Well, dear readers, to those frequent players of volleyball, I’m sure you know that equipment do matter quite greatly. And when it comes to accessorizing, getting the most appropriate volleyball shoes for your game will matter a lot. That is why you will find below a well selected comparison of the current best volleyball shoes on the market, with our list being updated as we review new and better shoes in the market.

Whether you are experienced or just starting to play or practice for basketball, the shoes you wear will determine how you move and how long, powerful jumps you make during the game. Using the detailed buyer’s guide below, you’ll be able to go through all the various options and select the best volleyball shoes for you and your game play.

What Type of Shoe is Best for Volleyball?

There is no doubt that shoes are critical when it comes to volleyball. Volleyball shoes that offer you good traction, shock absorption, ground feel, and ankle support, rearfoot and forefoot support, and smooth heel-to-toe transfer should be the best volleyball shoes. These features will enable you to glide on the court, make jump shots with speed, and have feet and joints cushions against impact. Thus, although there is no perfect shoe in the market, the ones described herein are among the best. One should get a pair of these shoes to greatly enhance is or her performance on the field.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 1st Place

Finally for the ideal volleyball shoes Puma All-Pro Nitro is the best of the lot. This shoe is the update of the Clyde All-Pro but you get this shoe with a much better feel while costing you less. These make them perform better than the Nike Lebron 20, placing them here on this list.

The most notable distinct feature of the All-Pro Nitro is it has soft rubber which provides a good traction needed in volleyball. The upper of the shoe is soft and cushioning and secures the foot well while the stiffer foam on the outer perimeter increases structural support with out adding to the stiffness of the shoe. The outsole also goes along the lower part of the shoe which has a little outrigger so when cutting or jumping you really need to take off your foot because you are sure it will not move without your consent, you get the support you need for traction, lockdown and the general stability to play safely and efficiently.

The Nitro foam in the midsole of the shoe is dual density - it is softer in the middle than at the edges of the shoe for super comfortable feel when you step into the shoe and cushioned shock absorption. Indeed on the impact features the users will not have had any discomfort not matter the number of extended tournaments. The foam also has a bounce and responsiveness to it when jumping with the same level of performance as Zoom Air fitted shoes.

The All-Pro Nitro also has an amazing heel-toe transition which makes it a good shoe to hop into. The midsole foam of the shoe and amazing impact absorption capability makes it worthy for volleyball players as they would require a shoe with comfort during the plays and with great performance.

One possible drawback of the All-Pro Nitro is that it may not be ideal to use with players who might just love shoes that are low profile. Nevertheless, this is a preference-based question and it is not a problem for majority of the players.

All spiked, the Puma All-Pro Nitro is a good choice for volleyball players who would want a shoe whose performance can be likened to shoes in a higher price category. It has all the safety and effectiveness needed in play and the best comfort and performance as well. It’s been a few years since you last ran in that Puma shoe? The All-Pro Nitro might be just what you need.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 2nd Place

If you seek excellent cushioning and a powerful grip that will let volleyball players lead sneaker-oriented lives, the Nike Lebron 21 is one of the best in its line, that leaves sneakers with some of the superior qualities. Despite it being a bit on the pricey side, costing a whopping $200, the shoe is definitely worth the price for anyone seeking a shoe that will help him or her perform.

Comfort is one of the unique selling points of the Nike Lebron 21. When you first slip on the shoe you feel the plush sphere liner collar around your ankle and you get the feeling of the upper that can secure the foot without excessive pressure. This premium leather shroud is also comfortable and the laces fit very well across the top of your foot. While some people complained about the lockdown we had no issues with this shoe. Indeed, we attempted this with insoles included only to feel just as safe inside the shoe even with our foot positioned higher in it.

The Lebron 21 also performs well during the encounters along the net or when defending, helped by the outrigger and solid lateral hold. Initially, we attributed it to poor friction between the sole and the floor; however, once the rubber molded to the surface area, it was gripping both birch and plastic floors. Despite it being our daily practice to wipe our shoes, I didn’t feel like doing it as I normally do with other shoes.

However, following are some of the drawbacks. Nike LeBron 21 uses a TPU midfoot shank and still, we felt arch discomfort that is typically associated with shoes that lack a form of midfoot stability. Halfway through a long day of play, normally we put Insoles in to try to increase the amount of support through the midfoot and this is not always required. This might not phenomenal to everyone though. The elephant in the room is the price tag. Nike Lebron 21s costs $200 that is approximately how much one can afford to spend for basketball/volleyball shoes nowadays. While you’re getting an incredible shoe with all that tech for that price, we can understand that the price swaying people into buying something almost as good for a fraction of the cost.

