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.

The 11 Best Volleyball Shoes of 2023

Wearing a good pair of volleyball shoes is one of the best ways you can prevent injuries and play your best on the court. Lightweight with rubber soles and supportive cushioning, volleyball shoes allow for quick cuts and constant jumping.

While some volleyball shoes may work for all-around play, others have features that make them ideal for certain volleyball positions, such as setters or opposites. So choose a shoe that’s tailored for your needs, style, and preferences. Look for shoes that have stability features for quick direction changes and lateral movements, and good traction. We reviewed volleyball shoes for our list based on durability, affordability, the grip of the sole, overall weight, cushioning, stability, and breathability.

Here are the best volleyball shoes on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 Volleyball Shoe at Amazon

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Best Overall for Men:

ASICS Men’s GEL-ROCKET 9 at Amazon

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Best Budget for Women:

Mizuno Women's Cyclone Speed 2 Volleyball Shoe at Amazon

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Best Budget for Men:

ASICS Upcourt 4 Men's Volleyball Shoes at Amazon

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Best for Opposites:

Adidas Women's Crazyflight Bounce 3 Shoes at Amazon

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Best for Indoor:

ASICS NETBURNER BALLISTIC FF MT 2 Men's Volleyball Shoes at Zappos

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Best for Ankle Support:

Adidas Women's Crazyflight Mid Volleyball Shoes at Amazon

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Best for Setters:

ASICS Gel-Tactic 2 Women's Volleyball Shoes at Amazon

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Best for Hitters:

Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Women's Volleyball Shoe at Amazon

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Best for Liberos:

Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 Women's Volleyball Shoe at Dick's

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Amazon

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Pros

Great traction
Lightweight but supportive
Good stability
Durable

Cons

Not for wide feet
Expensive

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.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Excellent traction
Good shock absorption
Breathable
Great value

Cons

No wide sizes
Runs small

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.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber outsole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Great traction
Comfortable, EVA midsole

Cons

May run small
Better for narrow feet

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.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Breathable
Good traction
Lightweight support

Cons

Better for narrow feet
Break-in period required

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.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Synthetic leather, rubber sole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

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Pros

Lightweight
Breathable
Good cushioning
Grippy rubber outsole

Cons

Better for narrow feet
White shoes are hard to clean

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.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Lace-up}

Zapoos

View On Zappos

Pros

Excellent traction
Lightweight
Durable
Good cushioning

Cons

Narrow in the toebox
Expensive

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.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyurethane, mesh, leather upper, rubber outsole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

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Pros

Excellent ankle support
Variety of sizes and colors
Good cushioning
Lightweight

Cons

Expensive
May run small

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.

Price at time of publication: $150

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Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Excellent traction
Durable
Stylish
Good cushioning

Cons

Not available in wide sizes
Break-in period required

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.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

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Pros

Excellent cushioning
Lightweight
Great traction
Flexible

Cons

Expensive
Not available in wide sizes

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.

Price at time of publication: $135

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Materials: Mesh and synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Closure: Lace-up}

Dick's Sportings Goods

View On Dick's

Pros

Good arch support
Flexible material
Ample shock absorption

Cons

May be too narrow
Expensive

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.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Textile upper, mesh lining, rubber outsole | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Designed specifically for kids
Comfortable, secure fit
Good traction
Breathable

Cons

Runs small
Indoor use only

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.

Price at time of publication: $60

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Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber outsole | Closure: Lace-up}

Final Verdict

With all the features you want in a high-performance volleyball shoe, the ASICS GEL-ROCKET 9 (view at Zappos) earns its spot as the top men’s shoe. It's is an excellent pick if you're looking for high-quality, versatile volleyball gear.

For women, the Mizuno Wave Momentum (view at Zappos) has the right cushioning, traction, and support that players need to take their play to the next level.

What to Look For in Volleyball Shoes

Grip

Good volleyball shoes should have rubber soles that can grip the court surface, allowing you to quickly cut and pivot. Shoes with excellent traction will prevent you from slipping and sliding, which is essential to avoiding injury.

Weight

“Jumping is the most repeated skill by volleyball players—whether jumping to attack, jumping to block an opponent’s attack, jumping to set an attacker, or jumping to allow more space on a serve—so players want a shoe that is light in weight,” says Kathy DeBoer, executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Not only will a lightweight shoe help you jump more easily, but it will also prevent your feet from feeling fatigued.

Cushioning

All-round comfort is crucial for any shoe, especially one that’s worn during intense activity such as volleyball. “Jumping requires landing, which is stressful on the body, so players also want a shoe with good cushioning,” says DeBoer. Not only will a well-cushioned shoe help you avoid foot and leg fatigue, but it can also help prevent injuries.

Stability

Since volleyball requires lots of quick accelerations and direction changes, look for a shoe that gives your feet plenty of stability and support. A lot of what factors into stability also comes from a shoe that fits properly. For the right fit, choose a shoe that fits snugly without being too tight. You should have room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. If you have a wide foot, look for shoes that come in various widths.

Breathability

Many volleyball shoes have mesh uppers that are breathable so your feet don’t get hot and sweaty as you’re playing. Breathability is also helpful for overall comfort and avoiding painful blisters.

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.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.

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