How To Choose Volleyball Shoes? Comprehensive Guide
Volleyball is a sport that requires a combination of agility, strategy, and explosive power, making the choice of footwear critical to performance. As an experienced professional volleyball player, I can attest to the significant impact of the right shoes on one’s game. They can transform an average player into a formidable presence on the court. The market for volleyball shoes is vast and can seem overwhelming, but fear not. This comprehensive “How to Choose The Perfect Volleyball Shoes” guide and my recommendations for top volleyball shoes will give you the knowledge and confidence to select the best footwear for your volleyball season.
Critical Characteristics of Volleyball Shoes:
Traction and Stability: Top-tier volleyball shoes must offer superior traction and stability. This ensures that players can confidently execute jumps, rapid movements, and sharp cuts, minimizing the risk of slipping and potential injuries.
Cushioning: Volleyball involves numerous jumps, necessitating shoes that provide ample cushioning. This feature is crucial for a soft landing, reducing the impact on the feet and safeguarding against stress-related injuries.
Considerations When Buying Volleyball Shoes
Considering a few key factors when buying volleyball shoes would be best. Let’s go over them briefly.
- Playing Position: Different positions in volleyball, such as opposite, setter, outside hitter, middle blocker, and libero, require shoes tailored to specific needs. For instance, middle blockers and opposites benefit from sturdier shoes with ankle support for frequent jumping, while liberos might prefer lighter shoes for agility.
- Size and Fit: A proper fit is vital. Since shoe sizes vary across brands, trying on several models or borrowing a pair from a teammate before purchasing online is advisable. Brands typically offer a sizing chart to assist in finding the correct fit for your feet.
- Support Level: If you have foot or ankle issues, opt for shoes that offer substantial support to ensure safety and comfort during play.
- Price: Volleyball shoes generally range from $100 to $200. Investing in quality footwear is recommended for comfort and performance.
- Brand: The market offers various popular brands with different product ranges. While Asics and Mizuno were traditionally favored, many players now opt for Nike and Adidas for their broader selection and stylish designs.
- Warranty: Check for a manufacturer’s warranty when purchasing volleyball shoes, and understand the terms, especially for online purchases, to cover any potential issues.
- Color and Design: Choose shoes that match your team’s uniform or personal style preference. Brands like Nike are known for their attractive designs and could be a good choice for those looking to make a fashion statement.
- Return Policy: Ensure the shoes have a favorable return policy, allowing you to get a refund if they fail to meet your expectations. Brands with customer-friendly policies, like Nike, are often preferred for their hassle-free returns.
4 Steps Before Buying New Volleyball Shoes
Now that you know what to look for, let’s go through some steps to choose the perfect volleyball shoes.
Step One: Assess Body Weight and Injury History
Consider your body weight as it influences the stress on your feet and legs. Heavier players should opt for bulkier, high-top shoes for enhanced support. If you have a history of ankle injuries, prioritize volleyball shoes with robust ankle support or consider using ankle braces for additional protection.
Step Two: Budget Consideration
Your budget is a key factor. Quality volleyball shoes typically cost between $100 to $200. Aim for shoes above the $100 mark to ensure satisfactory performance.
Step Three: Explore Shoe Models
Explore the diverse range of shoe models and designs available. Many professional players now choose basketball shoes for volleyball due to their similar benefits, including a vast array of colorways and designs. These options will be discussed in an upcoming blog post.
Step Four: Finalize and Purchase
After reviewing various shoe models and considering your budget, make an informed decision and purchase the shoes that best meet your preferences and requirements.
Once you’ve gone through different types of shoe models and considered your budget, it’s time to decide and buy the pair you like the most.
Stores To Check Out For The Best Volleyball Shoes
All Volleyball is renowned as the premier online shop in the United States, offering an extensive range of volleyball-specific products. They feature top brands such as Nike and Adidas, ensuring quality at competitive prices. Whether you’re looking for knee pads, braces, or other volleyball accessories, All Volleyball is the go-to destination for enthusiasts within the US.