However there are some disadvantages of Nike Lebron 21, it has perhaps the most idea cushion environment. There is the forefoot Zoom Turbo unit located at the top and it provides that familiar bounce on every jump. However in the heel, you require an impact protection, thus there is a 13.5mm zoom unit under your heel. The remaining part of the midsole is Cushlon all the way through to the heel. The Lebron 20 is stable, responsive in all the right places and provides just the right amount of shock absorption on impacts. This sneaker feels so great to jump in and is very comfortable to wear and therefore suitable for a volleyball shoe.

In a nut shell, the Nike LeBron 21 is the most comfort volleyball shoe with lightweight and enhanced cushioning and traction. If you want an elite shoe then the LeBron Nike 21 is one of the elite level of shoes that can perform well.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 3rd Place

All in all if you are in a search of a good performing shoe to use during volleyball then you will find it useful to consider Puma MB.01. This shoe is the first basketball sneaker designed by LaMelo Ball, and is a direct descendant of the Clyde All-Pro the best performing shoe of the year of its release.

As for the sole, it features transparent material in Puma MB.01 tennis shoes, and it offers good traction on wooden and clean plastic surfaces. The outsole has a heel to toe connected by PUMA’s Nitro foam to provide comfort during every step as well as to absorb shocks during your landing. The lockdown is simple and efficient; they use conventional lacing system and features a rigid heel cup. Lockdown is also very good in this shoe and so is stability due to how this shoe cups your foot in the insole. The upper is soft and luxurious but still it is well ventilated.

However, the most unique features of the MB.01 involve the outsole shape and structure that is designed to offer adequate grip on the court. It hugs the lateral side of the shoe well to make for a very smooth transition in your last but one step. This particular type of quick and forceful movement is important to volleyball, and the stepped shape of the MB.01 foot lets your foot make that pointy contact and roll through the step safely and securely.

But, the only disadvantage of the MB.01 is the translucent rubber outsole that becomes a problem on dusty, plastic-surfaced courts. It doesn’t cause slipping but it does not give the feeling of stickiness that you get from wooden or clean courts which make you cautious not to move at your best speed. It works when the outsole is wiped frequently, but can be cumbersome during gameplay on the field.

Altogether, the Puma MB.01 is comfortable well-performing volleyball shoe that provides stability and encourages the appropriate movements used in volleyball. The translucent rubber outsole might prove a challenge on those dusty and plastic like surfaces however using the shoe on wooden or clean floors is ideal.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 4th Place

Overall, the Nike KD 16 is a great option for a volleyball shoe if you want a shoe that provides a lot of cushioning and support. This shoe is under Kevin Durant’s line and comes with some of its features that make it one of the best volleyball shoes to consider.

The cushioning system of Nike KD 16 is one of the most significant and unique things in the model. The shoe features Cushlon midsole which is full-length, the large Zoom Air in the front, a new Air Stroble in the midfoot to the heel. But when blended into one shoe, they provide a comfort that is very soft to the feet and absorbs shock well, provides that extra bounce back that can help you get to those extra inches in jumping or for increased speed while playing on the court. In fact, the cushioning arrangement is so good that it can prevent and reduce swelling and aching sensations on your feet and knees for any player who needs it when training or playing.

One more advantage of the Nike KD 16 as a volleyball shoe is a round shape of the outsole edge. .Functionally, this design element provides flexibility to quickly move on the court, as well as during the processes of jumping and landing. The rounded edge facilitates easy rolling throughout your steps besides maintaining an equally good balance especially for the rigorous games.

Nevertheless, there are some demerits that come with Nike KD 16 that users need to think about before they can order the shoe. One disadvantage is that the shoe is somewhat heavy or seems to bulk up the feet of some of the players. The upper material used is rather thick, and collar is rather thick, which can make the shoe feel a bit heavy on a court. However, there is a relatively little stability issue with the shoe, especially when taking the landing at some positions. Cushlon is generally fairly supple; paired with the Air Zoom unit and an Air Stroble, the rest of the shoe may wobble or roll a bit underfoot. And this is not a big problem, I believe, but still should be mentioned if you are searching for the ultimate stability in the shoe.

All in all, I fully endorse the Nike KD 16 for volleyball players especially those who hold comfort and cushioning as a priority. It may not necessarily be the lightest or the most stable shoe in today’s market but the shoe’s cushioning system combined with the round on the edge of this shoe makes it one of the best for players who need support and the ability to maneuver across the court on the basketball court. If you want a shoe that is more comfortable and can reduce the soreness and discomfort that is usual especially during long matches or training then Nike KD 16 is for them.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 5th Place

Nike Kyrie Infinity is a good shoe if all you want is a shoe that can give you maximum cushioning and stability on the court. Here the forefoot Zoom Air unit used these shoes give a rebound feel with soft cushioning at touch down. This feature also helps to make the jumps and resulting landings more comfortable — so you can focus on the game.

