Volleyball is quite a unique game and is played around the globe. The fast-paced nature of this sport is the reason which makes it so exciting.
Even a casual practice session gets turned into an interesting event because of the sheer design of this game. A total of six players from two teams are on the floor, which is divided into two parts by a net. Each part has specifics zones and each player has a role or a position to play.
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Best 5 Volleyball Shoes
ASICS Gel-Rocket 9
- Take your performance to the court with the ASICS® GEL-Rocket® 9 volleyball shoe!
- Lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays provide structured support and comfort.
- Foam-padded collar and tongue.
ASICS has been a trustworthy name in the sports business for many years now. The newest addition in their Gel-Rocket series is the Gel-Rocket 9.
The shoe has a streamlined design body which allows it to be lighter than many of the other shoes. EVA foam is used in an attempt to keep things comfortable, but the sole has a noticeable amount of stiffness in it.
The upside is that it makes the shoe more “bouncier,” I mean jumping, stomping, running, will feel quicker and easier due to the spring back effect of the sole.
The shoes tend to fit perfectly and for some people, it could be a little too perfect. But the tight-fitting shouldn’t be a problem once they get used to it. A feature that goes unnoticed is the texture of the laces which makes them less prone to getting untied at crucial moments.
These shoes have been a popular choice for many professional players, and at a reasonable price, these are definitely worth a shot.
Check Details of ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes
ASICS Upcourt 3
- Breathable mesh upper
- Glove-like comfort
- Great ventilation
The best of ASICS at a bang for the buck price tag. While it doesn’t carry all the bells and whistles of its elder and pricier siblings, it does have some of the necessary features. The design isn’t too loud from a cosmetic point of view.
A sizable portion of this shoe is covered in breathable fabric which is helpful especially in those long sessions. The tight-fitting of these shoes have bothered many users, but not enough to make a switch.
Be cautious if you have flat feet, as these shoes are narrow and the sole isn’t very soft, this could be troublesome for people with flat feet. If these aesthetic wrinkles don’t seem like a big deal for you then it will be a smooth sail forward.
The replaceable sock liner is a good feature to have. Then there’s the crown jewel of this pair- its traction. The bottom of these shoes will stay locked to the surface while you can make your next move without worrying about slipping.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want something worthy of what you are paying for, then ASICS Men’s Upcourt 3 deserves your attention.
Check Details of ASICS Men's Upcourt 3 Volleyball Shoes
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3
- Parallel wave plate
- Non-marking outsole
- Mizuno intercool
Another trusted name when it comes to sports shoes in Mizuno. The Wave Lightning series gets its name from the design which provides added support to the heels, allowing for a softer landing.
The tongue is very thin but has a good amount of padding, the same applies to the collar, so wearing it for a long time shouldn’t be a problem. It feels as if this was what Mizuno was aiming for with these shoes, to create something which can be worn during lengthy sessions and not be bothered about any kind of discomfort. The shoes are lightweight and have a removable insole.
The top is a mix of mesh and synthetic and the midsole has been tweaked for providing some airflow. It provides a good amount of traction, nothing special to be said here except for the quality of the outsole, which is really impressive. Sadly, the same doesn’t apply to the top of the shoes.
The mesh is prone to get damaged with regular usage quicker than you expect. The toe region of this shoe has an amazing amount of flex to it, but this can be a double-edged sword, as some might find it an issue more than a feature. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, then go ahead and get yourself a pair.
Check Details of Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3
ASICS Gel-Tactic 2
- Trusstic System technology: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
- E.V.A midsole:
- Mesh insole improves ventilation:
The Gel-Tactics sits between easily affordable and pricey shoes. It has a narrow body and a removable insole. The top is mostly covered in mesh and has a generous amount of cushioning on the tongue and collar.
The top though tends to get scuffed easily, so you will start to see some marks of the top and sides after a couple of games. ASICS likes to call these Gel-Tactics because it uses their Forefoot and Rearfoot GEL technology, what it means for you and me that it has really good cushioning and they also snug your feet well.
Many Gel-Tactic 2 users have worn them for long durations and have had no complaints. They are not very flexible, but you have you make your peace with it. Even after long durations, these don’t leave the wearer feeling bogged down and feeling as if their feet are “stuck”.
Check Details of ASICS Gel-Tactic 2
Adidas Crazyflight Bounce 3
- Regular fit
- Adjustable lacing system
- Mesh upper with lightweight moulded TPU yarns
Crazyflight Bounce 3 is quite a looker. Imagine blending sports shoes with volleyball shoes and the Crazyflight Bounce 3 will be the result.
The top body made with a lot of cloth and carries a mesh design so expect great breathability and temperature control. This shoe has a removable fabric sock liner. These are particularly suitable for people with wide feet or just want shoes that feel accommodating rather than have a top-notch fit.
The midsole has a rebounding surface, which has helped these shoes get their name. The midsole combined with good cushioning provides convenience when the action gets intense, but don’t expect quality shock absorption because the sole isn’t thick enough for that.
Remember that these shoes take may take some time to break in. The unique pattern on the outsole provides you with a reliable grip.
Check Details of Adidas Crazyflight Bounce 3
ASICS Gel Rocket 7
Although these are not the latest ones in the series, they still have a lot going for them. As they were released a few years ago before 2020, you can get them for a lower price (compared to their launch price).
