There’s a good chance you’ll be jumping throughout a volleyball game unless you’re a defensive specialist. There is a lot of foot traffic around the net, making both spiking and blocking dangerous activities!
The ankle support in my volleyball shoes is extremely important to me as a former international-level middle blocker. With countless pairs of volleyball shoes under my belt, I know exactly how to find a pair of shoes that offers ankle support and lateral stability.
You can do all the jumping you want without worrying about blowing an ankle with these 9 best volleyball shoes that support your ankles.
9 Best Volleyball Shoes For Ankle Support in 2023
UA HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0
One of the safest and most stylish volleyball shoes available is the HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0, which will provide the ultimate ankle support.
They have created a masterpiece with their high-top volleyball shoe, the only one on the market at the moment. In addition to the reinforced lateral padding that runs the entire length of the shoe, you have excellent ankle support in the HOVR Highlight Ace 2.0.
Additionally, the shoe doesn’t restrict ankle mobility too much, so you can still move around the volleyball court quite well. With a full-length Micro G cushion, this shoe is both bounciest and feels amazing to jump in.
There is also top-notch impact protection. UA shoes have quite a poor grip unless played on a clean court, so be careful if you play on dusty courts.
You should also be aware that these shoes run extremely small. There is a lot of narrowness and tightness in them. There have been numerous complaints about how difficult it is to use these things!
You shouldn’t have a big problem with that, but just make sure you order a half-size to a full size larger than you normally would. If you have wide feet, you should probably avoid them as well.
Adidas Dame 7s
In terms of value, the Adidas Dame 7 is one of the best options on the market if you’re looking for a significantly cheaper option.
The last time I wore these, I sprained my ankle playing volleyball in Dame 7s!
Although technically a basketball shoe, they’ve gained a lot of popularity in volleyball communities recently. In addition to their extra internal padding in the heel, these shoes excel at locking down your ankle, just like the HyperAce 2. You can also read Can You Wear Basketball Shoes For Volleyball?
Moreover, they have a pad to cushion the Achilles at the back. Also contributing to the lateral stability of the shoe are the Adidas logo and reinforced stitching at the back and sides.
Also, note the midsole external sidewalls that extend upward into the shoe’s sidewalls to improve lateral containment. In addition to its excellent cushioning, the Dame 7 provides superior impact protection, as well as superior traction.
You can’t go wrong with this shoe for under $100!
ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes
Discover the ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoe. Players who play volleyball regularly will appreciate this shoe’s extra cushioning and rebounding properties.
You can easily jump and spike in these shoes because they feature an EVA midsole that provides excellent cushioning and bounce.
A medical orthotic can be accommodated by removing the sock liner, making these the perfect choice for athletes with special needs. You can concentrate on your game when you’re wearing a shoe that has a forefoot GEL Cushioning System.
As well as their sleek design, they are sure to turn heads.
Also, they’re available in a variety of colors. What’s the point of waiting? You’ve got nothing to lose by trying the ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoe!
ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes
An abrasion-resistant TPU toe cap and a breathable mesh tongue provide maximum protection and durability for Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoes. By conforming to the shape of your foot, the molded sock liner prevents slippage.
Charged Cushioning transforms impact into responsive comfort throughout the midsole. Athletics can make confident cuts thanks to the synthetic leather overlays in the forefoot.
During quick transitions, they are equipped with TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole. You will also experience a smoother landing due to the wrap-up outsole and outrigger.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes
We are excited to introduce the ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes. You can move more freely on the court with this updated design shoe thanks to its improved stability and more flexible fit. Flexible uppers allow feet to bend more naturally, making quick movements and changing directions easier.
Synthetic leather overlays in the forefoot improve support and allow athletes to make confident cuts while wearing this shoe. TRUSSTIC is applied to the midsole of the shoe to enhance stability during quick transitions.
With its GEL technology and wrap-up outsole, the shoe provides excellent side-to-side stability. You’ll have a smoother landing with the expandable contact area in the heel.
Nike Zoom HyperAce 2
Despite its minimal appearance, the HyperAce is remarkably stable on the ankles.
This shoe is extremely unique in terms of its design. It’s excessive internal padding around the ankle area is the first thing you notice.
With almost twice the thickness of the material, you’ll have plenty of padding that keeps the ankle locked down and reduces internal shifting.
As a result, this shoe is ridiculously comfortable as well. There’s still plenty of flexibility in the shoe because the upper is made from an ultra-thin and flexible mesh, so it doesn’t feel stiff at all.
In addition to the reinforced ankle area, the outside of the shoe has been strengthened to further improve lateral stability.
Mizuno Wave Momentum 2
The Momentum 2 offers excellent ankle support while being lightweight, ultra-springy, and highly responsive. My second highest-ranking volleyball shoe of all time is the Wave Momentum 2s from Mizuno.
Lightweight and flexible, these shoes are perfect for all-day wear.
As compared to their original counterparts, these shoes have a massively improved cushioning system that makes them very responsive. For setters and liberos who enjoy being able to move around the court rapidly and make very precise movements at high speeds, this is ideal.
The ankle area is particularly well covered – a friend told me he felt very secure playing in them. Although they are highly responsive, the cushioning system does not protect well from impact, making these a great backcourt volleyball shoe.
It’s possible to suffer joint pain if you jump a lot in these shoes since they’re not particularly soft.
Asics Sky Elite FF
My favorite volleyball shoe of all time is the Sky Elite FFs because they are so incredibly secure on your feet and ankles!
