The number of best volleyball shoes 2024 I’ve personally tested over the years is unimaginably high.
I am currently testing and reviewing each of the products listed in this article along with my head product tester, Ryan Holmes.
Our research covered 18-20 shoes in total, and we narrowed it down to the top 10. Now you don’t have to waste time searching for the “20 best volleyball shoes” just to be disappointed!
Best Volleyball Shoes in 2024 – 2023 [Tested By Professionals]
Choose the shoe that best suits your individual needs as a volleyball player by skimming through the descriptions below.
I’ve included a list of the most important things to consider at the end of the article if you need help deciding.
Let’s get started!
Asics Netburner Ballistic
For experienced volleyball players, this is a great choice. In addition to having great traction and cushioning, the Netburner Ballistic also provides ankle stability. Moreover, I like the design quite a bit.
There is a good reason Asics is one of the most popular volleyball shoe manufacturers in the world. Netburner Ballistic shoes are known for their reliability.
The stability, traction, and cushioning of this shoe deserve special attention.
The TWISTRUSS technology from Asics is a great way to keep yourself stable if you’re one of those people.
You can think of the shoe as a stabilizing shoe during jumps and landings.
A system called X Guidance improves traction on the Netburner Ballistic. Taking a look at the sole, you’ll see that it forms an X, making it easier to grip.
In addition to the Netburner, all Asics shoes feature rubber, which sticks to the ground.
Last but not least, we have improved cushioning thanks to FlyteFoam technology. It offers great bounce thanks to its high-density foam, called FlyteFoam.
This shoe only has one drawback: it is narrow. A wide foot will not fit well in this shoe, so I recommend choosing something else instead.
It has been reported that hundreds of people had to choose another shoe because it was too narrow! People with bad ankles will benefit from this shoe.
Regardless of position on the court, I would recommend this shoe, since it has no obvious drawbacks.
As a whole, it’s a great shoe, though it is narrow towards the toes if you have a wide foot.
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6
Its ankle protection is a major reason for its popularity, though its comfort is just as important!
It’s a comfortable and lightweight shoe that still protects your ankles, yet it’s stiff enough to be comfortable. The design is also plentiful – both high and low shoes come in a variety of colors.
Putting them on, you’ll notice how comfortable they are right away.
There is very little break-in time, and they are very easy to walk and run in.
It won’t feel like you’re wearing shoes at all because they’re so lightweight.
Using Wave technology, these shoes cushion and stabilize your ankles, keeping them where they’re supposed to be.
Despite their bulkier design, these shoes aren’t less comfortable or lighter, they just provide more stability. There are some people who prefer slimmer shoes, however, so I’m pointing that out.
Z6s are known for their narrowness, which often poses a problem. Wide feet might find them uncomfortable and even bruising, so I wouldn’t recommend them.
The Adidas CrazyFlight volleyball shoes have excellent bounce technology and are very comfortable and breathable, so they’re a great choice for outside hitters.
Adidas CrazyFlight
In addition to being some of the best Adidas volleyball shoes, they are also some of the best all-around volleyball shoes. Their supreme jumping technology makes them an excellent match for hitters.
It is because of the durability of these shoes, as well as their jumping capabilities, that Adidas deserves this spot.
Forefoot and midfoot technology called Adiprene+ helps Adidas improve propulsion.
Spiking can be done with this shoe because of its improved jumping abilities.
Unlike most of their products, it is a durable shoe. Synthetic soles and rubber outsoles ensure long-term durability. There is an adjustable lacing system at the top of the shoe, which is made of breathable mesh.
Since no one wants their feet to feel suffocated during a game, this shoe is lightweight and easy on your feet.
The lightweight feel shouldn’t be underestimated (pun intended). Whether you’re playing or training, CrazyFlight won’t wear you down. They’re great for both!
While there is nothing wrong with them, they may not have been specifically designed for volleyball, so you might encounter some heel slipping, depending on the court.
It was designed specifically for hitters! They are lightweight and utilize propulsion technology, so they are great for jumping. Training and games can both be done with them since they are versatile and durable.
Asics Gel-Rocket 10
Gel-Rocket 10 shoes are smooth. That’s the only word that comes to mind when describing them. Jumping is made easier with the GEL technology in this shoe.
You won’t find a better pair of frontcourt shoes at a lower price. Using GEL cushioning technology, the Asics Gel-Rocket 10 absorbs shock very effectively.
