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Nike makes two dedicated volleyball shoes, the HyperAce 3 and the HyperSet 2, and both are good choices for indoor players. This guide compares them, explains Nike sizing for women, and covers which other Nike shoes are worth considering for volleyball.
How this guide was made: Volleyball Mania hasn’t wear-tested these shoes. The picks come from the makers’ specifications, retailer listings and published reviews. We link to every product so you can check the details.
Nike volleyball shoes compared
| Shoe | Best for | Cushioning | Fit note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike HyperAce 3 | Defenders and all-round players | Air Zoom unit in the forefoot | Nike says it runs small: order a half size up |
| Nike React HyperSet 2 | Setters, liberos and outside hitters | Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot | Reviewers say true to size; half up for wide feet |
The best Nike shoes for volleyball
1. Nike HyperAce 3: built for defense
Best for: liberos, defensive specialists and players who dig a lot.
The HyperAce 3 is Nike’s volleyball-specific shoe. It has an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot for quick reactions, a multidirectional traction pattern for hardwood courts, and abrasion-resistant material at the toe and forefoot, where defenders drag their feet. An internal webbing system holds the foot in place, and a padded collar helps keep the heel and ankle from rolling.
- Sizing: Nike recommends ordering a half size up. Sizes are listed on a unisex scale with men’s and women’s equivalents.
2. Nike React HyperSet 2: the versatile pick
Best for: setters, liberos and outside hitters, and players who also play basketball or pickleball.
The HyperSet 2 has Zoom Air units in both the heel and forefoot, a wavy lateral traction pattern, and Flywire with a large lateral strap for lockdown. WearTesters rated it 9.2 out of 10 and noted more torsional support than many Nike basketball shoes.
- Good to know: the outsole picks up dust on dusty courts, so you may need to wipe it more often, and it isn’t made for outdoor surfaces.
Nike volleyball shoes for women
Nike’s volleyball shoes use unisex sizing based on men’s sizes, with the women’s size listed beside each one. As a rule, a women’s size is about 1.5 larger than the men’s size, so a women’s 9.5 is roughly a men’s 8. Check Nike’s size chart, and remember the HyperAce 3 runs small. For picks from other brands too, see the best women’s volleyball shoes.
Other Nike shoes for volleyball
Some Nike basketball shoes work well indoors because they grip court floors and support side-to-side movement; see our guide to the best basketball shoes for volleyball. Skip running and gym shoes, like the Pegasus or Metcon: they’re built for forward motion or lifting, not quick lateral moves, and don’t grip gym floors as well.