Indoor Volleyball Game

For beginners or casual players, wearing running shoes for a volleyball game might seem like a reasonable choice—it’s something many would naturally do. However, this is a common misconception. In the following, I’ll break down why running shoes are not the best option for playing volleyball.

Thin Front and Thick Heel Sole

Running shoes are designed with thicker soles that elevate the heel, positioning your foot in a downward slope and shifting your center of gravity forward. This can cause uneven force distribution when landing, leading to an increased chance of ankle sprains due to excessive angle deviations.

Longitudinal Sole Patterns

The soles of running shoes are typically built with longitudinal grooves meant to support forward and backward motion, offering good grip while running. However, in volleyball, where rapid changes in direction are frequent, running shoes can slip easily during lateral movements.

Lightweight Materials

Running shoes are crafted with lightweight materials to reduce the strain during running. Unfortunately, these same lightweight materials don’t offer the support required for the constant jumping and quick directional changes in volleyball.

How to Choose the Right Volleyball Shoes

Athlete tying volleyball shoe laces while sitting on the floor
A proper pair of volleyball shoes can help you better handle the high demands of the game, such as frequent jumps, swift movements, and rapid direction changes. Here’s what you should consider when picking volleyball shoes.

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Based on the Playing Surface

Volleyball courts are generally categorized as wooden or synthetic. Wooden floors are softer but have a smoother surface, requiring shoes with strong anti-slip properties—like the ASICS GEL-Rocket 10. On synthetic floors, which are harder, shoes with excellent cushioning and durability, such as the Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo, are recommended.

Based on Court Position

• Spikers: Whether playing as an outside hitter or a middle blocker, spikers need shoes with superior cushioning and forefoot responsiveness due to frequent jumping and lateral movement. The ASICS GEL-Tactic 12 or Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 are ideal choices.
• Setter: Setters control the flow of the game, often relying on quick lateral shifts and short bursts of speed with minimal jumping. Flexible, lightweight shoes like the ASICS GEL-Rocket 10 or Mizuno Wave Mirage 3 are great options.
• Libero: This defensive specialist spends time making quick dives and receiving serves, primarily involving low steps and sudden stops. The Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 helps improve quick reaction time.
• Opposite Hitter: The opposite hitter takes on various roles, from attacking to defending, requiring versatile shoes with balanced performance. Models like the ASICS GEL-Netburner or Adidas CrazyFlight Mid are excellent options.

Alternative Option: Multi-Purpose Training Shoes

If you’re not a regular volleyball player and only play occasionally as part of your gym routine, multi-purpose training shoes can be a good alternative. Shoes like the Reebok Nano X4 or Nike Air Zoom TR 1 are solid choices.

Nike Air Zoom TR

These multi-purpose shoes offer more versatility for different activities, with reinforced sides, firmer heels, and better torsional rigidity. While they don’t offer the same performance as dedicated volleyball shoes, they’re a more budget-friendly option for casual players who only play volleyball occasionally.

Common Footwear Misconceptions

Any Sports Shoes Can Be Used for Volleyball

Each sport requires specific footwear, such as running shoes or basketball shoes. Running shoes are designed for linear movement and lack lateral support, increasing the risk of ankle sprains in lateral volleyball movements.

While basketball shoes provide some lateral support, their thicker soles and higher center of gravity make them unsuitable for volleyball, which requires quick, low sliding movements.

High-Top Shoes Protect the Ankles

Volleyball Ankle Brace
High-top shoes can reduce ankle sprains to a degree but restrict ankle flexibility. Effective ankle protection comes from proper technique rather than relying solely on high-top shoes. If you have a history of ankle injuries, consider wearing professional ankle braces for extra support.

Final Words

In conclusion, I do not recommend wearing running shoes for volleyball. Running shoes are built for straight-line movement, with soles and uppers that lack lateral support.
If you’re just starting out, multi-purpose training shoes are a reasonable choice. As you progress, you can select volleyball shoes that suit your playing style and needs. Interested in shoe manufacturing? Follow us for OEM, ODM, and RTS shoe solutions tailored to your needs.