying away.
  • Wave technology is used in the construction of the outsole
  • The outsole of the shoe has a wave-like appearance and the rare foot area has small holes both on the inner and outer sides of the shoe.

Performance

  • I felt uncomfortable due to the less cushioned sharp material of the tongue. 
  • Shoes were grippy and responsive to lateral and forward movements. 
  • Cushioning was also of an appropriate level but not the level of Momentum or Nike Hyperset. In my opinion, the shoe needs improvement in this aspect
  • The shoes are narrow therefore, I would recommend ordering half or one size larger than your normal size.

Positive Points

  • Lightweight
  • Good Traction
  • Responsive
  • Breathable and Ventilated

Negative Points

  • Uncomfortable Tongue
  • Less Cushioning

Recommended Use & Positions

These shoes are good for setters as they support lateral movements with a good grip and adequate cushioning for the setter. 

Best Volleyball Shoes-6th Position

Nike 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.

6th position
Nike React Hyperset Best Volleyball Shoes

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Nike React Hyperset

One of the most popular volleyball shoes by Nike. Equally popular at professional and local levels

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Features and Design

  • The shoe is a bit bulky and has a long tongue which makes it resemble a basketball shoe.  
  • There is a strap, imprinted with the Nike logo, on the upper of the shoe which starts from the outer middle and extends to the inner end of the shoe.
  • The upper of the shoe is made up of soft breathable material and is thicker than other volleyball shoes in my use.
  • The shoe has good padding in the ankle and forefoot area making the shoe comfortable. 
  • The shoe sole is made of Nike React technology, which is used in the running shoe of Nike.
  • The sole and the rubber are fairly thicker and stiffer than the typical volleyball shoes. 

Performance

  • Nike Hyperset is the same as Hyperdunks in terms of traction. Both shoes use a circular pattern in the outsole with optimum grip on the surface.
  • This thicker sole has made the shoe responsive to jumping. However, the shock absorption wasn’t at best in my opinion.
  • The traction was great and the shoe was also supportive of changing directions. 
  •  The lateral movements were also comfortable and easy Furthermore the landing was also comfortable as the shoe has got thick soles and adequate cushioning. 
  • A few players have also complained of hurting by this shoe, so I recommend choosing a number or a half bigger especially if you have wide feet. On the other hand, if you have lean feet then it may be ok for you depending on your foot. 
  • Hyperset gives good bounce but in my observation not at par with the Nike Hyper attack or Hyperace. 

Positive Points

  • Great Traction
  • Adequate cushioning
  • Breathable
  • Ankle Support

Negative Points

  • Bulkier
  • Velcro may affect the foot
  • Not best for wide feet

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.

Best Volleyball Shoes-7th Position

7th position
Adidas Crazyflight Volleyball Shoes

Overall Rating

4.7/5

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

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Features and Design

  • The shoe has a flexible upper mesh material which is reinforced by PU bracing.
  • It also has additional PU bonding in the toe area for reinforcement.
  • The tongue area of the shoe maintains a sock-like appearance making it one unit.
  • The EVA stability frame along the sides of the shoe for lateral support.
  • In the midsole, the crazy flight has Boost cushioning, the best cushioning available with Adidas.

Performance

One of my team members who plays as a libero used these shoes and has observed that: 

  • These shoes are slim fit and comfortable
  • The booty sock fits around the foot and provides good support to the ankle. Moreover, it also offers great comfort and stability.
  • The shoe offered more stability to the lateral movement due to the EVA stability frame.
  • The grip of the shoe was decent in all directions. However, it wasn’t at best on dusty floors.
  • The booty sock fits around the foot and provides good support to the ankle. Moreover, it also offers great comfort and stability.
  • Breathable, and well ventilated

Positive Points

  • Best for women’s volleyball player
  • Breathable and flexible
  • Cushioning
  • Good lateral support
  • Slim fit

Negative Points

  • Bit loose in the collar area
  • Shock absorption needs improvement for men

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

Best Volleyball Shoes-8th Position

Adidas Stabil Next Generation

8th position

Adidas Stabil Next Generation Best Volleyball Shoes-8th Position

Overall Rating

4.6/5

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.

