With countless available options, choosing the best volleyball shoes that fit your needs can take time and effort. I’ve conducted extensive market research to pick the top 16 volleyball shoes across different categories to help you choose the right pair.
Do quality shoes make a difference? Absolutely! Whether you are a libero, setter, or hitter, the right kind of volleyball shoes will help your game improve on levels you cannot imagine. Volleyball shoes decrease your risk of injury on the court, provide you with more stability for digs, boost you to get a higher jump, and stick to a better landing.
Let’s dig in!
How to Choose the Right Shoes for You
We review each shoe for key features necessary in volleyball shoes. You can apply our checklist to any shoes you’re considering for volleyball. We have a separate lineup of basketball shoes that work great for volleyball players as well!
Any time you’re shopping for shoes for volleyball, here are the main points to remember:
- Comfort: Look for shoes with ample cushioning, a well-padded collar, and breathable materials to prevent blisters, discomfort, and excessive sweating.
- Stability: Ensure your shoes provide ample stability and ankle support to prevent injuries,
- Lightweight: Lightweight shoes help prevent foot fatigue when playing for long hours and promote agility.
- Right Fit: A snug fit gives you better control over your movements and enhances overall performance on the volleyball court.
Top 16 Best Volleyball Shoes of 2023
- Overall Best Volleyball Shoes —
- Best Men’s Volleyball Shoes— Asics Men’s Gel-Rocket 9
- Best Asics Women’s Volleyball Shoes— Asics Women’s Gel Tactic
- Best Women’s Volleyball Shoes— Mizuno Women’s Cyclone Speed 3
- Best Budget Volleyball Shoes— Asics Gel Rocket 10 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Under Armor Volleyball Shoes— Under Armour Unisex Curry Flow 9
- Best Adidas Volleyball Shoe— Adidas Women’s Crazy Flight
- Best Mizuno Volleyball Shoes— Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Men’s | Women’s
- Best Asics Volleyball Shoes— Asics Men’s Net Burner Ballistic FF3
- Best Nike Volleyball Shoes— Nike Men’s KD 15
- Best Nike Women’s Volleyball Shoes— Nike Women’s Hyper Race 2
- Best Youth Volleyball Shoes— Asics Kid’s Upcourt 4 Volleyball Shoes
Overall Best Volleyball Shoes
Here are our top five picks for the best volleyball shoes.
1. Asics Sky Elite FF MT2 Volleyball Shoes
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The Sky Elite FF MT 2 is one of the best volleyball shoes. It features a WISTRUSS midsole that amplifies your jumping force and a DYNAWRAP lacing system that improves stability during side-to-side movements and braking.
And if you’re looking for increased vertical power, our top 13 list of basketball shoes for explosive jumping.
Pros
- Flexible
- Excellent traction
- Torsional support to help you jump
- Curved heel facilitates seamless cuts towards the net
- Excellent stability
Cons
- Lacks durability
What People Are Saying
A buyer said, “Traction is great! No issues on a decent court; I’ve rarely had to wipe.”
Another user called them “an all-rounder” and recommended them for “all positions.”
2. Nike Men’s Lebron 20 Basketball Shoes
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These shoes are about as comfortable as a volleyball shoe can get. Their knit allows them to hug your feet as you play, providing extra comfort.
The Lebron 20’s also give hitters an extra boosted jump, enabling them to make better hits with extra cushioning for protection.
Pros
- Excellent stability
- Added spring when you jump
- Bouncy
- Superior cushioning and support.
Cons
- Lack of torsional support may cause arch pain
- Expensive
What People Are Saying
One buyer said, “The materials are comfortable, thin, and breathable on foot. It also helps to keep you contained during play.”
Another stated that their “Traction, cushioning, and support are versatile enough to offer something to most players.”
3. Puma Men’s MB.01 Shoes
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The Puma MB.01 has an excellent rubber grip that works best on indoor courts. The midsole of these shoes is nitro foam and provides a perfect bounce to your jump while securing your landing.
These shoes have a great grip on shiny indoor courts, making your feet feel secure while playing. They’re also very breathable, which helps your feet remain comfortable and fresh.
Pros
- Exceptional grip
- Superior comfort
- Breathable
- Enhanced agility for powerful hits
Cons
- The reduced grip on dusty surfaces
- Expensive
What People Are Saying
One buyer said, “The Puma MB.01 is one of the best debut signature models in a while.”
Another reviewer compared them to the Nike Kyrie and commended their support, lockdown, and “heavily padded fit.”
4. Nike Men’s Kyrie Infinity
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The Nike Kyrie Infinity has a zoom unit at the forefoot, which makes you feel much more bouncy and confident in your jumps.
The adjustable straps allow you to make this shoe comfortably fit your foot and prevent slippage on the court. Their amazing traction makes them a great choice for liberos, who must run all around the court and dive often.
Pros
- Bouncy
- Adjustable snug fit with straps
- Enhanced stability
- Excellent grip on indoor courts
Cons
- Unsuitable for people with wide feet
What People Are Saying
A buyer who played in these shoes said, “They’re one of the most well-cushioned Kyrie shoes to this point.”