Gel-Rocket 10 volleyball shoes are also among the most comfortable on the market.
In comparison to other volleyball shoes, the Gel-Rocket 10 provides noticeably more flexibility.
This shoe uses TRUSSTIC technology for stability, which means the sole weighs less without compromising structural integrity, providing better foot stability.
I would not expect longevity from this shoe, but overall, it’s a great shoe on a budget. Since it’s a budget shoe, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a good shoe that’ll last throughout the season but won’t break the bank.
The Adidas CrazyFlight volleyball shoes have excellent bounce technology and are very comfortable and breathable, so they’re a great choice for outside hitters.
Asics Upcourt 5
Some of the most popular volleyball shoes, such as the Upcourt 5, are also used for other sports, like squash. Most positions will benefit from these shoes because they are flexible, durable, and comfortable.
There’s a good reason why these shoes are so popular. Despite its relatively low price, Asics has introduced another great design that offers comfort and stability!
These shoes are very flexible, which is the first thing you will notice about them.
You can twist them completely in your hands without damaging the shoes.
There is a noticeable difference in comfort and lightness between the Upcourt 5 and other Asics models, as it isn’t as bulky as some other Asics models.
Despite this, they are extremely durable, as reinforced double panels protect them at the toes and heel, making them durable for a long time.
There is a mesh paneling and a thick layer of padding in the midfoot to ensure comfort.
While design isn’t a deal-breaker, Asics did their best to make this design appealing, offering a wide range of colors.
Ankle protection is something I’m personally concerned about. While they appear stable, they’re designed for flexibility and ankle protection isn’t added.
The Adidas CrazyFlight volleyball shoes have excellent bounce technology and are very comfortable and breathable, so they’re a great choice for outside hitters.
Adidas Dame 7
Adidas Dame 7 basketball shoes are among the best volleyball shoes for outdoor courts because they perform exceptionally well on outdoor courts.
There is no better volleyball shoe for me than the Dame 7s.
As a middle blocker/opposite, I play a lot of games and jump a lot. In order to prevent overuse injuries like a jumper’s knee, shock absorption is crucial to me.
As the most shock-absorbing basketball shoes on the market, the Dame 7s are widely regarded as the best budget model.
It’s the best shoes for volleyball on this list when it comes to impact protection.
Outdoor courts also benefit from their durability and bite.
This shoe is crazy because it feels incredibly light and springy yet weighs a lot.
They are not a good choice for liberos or defenders due to their high heels.
Some players might not like them since they are clunky and boot-like.
Women who do not like to wear men’s basketball shoes can also choose from a variety of unisex designs!
In addition, they’re significantly cheaper than any of the other shoes on this list, making them a great budget option.
Excellent for wide feet! If you have narrow feet, these shoes are definitely not for you! They are the widest shoes I have ever worn.
Spikers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on pricier volleyball shoes will find these shoes to be a great option.
ASICS Women’s Sky Elite FlyteFoam Mid Top 2 Volleyball Shoes
Quite simply, this is the best volleyball shoe we’ve ever seen. Their heel-toe transition is super fluid, they provide excellent shock absorption, and they stick to the ground like glue.
It’s usually possible to improve or tweak volleyball shoes in some way.
Despite this, there is not a single flaw in this shoe.
There are many people who compare this shoe to a hybrid of a volleyball and basketball shoe.
Since I believe volleyball shoes are better than basketball shoes, this appealed to me!
Volleyball shoes with better traction are hard to find. All volleyball positions benefit from these, but defensive specialists particularly benefit from them.
In spite of this, the only downside of this shoe is its thick sole, meaning it sits quite high off the ground.
The backcourt might not be the best fit for some players who prefer to feel closer to the floor…
However, for most attackers, this will only increase their sense of dominance on the net, so I see it as a positive.
With its thick, soft sole, it’s the perfect shoe for jumping since it cushions landings well.
With these on, you won’t have to worry about your knees turning to dust all day!
Jumping in these shoes gives you a really springy bounce because of the heel-toe transition.
In addition to being ridiculously comfortable, they are also very durable.
I feel very secure in the ankle support and it’s extremely secure inside.
This red Tokyo Sky Elite from Asics is super stylish, which is something that Asics hasn’t been known for in the past.
