New players often make the mistake of assuming that any pair of indoor court shoes will suffice for playing volleyball. The truth is volleyball involves a considerable number of jumps, for which cushioning for feet is highly important. There are all kinds of volleyball trainers in the market, and brands have come up with shoes dedicated to the sport. Hitters, in particular, are expected to be agile and quick, and that’s the precise reason they need to be cautious with their choice of shoes. In this post, we are sharing the best volleyball shoes for hitters.
In a hurry? My favorite is this Under Armour Men’s Block City 2.0 Volleyball Shoe. See it at Amazon.
Reviewing Top Five Volleyball Shoes for Hitters
ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes
Asics is known for its trainers, and this pair, made from fabric and synthetic materials, is ideal for volleyball hitters.
The unique aspect of these volleyball shoes is the EVA midsole, which offers advance cushioning for that extra bounce. The shoes also come with a removable sock-liner for medical orthotics.
Pros
• EVA midsole for extra cushioning
• Removable Sockliner
• Forefoot GEL Cushioning System
• Trusstic System technology for weight reduction
• Trusted brand
• Multiple color options
Cons
• Slightly expensive
Under Armour Men’s Block City 2.0 Volleyball Shoes
This pair of volleyball shoes from Under Armour is just what you would need on a budget. The product features a rubber sole, which adds to the comfort and cushioning, while synthetic midfoot panels are meant to provide additional support.
On the forefoot, the shoes have lightweight mesh, making the pair extremely breathable. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on your volleyball trainers, go for this one.
Pros
• Comfortable rubber sole
• Mid-feet support with synthetic panels
• Lightweight mesh in the forefoot
• Unique Lightweight mesh in the forefoot
• Abrasion-resistant
• Affordable.
Cons
• Sizing may not be the same as other brands. Do check details.
Nike Women’s Zoom Hyperace 2 Volleyball Shoe
Nike is a brand that’s known to work for athletes, and it’s not surprising that they have a dedicated range for volleyball enthusiasts.
This pair of shoes is designed exclusively for women, featuring a rubber sole, which is high on durability. Nike has included what is called their standard ‘Zoom Air unit’ for that added comfort and extra cushioning, while the outsole offers credible traction.
The pull tab on the heel makes it easier to wear and take off.
Pros
• Nike’s trust
• Tough rubber outsole for extra traction
• Extremely comfortable insole
• TPU cage for extra on-court support
Cons
• On the expensive side
Mizuno Women’s Wave Bolt 7 Volleyball Shoes Footwear
This pair of budget shoes from Mizuno has been designed for the female volleyball player who needs that extra traction on the court.
These shoes are made of 100% synthetic material, and the outer sole is just hard enough to get the required support for your feet.
Mizuno is known for making budget trainers, and this one is a good pick for hitters.
Pros
• Budget-friendly price
• Assured sole support
• Breathable synthetic upper
• Comfort fit
Cons
• Runs a size smaller
• Can feel stiff on the feet for some players
Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z3 Volleyball Shoe
Mizuno is known for its budget range of trainers, and this pair of volleyball shoes have been designed for women who love to jump high on the court.
The outer part of these shoes is made of 100% synthetic, while the sole is designed for extra cushioning.
It also features Mizuno intercool, which ensures that one feels comfortable for a long time while playing.
Pros
• Comfortable
• Synthetic sole for extra cushioning
• Mizuno intercool for extra ease
• Non-marking outsole
• Budget-friendly
Cons
• Sizing varies with brand
How to buy volleyball shoes for hitters?
Volleyball is a sport that can strain your feet more than anything else. You need to be very cautious with your choice of shoes, and just another pair of runners wouldn’t suffice. Volleyball shoes need to be light in weight but high on cushioning so as to reduce the impact on your feet, especially the ankles.
There are a few basic pointers to consider while looking for volleyball shoes for hitters.
a. Rubber soles work better on the court than synthetic soles. If you don’t mind paying a tad more, go for a gum rubber sole. Also, make sure that the sole is a non-marking one, which is good for the court.
b. For the outer part of the shoes, you need mesh material, which works best for adding comfort, agility, and speed. Mesh ensures that your feet don’t feel tugged up inside the shoes.
c. The midsole of the shoes is as important. Some of the best brands either use gel or some kind of foam for that extra comfort and ease for lateral movements. Keep in mind that the soles of volleyball shoes usually tend to be softer than athletic shoes.
d. Some people may say that the brand doesn’t matter, but it does to a good extent for volleyball shoes and trainers. Don’t try a cheap pair of shoes just to save some money. You need shoes that stand out and have the right structure.
e. Comfort is key. If you have liked a pair of volleyball shoes, ensure that you check for reviews and find more on the sizing. Note that even between big brands, sizes can vary considerably.
Make sure that you go for a known pair of shoes that have a good range of colors too. Just because you are buying shoes for a sport, it doesn’t have to be boring.
Frequently Asked Questions
I. Does the weight of the shoe matter for volleyball?
Volleyball trainers need to be lightweight because you would want to move swiftly on the court. This is the precise reason why many shoes have mesh upper, which doesn’t add to the weight.
The maximum weight should be somewhere around 400 grams for men, while for women, it should be around 300 grams. Low-top models are your best bet at reducing the weight of the shoes.
II. Can you wear your basketball shoes for volleyball?
While both games are played on similar courts, but if you are a volleyball player, it is best to go for a pair of shoes that’s designed for the sport. Volleyball shoes and trainers are designed with extra cushioning for all that jumping, and you would want to have some level of freedom around the ankle.
In short, get a pair of volleyball shoes, if you can.
III. When to replace volleyball trainers?
If you see a difference in traction because of the worn-out outsole, you should consider replacing the trainer. The fit of your volleyball shoes should be snug, so consider that option, and make sure that you are getting enough support from the shoes.
If you see that your feet hurt at times from all that extra jumping, maybe it’s time for a new pair.
Conclusion
A good pair of volleyball trainers is an investment for the sport, and it makes sense to pay more for the right brand. If you are buying your volleyball shoes online, do check the product description and ensure that the material wouldn’t weigh down your movements. You should feel comfortable as you move aggressively on the court.
