Whether you’re a professional or a recreational player, your sneakers should be optimally suited to your sport. When buying everyday shoes, we don’t just grab the first pair we see based on their looks. We choose the model that best suits our lifestyle and is comfortable for our feet. The same applies to volleyball shoes. Using running shoes for volleyball, for example, can lead to injury instead of enjoying the game.

What’s the difference between volleyball shoes and regular shoes?

•  Volleyball shoes use silicone, which reduces stress on the ankle, knee joints, and spine the sole is made of materials that provide better jumping and cushioning when landing
• the surface of volleyball shoes is made of light and breathable materials
• In case of damage, such as impact, stretching, twisting, etc., volleyball shoes easily return to their original shape.

Read Other: The 5 Best Volleyball Shoes in 2025

So, how do you choose volleyball shoes?

Sole

It is the sole of the sneakers that is responsible for a high-quality jump and shock absorption. When playing, the greatest stress falls on the forefoot. Therefore, it’s important that your feet don’t slide on the floor as you move. Accordingly, volleyball shoes should have good grip on the surface of the gym and have a thick sole with a textured pattern (usually dashed lines or a herringbone pattern).

The sole material should be chosen to promote a good jump due to its rigidity and lightness. This will prevent your feet from getting tired, and your jumps will be faster. The best sole material is carbon rubber, which retains its shape well under mechanical stress and quickly returns to its original shape. This material is highly wear-resistant, meaning your sneakers will last for many seasons. A good material option is unfilled rubber. This type of shoe offers good traction during play, but is significantly less durable.

Rubber is also often used as the main material for the sole. This is a very good option, as it combines all the advantages of carbon and unfilled rubber, offering high traction and good cushioning. However, such shoes are only suitable for indoor play.

Please note that to improve cushioning and enhance the effect when jumping, the sole in the heel area of ​​the shoe should be slightly thicker than the toe, and to ensure that the foot is firmly fixed in the shoe, it is best for the back to be rigid.

Sneakers’ uppers: what to look for?

It’s best to choose mesh shoes with leather inserts to allow your feet to breathe during active movements. To ensure a secure fit, manufacturers line the inside of sneakers with foam. Therefore, make sure the sneaker fits snugly but doesn’t constrict your foot. Insoles in good sneakers support the foot and prevent it from slipping. Elastic laces also help maintain proper foot position. An arch support underneath the insole helps prevent flat feet.

Branded volleyball shoes

Volleyball players especially favor footwear from Japanese manufacturers Mizuno and Asics. These leading companies utilize modern technologies that ensure:

• necessary ventilation of the legs
• high wear resistance of sneakers
• good grip of shoes on the floor

These manufacturers’ shoes maximally absorb shock upon landing thanks to special gel pads. There are other volleyball shoe manufacturers, but their market share in this segment is significantly lower.

Let’s sum it up

When purchasing high-quality volleyball shoes , make sure they have the following important features:

• A rigid sole with a textured pattern
• A lightweight upper with optimal ventilation
• Soft padding around the ankle
• A rigid heel counter
• Sturdy lacing

We strongly recommend taking the time to try the shoes on before purchasing.

In this article, we’ve covered the criteria for choosing the optimal volleyball shoes. Of course, buying quality shoes alone won’t make you a good player. Practice regularly and reach new heights.