I guess it’s 2024, and if you’re looking for the latest volleyball shoe improvements or refreshing your game midseason, you’ve come to the right place.
Asics is the leading manufacturer of sports footwear. It is still producing some of the world’s best volleyball shoes in 2024, despite establishing itself at the forefront of indoor sports.
Here are the best Asics volleyball shoes of 2024.
The Best ASICS Volleyball Shoes in 2024
ASICS has probably designed and produced hundreds of volleyball shoes, so reviewing them all would be impossible (although I wouldn’t be surprised if someone did). Therefore, I will only cover current models in this buyer’s guide.
First and foremost, I’ll rate them based on my personal experience, but I’ll also consider expert opinions and user feedback.
These are the five models I’m looking at: Sky Elite Flyte Foam (also known as Sky Elite FF), Netburner Ballistic FF, Upcourt 5, Gel Rocket 11, and Gel Rocket 10s.
ASICS Gel Rocket 11
Wide feet will especially benefit from the ASICS Gel Rocket 11 volleyball shoes because they are extremely comfortable.
When you put the Gel Rocket 11 on, you’ll notice they’re incredibly lightweight, very bouncy, and fun to run around in. It doesn’t get any better than this when it comes to comfort (at least for now).
Due to their flexible upper construction, these shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. In their shoes, ASICS loves using GEL technology.
Keeping your foot from overtwisting is achieved by wrapping up the heel and using ASICS’ TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole.
Most people online mention how well these shoes fit wide-footed people, something not all shoe models can claim.
Would I recommend this shoe to anyone? Players who jump, especially hitters. In spite of the fact that they aren’t bad in any way, they were designed with middles in mind, and that’s who these shoes are for.
However, if you’re just looking for comfort and play volleyball at a lower level, you’ve come to the right place!
Asics Gel Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes
Gel-Rockets are a long standing volleyball shoe that is extremely responsive and versatile for certain types of players.
Gel-Rockets are another court shoe that volleyball players love, just like the Upcourts.
These are basically high-end versions of the Upcourt, but with improved cushioning and a more fluid design.
It doesn’t seem to have the same level of cushioning as Sky Elites/Netburners.
However, they’re a really responsive, grippy shoe that’s great for setters, liberos, or even hitters who don’t jump too much.
As a result of their durability and ability to handle concrete well, they’re my favorite volleyball shoes for outdoor play.
As the traction pattern on the outsole has a good bit of bite, these are probably the best choice if you don’t want to buy a separate pair of grass volleyball shoes.
ASICS Sky Elite FlyteFoam
As do many other athletes, I strongly believe that these volleyball shoes are the best of all time.
For so many reasons, the Asics Sky Elite FF volleyball shoes are top-tier.
In most volleyball shoes, one area excels while another lags, but not in the Sky Elites. It’s the most beautifully designed, well-balanced shoe I’ve ever worn.
Having FlyteFoam cushioning in our midsoles is a welcome addition for volleyball players.
Additionally, it provides top notch impact protection so all of the spiking won’t damage your knees.
One of the most secure and well-locked down shoes I’ve ever worn hugs your foot incredibly well.
Aside from that, the traction is outstanding. Players of all types will love these because they practically stick to the floor like glue.
No wonder the Sky Elites have made it to my list of the 10 best volleyball shoes of 2024 several years in a row!
Also, they have a really nice color scheme, are available in low and mid tops, and are one of the best fitting shoes for wide feet.
In terms of drawbacks, the only one is that due to all the technology they packed into their midsoles, these shoes are quite high up.
You might not love these as much as I do if you’re a libero who prefers a lower-to-the-ground feel.
You may be interested in my article on the best shoes for liberos if you’re that type of player.
Asics Netburner Ballistic FF Volleyball Shoes
The Sky Elite FF looks incredibly similar to this shoe. A slightly more affordable alternative, it has a very similar design.
There are only a few differences between the Netburner Ballistic FF and the Sky Elite, mainly the materials and outsole design.
There is a nice wide outrigger on both the Netburner Ballistic FF and Sky Elites that makes the shoes very difficult to roll laterally.
It makes them ideal for hitters and blockers who may land on other players’ feet around the net and roll their ankles.
Despite being narrower, the Ballistic isn’t a good choice for wider feet.
The tight/narrow fit caused customers to complain of rubbing up against the outside of their foot/toes.
The Sky Elites have definitely resolved this issue!
ASICS Upcourt 5
In the volleyball community, the ASICS Upcourt 5 volleyball shoes are beloved for their affordable performance that is comparable to the other models on the list.
There aren’t many shoes at this price point that are more comfortable and flexible than Upcourt 5. Midfoot support and adaptability are designed into these shoes.
Although I wouldn’t expect miracles from these shoes, they’re one of the best budget shoes I’ve found.
Asics reinforced the toe and heel counter with durable panels to make them last longer (and save you some money).
Compared to other shoes on this list, these shoes have obvious drawbacks when it comes to jumping. I wouldn’t recommend these shoes to hitters since they don’t offer much support when jumping or cushioning when landing.
Why Choose ASICS for Volleyball?
Throughout the last fifty years, hundreds of millions of people have rated ASICS as the best sports equipment manufacturer.
What makes ASICS the best choice? ASICS is trusted by some of the best professional athletes in the world. A few dozen long-distance runners, as well as world champion sprinter Fred Kerley, wear ASICS, including Novak Okovi, the best tennis player in the world.
As for volleyball specifically, Yuji Nishida, arguably the best Japanese player of all time, partnered with ASICS in 2020 – he still wears ASICS exclusively today!