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Best Volleyball Shoes-9th Position

Adidas Harden Vol. 06

Adidas Harden Vol 6 is also a basketball shoe.

Features and Design

  • The weight of the shoe is on the heavier side as compared to volleyball shoes, however, when I put the shoe on, it felt quite light.
  • The shoe has a bulky heel than the toe.
  • It contains the boost technology which helps in cushioning as well as jumping
  • The heel of the shoe is thicker and well-cushioned. 
  • As far as the traction goes, the shoe has a good grip on the concrete outdoor surfaces however, the traction on the gym floor is less than Asics or other volleyball shoes in the list. 

Positive Points

  • Best for outdoor
  • Durable
  • Cushioning
  • Wide toe box

Negative Points

  • Less sticky on the gym floor
  • Heavy Weight

Best Volleyball Shoes-10th Position

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.

ASICS NETBURNER BALLISTIC FF 3
Asics Netburner Ballistic FF 3 Volleyball Shoes

Overall Rating

4.6/5

Asics Netburner Ballistic FF MT 3

Specially designed volleyball shoes by Asics. Very comfortable, cushiony, and durable. A good option for hitters.

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Features and Design

  • A new technology called PGuard is used in shoe construction.
  • The general PU covering mesh makes the sneakers protective, breathable, and supportive.
  • A unique lace-up design goes all the way up for a secure fit.
  • The shoe has famous Arthur glue in the rearfoot and Flyte foam in the midsole.
  • The Flytefoam technology, coupled with Arthur glue, gives a light and durable solution. Moreover, this provides good cushioning, shock absorption, and responsiveness.
  • The traction was also good. The rubber sole of the current shoes is upgraded to the previous version, as the Netburner Ballistic FF3 has a big X in the sole. 

Performance

  • The shoe had adequate padding in the collar and tongue area that gave a comfortable and snug feeling to my foot. 
  • The traction was also good. The rubber sole of the current shoes is upgraded to the previous version, as the Netburner Ballistic FF3 has a big X in the sole. 
  • Netburner Ballistic FF3 has a higher heel drop, which facilitated me with sprinting and sudden movements by giving a good push.
  • Usually, the height of our heel is about the same as the height of the toe; when our heel is raised, the center of gravity leans forward a little because the front toes are relatively low. When the center of gravity is leaned forward, it is easier for you to sprint and start.

Positive Points

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Cushioning
  • Slim Fit

Negative Points

  • Unsuitable for wide feet

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 is equipped with the Asics gel technology for cushioning and support.

Popular VOLLEYBALL shoes
Asics Gel Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes

ASICS Gel Rocket-10

A popular, budget-friendly shoe, with all the qualities of a good volleyball shoe.

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Features and Design:

  • Traditional tongue, breathable and flexible upper mesh construction for easy foot movement as well as enhanced airflow to keep the feet cool without compromising comfort.
  • Glued insole and rubber outsole integrated with flex grooves for better traction, support, and flexibility.
  • Gel Technology for shock absorption coupled with Trusstic System Technology for a lightweight option without compromising the structural integrity.
  • Heel Wrap-up and Outrigger for smoother landings, aiding in stability during abrupt stops.

Performance

  • I have felt a clear difference in traction compared to the Asics and Mizuno. However, it wasn’t bad at all.
  • Shock absorption was optimum due to the gel pockets in the heel area.
  • The shoe felt lighter and more responsive than the previous model.
  • Adequate lateral support
  • In short, it is a good volleyball shoe at such a reasonable price.

Positive Points

  • Budget option
  • Optimum Traction
  • Flexible and Breathable
  • Gel Cushioning

Negative Points

  • Not for the wide feet
  • Less Arch support

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. They are almost parallel to the Gel Rocket-10 in terms of quality and popularity. However, Gel Rocket has added stability in the outsole.

Popular hitter shoes
Asics Upcourt 05 Volleyball Shoes

Asics Upcourt-05

A lightweight, popular, very budget-friendly shoe, with adequate traction stability and shock absorption.