There is nothing like the feeling of these shoes hugging your feet when you are wearing them. The thick midsole of the Sky Elites allows it to sit pretty high off the ground, but they still provide a really tight grip on the court.
I personally prefer the mid-top design because it offers a little more padding around the ankle area – I also think it looks a lot cooler than the low-tops.
Because of their incredible cushioning system, these shoes excel in the safety department as well as having top-tier lateral stability and containment.
You’ll enjoy the best shock absorption with the FlyteFoam midsole when you jump on the court. If I had the time and energy, I would ramble on about how excellent these shoes are for days on end.
See why they’re my top-rated volleyball shoe of 2023 in my full write-up!
Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoe
You won’t be disappointed with the Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoe if you want a shoe that will make you feel confident and comfortable on the court! The upper of this shoe is made from a lightweight, fully knit material that provides complete comfort with a flexible fit.
An extended ankle collar ensures a super-stretchy fit, while mesh details in the forefoot provide additional breathability.
The toe cap is made of TPU for maximum durability and protection. Providing ideal underfoot comfort and preventing slippage, the molded sock liner forms the shape of your foot.
This midsole uses Charged Cushioning to absorb impact and convert it into responsive comfort. With a herringbone traction pattern that is made up of full rubber, you are sure to have maximum grip on the ground.
A second set of laces is included as well! The Under Armour Women’s Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoe is ready for your next game!
Key Features to Look for in Volleyball Shoes
Here are some important things to consider when buying volleyball shoes for ankle support:
Ankle support
In volleyball, the ankle joint is subjected to a great deal of stress because jumping, landing, and lateral movements are all involved. A player who does not wear proper ankle support may suffer sprains, strains, or even more severe injuries.
It is important to consider several factors when choosing volleyball shoes that provide ankle support. In order to prevent rolling or twisting of the ankle, the shoes should be high-tops or have extra ankle support features such as straps, padding, or braces.
Additionally, choosing shoes with proper cushioning is essential to absorbing shock during impact movements. For the ankle joint to be less stressed, the shoes should have a responsive midsole and comfortable insole.
Durability
It is important to consider durability when choosing volleyball shoes. Quick movements, jumps, and lateral motions are required in volleyball, which is an intense sport. When shoes are not made from high-quality materials, they can suffer from constant wear and tear.
In order for volleyball shoes to provide ankle support, durable materials should be used. Choose shoes with rubber or gum outsoles and reinforced toe caps. The material used for the upper should be sturdy but flexible enough to allow the wearer to move freely without tearing or fraying.
Choosing volleyball-specific shoes is also important. In volleyball, improperly fitted shoes can result in rapid wear and tear or will not provide the necessary support.
Traction
For ankle support, volleyball shoes must have good traction. During volleyball games, players jump, move quickly, and make lateral motions, and without proper traction, they could slip and fall.
Shoe outsoles made of rubber will provide a better grip on court surfaces. Multidirectional traction should be provided by the sole to prevent slippage during sudden movements. Jumping and landing repeatedly should also make the sole durable.
The type of court surface that will be used is another important consideration. It’s important to choose the right shoe for the court type, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, to enhance traction and performance.
You may enjoy reading Best Nike Volleyball Shoes
Should Volleyball Shoes Have Ankle Support?
Depending on your position, you need different amounts of ankle support on the volleyball court.
Over 100 jumps are made by a middle blocker in a game. The net offers 100 chances for someone to land awkwardly on their foot. While a libero does not jump, they require less ankle support since they do not jump.
In terms of lateral support, most volleyball shoes provide decent support, but these ones do an exceptional job, making them ideal for hitters.
In order to improve their agility on the court, setters and liberos can usually sacrifice a little ankle support in favor of super-responsive, lightweight shoes.
You may enjoy reading Best Volleyball Knee Pads
Faqs
Do volleyball shoes have ankle support?
As volleyball is a sport requiring quick movements, pivoting, and jumping, volleyball shoes provide ankle support and excellent traction.
Do high-ankle shoes protect ankles?
There is a trend in the current research literature that suggests high-top shoes do not sufficiently protect the ankle from sprains. Some people may also experience ankle sprains due to this design.
How do you protect your ankles in volleyball?
Ankle bracing should be worn by athletes who play sports prone to ankle injuries, such as volleyball, since ankle injuries can occur at any time during a game regardless of ankle strength or athletic ability.
Are ankle braces necessary with supportive volleyball shoes?
Even though supportive shoes provide good ankle stability, some players still choose ankle braces for added protection, especially if their ankles are prone to injury.
Are lightweight shoes suitable for players who need ankle support?
It is possible to find lightweight volleyball shoes that offer excellent ankle support. In order to offer both stability and agility, manufacturers now incorporate advanced materials.
Conclusion
Every volleyball player needs to choose the best volleyball shoes for ankle support. Performance is enhanced as well and ankle injuries are reduced when the right shoes are worn.
Now that there is a wide variety of options available, finding the perfect pair to suit your playing preferences and style has never been easier. Whenever you step on the court, you can be confident that you will excel.
In terms of ankle support, I highly recommend either the UA HOVR Highlight Ace 2 or the Nike Zoom HyperAce 2. I would strongly recommend the Asics Sky Elite FFs if you can’t get either of these shoes, as they are easily the best volleyball shoes on this list.
I absolutely love the Dame 7 unisex shoe if you need to save some money!
Also, check Best Volleyball Bags