Another noted that these are for players who “value comfort over support.”
5. Mizuno Men’s Wave Momentum 2 Volleyball Shoe
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I’m a big fan of Mizuno volleyball shoes. These are so light on your feet that you barely feel them! The Wave Momentum 2 gives you a great extra bounce on your jumps, making it a great choice for blockers and people playing on the net.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Excellent responsiveness
- Increased ankle support
- Extra bouncy
Cons
- Expensive
What People Are Saying
A buyer called them “an excellent performer that feels great moving laterally and bouncy, even if it can feel rough on the landings.”
One player bought these shoes on a recommendation and said, “The bounce is good, and the traction on courts is fantastic.”
Best Men’s Volleyball Shoes— Asics Men’s Gel Rocket 9
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Whether it’s traction on the court, stability during different movements, or comfort, the Gel Rocket has it all.
They’re breathable, allowing your feet to remain cool, and offer great impact absorption, making them an excellent shoe for hitters.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Superior grip on indoor courts
- Gel cushioning offers maximum impact protection
- Breathable
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Not true to size
What People Are Saying
A regular volleyball player commented, “ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball shoe is perfect for men’s volleyball.”
Another reviewer said, “They’re comfortable, light-weight, and seem well-suited for volleyball.”
Best Asics Women’s Volleyball Shoes— Asics Women’s Gel Tactic
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While being our top pick for women’s volleyball shoes, the Asics Gel Tactic is also a great budget volleyball shoe! It provides excellent stability during movements on the court, protecting you from injuries. It also has excellent support when it comes to jumping and lateral movement.
Pros
- Added stability
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Jump support
- GEL cushioning system absorbs shock
Cons
- Not very durable
- Traction could be better
What People Are Saying
One volleyball player said, “These shoes can easily be used professionally, although their price is lower.”
Another buyer said, “These shoes were incredibly light and breathable, offering supreme comfort and modern design.”
Best Women’s Volleyball Shoes— Mizuno Women’s Cyclone Speed 3
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The Mizuno Women’s Cyclone Speed 3 is the perfect volleyball shoe for women. They’re a great value for the price and have all the necessary features for high performance: an EVA midsole, a non-marking outsole without cleats, and incredible stability.
I’d like to point out that this shoe is our top pick because of its value. Check out the Asics Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 if you want a higher-end shoe. It’s also a great shoe for other indoor sports.
Pros
- EVA Responsive sole
- Enhanced stability
- Breathable mesh
- Doesn’t leave marks on the court
- Extensive size options
Cons
- Not true to size or might run narrow
What People Are Saying
A college-level female volleyball player stated, “They have a lot of cushioning, which is great because it’s such an explosive sport, and you need fast movements and maximum power when you jump.”
Another player said, “They have great grip, allowing quick movements!”
Best Budget Volleyball Shoes— Asics Gel Rocket 10
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Asics is a very popular and well-known brand for volleyball shoes. You’ll see plenty of Olympic-level teams wearing these shoes, and you can buy a pair within a reasonable budget too.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Can be used for indoor court sports such as badminton and racquetball
- Excellent responsiveness
- Enhanced stability minimizes the risk of slipping or misstepping
Cons
- Not as much cushioning as other shoes
What People Are Saying
A user reported, “The Rocket series is a low-cost, general-purpose indoor court shoe popular with volleyball players.”
A long-time coach and volleyball player shared that he “only wears Asics shoes” and loves the Gel Rocket 10.
Best Under Armor Volleyball Shoes— Under Armour Unisex Curry Flow 9
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If you love feeling connected to the court and expect to do a lot of digging, this shoe is an absolute gem. Its design is tailored to provide an exceptional experience during fast-paced movements and intense plays.
Pros
- Sticky traction
- Great ankle lockdown and lateral stability
- Unisex
- Great for people with wide feet
- The ideal shoe for a libero
Cons
- Not the best impact protection
What People Are Saying
A volleyball player mentioned, “So far as basketball shoes for volleyball go, few do a better job than the Curry 9.”
A reviewer said, “I bought three pairs of this shoe because the warp upper is super supportive and breathable. The ankle collar and tongue are well-padded and plush. Even the laces are the best I’ve seen in a while. Very thick and easy to tie.”
Best Adidas Volleyball Shoe— Adidas Women’s Crazy Flight Volleyball Shoe
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With a wide range of designs, these Adidas shoes cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone can find a pair that suits their style. They also have options available for men and women.
The Crazy Flight Volleyball shoe excels in various areas, from comfort to durability, ensuring you get the best value.
Pros
- Fantastic ankle support
- Affordable
- A very well-rounded shoe
- Good impact protection
Cons
- Not as much cushioning as other shoes
What People Are Saying
A customer of these shoes states, “There isn’t much I don’t like about the CrazyFlights!”
Another happy customer reviewed, “One of Adidas’ best overall volleyball shoes, a fantastic option for any position on the court.”
