Volleyball is a special sport in which the player’s legs are subjected to extreme stress.
Therefore, one of the most important elements of a volleyball player’s equipment is shoes.
Often, people greatly underestimate the importance of volleyball shoes in this sport.
You shouldn’t do this, because properly selected shoes can protect you from many injuries.
How to Choose the Best Volleyball Shoes
Shoes are the basis of every volleyball player’s equipment. Heavy sneakers are not suitable for the gym. Shoes for the game must be adapted to fast actions, such as jumping and running.
The sole is responsible for proper grip on the floor when moving, braking, and accelerating.
Sneakers cannot be too soft (this will cause the ankle to be unsupported) or too hard (they will be uncomfortable to play in because they will cause discomfort when jumping).
Volleyball shoes should have a sole designed to provide support to the metatarsal bone and prevent injury. Sneakers shouldn’t be heavy.
The weight of volleyball shoes for men ranges from 320 g to 420 g and for women from 260 g to 310 g. The moisture control system is also important. Good volleyball shoes have different systems to prevent excessive sweating of the feet.
Peculiarities
When choosing the right volleyball shoes, you need to pay attention to three aspects:
- Cushioning
- Weight of the shoe, and
- The level of stability of the foot.
Depreciation is a very important factor. It is mainly responsible for minimizing the pressure on the foot when landing, but cushioning determines the weight of the shoe; the more complex and high-quality the system, the more it weighs.
Heavier players require more cushioning as more body weight puts pressure on the feet. With lighter players, who are usually shorter, the situation is a little different.
For them, the dynamics of the jump are key, and shock absorption does not help with this.
At the same time, low body weight puts less stress on your feet, so you can focus on lightweight running shoes with basic cushioning.
As mentioned above, the weight of shoes is one of the most important aspects of choice. The differences can be very large.
For example, a pair of Mizuno Lightning Z6s weighs approximately 600g (depending on size), while a pair of Asics Tokyo Metarise weighs around 1kg. This difference in the air is very noticeable for the athlete.
After doing several hundred jumps in a match or training session, a decent amount of kilograms lifted into the air accumulates.
What influences stabilization?
For many, the most important thing is stabilization. What is meant by this phrase? This is the shoe’s ability to maintain a stable foot position while playing volleyball. A foot with too much range of motion is prone to injury. Therefore, it should be stabilized along its entire length.
Ways to increase resilience
There are several proven ways to do this. First of all, you need to strengthen the heel. This element is responsible for stabilizing the ankle joint, which limits its range of motion.
Contrary to popular belief, an oversized upper does not protect against sprains but only provides mechanical protection to the ankle (for example, from a kick).
There is no doubt that low-top shoes with a well-reinforced heel provide better ankle stabilization than any high-top shoe.
In volleyball, professional players are ditching high-top shoes for a low-top set with an ankle stabilizer.
Another proven way to stabilize the foot is to use straps, such as the California Slip Lasting used by Asics.
The straps are designed to connect shoe laces to the sole at the level of the metatarsus.
Tightening the laces improves the grip of the foot. The last proven method of stabilization is the so-called bridge. It is used in most volleyball shoes.
It prevents metatarsal strain that can occur when shifting body weight from one leg to the other in a defensive position or when landing on the floor after attempting a block. The bridge is the rigid part of the sole of the shoe at the height of the metatarsal bone that allows the front and rear parts of the foot to move in the same plane.
Width and ventilation
It’s worth paying attention to the width of the shoe, which isn’t as important as the previously discussed features but can improve your game.
Thanks to the large width, the effect of enhancing the stabilization of the leg is achieved: the lack of slipping reduces the uncontrolled range of movements, which more often leads to injuries.
For people who sweat excessively, shoe ventilation is important. Removing moisture and excess heat provides greater stability and reduces fatigue.
The most common method used in volleyball shoes to keep the interior fresh is the mesh used in the construction of the upper.
Excess heat and moisture go into the cracks in the material. The Mizuno brand has gone even further with the innovative Mizuno Intercool system. It allows air to circulate through the sole; there is a small hole at the bottom through which the foot is ventilated.
