Volleyball is a sport that requires a lot of movement and quick changes in direction. When choosing volleyball shoes, it is important to consider the brand, the material, and how they can help you play better. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about Volleyball shoes and what to look for when picking the next pair you’ll use for the coming season.
What Is a Volleyball Shoe?
A Volleyball shoe is an athletic shoe that is specially designed for playing Volleyball. Volleyball shoes are designed to provide the player with the necessary support and traction to make these movements safely. Volleyball shoes also have a very low profile to prevent ankle injuries.
The Anatomy Of A Volleyball Shoe
What separates Volleyball shoes from other athletic shoes is the way they’re built. There is a strong focus on lateral movement and providing cushioning to the player, improving performance and reducing injury. The anatomy of a Volleyball shoe has a strong focus on the foam or gel used for the midsole as well as a non-marking gum rubber outsole. Depending on the position you play, you may want to opt for a shoe that has a modified upper.
Why You Should Use Volleyball Shoes
Using proper equipment to play Volleyball is crucial to reduce the chance of an injury. At times, it doesn’t feel like it, Volleyball is a demanding sport. The most common reasons you should use Volleyball shoes are ankle support, shock absorption, and overpronation. They’ve also been known to help players with increasing their jump height.
Using Other Athletic Shoes For Volleyball
Every sport has its own specialized athletic shoe. Are all these shoes made the same? Not at all! In fact, each sport has its own demands and works to improve a specific type of movement. For example, soccer shoes are made for long-distance running and won’t help with jumping. That being said, there are some athletic shoes that can be used for Volleyball. For example, basketball shoes are the closest relative to Volleyball shoes.
Using Volleyball Shoes For Other Sports
Volleyball shoes are incredibly comfortable and useful for training, but can you use them for running or lifting? Using volleyball shoes for other sports is possible, but you run the risk of wearing them out faster. The best sports you can use them for are basketball, badminton, and squash.
Shopping For Volleyball Shoes
In this section, we want to make sure you know all your options when it comes time to buy your next pair of volleyball shoes.
Top Volleyball Shoe Brands
There are only a handful of dominant volleyball shoe brands that have a strong reputation for delivering quality. These brands are:
- Mizuno
- Nike
- Adidas
- ASICS
Since volleyball shoes can be interchanged with most basketball shoes, you can expand your reach to brands that make basketball shoes. Some of these brands include:
- Reebok
- Puma
- Under Armour
Various Styles of Volleyball Shoes
There are a few key components of a volleyball shoe that can make one different from another. Some shoes are made to help you perform better in a specific volleyball position while others are about personal style. Choose the right volleyball shoe style to fit your preference.
See our Volleyball shoe style guides:
Caring For Volleyball Shoes
With a bit of knowledge in shoe care, you can drastically extend the life of your volleyball shoes. The more you use them, you’ll wear out your shoes. There is no way to avoid it. The best thing you can do is keep them in their best condition.
The easiest ways to do this are to avoid wearing them outdoors or playing other sports. You should only wear your volleyball shoes on the court. Although they make for great athletic shoes, you should treat like them tools of the trade. Use them only when it’s time to play a game.
Bottom Line
There are many different brands of volleyball shoes on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to do your research and find the brand that best suits your needs. The material of volleyball shoes is also important to consider.
Volleyball shoes are typically made from either leather or synthetic materials. Leather volleyball shoes are more expensive but provide better support and breathability. Synthetic volleyball shoes are less expensive but tend to be less durable.