When you pull these out of your volleyball bag, everyone in the gym will know you’re a serious baller!
You’ll love these shoes if you have wide feet!
Adidas Dame 8
Volleyball players often wear these basketball shoes as well. Some of the reasons why they are so popular are their support and cushioning.
If you’re playing volleyball in Dame 8, you won’t notice the difference between them and a basketball shoe.
Two of the most notable features of these shoes are their grip and bounce.
Because of the heavy rubber on the outsole, Dame 8 is a bit on the heavier side when you play, but you can adapt to it over time.
A breathable mesh was used for the shoe’s top part to compensate for the heavy rubber.
For cushioning and support, Adidas used dual-density Bounce Pro technology.
This is a great shoe for people with wide feet!
There are a few issues with Dame 8, but it’s a great budget shoe. You will definitely feel that it’s heavier to some degree, as I mentioned earlier. Additionally, some players report that the rubber has a hard time handling dust, and traction can be poor on dusty courts.
The Adidas CrazyFlight volleyball shoes have excellent bounce technology and are very comfortable and breathable, so they’re a great choice for outside hitters.
Li-Ning All City 10 Cotton Candy
Its lightweight feel, strong traction, and decent cushioning make it a great choice for setters, liberos, and outside hitters. In addition, they look fantastic!
In order to be successful as a setter, you must be able to blend responsiveness, lateral support, and cushioning/impact protection.
The setting also means feeling lower to the ground, which means the recommendations I made earlier won’t work.
My opinion is that outside hitters have pretty much the same requirements as inside hitters, and the Li-Ning All-City 9s and 10s meet them all.
It has a low profile, is very responsive, and has excellent traction, as well as a really good cushioning system, so it works well on both the front and backcourts, for passing and hitting.
It even looks like you’re walking on clouds while wearing these shoes, as they’re some of the most comfortable shoes on the market.
All City 9s and All City 10s are very similar, so you can choose whichever suits you best. Both men and women will be able to enjoy their amazingly vibrant unisex colorways.
There is no doubt that these shoes are wide-foot friendly!
This is another excellent setter/passer hitter option that is highly responsive.
Mizuno Wave Momentum 2
This lightweight, springier volleyball shoe is perfect for playing all positions on the court.
It’s almost as if these shoes are in their own league compared with the Asics Sky Elite FF…
Momentum 2 is lighter than a feather, which is the first thing you notice about it.
Those who believe lightweight shoes improve jump height will love this!
Despite the high price tag, this is a high-quality volleyball shoe that’s well worth the investment for any athlete who is serious about the sport.
In my opinion, this volleyball shoe is perfect for players who play on the frontcourt because of the added bounce when jumping.
There is a lack of shock absorption in volleyball shoes that can be very damaging to your joints if you do a lot of jumping.
As far as this is concerned, the Wave Momentum 2 isn’t as good as the original Momentum. Bounciness was traded for shock absorption.
In addition, they have a fairly high mid-top design, which means they provide more ankle support when landing around nets.
Wide feet will also love them!
Anyone who is looking for an ultra-lightweight, super bouncy shoe that will make them feel like they are jumping out of the gym should check out the Wave Momentum 2s.
What Should You Look For Best Shoes For Volleyball?
Due to the unique demands of the various volleyball positions, volleyball shoes are designed in many different ways.
Middle blockers perform extremely different duties during volleyball matches than liberos, and their shoes should reflect this.
If you spike the ball a lot, check out the article I wrote about the best shoes for hitters.
Listed below are the design aspects I considered in choosing which volleyball shoes to recommend.
Ankle Support
It is important to have ankle support when playing sports that involve jumping and lateral movement.
Among those sports, volleyball definitely falls into that category, and in my opinion, good ankle support is essential!
For defensive specialists with exceptional body control, lighter, more flexible shoes with less ankle support may be more suitable.
The ankle support of volleyball players who spike a lot and block a lot should be prioritized.
Weight
There is no way to quantify how important lightweight shoes are.
Although it’s not ideal to wear bulky, big shoes, most shoes today are fairly lightweight.
There are quite a few shoes on my list that are significantly lighter than the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2.
In a court situation, flexibility, mobility, and agility are perhaps more important than weight.
Combined with the Hypersets, Mizunos make movement extremely precise and quick.
Traction & Grip
Getting traction depends in part on how well the court is maintained.
