After soccer, volleyball has the world’s second highest degree of engagement. Volleyball is a team sport without contact in which two teams have three hits to move a ball over a separating net. William G. Morgan, a physical education director, has invented volleyball. He invented the sport called Mintonette, which became volleyball and eventually developed. However, volleyball is among the safest sports out there, but injuries may occur. Therefore, when playing volleyball, a player must have protective gear in order to make it as safe as possible, and volleyball shoes are among them.
The type of shoes you wear will greatly impact your game when it comes to playing sports. That is why there are many styles of shoes on the athletic footwear market that are customized to the game’s nature and requirements, such as running shoes, hiking shoes, football boots, hockey shoes , skate boots, baseball shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes etc. Based on their purpose, even those categories may be further categorized into groups. For example, running shoes have various styles, such as long-distance running shoes, cushioned shoes, beginners’ running shoes etc. Hope you’ve got the idea.
Indeed, choosing a decent pair of volleyball shoes is a wise investment. They help players perform better when playing against injury and also provide comfort and protection.
When you’re looking for the right volleyball shoes, there are huge variations to choose from. We know that choosing the right pair for success can be daunting. Luckily, through this post, you can find the best volleyball shoes for 2021. Continue to read!
Major Volleyball Tournaments
Actually, every year, volleyball has major international competitions and, at its highest level, is a physically demanding sport played by some of the most prestigious athletes in the world. If we look at the international volleyball calendar, four significant events related to volleyball are as follows;
- Olympic Games (men and women, indoors and beach)
- World Championships (men and women, indoors)
- World Cup (men and women, indoors)
- World League (men, indoors) / World Grand Prix (women, indoors)
With the exception of the annual World League and World Grand Prix, all events are conducted every four years.
The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), which has its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the international governing body for volleyball. The FIVB supervises the worldwide administration of volleyball and is responsible for a number of major events, including the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup, World League and World Grand Prix.
Do You Really Need Volleyball Shoes?
Yes! Why we say so? A volleyball shoe is made to absorb the impact and stick to the floor where necessary, with all side-to-side movements, combined with frequent jumping. They are also lightweight, making it much easier for jumping and lateral movements.
Are Basketball Shoes Better for Volleyball?
No, we don’t think so. We know some may give a different answer to this question. Why? Because, some may say that although basketball and volleyball are sports that are very different, they rely on many of the same fundamental basic movements. This is true up to some point.
However, it can seem that volleyball at the surface level has much in common with basketball and other indoor sports. This is what leads people to assume that the trick can be performed by any pair of indoor court shoes, such as basketball shoes.
Soles and Weight
Their soles and their weight are the two main differences between volleyball shoes and basketball or running shoes. Volleyball shoes must make it possible for the player to move the way the game demands, the lighter they are, the less energy you put out to move. When it comes to the soles, gum rubber soles are present on most volleyball shoes. This is necessary, because a volleyball player starts and stops a lot and plays on a smooth, shiny wooden floor. He or she needs the best traction he or she can get and it will be provided by the gum rubber soles. Owing to the number of surfaces athletes wear them on some shoes such as running shoes do not use the rubber gum.
Function
The function of the basketball shoe design is indeed to step forward and run. In comparison, volleyball shoes must be built for lateral movements which are combined with a significant amount of jumping. Simply going forward is not enough, because volleyball players have to step side by side and forward, backward, up and down. Since a basketball shoe is not built for the sheer amount of jumps a volleyball player has, after a few months, it gradually breaks down.
So, if someone suggests you to wear basketball shoes or running shoes as a volleyball player, simply tell them that they’re wrong. Playing volleyball is different from running or playing basketball for sure. Each type of shoe is intended for a specific purpose. Therefore, to win your game, you’ll need a pair of the finest volleyball shoes!
Multicourt Shoe for Volleyball?
A multi-court shoe is something like a combination of a volleyball shoe and a basketball shoe. Sports such as badminton, racquetball, squash and handball require high lateral support, but the effects of jumping do not affect them as much. For volleyball, we do not advise using multi-court shoes, but they might be more convenient for recreational play.
