For someone who loves volleyball, recognizing the need to use appropriate gear makes a world of a difference. When it comes to the shoes, there’s no doubt that getting the right volleyball shoes could act as the difference maker for you. For that reason, here are the current best volleyball shoes that are on the market today we will continue to update as time goes on and we discover even better volleyball shoes.

Everybody needs good shoes to run faster, jump higher and comfort throughout the games or training session for long periods. Thanks to this complete buying guide, our readers will easily pick the best volleyball shoes to perform brilliantly on the field.

What Type of Shoe is Best for Volleyball?

It is important for players especially for those who participate in volleyball to be wearing the right shoes. The best volleyball shoes must allow you to enjoy good traction, cushioning, stability, support, lockdown and Heel-to- Toe transition. These features will help you to be mobile on the court, to perform jump during the run, and to safeguard your foot and joints from danger. Of course, no shoe is ideal, but the shoes described in this article are among the best ones available at the moment. Future success on the basketball court could be as simple as owning a pair of these shoes.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 1st Place

When it comes to finding the best volleyball shoes, the Puma All-Pro Nitro takes the top spot. This shoe is a next generation of the Clyde All-Pro and it feels nicer in my hands for a couple of bucks less. It gets higher ranking on this list because it has high performance features than the Nike Lebron 20.

However, the most prominent advantage in the All-Pro Nitro is the stunning performance in the traction that is so important for volleybally. The upper is soft and conforms to the shape of the foot while giving good lockdown, and the foam used on the exterior shell adds support without a lot of stiffness. The outsole also extends up to the base of the shoe, and they have developed some sort of outrigger there, so you get the traction, lockdown, and stability to safely and effectively enjoy the game.

Nitro foam in mid sole is softer than at the perimeter of the shoe which exactly what we feel when we first step into the shoe and the additional shock absorbance when walking or running. During long tournaments one will not feel any discomfort or require protection from impact. The foam used also has a good level of bounce when indulging in a jump and consumers will be able to leap as high as with shoes having Zoom Air.

The next good thing to know about All-Pro Nitro is its smooth heel to toe transition that makes it a good shoe to jump in. The shoe’s midsole foam setup and great impact resistance means that volleyball players will get a comfortable yet high-performance shoe.

The All-Pro Nitro is not quite ideal for those who like the feel of very minimal shoes however it is the only deterrent for this otherwise great shoe. Unfortunately, this is not about the problems people face, but a preference matter and does not impact most players very much.

All in all, the Puma All-Pro Nitro can be recommend for Volleyball players who need good performing shoe, which is not very expensive. Everything one may need to play safely and efficiently is included while offering superb comfort and performance. Well if you haven’t worn a Puma shoe for the last couple of years then the All-Pro Nitro should definitely be on your list.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 2nd Place

If you are in the search for a volleyball sneaker that meets its highest level of comfort and shock absorption, the Nike Lebron 21 is an excellent choice that outclasses sneakers with certain other advantages. Of course, this concept comes with a hefty $200 price that would justify if someone wants a performance-based shoe.

The Nike Lebron 21 is particularly famous for one particular aspect, and that is comfort. The moment you step into the shoe, you find the plush sphere liner collar around your ankle and the upper that secures without constricting your movements. The premium leather shroud is also comfortable and the laces sit flat on top of your foot naturally. Even though people had complained about being locked in their houses we did not have any issues with this shoe. Indeed, we tested it on insoles and still there is improvement for our foot to feel secure even if it is placed higher off the shoe.

The Lebron 21 also provides excellent fit and traction when near the paint, shooting or defending, because of a great outrigger and ideal lateral support. Initially, we blamed it on the lack of grip but after the outsole had worn in the rubber was sticking to both wooden and hard surfaced courts. Normally I’m guilty of excessively wiping my shoes, but with these shoes it did not feel like something I had to do.

However, in is important that one notes some of the few negative aspects of this development plan. Nike Lebron 21 features a TPU midfoot shoke but we feel arch pain which should be expected from shoes with zero torsional rigidity. Half through a day of wearing them, we decided to put the insoles in to give a tad more support along the midfoot zone, which is not always required. This might not work for everyone however. The elephant in the room is the rather expensive price of the product. For $200 it is almost impossible not to admit that Nike Lebron 21s retail at the same price range as any basketball/volleyball shoes. While what you are getting is an amazing shoe with all sorts of premium technology for the sticker, we can tell that price casts most people into something almost as good for a fraction of the required price.

Nevertheless, it seems that the Nike Lebron 21 is incapable of having any flaw at all in cushioning setup. The forefoot Zoom Turbo unit is top-loaded so each jump will make you feel that spring loaded sensation. For impact protection you need it in the heel, so there is a 13.5mm zoom unit beneath your heel. The rest of the midsole is Cushlon throughout the entire length of the shoe. And, of course, the Lebron 20 is responsive where responses are needed and also providing support for the individual’s [landing]. The design feel so great to jump into and wearing it makes it very easy to move, it can be recommended for use as a volleyball shoe.