Chances are, most shoes will provide decent grip if the court is regularly cleaned and not dusty.
In any court, worn-out shoes are a big problem, which is why they should be replaced as soon as possible.
Due to the dusty nature of most courts, it is always advisable to wear shoes with decent traction.
In terms of traction, the Asics Sky Elite FF shoes top the list.
Hypersets and Dame 7s are by far the best choices if you are primarily playing on outdoor courts.
Style
You can definitely feel confident on the court when you wear the right shoes.
My power and explosiveness will be much greater if I wear new white HyperAces than if I wear old worn-out trainers…
The way you kick as a volleyballer speaks volumes about you.
Wearing some Sky Elite FFs to the court lets us know you mean business!
Regardless of the shoe you choose, make sure you like the way it looks and feels.
You’ll be able to play better as a result.
Shock Absorption
For volleyball players who jump a lot (outside hitters, middle blocks, and opposites), this is probably the most important factor to take into consideration.
Jumping or landing from a jump takes a toll on your joints.
An overuse injury such as tendonitis can result from poorly absorbing force in your shoes.
Because basketball shoes are designed with landing forces in mind, I often recommend them to volleyball players.
Due to my position as a middle blocker, I am partial to the Adidas Dame 7.
You may enjoy reading Are Running Shoes Good For Volleyball?
What Brands Are Best For Volleyball Shoes?
Despite Under Armour making some volleyball shoes, the majority of volleyball shoes are made by just four companies.
Asics, Mizuno, Nike, and Adidas are the four best volleyball shoe brands.
There was a time when Mizuno and Asics dominated the volleyball shoe market. The reason for this was primarily that these were the only brands that made shoes specifically for volleyball.
There have been a lot of quality volleyball shoes made by Nike and Adidas in the last few years.
Basketball shoes are the mainstay of these two companies, but most basketball shoes can be used as volleyball shoes as well.
Adidas markets shoes predominantly for court sports (handball, squash, badminton) while Nike now markets shoes specifically for volleyball.
What Are The Most Popular Volleyball Shoes?
It wasn’t too long ago that most volleyball courts were dominated by Mizunos and Asics.
Despite being popular for a long time now, Nike is definitely taking market share from these two brands.
The Nike React Hypersets have been seen worn by a lot of top pros in recent times.
Those Nikes are definitely becoming a trendy shoe today, but there are a couple of Mizunos as well.
What Are The Most Comfortable Volleyball Shoes?
Because of how well the Asics Sky Elite FF shoes lock down the heel, I would recommend them as the most comfortable volleyball shoe.
Among my list of shoes, the Nike HyperAces are also highly recommended due to their thick ankle padding, yet highly flexible upper.
Additionally, since I have wide feet, I can tell you that the Dame 7s feel amazing.
How Should Volleyball Shoes Fit?
It is important to wear volleyball shoes that fit snugly around your foot, with the heel not too loose.
It can be uncomfortable to play long games if your shoes are too tight around the sides of your feet.
In each of the posts above, I’ve included information about shoes that fit well on wide feet.
I would suggest buying half a size larger than your usual size if you’re set on a specific shoe that isn’t suitable for wide feet.
Some of these shoes aren’t available for trying before you buy, which would be ideal.
You may enjoy reading Should Volleyball Players Wear Ankle Braces?
Do Volleyball Shoes Run Small Or Big?
While most volleyball shoes run true to size, Adidas is known to make shoes that run a half size smaller, so consider going up half a size.
Are Volleyball Shoes Supposed To Be Tight?
It’s best to get shoes that fit fairly snugly and can be laced up quite tight if you play a game like volleyball that requires a lot of jumping and rapid changes of direction.
Take heed of my warnings about wide feet to ensure that the shoe does not feel too tight!
During these explosive movements, you should have the heel locked down nicely and securely.
Best Place To Buy Volleyball Shoes?
To get the best shoes for volleyball, it is best to go to a brick-and-mortar sports store and try them on.
It’s pretty important to find the right fit.
Most people purchase their volleyball shoes on the internet these days since they can’t find them in sports stores.
My experience writing over 80+ articles about volleyball shoes has taught me which sites offer the best selection at the best price.
There are several options to consider when looking for the best place to buy volleyball shoes, both online and in person. You can choose from the following options:
Sporting Goods Stores
Volleyball shoes can be found at retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors, or your local sports equipment store. It is easier to find the perfect fit by trying on different brands and styles in a physical store.
