How Long Do Volleyball Shoes Last?
How long do volleyball shoes last? How long should they last? Volleyball demands explosive movements, jumps, and landings, making the right shoes crucial for performance and comfort. The lifespan of volleyball shoes varies, influenced by factors such as frequency of play, court type, shoe quality, and maintenance. In this blog post, I’ll explore these factors and offer tips to enhance your volleyball shoes’ durability. By understanding and addressing these aspects, you can ensure your footwear supports your game and withstands the rigors of the sport.
Factors Affecting Volleyball Shoe Lifespan
Several factors that can influence how long your volleyball shoes will last:
1. Frequency of use:
The frequency of play directly affects the lifespan of your shoes. Depending on your position, playing daily can lead to your shoes wearing out in six months or less. Conversely, if you play just once or twice a week, your shoes could last a year or more. The durability of volleyball shoes is contingent upon how often they are used and the intensity of play.
Pro Tip: Mitigate the wear and tear of your shoes by using different shoes to do strength training/conditioning. You can wear your volleyball shoes to lift weights, but the high cushion on most volleyball shoes isn’t the best suited for that type of training.
2. Playing surface:
The type of court you play on can influence your shoes’ durability. Taraflex courts are preferable because they are softer and cleaner. Parquet floors are also suitable, but the main issue arises from courts used by handball teams. The sticky residue on these courts increases friction, accelerating the wear and tear on shoes. From personal experience, I can attest that the color of the parquet can be problematic, too. For example, in Galati club I played for, the parquet is notorious for staining shoes yellow due to frequent diving.
Pro Tip: Buy shoes that suit your needs for playing, but keep in mind the surface you will spend most of your time on. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this article for our best-rated shoes: 9 Best Volleyball Shoes in 2024. Tested by Pro
3. Quality of the shoe:
The quality of the materials and craftsmanship play a significant role in a shoe’s durability. Higher-quality shoes are often more durable, which is a recognized fact. Conversely, lower-quality shoes may be more affordable but less dependable and more susceptible to wear and tear. However, price is not the main factor!
Most durable volleyball shoe models
- Asics Netburner Ballistic
- Adidas CrazyFlight
- Mizuno Wave Bolt 6
- Nike Volley Zoom Hyperspike
- Asics Upcourt 5
- Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6
- Asics Sky Elite FF2
4. Care and maintenance:
Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your shoes. Regular cleaning, thorough drying, and correct storage will help keep your shoes in good condition, preventing them from becoming dirty, odorous, or damaged. On the other hand, neglectful practices like leaving them sweaty in a backpack, not cleaning them, or exposing them to heat or direct sunlight can accelerate their deterioration.
Pro Tip: Always leave your shoes somewhere to dry out. Not only will this help the fibers return to their normal state, but it will also help reduce the odor trapped in your shoes. Take the time to clean the soles for better traction, and switch out your laces as often as you need to prevent them from breaking mid-game.
You might find interesting also:
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Volleyball Shoes
Here are some tips on how to make your volleyball shoes last longer:
1. Wear them mostly for volleyball:
Using your volleyball shoes exclusively for playing volleyball is one of the most effective strategies to prolong their lifespan. This approach helps you avoid the extra wear and tear from other activities like walking, running, or hiking. It also shields your shoes from getting dirty or stained by asphalt, concrete, or grass surfaces. Yes, running is an inevitable part of the game, but volleyball shoes are not designed specifically for running. Using them outside the sport can cause wear in areas unsupported for volleyball players (and you will destroy your traction quicker).
2. Clean them regularly:
Regular cleaning is vital to maintaining your shoes. Use a soft brush, damp cloth, or mild soap to remove dirt, dust, or sweat gently. A shoe deodorizer can also help neutralize odors. However, it’s essential to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, or acetone, which can harm the shoe materials. These chemicals can break down the compounds in the shoe materials, compromising their durability and structure.
Pro Tip: Washing your shoes with other heavy-duty materials in your home, like towels and bedding, in a washing machine can help return your shoes to their normal color and get rid of unwanted smells!
3. Dry them properly:
After cleaning, it’s crucial to dry your shoes correctly. You can pat them dry with a towel, use a hairdryer on a cool setting, or let a fan blow over them. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, as these can cause the materials to shrink, crack, or fade. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper or paper towels can absorb excess moisture and help maintain their shape. NEVER put your shoes in a dishwasher or the dryer. Dishwashers/dryers get too hot and will dissolve the glue that holds some parts of your shoes together.
4. Store them properly:
Proper storage is essential for preserving your shoes. Use a shoe bag, box, or closet space to protect them from dust, moisture, or pests. Including silica gel packets or cedar balls inside the shoes can prevent mold and mustiness. It’s also important to promptly empty your backpack of shoes when you return from practice to avoid any damage from lingering moisture. Mold living in your shoes is bad for your shoes and bad for you!
Never use Volleyball Shoes For Gym Sessions.
Volleyball shoes are designed for agility and movement on the court, offering features like better cushioning. However, these features can be compromised if used for lifting heavy weights. The cushioning in volleyball shoes, while excellent for jumps and sprints, can make it challenging to maintain balance during heavy lifts such as squats and deadlifts, as it may bear too much weight. Therefore, for durability and performance, it’s best to use shoes designed explicitly for volleyball and, separately, shoes specifically for weightlifting, which provide the necessary support and stability for each activity.
There is a reason that shoes have been designed for different sports. Running shoes suit runners, lifting shoes support lifters, and track shoes help sprinters. We live in a day and age where foot health is respected. Use the proper footwear for your different activities where you can. And please, never wear any court shoes outdoors!
Conclusion
Volleyball shoes are the most crucial element of your gear, impacting your performance, comfort, and foot protection on the court. Understanding their lifespan and proper care can maximize their utility. So, how long do volleyball shoes last? Typically, they will last between 6 and 12 months, varying with play frequency, surface, and shoe quality. You can prolong the life of your shoes and enhance your volleyball experience by adhering to the maintenance tips provided.