Moreover, ASICS became the official footwear provider for Volleyball New Zealand in 2024, demonstrating the brand’s continued success.
As far as volleyball shoes are concerned, ASICS is the leader. With the newest sole technology, ASICS is also at the forefront of comfort with their no-sew design.
As we get into the specific models, we’ll discuss ASICS’ technology in more detail, while another thing a lot of people appreciate is how their shoes are produced sustainably.
They aim to reduce CO2 emissions by 63% by 2030, as well as implement a 100% renewable energy policy at all of their facilities by 2030. 90% of their shoes contain recycled materials, and a lot of their gear is made from biomaterials. You can wear ASICS shoes with a minimal carbon footprint if you care about the environment.
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The Importance of Right Volleyball Shoes
The right shoes are two things; shoes that fit you personally and shoes that are suitable for your sport.
Performance, injury prevention, and comfort are all reasons why you should wear shoes that fit your feet well. I’m guilty of having bad ankles, so I need shoes that offer ankle support, keep me from spraining, and I’m wide-footed, so I need shoes that don’t feel tight. You will perform worse on the court if you twist your ankle, and the same is true if your shoes are uncomfortable.
The reason you can notice a difference between shoe models is because they were tailored differently. There are some models (which we’ll discuss later) that are a bit thicker and might wear you out faster, but they’re designed to protect your ankles.
All of this is to say that you should always wear shoes that fit you and that you feel comfortable in. Keeping yourself comfortable and injury-free will help you perform better on the court.
Volleyball requires sport-specific shoes since it involves a lot of jumping and quick, sharp movements. Jumping dominates the game, with little running. Because of this, volleyball shoes are designed to provide comfort, bounce and security for the foot.
Shoes that enable you to do that are what you need. While playing volleyball, for example, wearing tennis shoes will put you at a disadvantage – you will tire much faster, and landing after jumping will be uncomfortable and even painful since the sole is thinner.
A volleyball shoe’s main purpose is to provide a better lift and a comfortable, cushioned, and safe landing. There is no such thing as a shoe designed for another sport – it’s as simple as that.
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How to Choose the Right ASICS Volleyball Shoes?
When you’re shopping for shoes, you should consider a few things: the level of the game, the fit, the playing surface, and the position.
It goes without saying that if you are an elite volleyball player, you need the best shoes – budget shoes just won’t do. For high-level players, specialized shoes that fit well and are appropriate for their position are more important than budget shoes.
While we’re talking about fitting – there are shoes, such as the Gel Rocket 11, that fit wide-footed players well, but many shoes are narrow-footed, especially the ones designed for the Asian market. If you want to find a good fit, you must keep this in mind.
You will also have to consider your position when making a decision. Hitters jump the most, whereas middles and liberos jump less and move laterally more than anyone else on the team. Liberos, middles, and setters may not need shoes with great cushioning, but hitters do.
Each volleyball shoe brand has a sizing guide on their website you can use when choosing your size. Follow the size guide when choosing a size. The ASICS shoe sizing guide can be found here.
To keep your shoes in wearable condition for a long time, make sure you stretch and twist them before putting them on.
Are Asics Good For Volleyball?
Asics are excellent volleyball shoes. There was a time when Asics and Mizuno were the go-to brands for volleyball shoes.
As recently as a few years ago, Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour made their way into the volleyball market and became extremely popular. Nevertheless, I believe Asics has reclaimed its place as the top volleyball shoe manufacturer in recent years.
I believe they’ve created the best volleyball shoe of all time in the Sky Elite FF and have certainly reentered the industry as one of the key players.
Comparison of Asics Volleyball Shoes
Price Range
Players can choose from a variety of Asics volleyball shoes to suit their budgets and preferences to find the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
Design Variations
Within each series, Asics offers a selection of designs that suit the individual’s aesthetic tastes and preferences while maintaining the same high level of performance.
Performance Differences
There are some Asics volleyball shoes that offer specific performance advantages based on their design and intended use, such as enhanced cushioning for players who have high arches or increased stability for players who pronate.
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Tips for Proper Care and Maintenance
Cleaning Instructions
Asics volleyball shoes can last a long time if they are cleaned regularly using mild soap and water and air dried away from direct heat sources to avoid dirt and sweat buildup.
Storage Recommendations
For best results, store Asics volleyball shoes in a cool, dry place to protect them from deterioration and mold growth. You can also stuff them with newspapers or shoe trees to keep them in shape.
Replacement Guidelines
If signs of wear and tear, such as worn outsoles, decreased cushioning, or compromised support, become apparent in volleyball shoes, Asics recommends replacing them every 6-12 months.
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FAQs
Which ASICS model is best for volleyball?
There is no doubt that the Sky Elite FF are the best ASICS volleyball shoes. Every aspect of their work is incredible.
What are the best budget ASICS volleyball shoes?
You won’t have to buy new shoes for a while with the Upcourt 5s since they’re very durable.
Which ASICS model is best for outdoor volleyball?
Volleyball shoes ASICS Gel Rocket 10 are excellent on concrete and are very versatile.
What are the most comfortable ASICS volleyball shoes?
ASICS Gel Rocket 11 volleyball shoes are the most comfortable on the market. You walk on a cloud in these shoes because they are extremely light and have incredible sole cushioning.
Conclusion
There is simply no shoe better than the Asics Sky Elite FF for serious volleyball players in 2024. Across the board, this is the best volleyball shoe from Asics.
For those who won’t be able to afford the Sky Elite, I’d recommend the Gel-Rocket 10, which is significantly less expensive but is still extremely solid overall.
Especially if you’re new to volleyball, the Upcourt 4s are a great option that doesn’t suck and does the trick.
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