Best Volleyball Shoes

Last Updated June 30th

Whether you're just getting started or you've been playing for years, one thing's for sure: you're going to need a the best volleyball shoes for you. But with all the different brands and styles out there, how do you know which pair is of volleyball shoes is right for you? We have done the work for you and found the best volleyball shoes on the market and added them to our list. We tested these shoes talked with coaches and volleyball players to find their favorites then ranked them based on cushion, support, traction, and performance.

Best

#1 Editors Choice

Sky Elite FF 2

Asics Sky Elite FF 2

The Sky Elite FF 2 volleyball shoe top of the line since they provide proper support, traction, cushioning, and performance all in package that has a decent lightweight style.


Cushioning: 5

Support: 5

Traction: 5

Performance: 5 

Style: 4


#2 Overall

Wave Momentum 2

The Wave Momentum 2 are great volleyball shoes that deliver on everything we look for in a good shoe but the price tag is a little higher and I'm not a huge fan of their style.


Cushioning: 5

Support: 5

Traction: 5

Performance: 5 

Style: 3

#3 Overall

Kyrie 7

Kyrie 7s

Kyrie 7s are a great choice for those who want to look more stylish by wearing a basketball shoe without sacrificing support, cushioning, traction, or good performance.

Cushioning: 5 

Support: 4

Traction: 4

Performance: 4 

Style: 5

#1. Sky Fly Elites FF 2

Asics Sky Elite FF 2

The ASICS SKY ELITE FF 2 Volleyball Shoe is designed with GEL cushioning and FLYTEFOAM Propel technology to provide a supreme bounce. These asics volleyball shoes have a heel shape that is curved to allow athletes to cut-in more smoothly and set themselves up for a more powerful stride, while the TWISTRUSS technology helps them transition horizontal power to vertical power without losing energy. The wider flexion grooves in the outsole offer better flexibility. Overall, this is an excellent volleyball shoe for athletes looking for optimal cushioning, support, traction, and performance.

To be short the whole shoe is intentionally engineered to optimize volleyball specific performance making it our top volleyball shoe on this list.

Pros

  • GEL Cushioning is comfortable and does help you get that bounce off the ground
  • Flexion grooves on the outsole provide flexibility of movement meaning you get a great grip no matter which direction you move
  • DYNAWRAP cradles the foot to provide a great fit, stability, and support for side to side movements which is key for a good volleyball shoe.

Cons

  • Color choices are limited
  • Hard to find certain sizes
  • Takes a while to break in

#2. Mizuno Wave Momentum 2

The Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 features Dura Shield to protect your toes from friction damage, DynamotionFit Bootie construction for a snug and comfortable fit, EVA midsole for cushioning, INTERCOOL ventilation system to keep your feet cool and dry, and XG Rubber for superior traction. With all these features and more, the WAVE MOMENTUM 2 is sure to help you play your best game yet.

Pros

  • Extremely durable foam which helps performance and comfort
  • Good ventilation system that keeps your feet cool
  • Great grip due to it's XG rubber soles

Cons

  • Can have a stiff feel to them at first
  • Not the most stylish choice

#3. Kyrie 7s

Kyrie 7s

The Nike Kyrie 7 is a basketball shoe that offers great traction and support. It features a rubber wrap along the inner foot for traction, as well as a padded collar for support. The mesh details create a close fit and help you capitalize on your quickness. The large forefoot Air Zoom Turbo unit provides energy returns to help you make explosive moves on both a basketball and volleyball court. Whether you're cutting and pivoting or pushing off your edges, the Kyrie 7 will help you stay in control and move with confidence. So if you're looking for a high-performing shoe that can keep up with your speed and agility on the court.

Pros

  • Looks good
  • Sole designed to grip no matter the direction you cut
  • Rubber wraps on the inner foot to help give traction
  • Padded support around the achilles providing protection

Cons

  • The biggest con is that they are not super durable can get worn down quickly.

#4. PG 5

Nike PG 5

While these shoes are not designed for volleyball they are good volleyball shoes since they are designed to provide lightweight cushioning and stop-and-go traction, making them perfect for players who need to transition smoothly between vertical and lateral movement. These might not be Nike volleyball shoes but with a flexible outsole and close-up cushioning, the PG 5 is perfect for anyone looking for a great volleyball court shoe.

Pros

  • Great grip on indoor courts
  • Cushioning feels really responsive

Cons

  • Outsole isn't durable enough to be used outside
  • Cheaper materials used which can cause durability issues

#5. Asics Netburner

Netburner ballistic ff mt 3

The Asics Netburner Ballistic FF MT 3 court shoe is designed for the player who wants a supportive fit. These Asics volleyball shoes feature FLYTEFOAMâ„¢ Propel technology cushioning to increase impact absorption and responsiveness. The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45%.

