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Some sports are known for their footwear, like basketball, where players’ footwear is as much a fashion statement as it is a tactical choice. Volleyball shoes don’t necessarily get the same hype — but maybe they should.
The right volleyball shoes are crucial for performance and safety, providing support, grip, and traction, all of which are needed during the fast-paced sport. There are specialized volleyball shoes that offer those qualities, many of which are surprisingly trendy. Plus, plenty of players opt for basketball shoes, which deliver the same benefits in a great-looking package.
We asked volleyball players and coaches to share their picks for the best volleyball shoes, including options from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Mizuno. Ahead, see the volleyball shoes that made their list. But first, an expert-backed breakdown of what to look for when choosing a volleyball shoe. Here are some of their favorite picks and top recommended volleyball shoes with PS.
How to Choose The Best Volleyball Shoes
Here’s what coaches had to say. When looking for a volleyball shoe an athlete should consider the following for performance:
- Traction: Volleyball players often make sharp turns and fast starts, so they need something that delivers above-average grip on the court, says Kayla Banwarth, head coach of the Atlanta Vibe, and a bronze Women’s Volleyball medalist from the 2016 Olympic Games. “As volleyball players, we prioritize stability, traction, and ankle support — especially for jumpers. If a shoe can deliver on all three, then it’s a perfect fit for the match,” she adds. Which brings us to:
- Stability: “Volleyball players need a shoe that has stability [and] supports lateral movement, ” says D’Annette Stephens, women’s club volleyball coach for Grand Canyon University. Again, players are moving quickly and often changing directions, so stability is a must.
- Support: “With a lot of jumping you are susceptible to more ankle sprains, and tweaking of things,” says Leah Edmond, an outside hitter with the Atlanta Vibe and the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation. Hence: ankle support and overall foot support being key. Some players prefer volleyball sneakers with a higher ankle, while others prefer a low-cut shoe — but either way, the upper and sole must help reinforce the foot during gameplay.
- Comfort and cushioning: Finding a volleyball shoe that is comfortable with cushioning, translates well into physical performance on the court. “Cushioned shoes have soles that absorb impact for jumping and landing,” Stephens says. Fit plays into this, she points out. “Ensure a snug fit with toe room to prevent blisters and injuries,” Stephens says.
- Grip: An equally important quality for volleyball shoes and performance is the amount of grip the shoe has. “Opt for shoes with a sole with an indoor tread for courts,” Stephens says to PS.
The 9 Best Volleyball Shoes
Without further ado, nine volleyball shoes that players say tick off all the boxes listed above.
Experts Featured in This Article
Kayla Banwarth is the head coach of the Atlanta Vibe, a bronze Women’s Volleyball medalist for the 2016 Olympic Games, and 2014 World Champion.
D’Annette Stephens is the women’s club volleyball coach for Grand Canyon University.
Leah Edmond is a pro player with the Atlanta Vibe and the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation.
Jade Esmeralda
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