Best Mizuno Volleyball Shoes— Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Volleyball Shoe
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The Mizuno Wave Lightning 6 has remarkable comfort. The brand has fine-tuned the design and materials of this new shoe to ensure players enjoy a plush and cozy feel, even during long hours on the court.
The shoes boast a fantastic cushioning system that provides excellent shock absorption. This helps prevent fatigue and injuries while offering excellent comfort.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Great cushioning system
- Mid-top design gives ankle support
- Lightweight and bouncy
Cons
- Not very responsive
- Not suitable for lateral movements
What People Are Saying
A buyer reviewing several Mizuno shoes stated, “The cushioning in the Z6 is nice and certainly does a better job than the Momentum 2, making this a solid option for all hitters.”
Another user mentioned, “Love how light these shoes are. Great traction.”
Best Asics Volleyball Shoes— Asics Men’s Net Burner Ballistic FF3
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One of the key advantages of Asics volleyball shoes is their excellent traction on indoor courts. With specialized outsole designs and high-quality rubber compounds, these shoes provide superior grip, allowing players to make quick movements and sharp turns without worrying about slipping.
Pros
- Excellent traction on indoor courts
- Very good ankle and foot support
- Great cushioning
- Provide a boost when you jump
Cons
- Fewer color and design options
What People Are Saying
One reviewer mentioned, “It will provide excellent durability, traction, and a flexible fit as any Asics shoe.”
An outside hitter also bought these shoes and, after playing with them, said, “I could feel such a significant boost in my jump and overall performance.“
Best Nike Volleyball Shoes— Nike Men’s KD 15
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The Nike Men’s KD 15 shoes are primarily for basketball but are also great for volleyball. They feature a cushioned midsole to provide top-notch comfort and are designed with soft and shock-absorbing materials, providing an extra layer of protection against the impact of intense movements and jumps.
Pros
- Have a cushioned midsole for top-notch comfort
- Soft and shock-absorbing
- Superior ventilation
- Omnidirectional traction pattern
Cons
- A heavier shoe that limits movement
What People Are Saying
After playing in them for a few hours, one customer stated, “The elite cushioning setup in this shoe is so valuable in volleyball that I almost always have them in my bag. If I start feeling sore feet and knees, I’m putting on the KD 15s, and the pain disappears.”
Another player mentioned, “I wore these shoes when I played seven consecutive hours, and while all my teammates complained of feet pain, I was perfectly okay in my shoes!”
Best Nike Women’s Volleyball Shoes— Nike Women’s Hyper Race 2
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The Nike Hyper Race 2 has several good features. It’s not the perfect shoe, but it’s a good staple for casual volleyball matches and practices.
These shoes fit very well and keep your feet secured. The traction also has a unique yet effective pattern. As a bonus, you can also use these for Pickleball.
Pros
- Effective lockdown system
- Adequate stability
- Good traction
- Wide forefoot
- Work great for Pickleball too
Cons
- Laces might not stay tied
What People Are Saying
One beginner to volleyball said, “The Hyper Race was my first shoe. They’re very comfortable and provide great grip – a great buy for a new player.”
Another review by a volleyball coach was, “These shoes are very convenient for volleyball training.”
Best Youth Volleyball Shoes— ASICS Kid’s Upcourt 4 Volleyball Shoes
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These shoes are fantastic for indoor courts and kids new to volleyball. They offer a great balance of lightweight flexibility, durability, and support for everyday use.
One of the standout features is the breathable mesh that keeps the feet comfortable with airflow during extended plays.
Pros
- Cushioning specifically for youth
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Upper mesh coating allows feet to remain cool
- Synthetic leather and mesh upper
- Rubber sole for better traction
Cons
- Can’t walk a lot in them
- It doesn’t do much to boost your jump
What People Are Saying
One mother said, “My daughter loves these shoes for volleyball.”
Another woman said, “I bought these shoes for my daughter, and she never takes them off! They are very comfortable.”
FAQs
What are the best shoes for sand volleyball?
The sand can get very hot and make it difficult to play volleyball barefoot, so the best option is sand socks! Most beach or sand volleyball players don’t like wearing volleyball shoes. Due to the texture of the sand, it is much easier to slip while wearing shoes. Sand socks protect your feet from the hot sand while providing stability for playing barefoot.
What are the best volleyball shoes for flat feet?
The Asics Sky Elite FF is a great shoe if you have flat feet. If you play volleyball and have flat feet, you may face pain in your feet after playing. These shoes and their excellent cushioning allow you to play pain-free volleyball.
Summary
I hope this comprehensive list has helped you find the perfect volleyball shoe for your requirements. Remember, your shoes should align with your style, playing position, individual needs, and the type of court you’ll be playing on.
There are several excellent volleyball shoes for all terrains – mud, sand, or indoor. Several brands, such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma, make volleyball shoes that cater to different playing styles and preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, stability, or lightweight design, you can find the perfect fit among these top-quality brands.
With the right volleyball shoes, you can boost your confidence, agility, and overall skill level and elevate your volleyball game!
They have listed very decent picks for hitters