Online Retailers: Amazon:
There is a wide selection of volleyball shoes from a variety of brands on Amazon, and you can read customer reviews to make an informed decision.
Each of the major shoe manufacturers has a huge selection of shoes.
- Discounts on a frequent basis.
- Sizes that are competitive.
- There is a lot of information on whether the shoes run big or small and what size is recommended.
- The checkout process is quick and easy, and the shoes will be shipped quickly so that you can play in them as soon as possible!
- Refunds are easy.
In my articles, I mostly link to Amazon because of these reasons.
Also, Amazon often has shoes that have been discontinued by the manufacturer as well as a wide range of sizes.
Brand Websites
There are many volleyball shoe brands that have their own websites where you can buy directly from them. There are numerous brands that offer their products online, including Mizuno, Nike, and ASICS. Some of these brands offer exclusive models or colors.
Volleyball Shoe FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about volleyball shoes.
How often should you replace volleyball shoes?
Your volleyball shoes should last for several years if you take good care of them.
If you use them exclusively on indoor courts and if you walk them out to the carpark after play, it will depend quite a bit on how you use them.
When you play volleyball several times a week, you should be able to get at least one or two years out of them before you need to replace them.
Are volleyball shoes non-slip?
In addition to being non-slip, volleyball shoes usually have excellent traction patterns, whether they are used on indoor or outdoor courts.
What shoes does Yuji Nishida wear?
Typically, Yuji Nishida wears the Tokyo edition of the Asics Sky Elite FF.
It is common for Nishida to wear something similar to the Sky Elites if he is not wearing the Sky Elites.
Are volleyball shoes good for lifting?
Lifting weights in volleyball shoes is definitely not recommended.
It is not a good idea to do exercises like squats and deadlifts in volleyball shoes since they have thick, soft soles.
There’s probably no problem lifting in Adidas Stabil Next Gen volleyball shoes since they’re low to the ground.
While still not recommended, most volleyball shoes are probably fine for general gym workouts.
What are the lightest volleyball shoes?
In the current volleyball shoe market, Mizuno Wave Momentum 2s are widely recognized as the lightest. The Nike Giannis Immortality is even lighter if you include basketball shoes as well!
Can you use indoor soccer shoes for volleyball?
You will probably find indoor soccer shoes quite uncomfortable to wear while playing volleyball.
Jumping isn’t a requirement for indoor soccer shoes.
Their flat soles with poor heel-toe transitions make jumping inefficient and landing even worse due to their minimal shock absorption.
Are volleyball and squash shoes the same?
Most people are happy to wear squash shoes interchangeably with volleyball shoes.
In my opinion, volleyball players who do a lot of hitting should avoid most of the tennis shoes marketed towards squash or badminton in favor of something closer to a basketball shoe.
The soles of squash shoes are quite thin, which will cause pain to your joints after jumping a lot. Volleyball shoes should have impact protection, and volleyball shoes should have thick soles.
Are volleyball shoes worth it?
If you play volleyball regularly, volleyball shoes are definitely worth investing in.
You’ll benefit greatly by having volleyball shoes specifically designed for the court unless you have basketball shoes or generic court shoes.
Investing in volleyball shoes will provide significant performance benefits for beginners compared to most cross-trainers.
What are the best youth volleyball shoes?
There is no difference between volleyball shoes for youths and volleyball shoes for adults.
I’ve made a number of recommendations here that can be applied to volleyball players of any age.
What are the best-looking volleyball shoes?
It’s all in the eye of the beholder when it comes to beauty!
The Li-Ning All City line and the Nike Hypersets also look amazing to me, although I prefer the Adidas shoes.
Conclusion
The Asics Netburner Ballistic is a complete shoe, in my opinion, having worn a few of these shoes. As far as volleyball shoes go, it’s perfect for me.
You might want to consider the Adidas Dame 8 or the Asics Gel-Rocket 10 if you’re on a budget.
If you want premium, go with Asics Sky Elite FF2 if you are a setter or outside hitter.
It doesn’t really matter which shoe you choose since each is exceptional in its own right, so it doesn’t really matter which one you pick.
It’s okay if you don’t know which one to choose. Just pick the one you think looks the coolest!
You can also read on to learn what things you need to take into consideration when purchasing volleyball shoes.
