When it comes to outdoor volleyball, the game demands more than just a ball and a net. You need to bring your A-game with agility, quick movements, and a lot of physical activity. And let’s not forget about the importance of having the perfect pair of shoes! Whether you are a newbie to the sport or a seasoned player, choosing the right footwear can mean the difference between soaring like an eagle or struggling like a duck.
So, let’s dive in and explore the essential features to look for when selecting the best shoes for outdoor volleyball.
Why is it important to have the right shoes for outdoor volleyball?
Volleyball involves a lot of running, jumping, and quick changes in direction. This puts a lot of strain on your feet and ankles, and having the right shoes can help reduce the risk of injuries. Good volleyball shoes are designed to provide the support and cushioning you need to move quickly and comfortably on the court. They also have special features that make them ideal for volleyball, such as non-marking soles, breathable uppers, and grippy treads.
What to look for in a good pair of volleyball shoes?
1. Support and cushioning
Volleyball shoes should have good support and cushioning to absorb the shock of jumping and landing. Look for shoes with thick soles, padded insoles, and extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas.
2. Traction
Volleyball shoes need to have good traction to prevent slipping on the court. Look for shoes with non-marking soles that provide good grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
3. Breathability
Volleyball shoes should have breathable uppers to keep your feet cool and dry during long games. Look for shoes with mesh or perforated uppers that allow for airflow.
4. Durability
Volleyball shoes need to be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of intense play. Look for shoes made with high-quality materials that can hold up to frequent use.
5. Fit
Volleyball shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. Look for shoes with a secure lacing system that allows you to adjust the fit as needed.
Top 5 best shoes for outdoor volleyball
The Asics Gel-Rocket 9 is a popular choice among volleyball players, and for good reason. These shoes offer excellent support and cushioning, with a gel cushioning system in the heel that absorbs shock and a Trusstic System that reduces the weight of the sole unit while still providing structural integrity. The gum rubber outsole provides good traction on a variety of surfaces, and the mesh upper allows for breathability.
The Asics Gel-Rocket 9 is no doubt an excellent choice for outdoor volleyball players looking for a shoe that combines comfort, durability, and style. With its gel cushioning system, durable outsole, and breathable mesh upper, this shoe is designed to help you perform at your best on the court. However, it’s important to keep in mind the potential sizing issues and limited ankle support when selecting this shoe. Overall, the Gel-Rocket 9 is a solid option for players of all levels looking for a high-quality outdoor volleyball shoe.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Durable outsole
- Lightweight and breathable
- Supportive fit
- Stylish design
Cons
- Sizing issues
- Limited ankle support
- Not suitable for all foot types
The Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 is another popular choice for volleyball players. These shoes feature Mizuno’s Wave technology, which provides excellent cushioning and stability, and a Dynamotion Fit that molds to your foot for a customized fit. The rubber outsole is designed for traction on indoor and outdoor surfaces, and the mesh upper is breathable and lightweight.
Overall, the Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 is a high-quality volleyball shoe that offers excellent performance and comfort. Its lightweight design and durable outsole provide great traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, while its lateral support helps prevent injuries during quick lateral movements. However, those with wide feet or in need of extra ankle support may need to look for other options. While it’s a bit pricier than some other volleyball shoes on the market, the Wave Lightning Z6’s high quality and performance make it a great investment for serious players.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent traction
- Durable outsole
- Good lateral support
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- Not suitable for players with wide feet
- Limited ankle support
- May require some break-in time
- More expensive than some other volleyball shoes on the market
The Adidas Unisex-Adult Dame 7 Extply Shoe is a top-of-the-line basketball shoe designed for both indoor and outdoor play. One of the standout features of this shoe is its excellent traction. The outsole features a herringbone pattern that provides a solid grip on both clean and dusty courts, making it a versatile shoe that can be worn in a variety of playing conditions. Additionally, the shoe features a Lightstrike foam midsole that provides a responsive and bouncy feel, making it comfortable and supportive during play. The midsole also features a TPU midfoot overlay that adds stability and support, making it easier for players to make quick cuts and changes of direction.