Overall, Nike Lebron 21 is one of the best volleyball shoes that allow the players to experience perfect cushioning and traction. If you’re willing to pay for a flagship shoe, then the Nike Lebron 21 is one of the best performing shoes in this line.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 3rd Place

The Puma MB.01 is another highly recommended volleyball shoe if you’re keen on the punctuality performance and the comfort. This shoe is the inaugural signature sneaker for LaMelo Ball and is the spiritual successor of the Clyde All-Pro that was regarded as the best performance shoe of its launched year.

One of the standout features of the All-Pro Nitro that supports the traction on wooden or clean plastic surfaces. The midsole is made of Puma’s Nitro foam for that bouncy cushion yet provides enough support for cushioned landings. This lockdown is simple yet high on functionality and is backed by a routine lacing configuration along with a well-built heel cup. Lockdown is also extremely good and solid in this shoe and the manner it holds your foot in the insole also contributes to this. The upper is comfortable and has a cushioned interior, but it has good ventilation also.

And it is in this aspect that the MB.01 is most differentiated from other volleyball shoes of course, the outsole design. This outsole articulates perfectly round the mid and rear lateral perimeters of the shoe making your penultimate transition very smooth. This particular, forceful movement is quintessential to volleyball and with a slight arch in your foot, the MB.01 guides your step through contact as if choreographed from CBS.

But the only draw back observed on the MB.01 is the translucent rubber outsole on dusty, plastic courts. Although it does not make one slip, it is not as tacky as playing on a wooden or clean court which makes you conservative when moving. This problem can be solved by cleaning the outsole more often but it becomes almost cumbersome to do during gaming.

All in all, Puma MB.01 is a very comfortable volleyball shoe that has good stability and promote that special movement required in volleyball. Although one might not like the translucent rubber outsole on dusty and plastic courts it is a good option for those who play on wooden or clean floors.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 4th Place

For those seeking a good volleyball shoe which provides ample support and cushioning for the foot then then Nike KD 16, should not be ignored. This is Kevin Durant’s line and the shoe comes with many great features that make it suitable for volleyball players.

The newest shoe from Nike’s famous basketball line is set to release soon and one of the things that stand out is the cushioning system in this shoe. That, it has a full-length Cushlon midsole, a large Zoom Air unit in the forefoot section and an Air Stroble which runs from the middle of the foot to the heel. This layering of cushioning materials gives the shoe a soft and best of all, absorptive padding that still returns energy to your stride to help you along in your basketball activities whether jumping or running on the court. In fact, the cushioning setup is very efficient that you may not feel any pain or discomfort in the knees or feet as you play and therefore very suitable player who have endured more time playing or practicing.

Another feature that makes the Nike KD 16 a great choice for volleyball is the rounded outsole edge. This particular element of design of sports facility enables one to change easy and with so much influence while making fast movements such as jumping and landing. The rounded part serves well to roll across your steps and do so while keeping your balance, which is quite important during the climax of the games.

But, what we need to know is that there are a few disadvantages of Nike KD 16 that have to be addressed before a buyer decides to go for this shoe. One drawback is that the shoe is built somewhat bulkily, which some participants will find may be slightly clumsy or too heavy. The upper material is quite thick, the collar is rather massive, which sometimes produce a feeling of some weightiness in the shoe while playing on the court. Finally, there is a minor stability issue that can be felt when landing at an angle as well. While the cushlon material may be soft to the touch the combination of the Air Zoom unit and Air Stroble make the shoe wobble or roll a little under you. It’s not a big problem, however, should be considered if you are searching for a shoe with the maximum stability.

Overall, Nike KD 16 is one of the best shoes for volleyball players that prefer comfort and cushioning. It does not stand out to be extremely light or stable, but the cushioning system and the absent round shaped outsole edge makes the shoe to be appropriate suitable for players who require additional support and flexibilities to cover the court area. If you want to get a pair of shoes that will reduce pain or discomfort during the match or training, Nike KD 16 should be your choice.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 5th Place

Nike Kyrie Infinity is one of the best shoes if you value such features as softening of the impacts and energy return during the foot strike. The shoes have incorporated forefoot Zoom Air unit that offers a large amount of responsiveness and explosion, and also cushioning when one is landing. This feature also reduces the discomfort associated with jumping and landing so you can switch to the game.

The Infinity is also incredibly stable, it has a large forefoot and there’s a traction system that goes around the foot. This design enables one to cut in for an approach jump with little sharp movement as you roll through the move. Also it employs the facility of nylon bands which fit around your foot when you are tightening the shoe laces so that your foot does not shift around inside the sneaker.

