Footwear

Look for a gum rubber outsole that grips indoor courts, good lateral support for quick side-to-side moves, and forefoot cushioning for jumping and landing. Choose a snug fit with about a thumb's width of room at the toes, and try them on with your volleyball socks. Our top volleyball shoe brands are Mizuno, Asics, Nike and Adidas. Shop men's and women's volleyball shoes.

It's not recommended. Running shoes are built for forward motion, with a thick, soft heel that can make you unstable when you cut sideways and land from a jump. Basketball shoes are closer, but they're usually heavier. Volleyball shoes combine a flat, grippy gum rubber outsole, lateral support and a lighter build for quick reactions at the net. Wearing them only indoors also keeps the soles grippy longer. Shop all volleyball shoes.

Hitters and middle blockers jump the most, so they often prefer more cushioning and stability, like the Mizuno Wave Momentum 4 Elite or the Asics Sky Elite FF 4. Liberos, defensive specialists and setters move low and fast, so they often choose lighter, more responsive shoes, like the Nike Hyperquick or the Asics Gel Rocket 12. In the end, comfort and fit matter most. Compare models in our footwear collection.

Low-top shoes are lighter and give you full ankle mobility, which many liberos and setters prefer. Mid-top shoes, like the Mizuno Wave Momentum 4 Elite Mid or the Adidas Crazyflight 7 Mid, wrap higher around the ankle for a more secure feel when landing. If you've had ankle injuries, a mid-top paired with an ankle brace from our braces collection gives extra support.

Many popular models, like the Nike Hyperace 3 and Hyperset 2 or the Mizuno Wave Momentum 4 Pro, are unisex and are usually sized in men's sizes. Women typically go down about 1.5 sizes from their usual women's size, so a women's 9 is usually close to a men's 7.5. Always check the size chart on the product. Women's-specific models are cut for a narrower foot, and men's models a bit wider. Shop women's and men's volleyball shoes.

Recreational players can usually get a full season out of a pair, while competitive players who train several times a week may need new shoes every 6 to 8 months. Replace them sooner if the outsole loses its grip, the cushioning feels flat or your feet and knees start to ache. To make them last, wear them only on indoor courts and air them out after every game with Captodor. Find your next pair in our volleyball shoes.

Beach volleyball is played barefoot or in sand socks, which protect your feet from hot or cold sand and sharp objects while keeping a natural feel. Court shoes are made for indoor play only. Between games and after the beach, slip into a pair of slides or sandals, and see all our beach volleyball gear.