What Should I Look for When Buying Volleyball Shoes?
Only non-marking, closed-toe, athletic footwear are permitted on the gym floor under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Volleyball rules. However, it can be a little hard to choose the best shoe for your year-round game or even just a summer volleyball camp. If you are a beginner or pro player, it will benefit you in the future to know how to pick out the right volleyball shoe. So why wait? Simply follow this list.
- Support
- Stability
- Breathability
- Comfort and Cushioning
- Grip
- Weight
- Durability
- Design
- Size
- Price
Please keep reading to know about the importance of each and every aspect mentioned here.
1. Support
Any physical activity raises your risk of hurting yourself in ways you wouldn’t usually experience in your everyday life. There are things you need to be aware of the sport related injuries. To prevent most muscle and tendon-related injuries you have to provide enough support during a landing or fall to cradle your pressure points, arches, and muscles. Proper support provided by volleyball shoes serves as a bridge between you and all the shock and pressure on the volleyball court.
2. Stability
In all directions, volleyball needs lots of fast movements. It is also a good idea to look for a shoe that gives your feet more than enough support so that you can take off towards the ball as quickly and efficiently as possible. A stable shoe can offer great traction, and moreover ensure that you are confident in your steps when playing volleyball at any motion you face. The collar and heel guard may also be credited to stability.
3. Breathability
Having good breathability in your volleyball shoes is incredibly important. And if you’ve already checked out a few volleyball shoes, you may find that mesh uppers are popular in volleyball shoes. This is to make sure that enough space for breathing is provided to your feet. It has to have a breathability aspect to it if someone markets their shoes as good for sports and working out. All this helps to minimize trapped odors, insole deterioration from foot sweat, as well as lower the risk of extended exposure with fungal infections in these warm, moist conditions.
4. Comfort and Cushioning
Comfort is not the number one aspect to consider, but all round comfort, especially in a shoe pair we wear while engaging in intense sport, is of course very important for any shoe. However, it may be cushioning that can be considered the most important aspect. That also, particularly cushioning in the heel region. Volleyball allows players to hop on every point continuously, so you want to ensure that your feet land every single time as gently as possible on the rough wooden surface. Not just to prevent exhaustion, but injury as well. That’s why volleyball shoes are also ticked in the list of safety equipment in volleyball.
5. Grip
When you are playing volleyball, you need plenty of traction out there, as it can get very slippery. Therefore, gum rubber soles for traction purposes must be used in all quality volleyball shoes. Shoes with soles of gum rubber ensure you’re not going to fall and slip all over the place. This helps to prevent injuries and also means the court will not be marked by your shoes.
6. Weight
It is important to look for a volleyball shoe that is intended to be as light as possible, considering that volleyball includes lots of running and jumping. The lighter the structure, the better off you will be. Which is why it is essential to find a shoe that is evenly distributed. This will help ensure you don’t fatigue your feet easily.
7. Durability
Unlike your fancy dress shoes, your volleyball shoes are going to be worn down over time because you’ll actually be using them frequently. Although there have been some significant advances in improving the durability of footwear over the past few years, it is still prevalent to have to start replacing shoes used every season for volleyball.
How Often Should You Get New Volleyball Shoes?
If your schedule is not quite as intense as 4 or 5 days a week, of course, the shoes can last longer. A pair of volleyball shoes could last for two or more years, depending on your personal activity level and duration, but hardcore use might minimize that duration to 18 months.
Typically, it’s easy to tell if you should buy a new pair of shoes. Seek out signs of decomposition with your volleyball shoes. If your shoes show signs of weak sides by the ankles, shoe loosening during matches or I f your shoes start to slip, it’s really the time to replace them. In addition to not getting the same performance from them, the wear and tear of the shoes themselves is evident, especially in terms of cushioning, grip, and stability as we mentioned.
8. Design
No, we are not talking about style here. Do not get this wrong. We are talking in terms of function. As you may already know, unlike other running and basketball shoes, volleyball shoes are made differently. This is because of the intense lateral and vertical movement of volleyball players. A poorly designed volleyball shoe is worse than simply not wearing any. Breathability, sole strength and thickness, the padding on the tongue, aerodynamics, collar padding, and basically everything else you can imagine will be part of the design of your volleyball shoes. So please pay enough attention to these features when you look for a pair of volleyball shoes.
