Best basketball shoes for volleyball

Are you looking for the best basketball shoes for playing volleyball? Look no further!

I love playing volleyball because it’s a challenging and exciting team sport. It requires a lot of physicality, including spiking, blocking, and digging, which puts a lot of pressure on your shoes to perform at their best. When it comes to choosing the right shoes for volleyball, it’s important to look for ones that offer good traction, comfort, and durability.

These are all key factors that will help you perform at your best on the court. While volleyball and basketball are different sports, the criteria for selecting high-quality shoes are similar. Whether you’re setting up a play, making a pass, or serving the ball, having shoes with good traction is essential.

When it comes to comfort and durability, these factors are also important to consider. By taking the time to find the right shoes, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the competition and have a great time on the court.

While it may be tempting to simply grab a pair of basketball shoes and hit the court, it’s important to remember that volleyball and basketball are two very different sports with different requirements for footwear. Volleyball involves a lot of lateral movement and quick changes of direction, as well as jumping and landing, all of which put different stresses on the feet and ankles.

So, what should you look for in a good basketball shoe for volleyball? Here are a few key features to consider:

1. Durability:

When choosing a pair of volleyball shoes, durability should be a top priority. The constant pressure and movement during a game can take a toll on your shoes, so it’s important to choose a pair that can withstand the demands of the sport.

Synthetic materials and technologies used in basketball shoes can offer excellent durability and are a good choice for volleyball players. Look for shoes with mesh uppers that have a good knit pattern, as they will be both durable and breathable. Midsoles that conform to your feet and bounce back to their original form are also a good option, as they tend to last longer.

The thickness and pliability of the outsole can also affect durability, so consider choosing a pair of basketball shoes designed for indoor play with a good quality tread pattern that won’t wear out easily. To preserve the durability of your shoes, make sure to separate your indoor and outdoor shoes and clean and dry them before storing. Using deodorizing sneaker balls and storing your shoes in their original box can also help extend their lifespan.

2. Traction:

There are several factors that can affect the traction of a shoe. The quality of the outsole is a primary consideration. In volleyball, it is common to use gum rubber materials for the outsole, as they provide a good grip. This is similar to basketball shoes, which often have wide, solid rubber outsoles to ensure good traction.

To get an idea of the level of traction required for peak performance in volleyball, you can watch highlights of the sport to see how players’ shoes perform on the court.

The outsole pattern and thickness are also important factors that can impact the traction and grip of a shoe. The herringbone pattern has been a popular choice for athletic shoes because it has a high amount of rubber in contact with the surface and the tread pattern provides excellent grip on various surfaces.

In recent years, basketball shoes with unique tread patterns have also become available, offering high levels of traction. When choosing shoes for volleyball, it is important to consider the outsole material and tread pattern to determine their suitability for the sport.

It is also important to consider the thickness of the outsole, as the right amount of thickness can help provide the desired traction on the court surface.

3. Support:

Volleyball can be tough on the feet and ankles, so it’s important to choose a shoe with good support. Look for shoes with sturdy construction, good arch support, and a secure fit to help keep your feet and ankles stable during play.

4. Cushioning and Fit:

Jumping and landing repeatedly can be hard on the joints, so cushioning is key. Look for shoes with a good amount of padding in the sole to help absorb shock and protect your feet and ankles from impact.

The comfort level of a shoe can greatly affect your confidence and performance on the court. Midsole cushioning is an important factor that determines the softness and bounciness of a shoe. EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) is a popular choice for midsole material because it is comfortable. A well-padded ankle area can also contribute to the overall comfort of a shoe, giving it a sock-like feel that conforms to your feet over time.

Proper sizing is important for achieving a high level of comfort in your volleyball shoes. It is important to follow the sizing recommendations for athletic shoes. Socks can also impact the way your feet feel inside the shoes, so it is important to choose high quality socks to prevent friction and blisters. You can also consider wearing basketball socks for their style.

5. Breathability:

Volleyball can be a physically demanding sport, so it’s important to choose a shoe that allows your feet to breathe. Look for shoes with breathable materials and ventilation to help keep your feet cool and dry during play.

Some top basketball shoe options for volleyball include the Nike Kyrie 6, the Under Armour Curry 7, and the Adidas Harden Vol. 4. All of these shoes offer a combination of support, cushioning, traction, and breathability, making them well-suited for the demands of the volleyball court.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to try on a few different pairs and choose the one that feels the most comfortable and supportive for your feet. With the right basketball shoes, you’ll be ready to take on the competition with confidence!

Best Basketball Shoes For Volleyball

From the above we have seen things that we must consider before picking basketball shoes to wear foe volley and it is important we pay close attention to them. Now its time to see the best basketball shoes for volleyball.

1. Adidas Harden Stepback

best basketball shoes for volleyball

These Adidas James Harden signature shoes have a synthetic toe cap and are made of high quality textile on the upper. They feature an ergonomic lacing system that provides a secure, snug fit that is comfortable for long periods of time. The overall construction of these shoes makes them lightweight and offers a distraction-free feel for the wearer. The grippy outsole and soft cushioning of these shoes will support you through every serve, dig, spike, or block.

The design of these shoes is low top with a wider forefoot. The midsole is well-cushioned and has great flexibility for various moves. The traction is excellent, with a traditional herringbone pattern on the front of the sole and a unique pattern on the heel for strong grip.

