The 11 Best Volleyball Shoes (2024)

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The Mizuno Wave Momentum checks all the boxes for cushioning, support, stability and breathability which is why it's our best overall selection. These versatile volleyball shoes feature Mizuno’s trademark Wave technology that disperses energy from impact, giving players cushioned comfort and injury protection. With a lightweight, wave-shaped midsole plate, the shoe has ample cushioning and support, and breathability is provided by the shoe's engineered mesh upper. The Intercool ventilation system also helps to reduce heat buildup inside the shoe, enhancing overall comfort and performance.

Built with extra-grade rubber, the outsole is crafted to improve flexibility and agility on the court. Available in women’s sizes 6 to 13 and several color combinations, these durable shoes are a great option for all-around volleyball play.

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The versatile ASICS GEL-ROCKET 9 volleyball shoe for men has stellar traction and shock absorption, in addition to a cushioned, molded-EVA midsole. Made with ASICS’s well-known GEL cushioning in the rear, it's designed to soften landings and takeoffs. Additionally, the breathable, lightweight mesh upper allows for good ventilation to keep your feet dry and fresh.

The TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology stabilizes the shoe so you can safely pass and dig, while the grippy rubber outsole helps you stay steady as you pivot and move. Available in men’s sizes 6 to 15 and a few color options, the GET-ROCKET 9 is a great all-around pick.

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At a budget-friendly price, these versatile shoes from Mizuno are an excellent pick for all-around volleyball players. The responsive EVA midsole provides good cushioning to protect your feet and joints when jumping and running. Like all high-performance volleyball shoes, they also have non-marking rubber soles to offer excellent traction for quick movements on the court.

The synthetic mesh upper moves with your foot, so you get a good range of motion in addition to a very secure fit. They come in women’s sizes 6 to 11, and some wearers suggest going up a size as the shoes seem to run small.

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Whether you’re brand-new to volleyball or an experienced player who wants to add an affordable pair of shoes to your collection, the ASICS Upcourt 4 shoe is a solid choice. Lightweight and durable, it features the cushioning, breathability, and performance that you’d expect from more expensive shoes. The rubber gum sole grips the court surface to keep you from slipping, and the mesh paneling keeps your feet from overheating. It's also constructed from synthetic leather for additional support.

Available in men’s sizes 6 to 13, they come in a few color combinations, so you can choose one that coordinates best with your uniform or favorite volleyball attire.

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The opposite position in volleyball is a great all-around player who hits and blocks while occasionally passing and setting. Designed with a lightweight, breathable construction, the Adidas Crazyflight Bounce 3 volleyball shoe allows for a great range of movement and jumping, making them perfect for the position.

A comfy, cushioned midsole softens every landing and offers good responsiveness to keep you on your toes. Plus, the lightweight, mesh upper allows for breathability while providing good stability on the court. Available in women’s sizes 6 to 12, this sleek, versatile shoe is a fantastic pick for opposites or any volleyball player looking for a comfortable, stable shoe.

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The lightweight, supportive design and grippy rubber outsole of the ASICS NETBURNER BALLISTIC FF MT 2 volleyball shoe make it ideal for players who need to be agile on the indoor court. Like ASICS’s popular running shoes, they feature the GEL cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot for excellent shock absorption and comfort when jumping and making quick moves. Lightweight FlyteFoam midsole cushioning adds to the overall responsiveness.

With a midtop profile and a mesh-and-leather upper, you’ll get good stability on the court. The shoe’s rubber outsole features ASIC's Flexion Fit grooves for additional traction, and they come in men’s sizes 6 to 15.

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If you prefer to have extra ankle support when you’re jumping, hitting, and blocking on the court, you’ll like the midcut profile of the Adidas Women's Crazyflight Mid Volleyball Shoes. Designed with the perfect blend of comfort and lightweight stability, they’re a great choice for intense play on indoor courts. The molded heel counter helps keep your foot in place, and the Adidas Boost cushioning system will ensure soft landings.

These versatile and durable shoes come in a wide range of colors and women’s sizes 5 to 14. They’re a bit more expensive than some other options but well worth the investment.

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Since setters can play in the front or back row, they need to be able to turn on a dime. For a shoe with the exceptional traction that setters require, it’s tough to beat the ASICS Gel-Tactic 2 Women's Volleyball Shoes. The grippy rubber outsole is ideal for executing quick acceleration and cuts, and the lightweight cushioning helps with shock absorption.

The Gel-Tactic 2 also features an OrthoLite sock liner that molds to your feet over time, enhancing your overall comfort. Durable and versatile, these shoes are available in women’s sizes 5 to 14 and several color combinations.

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Volleyball hitters engage in a lot of jumping, so anyone playing the position needs a shoe with stellar cushioning and traction. The Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Women's Volleyball Shoe features Parallel Wave technology, which is engineered to disperse shock throughout the entire sole rather than just one area. This means hitters can jump repeatedly but keep the shock and stress on their feet to a minimum.

The shoe’s lightweight feel also reduces foot fatigue and aching and keeps hitters on their toes. The design and placement of the grooves on the outsole improve flexibility, grip, and agility. A solid option for hitters, the shoes come in women’s sizes 6 to 13.

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A team’s libero plays defense in the back row and needs shoes with good stability, shock absorption, and traction so they can pass, dig, and change direction quickly and confidently. With lightweight support, true-to-size fit, and superior grip, Nike's Zoom HyperAce 2 Women's Volleyball Shoe is ideal for the intense play of liberos.

Designed for play on hard volleyball courts, the shoes have pressured air units in the midsole for good responsiveness and bounce. The Nike Zoom technology offers light cushioning that’s supportive and comfortable while also letting you be quick on your feet. Available in women’s sizes 5 to 11 in a few color options, the HyperAce is a superb choice for liberos.

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If your child discovers a love for volleyball, it’s important that they’re wearing the right shoe to reduce their risk of injury—or avoid injury altogether—and boost their performance. This durable, comfy pair of youth volleyball shoes from ASICS will keep them steady and confident, whether they’re blocking, hitting, or serving. With a grippy rubber outsole, they provide good traction on slippery gym floors, allowing kids to easily jump, pivot, and move.

These shoes offer high performance without the distraction of ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes. They also feature a breathable construction and padding to prevent blisters and calluses. Available in big kids’ sizes 1 to 7, your child can choose from multiple color options.

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Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between volleyball shoes and regular shoes?

  With the many skills needed to succeed in volleyball, shoes for players need to incorporate features from all types of shoes. “The sport requires explosive lateral movement, so the shoe must function like a tennis shoe in terms of stability and traction,” says DeBoer. “The repetitive jumping requires heel strike reinforcement like you would find in a running shoe, and the landing requires protection from ankle rolls and impact softening like you would find in a basketball shoe.”

• Are running shoes good for volleyball?

  Running shoes may be suitable for a casual volleyball player. However, if you're playing on a regular basis, you should invest in a pair of shoes constructed specifically for volleyball. If you select a shoe like the ones on this list, you’ll get the traction, stability, and cushioning that volleyball players need for peak performance and injury protection.

• Can volleyball shoes be used for basketball?

  While some volleyball shoes could work for basketball, others may not have the right features that a basketball player requires in a reliable, high-performance shoe. For instance, many volleyball shoes are low-profile and may not have the ankle support and stability that basketball players need.

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