9. Size
The volleyball shoe must be able to move along on the foot with a player. This means that, with the foot not moving inside, the shoe must actually fit. A good tip is to have a finger width or less between the shoe’s tip and toes when trying on shoes. You can refer How to Pick the Correct Shoe Size Before Buying Online? article to learn about your shoe size.
10. Price
Forget about volleyball, when was the last time that your buying decision was not affected by the price tag? There are decent volleyball shoes to be found in all price ranges, and not just among the most expensive options. But when you consider the design attributes, they are all worth the cost. However, the key point is to do the required research and then find a pair within your price range that really suits your needs and offers the best value for money.
Are Volleyball Shoes Worth It?
After going through all the aspects you need to consider before buying a pair of volleyball shoes, you may probably wonder are they really worth it. Answer is YES!
Don’t worry, it’s natural for most of us to attempt to save costs by using equipment you already have when trying out a new sport. Some may still wonder can’t we just throw a pair of running shoes or basketball shoes at volleyball as well. Well, a volleyball shoe helps to absorb the impact and stick to the floor where needed, with all side-to-side movements, mixed with constant jumping. They are also lightweight, making it much easier for jumping and lateral movements. So, if you are willing to become a pro at your game, we truly recommend you to add a quality pair of volleyball shoes in your checklist as well.
Are Volleyball Shoes Good for Walking?
No.
We don’t recommend wearing volleyball shoes outside. You must use them on the floor of the gym only. Meaning, you can’t use them as normal footwear because the soles can easily be worn out by concrete and asphalt.
What Brand Is the Best for Volleyball Shoes?
ASICS, Mizuno, Adidas, and Nike are the brands you need to consider in general. When it comes to volleyball shoes, these brands provide the best comfort, support, cushioning, grip, and basically everything else you need. They make up little of the market share, though there are a few other brands, and are not popular with new or pro players. However, in reality, most individuals would tell Mizuno and ASICS if we were to limit the list to only the two best brands.
What are the Best Volleyball Shoes for 2021?
So, this is the real question right? We have listed 12 of the best volleyball shoes on the market in 2021 for you to check out. All the brands who manufacture these shoes really know what it takes to offer a great pair of volleyball shoes and are world-famous for their quality.
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8
- ASICS Women’s Upcourt 3
- ASICS Men’s Netburner Ballistic
- ASICS Women’s Gel 1150V
- ASICS Women’s Gel Rocket 7
- Mizuno Wave Tornado X
- Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3
- Mizuno Wave Bolt 6 Volleyball Shoe
- Nike Women’s Volley Zoom Hyperspike
- Nike Women’s Air Zoom Hyperace
- Adidas Originals Crazyflight Bounce 2
- Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace
You can learn about the characteristics of the volleyball shoes listed above, one by one. Let’s start with ASICS shoes!
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 Volleyball Shoes
ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 shoes provide the stability that the Liberos need in the back row for intense play.
Libero – A back-row defensive specialist is commonly known as a libero in indoor volleyball. They have exquisite ball-control abilities.
Why we like ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 Volleyball Shoes?
- This shoe offers a specially molded midsole for advanced support
- Rear and forefoot gel cushioning soften landings and take-offs by attenuating shock during impact phase.
- The weight of the sole unit is lowered by Trusstic System Technology while preserving the structural integrity of the shoe.
- High-grip gum rubber outsole helps maintain your balance during fast directional changes.
- A perfect choice for Liberos that features lightweight support, true-to-size fit, and superior grip.
2. ASICS Women’s Upcourt 3 Volleyball Shoes
For both beginners new to the sport and committed players who need an extra pair for practice, the ASICS Upcourt 3 is a perfect choice. You can perform to the fullest each time, with style and practicality offered by this pair.
Why we like ASICS Women’s Upcourt 3 Volleyball Shoes?
- With a padded collar and tongue, as well as mesh lining and a cushioned sockliner for enhanced performance support, this shoe provides a supportive internal fit.