The outsole is made of thick rubber that is suitable for indoor and outdoor courts. To extend the lifespan of your shoes, it is a good idea to keep your indoor and outdoor pairs separate and to clean the outsole of your shoes before storing them.

pros 

  • breathable upper,
  • lightweight and comfortable design,
  • an ergonomic lacing system for a secure fit, and
  • comfortable cushioning.
cons
  • Difficulty in outsole cleaning

2. Adidas Dame 7s

best basketball shoes for volleyball

The Dame 7s are well known for their lightweight feel and extra bounce they give when jumping. Having personally worn these for volleyball, I can attest to their effectiveness.

They’re also significantly more affordable than any other shoe on this list!

pros

  • Great shock absorption and very responsive cushion.
  • Mid top design offers great ankle support.
  • You won’t find a better basketball shoe for volleyball under $100!

cons

  • Slightly bulky and boot-like, perhaps not a great fit for setters and liberos.

3. Nike Kobe Mamba Focus

best basketball shoes for volleyball

One of the standout features of these Kobe Bryant signature shoes is the embossed material on the upper that provides improved control of your feet, giving you solid balance and stability. While it may not be as flashy as some other Nike shoes, it is designed for use on both basketball and volleyball courts. The shoe lace eyelets are made of high quality TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) with a snake eye motif.

pros

  • Good traction for volleyball
  • Wider outsole outrigger for improved stability and balance
  • Soft and responsive midsole

cons

  • Tread pattern is not suitable for outdoor court

4. Nike KD14

best basketball shoes for volleyball

The KD14 is a more premium version of the Dame 7s with a state of the art cushioning system and superior traction, making them suitable even for outside hitters.

The KD14 has significantly improved cushioning compared to the Dame 7s, making it clear that it is a high-performance shoe. However, one potential issue with the KD14 is the strap, which can make it difficult to lace up. While this may be a minor inconvenience for some, others may appreciate the improved lockdown support it provides through the midfoot.

pros

  • Incredible cushioning system makes them ideal for middle blockers and opposite hitters.
  • Superior traction and responsiveness to comparable shoes.

cons

  • Velcro strap can get a little annoying when lacing up.
  • Definitely on the more expensive side.

5. Nike Zoom Freak 1

best basketball shoes for volleyball

The Nike Zoom Freak 1 is made of lightweight, breathable textile upper. The construction of the shoe is solid, providing balance and stability that can be beneficial for volleyball players. It also has a padded collar for a secure and comfortable fit during high impact activities. This can be especially useful during intense moments in the game.

The foam used to make these shoes is extremely resilient and able to absorb high impact, making it especially useful for hard landings. Additionally, the dual Zoom Air units located under the heels provide extra support and cushioning to help reduce stress on the ankles and feet.

The outsoles feature intricate tread patterns that offer multi-directional traction, providing excellent grip, especially on indoor courts. The rubber clip extending from the outsole to the sides of the shoes also adds stability. In terms of design, the outsoles have subtle inscriptions that honor Antetokounmpo’s roots.

pros

  • Padding for ankle support
  • Enhanced lateral stability support from rubber clip
  • Intricate traction tread pattern
  • Extra cushioning from the dual Zoom Air units

cons

  • Outsole tread pattern gathers dirt easily

6. Nike Giannis Immortality

best basketball shoes for volleyball

This shoe is lighter than a feather, making it ultra responsive and an ideal candidate for any libero or setter who needs plenty of agility on the volleyball court

pros

  • Extremely affordable retailing at around the $100 mark.
  • Low-to-the-ground feel is ideal for back court players.
  • Super responsive and lightweight. These shoes make you feel extremely connected to the court.

cons

  • Pretty average cushioning system, so not ideal for anyone doing a large amount of spiking

7. Nike Kyrie 6

best basketball shoes for volleyball

The Kyrie Irving signature basketball shoes feature an upper made of a combination of ballistic mesh and engineered leather materials that are fused together for durability. The upper also includes a mesh vamp that absorbs moisture and allows for breathability.

Extra padding has been added around the collar, and the heel counter is solid and wraps securely around the feet to keep the ankles and heels aligned during quick movements. The shoes also have an adjustable midfoot strap that provides additional support around the ankle and forefoot.

Pros

  • Multi-angle traction
  • Cushioning from Zoom Air Turbo units
  • Moisture-wicking mesh vamp

Cons

  • Tricky sizing. Going half a size up may help

8. Nike Lebron 18

best basketball shoes for volleyball

Nike’s most premium shoe line has created one of the most comfortable, supportive, and springy shoes money can buy with the Lebron 18s.

The Lebron 18s, like the KD14s, have a highly advanced cushioning system that is perfect for middle blockers and opposites who need extra impact protection. However, they may not offer the best lateral stability, so they may not be the best choice for outside hitters who do more passing and digging.

The air max cushion unit in the midsole makes these shoes an excellent option for opposite hitters who prioritize jumping ability when spiking and blocking.

pros
  • Most ridiculously bouncy shoes to jump in, awesome for spiking and blocking!
  • Fantastic shock absorption and ankle support.

cons

  • Lateral movements aren’t the best because of the really thick heel, so not the best option for liberos and probably setters also.