Volleyball Coaches Unveil Best and Worst Shoes for 2025 Indoor Play

Finding the right shoes for volleyball is essential for playing your best and staying injury-free.

Choosing the right shoes can make all the difference in your performance, comfort, and injury prevention on the court. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding what features to look for—and which types of shoes to avoid—will help you play your best game.

What Makes a Good Volleyball Shoe?

Volleyball is a fast-paced sport that demands quick lateral movements, explosive jumps, and rapid sprints. The right shoes should support these actions while keeping your feet stable and protected.

Dr. Mary Ann Bender, podiatrist, "said":
"Volleyball shoes have gum rubber on the bottom—this is extremely important as volleyball players are making quick side-to-side movements, forward and back, and jumping. The gum rubber prevents slippage on the hardwood floors. Volleyball shoes also need to be lightweight...and it's important that it has a lot of cushioning. The midsole area inside this volleyball shoe will be filled with air, foam, or gel to shock absorb."

Key Features of Volleyball Shoes

• Gum Rubber Outsole:
  Provides superior traction on indoor courts, helping prevent slips and falls.

• Lightweight Design:
  Allows for quick footwork and agility, essential for both offense and defense.

• Cushioning and Shock Absorption:
  Reduces stress on your joints and feet during jumps and landings.

• Lateral Support:
  Reinforces the sides of your feet, minimizing the risk of ankle injuries during side-to-side movements.

• Breathable Materials:
  Keeps your feet cool and dry throughout intense matches.

Top Volleyball Shoes for 2025

Expert reviews and athlete recommendations highlight these standout models:

• Nike Zoom HyperAce 2:
  "This high-performance shoe from the global sports giant Nike is designed for players who demand speed, agility, and unwavering support. The shoe’s lightweight, responsive midsole cushions every jump and landing, keeping you light on your feet throughout the game."— StudyFinds

• Adidas Crazyflight:
  "These shoes are built specifically for volleyball domination, and they’re known for featuring adidas’ game-changing Boost cushioning technology—think ultimate bounce and impact absorption for those killer jumps and landings."— StudyFinds

• ASICS Sky Elite FF 2:
  "The Sky Elite FF 2 combines comfortable but soft GEL with a responsive FLYTEFOAM midsole. This setup feels better than expected to play in, and still had my knees feeling okay by the end of playing. The main draw of this shoe is the TWISTRUSS plate. Its primary purpose is to provide torsional support, but it also functions to help your heel-toe transition during an approach jump."— WearTesters

Shoes to Avoid for Volleyball

Not all athletic shoes are created equal. Wearing the wrong type can increase your risk of injury and hinder your performance.

Avoid These Types:

• Running Shoes:
  Designed for forward motion, they lack the lateral support and grip needed for volleyball.

• Dr. Mary Ann Bender, "noted":
  "Other sports like runners, basketball players do more forward and backward type of motions so this is a big difference between volleyball shoes and other athletic shoes."

• Basketball Shoes:
  While they offer good ankle support, basketball shoes are often heavier and less flexible, which can slow you down on the volleyball court.

• Cross-Trainers:
  These are general-purpose shoes and may not offer the specific grip or cushioning needed for volleyball.

• Outdoor Shoes (Trail or Tennis):
  Their soles are designed for rougher surfaces and may mark or damage indoor courts, plus they lack the necessary grip for volleyball.

Final Tips for Volleyball Shoe Shopping

• Always try shoes on with your volleyball socks to ensure a proper fit.

• Replace your shoes regularly, especially if you play often—worn-out soles lose grip and support.

• If you have a history of ankle injuries, consider shoes with extra lateral support or pair your shoes with ankle braces.

Al Scates, legendary volleyball coach, "said":
"It's not how tall you are, it is how good you are."

Bottom Line

The right volleyball shoes can elevate your performance and keep you safe on the court. Look for shoes specifically designed for volleyball, and avoid running, basketball, or generic athletic shoes. Your feet and your game will thank you.