For European customers, We Play Volleyball stands out as the leading online store based in Germany. Their impressive selection spans a wide array of brands and volleyball accessories, boasting one of the largest collections available. Moreover, they provide convenient shipping options across Europe, making it easy for players to access the gear they need.
Conclusion
We hope you liked our list of the best volleyball shoes. Remember, the best volleyball shoe for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and playing style. It’s recommended to try on different models to find the shoe that fits you the best and provides the desired performance on the court. Due to so many products and stores to choose from, it’s hard to make a buying decision; however, we hope that we have provided enough information to make a decision easier. So, what is the most important thing you are looking for when buying new volleyball shoes? Is it traction, support, cushion, or something else? Leave a comment down below and let us know.
FAQ
Does my playing position play an important role when choosing the best volleyball shoes?
In my view, the selection of volleyball shoes is not overly complex. Choose the pair that appeals to you visually and feels the most comfortable. Ankle support is important, especially if you have a history of injuries. Ankle braces can offer additional protection, complementing any shoe model you select, ensuring you have adequate support.
Which is the best volleyball shoe brand?
There is a wide array of excellent volleyball shoe models available. It’s advisable to browse various online stores to secure the best deal. When selecting shoes, consider both volleyball-specific and basketball shoes, as both are suitable for the sport. While I have a preference for Nike due to their quality and design, other reputable brands like Asics, Mizuno, Adidas, and Under Armour also offer superb options for volleyball footwear. Choose the brand that aligns with your preferences and needs for an optimal playing experience.
Can I use my volleyball shoes for gym workouts, also?
While you can use the same shoes for volleyball and gym workouts, it’s not recommended. Shoes can lose their shape, particularly under the strain of heavy weightlifting. It’s best to have two separate pairs: one specifically designed for volleyball and another for gym workouts, to ensure each shoe maintains its integrity and purpose.
How long do volleyball shoes usually last?
The frequency of play is a key factor in determining the number of volleyball shoes you may need for a season. While some players manage with a single pair throughout, this is uncommon. For those training more than five times a week, having 2-3 pairs per season is advisable. Personally, I find that maintaining three pairs suits my needs well.
Do all brands provide shoes for both genders?
All major brands offer volleyball shoes for both women and men. However, if you’re considering basketball shoes for volleyball, finding women-specific options may be challenging, as the selection is often more limited compared to men’s. It’s important to focus on fit and comfort, regardless of the shoe’s designated gender, to ensure optimal performance on the court.
Do I need to break in my new volleyball shoes?
If you experience discomfort with new shoes, it’s advisable to switch back to your old pair mid-practice and gradually increase the wear time of the new ones until they become comfortable. As someone with wider feet, I understand that breaking in new shoes can be particularly painful. It may take up to two weeks for the new shoes to adjust to your feet’s shape and provide comfort.
Which are the best volleyball shoes for beginners?
For beginner volleyball players, it’s important to select shoes that offer solid ankle support and good traction. Avoid using running or soccer shoes for volleyball, as they lack the necessary ankle support. It’s advisable to purchase either volleyball-specific or basketball shoes, even if you opt for a less expensive model. Keep in mind that while shoes are important, they alone won’t improve your skills. Dedication to training and practice in the gym is crucial for enhancing your volleyball performance.
Best Volleyball Shoes By Each Brand
Here are my best picks sorted by each volleyball brand, from Adidas to Asics. I wore shoes from all brands, but my favorite shoes are from Adidas. Which is your favorite pair?
Best volleyball shoes for men and Women
Volleyball shoes designed for men and women often have different colorways, but this is primarily for aesthetic reasons rather than functional ones. The core technologies and functionalities incorporated within the shoes are usually comparable between genders. Take a look at my top picks for both genders!
Nike React Hyperset
Pros:
Cons:
Rating
8.4/10
Nike Hyperace 2
Pros:
Cons:
Rating
8.6/10
Adidas Stabil Next Gen
Pros:
Cons:
Rating
9/10
Adidas Crazyflight
Pros:
Cons:
Rating
9.3/10