The Infinity is also very stable, it has a wide base across the forefront and the outsole pattern that encircles the perimeter of a foot. This design provides an easy way of cutting in for an approach jump as you smoothly roll through the motion. Furthermore, the lockdown on this sneaker uses bands that go around your foot more tightly when the laces are pulled to avoid any movement of your foot within the shoe.

But there are a few negative aspects regarding the Kyrie Infinity. They are very well fitting shoes, and they are very much restrictive based on the shape of foot you possess. The toebox of the shoe is also slightly more constricted, which can be somewhat inconvenient for those who have expansive feet. Those people who stand with their feet more neutral or have a wider foot type may want to order a shoe that is half a size larger.

All in all, the Nike Kyrie Infinity is an awesome choice in regard to volleyball shoes. The grip, the ground control, end lock, and shock absorption are also qualities that should be prized any player. If you are interested in the shoe that can support your game on the court, you’re welcome to try on the Kyrie Infinity.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 6th Place

If you're looking for a high-quality ASICS volleyball shoe, the Sky Elite FF 2 is a fantastic option. These shoes are designed specifically for volleyball and are popular even at the highest levels of play.

One of the best things about the Sky Elite FF 2 is the excellent traction it provides on both wood and plastic courts. You'll feel secure and stable while playing, thanks to the combination of a wide outrigger and solid lockdown. The DYNAWRAP holds the forefoot in place, but some players may find it uncomfortable due to its thickness.

Cushioning has been a concern with past ASICS volleyball shoes, but the Sky Elite FF 2 solves this problem with a combination of soft GEL and a responsive FLYTEFOAM midsole. You'll feel comfortable playing in these shoes, and your knees will thank you for it.

The main draw of the Sky Elite FF 2 is the TWISTRUSS plate, which provides torsional support and helps with heel-toe transition during an approach jump. These shoes are specifically designed for volleyball, and they do their job well.

The only real downside to the Sky Elite FF 2 is the DYNAWRAP, which can be uncomfortable for some players. Additionally, the shoes can be hard to find in certain sizes due to supply issues, and the colorways are basic.

Overall, the Sky Elite FF 2 is a great choice for volleyball players who want a shoe that provides excellent traction, stability, and cushioning. While it may not be the most comfortable shoe on the market, it delivers where it counts and is a top-performing ASICS volleyball shoe.

Best Volleyball Shoes: 7th Place

So if you are searching for a volleyball shoe that will prove itself to be reliable and stable then Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 is exactly what you are looking for. Building on this, Mizuno has made this shoe even better than the Wave Momentum 2 with the latest upgrades.

Propulsion and cushioning are two aspects where Wave Overview breaks the ordinary, and as specifically, the Wave Momentum 3 does not deviate from this layout. An ultra thin midsole called the Foam Wave midsole offers good snap and responsive cushioning, and a Mizuno Enerzy foam puck located underneath the midpoint of the foot gives a nice bounce for the final impact of jumping on the ground. However, the ride is not rock solid in order to provide excellent cushioning and court feel it does not go soft and is suitable for those who have to maneuver quickly on the court.

Mizuno has also enhanced the stability of the Wave Momentum 3 as well. The outsole has been made broader from toe part into outrigger like shape in both the forefoot and heel part of Shoe and medial support shape has been incorporated into the arch part of outsole. These upgrades have cleared almost entirely the slight instability issue which some players had with the Wave Momentum 2.

However one minor flaw of this shoe is that the cushioning setup lacks enough impact absorption as is supplied by most other shoes. You should not have any problems with this, but heavier players or those who very high jumps may find that another shoe with more cushioning would be desirable.

In general, Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 can be considered as a reliable and stable volleyball shoes with well-developed cushioning and stability.

Best Volleyball Shoes: Honorable Mention

If you want a volleyball shoe that comes with some of the most outstanding cushioning features then the Nike GT Jump 2 will not let you down. The shoe comes with a complex cushioning formation that enhances comfort for the bulk of the gamers who experience foot or knee discomfort while playing.

Nike GT Jump 2 comes with a large wedged-shaped React foam at the rear, two whopping Air Zoom pouches at the front, a full-length Zoom storage space and a jump plate, that all deliver superior cushioning. What you can achieve when wearing these shoes is that you can play on cement all day and have no soreness in any bones of your body.

On that note, let me be very clear: the cushioning is without a doubt what makes this shoe unique and special; that said, it isn’t without flaw. Some might be turned off by the feel of the shoe because it feels rigid; the transition from the heel to the sole of the foot is somewhat stiff. Further, the high ankle collar impedes the movement of the ankle joint which somewhat reduces the aggressive step coming into the court.

In conclusion, Nike GT Jump 2 is quite good shoes especially for those runners, who highly appreciate the cushioning. Therefore, if you are in need of shoes that will enable you to move around a lot, there are better kinds of shoes.