List of the best Shoes for Volleyball
Rating of the best Shoes for volleyball:
- ASICS GEL-ROCKET 9
- Asics Upcourt 4
- Asics Men’s Sky Elite Ff Mt Blue
- Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid
- Asics Gel-Rocket 8
- Mizuno Lightning Z3
- ASICS GEL-BEYOND 5 MT
- Nike Volley Zoom Hyperspike
- Adidas Volley Team 3
- Mizuno Wave Lighting Z6
- MIZUNO TORNADO X MID
1. ASICS GEL-ROCKET 9: best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 8/10
Weight: 9/10
Material: 8/10
Stabilization: 9/10
Pros
- So light that you can’t feel it on your foot.
- high-quality material.
Cons
- Not detected.
ASICS GEL-ROCKET 9 is one of the most popular models this year. It is recommended by many fans of this sport. What sets them apart from others is their mesh and synthetic leather upper.
It is very comfortable and guarantees excellent support. Asics Gel is a specially designed insole that is filled with silicone. These sneakers are worth the money. Recommended for both professionals and amateurs.
Check the price on Amazon
2. Asics Upcourt 4: best shoes for Volleyball
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Stabilization:9/10
Pros
- Lightweight.
- EVA foam for comfortable jumping.
- Gel pads.
Cons
- May not be suitable for long training sessions.
These shoes for volleyball are recommended by people who value speed and agility. This Shoes differ from their competitors with a comfortable and airy MESH mesh upper reinforced with synthetic leather elements.
The midsole is made from EVA foam and provides adequate levels of cushioning. The Asics Upcourt 4 differs from other sneakers in that its sole does not leave marks on the floor and perfectly stabilizes and protects against twisting movements. The Asics Upcourt 4 is definitely worth the money. Playing volleyball in them is safe and comfortable.
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Check out the best basketball shoes for volleyball.
3. Asics Men’s Sky Elite Ff Mt Blue – best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 10/10
Material: 10/10
Stabilization: 10/10
Pros
- Suitable for amateurs and professionals.
- Excellent grip on the floor.
Cons
- May not fit wide feet.
Asics Men’s Sky Elite Ff Mt Blue are good men’s volleyball shoes that protect the ankles. They are designed for playing indoors. Features an NC rubber outsole that provides excellent grip and high abrasion resistance.
It is also worth mentioning the use of GEL technology in the rear of the foot, which made it possible to take care of the dynamics.
The outsole uses FLUIDRIDE technology to provide dynamic cushioning.
There is additional support that has been obtained through the use of TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology. Sky Elite Ff Mt Blue is available in high and low versions.
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4. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid – best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 9/10
Weight: 9/10
Material: 10/10
Stabilization: 10/10
Check the Price on Amazon
Pros
- One of the best clutches.
- Ventilation helps your foot breathe.
- Wide range of sizes.
Cons
- It needs to be distributed.
Good volleyball shoes should be comfortable. The Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid is one of the most popular running shoes available on the market this year.
They are valued for their high comfort of use. The Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 MID is made for people who want a dynamic and lightweight volleyball shoe.
The sneakers differ from their analogues in their reinforced upper, which guarantees a perfect fit to the foot.
5. Asics Gel-Rocket 8 – best volleyball shoes
Comfort: 8/10
Weight: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Stabilization: 10/10
Pros
- Will last more than one season.
- Helium insole.
Cons
- Small range of colors.
What distinguishes this model from the rest is that it is made for use exclusively in the gym. They have an Asicis Gel insole. It is made of silicone, which provides perfect cushioning and allows the foot to feel comfortable.
The Asics Gel-Rocket 8 differs from others in that it has a helium system for the rear and forefoot. Materials used: NC rubber, wet grip rubber.
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6. Mizuno Lightning Z3 – best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 10/10
Material: 9/1/
Stabilization: 10/10
Check the price on Amazon.
Pros
- Ventilation from all sides
- Foam sole.
- Wide range of sizes.
Cons
- Suitable for men only.
Mizuno Men’s Lightning Z3 Volleyball Shoes are a unique shoe. There are many positive reviews on the Internet. The sneakers differ from their analogues with a revolutionary seamless design in the upper part.
Thanks to the technologies used, they meet the high expectations of even the most demanding volleyball player. The Mizuno Lightning Z3 Men’s Volleyball Shoe also features D-Flex Groove foam.
7. ASICS GEL-BEYOND 5 MT – best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Stabilization: 9/10
Available on the Amazon
Pros
- Youth design.
- Ensure ankle safety.
- Absorbs shocks.
Cons
Not identified.