- The Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System provides shock absorption and lets you move seamlessly between matches.
- Provides comfort and support throughout your match with its contemporary style.
- An EVA midsole and sockliner, which offers excellent rebound and allows you to play comfortably.
- The removable sockliner offers the option of removing orthotics if desired.
3. ASICS Men’s Netburner Ballistic Volleyball Shoes
Volleyball shoes for men also have the challenge of having to be large, but they also have to offer ample protection to withstand impact and shock. In order to withstand the court’s demands, ASICS put these together with a rubber compound outsole, which incorporates more actual rubber than regular shoes, and a FlyteFoam midsole technology.
Why we like ASICS Men’s Netburner Ballistic Volleyball Shoes?
- Removable sock liner for washing and controlling microbial fungus buildup.
- Cushioning system with dual gel technology for balanced support.
- Distinctive elastomer compound, FlyteFoam Propel Technology offers supreme bounce.
- During sudden twisting or pivoting movements, TWISTRUSS Technology assists athletes with more agility and pace.
4. ASICS Women’s Gel 1150V Volleyball Shoes
Comes with an upgraded new upper that provides an enhanced performance and breathability blend of synthetic leather and air mesh.
Why we like ASICS Women’s Gel 1150V Volleyball Shoes?
- The involvement of the cushioning system for Rearfoot GEL absorbs shock during impact.
- Comfortable wear and enhanced breathability due to the ventilated sole unit.
- Newly designed top, made with trendy materials that enhance performance.
- The new toe guard makes the shoe more durable.
- The rearfoot GEL cushioning system absorbs the impact shock.
5. ASICS Women’s Gel Rocket 7 Volleyball Shoes
For recreational volleyball teams, the Gel-Rocket 7 is available in a decent price range. Even Tony Horton, from P90X, recommends it.
Why we like ASICS Women’s Gel Rocket 7 Volleyball Shoes?
- While maintaining the structural integrity of the shoe, the Trusstic System decreases the weight of the sole unit.
- The NC Rubber Outsole Compound contains more natural rubber than standard solid rubber, resulting in greater traction on court systems.
- GEL Cushioning System (COURT) Forefoot Attenuates shock during the process of impact.
6. Mizuno Wave Tornado X Volleyball Shoes
Traditionally, the Volleyball-Tips team is ASICS fans because Mizuno shoes always have a heel gap. But, Tornado X compensates and has proven to provide consistent grip by continued use.
Why we like Mizuno Wave Tornado X Volleyball Shoes?
- It looks incredibly tough, so the aesthetic is A-1.
- To build both comfort and breathability, the top is a mixture of synthetic and air mesh.
- Built to reduce the irritation of your feet with a seamless design.
- Padded to ensure comfort when gaming in the sole and foot bed.
7. Mizuno Wave Bolt 6 Volleyball Shoes
In certain ways, the Mizuno Wave Bolt 6 is similar to the Wave Lightning Z3. One major difference, however, is the material from which the upper is made of.
Why we like Mizuno Wave Bolt 6 Volleyball Shoes?
- Presence of an excellent Parallel Wave cushioning system that serves across the entire shoe to disperse shock.
- Specially crafted grooves in the sole of the shoe and the natural arch shape of the midsole, Dynamotion Fit is present to allow explosive movements more easily.
- The top is made of both synthetic and mesh materials that are built to give your feet as much space to breathe and stay cool as possible, plus durability and optimum air circulation.
8. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 Volleyball Shoes
We have discovered by this point that Mizuno is a successful brand and another evidence to validate that point is Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 Volleyball Shoes.
Why we like Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3?
- Instead of concentrating on only one region, Parallel Wave Technology is designed to spread shock around the sole.
- Dynamotion Fit makes movements in all directions very easily.
- Grooves that help to increase both agility and versatility while retaining a high degree of stability, especially in the forefoot region, on the non-marking outsole.
- This volleyball shoe is very light and plays a significant role in reducing foot fatigue to the greatest extent possible.
9. Nike Women’s Volley Zoom Hyperspike Volleyball Shoes
The Nike Volley Zoom Hyperspike is a lightweight, high performance volleyball shoe that helps all types of players to excel in their game.