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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:

  • Adequately thick/padded collar and traditional tongue. Synthetic leather reinforcement in the toe area.
  • Glued insole, rubber outsole, and EVA midsole. No heel wrap-up

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.

  • No break-in period was required.
  • No issue with the grip or stability during forward and lateral movements
  • Lighter than ASICS Gel Rocket 10. However, Gel Rocket seems a little better in quality
  • The stitching in the forefront area and the piece along the small toe is weak and may be prone to coming apart.

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

  • Optimal traction
  • Affordable and cheap price

Negative Points

  • Not for wide feet

Recommended Position & Levels

An all-rounder volleyball shoes for enthusiasts with a low budget.
Playing Levels: Beginners, club, college, national 

Key Features of Best Volleyball Shoes (Buying Guide)

In volleyball, like any other sport, players have different roles and positions, such as setters, hitters, and liberos, as do the shoes. In addition to the roles and volleyball positions, body weight and foot structure is also important factor in shoe selection.

So, the features of the shoe may vary according to the needs and requirements of the player and the playing position.

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 the best volleyball shoes for liberos in separate articles.

Shock Absorption

In my opinion, shock absorption is the first and foremost characteristic that every Volleyball shoe should have. The main reason behind this is its direct impact on the human body.

If you are a hitter or Middle Blocker then the vertical jumping will put considerable pressure on your knees and joints. So, a shoe with good shock absorption will protect from injury and give a soft landing.

I have opted for the Adidas Dame 8 for my brother, who is an outside hitter. This is because Dame 8 offers a smooth and comfortable landing.

Ankle Support

As discussed earlier, a hefty amount of jumping is involved in volleyball. So, ankles are the second important body part to be protected, especially if you’re a bulky athlete.

For this purpose, a mid-top design with adequate shoes should be opted by spikers and Middle Blockers.

Lateral Support

If you’re playing as libero or in a defensive position then adequate lateral support is a must. This holds the foot inside the shoe and gives a push in sudden direction changes.

Adequate Traction

Traction is actually how firmly the shoe grips the surface of the court. It is helpful in quick movements and sudden stops. Most of the volleyball shoes have good traction on cleaned floors.

The traction of the shoe also depends on floor maintenance. If it is dusty and less maintained the traction will get affected. 

So, if you play on dusty surfaces, then it is better to opt for Sky Elite or Mizuno Wave Momentum, as both shoes have a good bite on them. On the other hand, if you are going to play outdoors, I’ll recommend Harden Vol.6.

Lightweight

It is another important aspect to be kept in mind while selecting a volleyball shoe. I am quite a lightweight guy so I prefer lightweight shoes.

Heavy shoes give a bulky feel while jumping and in my opinion, they affect performance by not being much helpful in jumping.

If you want a lightweight volleyball shoe, try the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2, because these are the lightest volleyball shoes.

Breathability

A shoe should be adequately ventilated and breathable. The shoe lacking this property may cause sweating in the foot, leading to blisters. Although most of the volleyball shoes have breathable mesh material upper this factor may be considered.

Cushioning

Cushioning is important to give a comfortable feeling to the foot inside the shoe. If the shoes are inadequately cushioned you will feel uncomfortable. Even your foot may get hurt which in turn affects your performance.

FAQs Best Volleyball Shoes

What shoes do the best volleyball players wear?

There is a diversity in using volleyball shoes by the best volleyball players. Players of different countries use different volleyball shoe brands including Mizuno, Nike, Adidas, and Asics. 

Yogi Nishida of Japan wears ASICS Sky Elite FF 2. Famous French spiker Earvin N’Gapeth was wearing Adidas Dame 08 shoes against Italy in the National League 2022 at Ottawa. 

Most of the US team players wear Nike volleyball shoes. US setter Micah Christenson was wearing a Nike React Hyperset in a match against France.

Players of Italy wear Mizuno, Nike, and Adidas shoes. On the other hand, most of the Argentinian players including Vicentin, Loser, and Palacios were wearing Mizuno Wave Momentum 2. For details read my article on what shoes the best volleyball players wear.

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 is also important factor 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.