Asics GEL-BEYOND 5 MT is becoming increasingly popular. They are manufactured using the latest ASICS technology. They are distinguished from their analogues by their lightness, good grip, and excellent dynamics.
Effective ventilation will help avoid unpleasant odors. The sneakers have SpEva foam and elastic bands. The model features GEL Cushioning technology on the rear and forefoot, which absorbs shock from jumps and impacts on the floor.
8. Nike Volley Zoom Hyperspike: best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Stabilization: 10/10
Advantages
- Balanced on the leg.
- The sole is made of the latest material.
Flaws
- High price.
This brand does not lag behind others in terms of quality in sportswear. This is a model with excellent shock absorption, high stability, and grip on the floor.
This high level of shock absorption was achieved due to foam inserts in the sole and optimal grip due to the rubberized outer layer. The sneakers have a hard plastic component that prevents the sole from twisting. For greater comfort, a polyurethane insert was used.
9. Adidas Volley Team 3 best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 9/10
Weight: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Stabilization: 10/10
Available on the Amazon
Advantages
- Helps with jumping.
- Comfortable and safe.
- Good grip on any surface.
Flaws
- Limited sizes.
This is an inexpensive and good choice that has only positive reviews.
This is an incredibly lightweight shoe with good traction and grip. They are designed for volleyball players of average height.
The DIAPAD 3 technology they use makes jumping easier. The material is mesh, which increases ventilation and makes playing incredibly easy.
The sole is made of natural rubber. They have an IN’UP insert on the front of the sole for dynamic play.
10: Mizuno Wave Lighting Z6 – best shoes for volleyball
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 10/10
Material: 10/10
Stabilization: 10/10
Advantages
- Excellent flexibility.
- Diagonal groove for maneuverability
- Soft insole.
Flaws
- May appear large.
Mizuno Wave Lighting Z6 is characterized by excellent stabilization. The sneakers have a very high degree of cushioning. The upper of the Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 is made of synthetic material. The sneakers are made using the latest technologies. An example is the Wave Technology system used, which is the structural basis of the sole.
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11. MIZUNO TORNADO X MID – best volleyball shoes
Comfort: 10/10
Weight: 10/10
Material: 10/10
Stabilization: 10/10
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Advantages
- Stretch midsole.
- Breathable upper.
- Synthetic leather design.
- Not identified.
These are the shoes most often chosen by professionals, and they also look stylish. Technologies used: a triple layer of air mesh combined with synthetic leather provides excellent ventilation of the upper without losing its properties.
There is a removable inner lining for added cushioning and durability. The parallel wave cushioning system provides a very good level and stabilizes the foot during movement.
The Intercool system is built into the entire outsole to prevent over-wetting and maintain a proper temperature during exercise.
The outsole is equipped with the AP+ (Accelartion Polymer) system, providing excellent flexibility. HG rubber on the outsole provides optimal grip while moving.
The shoe features the Infinity Wave system (a two-layer outsole design connected by soft pods that better absorbs and dissipates impact forces, providing excellent cushioning and durability). Kuraliner Fit: fixation on the ankle
How to properly care for volleyball shoes
Volleyball is an intense sport. The whole body participates in the game, but the feet sweat the most, so after each workout, shoes should be aired and sprayed with a refreshing spray.
Thanks to this, you can get rid of unpleasant odors and also reduce the risk of bacteria and fungi growing.
Volleyball shoes do not require constant washing, like football boots. They are resistant to dirt, do not get wet, and are not affected by weather conditions. In this context, caring for volleyball shoes is quite simple, but do not forget to wash them and apply impregnation from time to time.
If the outer mesh is damaged, it should be replaced. Mechanical damage inside the shoes is grounds for throwing them away and buying new ones. Anything that can cause abrasions on the legs affects the quality and comfort of the game.
Mizuno and Asics produce specialized equipment designed for playing volleyball. Currently, the leader in this area and the company with the largest selection of models is Asics.
A significant market share was occupied by the Japanese company Mizuno, whose products are at the highest level. Adidas offers good-quality volleyball shoes that are often chosen by professionals. Unfortunately, she only has one volleyball model.
Nike offers shoes designed for volleyball, but mainly for women. The choice must be individualized, tailored to the player’s position, weight, previous injuries, and how it feels during use. Some people prefer light and airy Asics; for others, Mizuno looks more solid, while others rely on Nike or Adidas, claiming their durability and grip are at the highest level.