These are some attractive shoes that feature a good amount of mesh fabric and are light in weight. There is enough padding on the tongue and around the collar. These have a molded midsole that is supposed to help your movements.
This is a nice touch from ASICS, but some can find this small addition bothersome, especially if they have ankle problems. The star feature of this model is the ASICS gel cushioning system which is there to soften your landings and it does a great job.
Users have not been satisfied with how these shoes hold up over time, so just keep this in mind if you are thinking of getting them.
Check Details of ASICS Gel Rocket 7
How to Choose Volleyball Shoes
When you start looking to purchase new shoes, there are certain things you need to look for.
Grip
Most of the volleyball shoes have gum bottoms while some are made of a combination of different materials. But what you need to check is the level of traction they can provide.
Having an outsole that grips the floor may not be as advantageous as it sounds because this can hinder your movements. So you need to consider the way you move on the court too. You will need to use a couple of shoes to get a proper understanding of what level of grip you require.
Do remember that if the shoes require a break-in period then you will encounter some slips here and there even if the shoes have a good grip.
Weight
This is an aspect that might not sound like a very big deal at first, but you start to realize the true weight of the shoes during the long sessions.
Lightweight shoes that also feel structurally strong is what you should be looking for. Games where quick movements are of utmost importance, you don’t want to carry around extra weight. Whenever you find shoes which are light in weight, try to get more information about how good is its traction and its durability, you don’t want a lightweight shoe that skimps on build quality.
Design
This is not just a cosmetic factor. Yes, you could go for shoes that are attractive to look at, but their design should reciprocate with its utility.
If you have wide feet then look for shoes that can comfortably accommodate them, the same goes for narrow feet. If your feet tend to get warm over long durations, then go for the ones which have mesh designs as they are more breathable.
If you have special medical needs, then you might want the option of having removable insoles so that you can replace it with the one that fits your requirements. You need your shoes to be flexible, but not too much as you can end up twisting your ankle or something worse.
Ankle support
Not all shoes are built by giving special attention to features like ankle support. Most of the shoes tend to have padded collars and all of them provide more or less the same amount of ankle support, this applies to even the best shoes for players with flat feet.
You can check the shoe’s page on the shoe maker’s website if you are looking for something which has good ankle support. If the shoes have it, then most probably it will be mentioned in its list of features.
Feature set
All shoes nowadays are packed with a ton of features and various “technologies” that their makers like to showcase.
There is nothing wrong with this as long as they provide clarity about what these features actually mean and how it could make the user’s game better. The features are somewhat the same for both men and women volleyball shoes.
The thing to keep in mind is not to get captivated by the cool-sounding lingo used by the shoe makers.
Price
Along with considering the quality and features of the shoes, you also need to understand if those features are actually beneficial for you.
If you know exactly what you are looking for and also know what you can live without, then you can end up saving money and getting a commendable product. The best volleyball shoes tend to have the highest price tag, but remember, you don’t need the best shoes, and you need shoes that are best for you.
What is a Libero in Volleyball?
Every team has a player whose agility is unparalleled with anyone else on the team and is responsible for stopping the ball from touching the ground and that player is called the Libero.
Unlike the other players, a Libero cannot block or attack, he or she can only set the ball (pass it on) for the other players. The role of a libero is a very demanding, the player has to have the flexibility and quick decision-making skills and cannot afford to be bogged down by unsuitable sports gear, specifically the shoes.
That being said, here is a list of some of the best volleyball shoes for liberos which can prove to be helpful in their game.
Excessive Running Impact on Flat Feet
In this blog we focus a little more on flat feet problems and even if this post for the best volleyball shoes is for everyone we still want to give some insights for the people reading who also have flat feet.
Volleyball is not a sport that requires a lot of running but it’s high impact and the “short runs” you do while playing can have a some impact in volleyball players with flat feet. You should be aware of the fact that running speed does not decreases with flat feet. Yes, the excessive workout may cause strained arches. This injury is commonly known as Plantar Fasciitis.
If you do not find any damage during a game you do not have to worry regarding this fact. Yes, you should consider the best running shoes or best volleyball shoes in this case, according to the severity of the flat feet.
Research also shows that about 20-30 percent of the population is flat-footed and highly imposed to injury during running because of excessive pain generated in the backside, leg, and foot areas. A survey also sees that about 90% of flat-footed people get over pronated soon. You will be surprised to know the best health care; doctor assistant and best shoe wear provide best running feasible like no one else.
If you have flat feet and already have volleyball shoes then you should look into getting some insoles for them, read our analysis of protalus vs superfeet for the best insoles for flat feet.
Final Words
The market is filled with good volleyball shoes, but like in all markets, every product is better or worse than other products.
Look at many options before purchasing one. Read reviews, talk to your volleyball peers about what they wear or have worn in the past. Understand your needs and your style of playing, not just the features of the shoes. I hope this article provided you some clarity, so go ahead and get yourself your next volleyball shoes today.
If you’re a volleyball enthusiast looking to improve your skills, I highly recommend investing in a good quality volleyball net system. One brand that stands out is the Park & Sun Sports Spectrum Classic Volleyball Net System. It is durable, easy to set up, and adjustable to different heights, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. This net system will provide you with a professional-grade setup for practicing and playing volleyball in your backyard or at the beach.