But the Kyrie Infinity model has some disadvantages also. In terms of fit the shoe fits very tightly and can be tight on the feet depending on the shape of one’s feet. He found that the toebox is also a little narrow and this may not suit anyone with wide feet especially during long-distance exercising. If you are a neutral or wide footer type, it is best that you opt to take half size larger.

All in all, the Nike Kyrie Infinity is one of the best volleyball shoes that is available in the market. A key plus, concerning traction, stability, the lockdown, and cushioning it is a shoe that will meet the needs of any player. In other word, if you demand a shoe that will enable you play your best on the field then the Kyrie Infinity is one shoe that you should go for.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 6th Place

If you plan on looking for a new ASICS volleyball shoe then brands such as the Sky Elite FF 2 are perfect. This volleyball shoe is particularly developed for volleyball and is in fact famous among even professional players.

One of the best things about the Sky Elite FF 2 is that it has a great grip on wooden and on the hard plastic surface. Players will have maximum stability when playing because of outrigger width and lockdown. The DYNAWRAP maintains the forefoot’s position and while the thickness can be an issue for some players.

Durability of the cushioning has been an issue of past ASICS volleyball shoes, however, the Sky Elite FF 2 feature soft GEL and a resistant FLYTEFOAM midsole. If only to feel nice while wearing it like these shoes and your knees would not complain and would even feel good.

One of the most important features of the Sky Elite FF 2 is the TWISTRUSS plate, which is used for torsional stiffness and makes movement from heel to toe during an approach jump easier. This shoe is best worn for volleyballs and as one can deduce, these shoes perform one of the most basic functions of a shoe- to serve as the shoe appropriate for the sport.

The only real knock on the Sky Elite FF 2 is that the DYNAWRAP tends to be uncomfortable on the hands of some players. Also, the shoes may not be easily available in some sizes because of the supply constraints, and they offer a limited selction of colours. 

In general, the Sky Elite FF 2 is suitable for volleyball players as it offers convenience and convenience in playing the game. It may not look like the most comfortable footwear out there, it gets it right where it matters and it is one of the best ASICS volleyball shoes out there.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 7th Place

Volleyball shoes must be stable for the players and the Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 meet this requirements perfectly. Compared to the previous model of this shoe – the Wave Momentum 2 – Mizuno has enhanced this shoe in the latest upgrades.

The cushioning arrangement is one of the most eye-catching aspects of the Wave Momentum 3. The Foam Wave midsole is present in the prototype for the rapid and rebounding cushioning needed in running whereas the Mizuno Enerzy foam puck under the wearers’ foot arch gives a bouncy feel in the final striding jump. Still, this area is not very rigid and has excellent court feel which definitely will be appreciated by those players who prefer active movement on the court including frequent changes in direction.

Mizuno has also enhanced the overpowering of the Wave Momentum 3 on the matter of stability. The outsole has been broadened into an outrigger shaped layer in both the front and the rear part of the shoes, a medial support portion has also been included into the arch region of the outsole as well. These improvements fit and eliminate completely the very slight instability issue that some players experienced with the Wave Momentum 2.

However, there is one small set back of this shoe, and it has to do with the cushioning setup of the sole – it needs a little more shock absorption. This will not be a question for most players, however, those who are overweight or frequently maxing out their vertical will definitely benefit from a shoe with more cushioning.

All in all, the Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 is more than recommended for those volleyball players who need a stable shoe with an explosive shock absorption base and top stability features.

Best Volleyball Shoes: Honorable Mention

The Nike GT Jump 2 is one volleyball shoe which I think most players need to try due to the kind of cushioning it provides to the players. This shoe is designed for such a player with an enhanced cushioning that helps those with sore feet or knees.

Nike GT Jump 2 has a massive back foam slab, two huge Air Zoom, units in the forefoot full-length Zoom strobel and jump plate for outstanding impact protection. I have played soccer for a full day on cement and realized that my joints will not ache when I am wearing these shoes.

Despite this, the cushioning is without a doubt, the star of this shoe, it isn’t without its flaws though. It is not very flexible and the going from the heel to the sole of the shoe is a little rigid. Furthermore, high ankle collar restrict ankle movement; while it is quite aggressive in approach steps.

In general, Nike GT Jump 2 is a good shoe for those runners who need much cushioning for their feet. Nonetheless, if are interested in getting a shoe that offers you freer movement, then you might have to look elsewhere.

Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons of the Nike GT Jump 2:

Pros:

• Unparalleled cushioning with React foam, Air Zoom units, Zoom strobel, and a jump plate
• Perfect for heavy players with sore feet or knees

Cons:

• High ankle collar limits ankle mobility and takes some aggression out of approach steps
• Inflexible feel with a stiff heel-to-toe transition