Why we like Nike Women’s Volley Zoom Hyperspike Volleyball Shoes?
- Great deal of commitment to heel support from the collar to the improved TPU heel cup in Nike Women’s Volley Zoom Hyperspike Training Shoes.
- During break-in time, the padded tongue prevents chafing or discomfort.
- Lightweight Phylon upper and leather midsole for impact protection and comfort.
- Strong outsole rubber with a pattern of herringbone traction for on-court traction. Superior grip is created by this special traction padding on the outsole.
- A breathable foot-to-upper fit is offered by Flywire 3.0 technology that locks the foot down and reduces movement within the shoe.
10. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Hyperace Volleyball Shoes
Indoor volleyball shoes need an insane grip to clutch the court’s wax floors, and Nike Women’s Air Zoom Hyperace Volleyball Shoes is to the rescue here.
Why we like Nike Women’s Air Zoom Hyperace Volleyball Shoes?
- Includes a TPU cage that runs along the entire bottom of your foot, providing an additional support where you most need it.
- The lightweight cushioning is provided by the Zoom Air unit.
- Outsole rubber for grip on hardcourt surfaces.
- The Ultralight Zoom air system ensures that your shoes would have relatively no drag.
11. Adidas Originals Crazyflight Bounce 2 Volleyball Shoes
If a volleyball shoe is all about style but no substance, that’s not much use. Fortunately, with Crazyflight Bounce 2, this isn’t the case. It manages to make you stand out while checking all the necessary conditions and looking amazing on the court.
Why we like Adidas Originals Crazyflight Bounce 2 Volleyball Shoes?
- When your feet land back on the deck, the lightweight mesh upper and bounce cushioning device combine to give a lightweight feel that enables agile movements and good shock absorption.
- For players who need to control the net, this is a great choice. Volleyball Shoes
12. Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace Volleyball Shoes
Although the best brands to consider looking to purchase a new pair of volleyball shoes are usually ASICS, Mizuno, Nike and Adidas, there is another aspect to remember. Say that because you love the style, you just want a high-top shoe. Well, if that’s the case, Under Armour is the best option for you.
High top volleyball shoes, we know, aren’t the most popular thing you’ll see today. But Under Armour doesn’t seem to be willing to go with what’s normal, they’re all into what’s uncommon.
Why we like Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace Volleyball Shoes?
- Two-way stretch and support provided by ankle cushioning and padding.
- In less than ten seconds, the quick-lacing system offers the ideal fit.
- Dynamic internal webbing loops hug the foot during multi directional movement to improve fit and support.
- The 3D rubberized toe cap which is resistant to abrasion, offers optimum protection & longevity.
- 4D Foam sockliner molds to your foot’s form, preventing slippage and offering perfect support under the foot.
Why Are Shoes Important in Volleyball?
There’s really no excuse not to grab a pair of shoes with volleyball players because it is useful for traction, breathability, improved leaps, cushioning and in prevention of injury. All these are really necessary to emerge as a great volleyball player other than just knowing how to play the game.
Conclusion
Did you know that volleyball is played every week by more than 800 million people around the world? 46 million of those 800 million are based in America. Each year, over 460,000 high school students compete in interscholastic volleyball, including more than 410,000 girls, according to STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention). As participation has grown over the past two decades, the number of volleyball-related injuries has increased as well. All in all, injuries in volleyball practice and games occur at the rate of 1 to 10 injuries for every 1,000 hours of play. So it is vital to use volleyball protective equipment such as knee pads, padded shorts, arm sleeves, ankle braces, wrist braces and mouth guards along with volleyball shoes.
When you decide what volleyball shoes you’re going to need, you need to consider what kind of player you are. Whether it is superb traction, excellent shock absorption or enhanced stability, you need to know what kind of qualities you are looking for in a volleyball shoe. Hope you got an idea about 12 of the best volleyball shoes available on the market through this article. Do not run away from challenges in the end, run over them while wearing your best volleyball pair of shoes! After all, as Al Scates says “You have to be willing to fail, to improve!“