The upper of the shoe is made from a breathable material that helps to keep feet cool and dry during play. While the shoe is on the heavier side compared to other basketball shoes, it makes up for its durability and longevity. Overall, the Adidas Unisex-Adult Dame 7 Extply Basketball Shoe is a stylish and high-performing option for serious basketball players looking for a shoe that can handle a variety of playing conditions.
Pros
- Excellent traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces
- The responsive and bouncy midsole provides good cushioning and support
- Breathable upper material keeps feet cool and dry
- Durable construction ensures longevity
- Stylish design with various color options available
Cons
- Some users find the shoe to be a bit narrow and may require sizing up
- Heavier compared to other basketball shoes in its class
- May take some time to break in and feel comfortable on the feet
- Some users report minor issues with the laces coming undone during play
The Nike Air Zoom Hyperace 2 is a popular choice among volleyball players for its responsive cushioning and stability. These shoes feature a Zoom Air unit in the heel that provides a springy feel and a TPU cage that wraps around the midfoot for added support. The rubber outsole provides excellent traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, and the synthetic upper is durable and easy to clean.
The Nike Air Zoom Hyperace 2 is ultimately the top choice of volleyball players who are looking for a shoe with responsive cushioning, stability, and great traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Its TPU cage and synthetic upper provide excellent support and durability, while its stylish design offers multiple color options to match personal style. However, players in need of extra ankle support or with wider feet may want to look for other options. While it may be a bit pricier than some other volleyball shoes, the Air Zoom Hyperace 2’s high quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious players.
Pros
- Responsive cushioning for excellent comfort and support
- TPU cage provides added stability and support
- Durable and easy-to-clean synthetic upper
- Excellent traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces
- Stylish design with multiple color options
Cons
- May require some break-in time
- Limited ankle support
- May run small, not suitable for players with wider feet
- Higher price point compared to some other volleyball shoes on the market
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav is a great choice for outdoor volleyball players who want a shoe that combines comfort, support, and style. These shoes feature New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole technology, which provides a plush and responsive feel underfoot. The midsole is also designed to be lightweight, making it easy to move quickly on the court.
One of the unique features of the Fresh Foam Lav is its lace cage system. This system allows you to tuck your laces away, reducing the risk of tripping and improving the overall look of the shoe. The shoe also comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find a pair that matches your personal style. The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav is an excellent choice for outdoor volleyball players who want a shoe that combines comfort, support, and style. With its Fresh Foam midsole technology, breathable mesh upper, and durable rubber outsole, this shoe is designed to help you perform at your best on the court. Plus, with its unique lace cage system and variety of colors and styles, the Fresh Foam Lav is sure to turn heads both on and off the court.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav is an excellent choice for volleyball players who are in search of a lightweight, supportive sneaker with a reliable grip. Its robust outsole and lateral support keep you stable and supported even during quick movements, and the Fresh Foam cushioning in the footbed makes for a pleasant walking experience. Those with broader feet or who need more ankle support may want to look elsewhere. The Fresh Foam Lav volleyball shoe is a fantastic investment for serious players due to its outstanding quality and performance, however, it is more expensive than other options.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and comfort
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Durable outsole with good traction
- Good lateral support
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- Limited ankle support
- May run small, not suitable for players with wider feet
- Not as stable as some other volleyball shoes on the market
- Higher price point compared to some other options
Final Thoughts
Selecting the most suitable footwear for playing outdoor volleyball is important. When selecting a pair, it’s important to look for features such as cushioning, stability, traction, and lateral support. The Asics Gel-Rocket 9, Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6, Adidas Crazyflight Bounce 3, and Nike Air Zoom Hyperace 2 are all great options for players of all skill levels, each with its own unique features and advantages.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav is also a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable and lightweight shoe. Ultimately, the best shoe for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it’s important to try on multiple options and find the one that feels the most comfortable and supportive for you. By investing in a high-quality pair of volleyball shoes, you can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring that you can play your best game every time you step onto the court.