Pros

  • Good cushioning and impact absorption
  • Eco friendly materials

Cons

  • Color choices are limited
  • Not the most stylish shoe

#6. Precision 5

Nike Precision 5 Shoe

The Nike Precision 5 is a lightweight basketball shoe that is designed for speed and agility. These nike volleyball shoes have a sculpted foam midsole for cushioning and a rubber outsole with herringbone traction for better grip. It also features less foam and rubber than previous versions, which makes it lighter and more responsive.

Pros

  • Lightweight structure helps with quick movement
  • Rubber outsoles using herringbone traction give great grip

Cons

  • Poor impact protection and cushioning

Volleyball Buyers Guide

Criteria for choosing the best volleyball shoes for you

1. Cushioning

One of the most important things to look for in a pair of volleyball shoes is cushioning. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time jumping and running around, so you'll want a volleyball shoe that can absorb some of that impact. Most volleyball shoes and brands offer different levels of cushioning, so finding the right amount is really a matter of preference. Just be sure to try on the shoes before you buy them so you can get a feel for how they fit and how much cushioning they provide.

2. Support

Another important factor to consider for finding your volleyball shoe is support. Your ankles will be taking a lot of stress during games, so it's important to find a shoe that provides good support. Many brands offer different levels of support in their shoes, so again, it's really a matter of finding what works best for you. Once again, be sure to try on the shoes before purchasing to get an idea of how they feel on your feet.

3. Traction

The last thing you want is to slip and fall during a game, so make sure to find a volleyball shoe with good traction. This is especially important if you play on an outdoor court, as surfaces can sometimes be slippery. Some brands offer special outsoles for extra traction, so if this is something you're interested in, be sure to look for it when shopping for shoes.

4. Performance

Some brands also offer volleyball shoes with special performance features that can help you play better. For example, some shoes are designed to improve your lateral movement or provide extra arch support. Keep an eye out for these features when shopping for volleyball shoes, as they may help you to perform at your best during games.

5. Durability

Finally, it's important to find a pair of volleyball shoes that is durable and will last through years of use. When shopping for shoes, be sure to choose a brand that offers a good warranty in case anything goes wrong.

6. Return Policy

Ensuring there is a return policy when purchasing volleyball shoes is crucial, especially when buying online, since you will never know exactly how the volleyball shoes will fit until you try them on. That is why even when we recommend popular volleyball shoes we say to ensure they have a good return policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play volleyball in sneakers?

It is not an experience to be enjoyed with a Tennis Shoe. Tennis shoes will not handle bare wood courts, as they have harder out-of-sole rubbers designed to work with concretes or clays. The shoes may move too quickly which can make them dangerous on dusty tennis courts.

Can running shoes be volleyball shoes?

Of the many athletic shoes that can be worn on volleyball courts, running shoes should be near the bottom of this list. You do not need volleyball footwear for a better volleyball playing, but you definitely shouldn't buy these running boots.

Why do you need special shoes for volleyball?

Volleyball boots offer ankle protection and traction and aid in the starting stops, quick moves, pivoting and jumping movements of this sport.

Should volleyball shoes be tight or loose?

Volleyball shoes need movement of the player's foot. The shoe must fit tightly without moving its heels in. It' s good advice for shoes if they are narrow between your toe tip and your heel point.

Do volleyball shoes have specific traction patterns for indoor and outdoor play?

Yes, volleyball shoes often have specific traction patterns designed for either indoor or outdoor play. Indoor volleyball shoes typically feature gum rubber or non-marking rubber outsoles with intricate herringbone or hexagonal patterns. These patterns provide excellent grip on indoor court surfaces, allowing players to make quick lateral movements and maintain stability. Outdoor volleyball shoes, on the other hand, may have more durable and rugged outsoles with patterns designed to provide traction on various outdoor surfaces, such as sand or grass.

Are there specific volleyball shoe brands that are recommended?

There are several volleyball shoe brands that are highly regarded by volleyball players and professionals. Some recommended brands include ASICS, Mizuno, Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. These brands are known for their commitment to quality, performance, and innovation in volleyball footwear. However, the choice of brand ultimately depends on personal preference, foot shape, and specific requirements of the player. We personally believe that ASICS has some of the best volleyball shoes on the market. However, it is recommended to try on different brands and models to find the one that fits best for each since all volleyball players are unique in what is best for them.

How often should I replace my volleyball shoes?

The lifespan of volleyball shoes depends on several factors, including the frequency of use, playing conditions, and personal preference. If you are using your volleyball shoes it regularly, 3-5 days a week then they should be replaced every 6-12 months or approximately every season for regular players. Over time, the cushioning and support in the shoes can deteriorate, impacting their performance and increasing the risk of injuries. Signs that indicate the need for replacement include excessive wear on the outsole, reduced cushioning, loss of traction, or discomfort during play. It is important to monitor the condition of the shoes and replace them when they no longer provide adequate support and performance.

Can you use basketball shoes instead of volleyball shoes?

Yes, basketball shoes tend to work great for volleyball as long as you are playing on a volleyball court or similar surface you would utilize basketball shoes on. If you are then basketball shoes are actually a great volleyball shoes alternative if you want something more stylish that still provides support and shock absorption.