6 Best Outdoor Volleyball Shoes

Best Outdoor Volleyball Shoes

Volleyball was invented in 1895, but it didn’t become an Olympic sport until 1964. Competitive or not, volleyball is played both outdoors and indoors worldwide.

Some people prefer to play barefoot on the beach, but professional volleyball players own unique shoes for the sport, just like soccer and baseball cleats. What are the best outdoor volleyball shoes?

What Makes The Best Outdoor Volleyball Shoes

The best outdoor volleyball shoes have soft soles and absorb shocks incredibly well. Since this sport is all about fast movements and jumping, you need excellent padding on the soles of your feet to prevent fatigue and ankle support for bouncing around.

Indoor volleyball shoes are different and shouldn’t be worn outside, but their outdoor cousins can handle more terrain.

Here are the top 6 best outdoor volleyball shoes:

1 – Best Outdoor Nike Volleyball Shoes

Nike Women’s React Hyperset Volleyball Shoes from Amazon are exceptional for outdoor volleyball. You’ll love the thick, cushioned, react sole foam midsole for your most energetic plays.

Unlike the equally excellent Zoom Hyperspace 2 indoor volleyball shoes, these have a rubber outsole for traction and handling diverse terrain.

A lateral strap provides stability on top of your foot, while the NIKESKIN overlay on the toe increases the React’s working life and offers more durability. Plus, a higher ankle helps offer support.

Nike Women's React Hyperset Outdoor Volleyball Shoes
  • React foam cushioning feels soft yet springy.
  • The strap holds your foot for lateral moves.
  • Flywire technology provides a lightweight, secure fit for your entire foot.
  • NikeSkin overlay on the toe increases durability on the court.
  • Rubber sole adds traction to help you change directions with precision.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2 – Best Outdoor Mizuno Volleyball Shoes

Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z4 Mid Volleyball Shoes from Amazon can handle an outdoor game easily. A sensor system connects the wave plate to the ground for better traction while you move.

Moreover, with ten colorways to choose from, you can match your uniform or pick a palate you like to suit your style while playing a casual game.

However, it’s the upper that stands out on these shoes. An ‘intercool’ system and air mesh keep you comfortable and your shoes breathable. Meanwhile, the Dynamotion Fit ensures the upper fits snugly and moves with your feet.

3 – Best Outdoor Asics Volleyball Shoes

ASICS Women’s Gel 1150V Volleyball Shoe from Amazon has an amazing shock absorber called the Rearfoot GEL cushioning system.

This impact stopper helps serious players prevent foot pain and fatigue. Plus, the rubber outsole makes these Asics suitable for different terrain underfoot.

These hundred percent synthetic shoes have excellent breathability and support.

ASICS Women's Gel 1150V Outdoor Volleyball Shoes
  • Rearfoot GEL cushioning system absorbs shock during impact
  • Ventilated sole unit for improved comfort and enhanced breathability
  • Newly designed upper, contructed using fashionable yet performance enhancing materials
  • Rearfoot GEL cushioning system absorbs shock during impact

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4 – Best Outdoor Girls Volleyball Shoes

ASICS Kid’s Upcourt 3 GS Volleyball Shoes from Amazon are the best outdoor option for girls.

An EVA midsole and sock liner offer great support that molds to the shape of your girls’ foot, so it sits in place snugly with a near-custom fit. Better still, the sockliner is removable.

ASICS Kid's Upcourt 3 GS Outdoor Volleyball Shoes
  • EVA Midsole -
  • EVA Sockliner -
  • Removable Sockliner - A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5 – Best Outdoor Volleyball Shoes For Men

ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes from Amazon are supremely comfortable. The foam-padded tongue and collar help these volleyball shoes fit correctly.

Plus, you’ll love how the lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays provides structured support for your feet as you play.

ASICS Men's Gel-Rocket 9 Outdoor Volleyball Shoes
  • Take your performance to the court with the ASICS® GEL-Rocket® 9 volleyball shoe!
  • Lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays provide structured support and comfort.
  • Foam-padded collar and tongue.
  • Breathable mesh lining and a cushioned footbed provide added cushioning.
  • Traditional lacing closure for optimal fit. Molded-EVA midsole provide enhanced cushioning and shock absorption. Features a rear and forefoot GEL® Cushioning System that offers shock-absorbing support at toe-off and offers superior movement and support through the gait cycle. Designed with Trusstic System® Technology that reduces the weight without compromising the structural integrity of the shoe. Rubber and gum rubber outsole containing more natural rubber content than traditional soli

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6 – Best Outdoor Grass Volleyball Shoes

ASICS Men’s GEL-Volleycross 4 MT Volleyball Shoe from Amazon is well known for its performance on grass. The bright blue colorway with white and green details stands out in the crowd.

More importantly, the clutch collar system and ASICS High Abrasion Rubber in high-wear areas keep these shoes in place so you can play longer.

ASICS Men's GEL-Volleycross 4 MT Outdoor Volleyball Shoe
  • Rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning systems
  • NC Rubber outsole
  • ASICS High Abrasion Rubber in high-wear areas
  • Clutch Collar System
  • Designed for agility, ASICS blends court-specific demands with lightweight running technology.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Type Of Shoe Is Best For Outdoor Volleyball

The best shoes for outdoor volleyball combine the comfort of an indoor volleyball shoe with a rubber outsole.

As Volleyballpedia points out, “Most volleyball shoes are designed to give you an advantage on indoor surfaces.”

Since the indoor shoes are made strictly for a hard, smooth, non-abrasive surface, you need a protective layer for traction and outdoor use. Typically, that means adding a simple rubber sole.

How Should Outdoor Volleyball Shoes Fit

Most sports shoes, including outdoor volleyball shoes, should fit your foot snugly. A loose shoe is at risk for flying off during energetic activities.

However, it is also vital to ensure the shoes are not pinching or rubbing against your foot. A minor annoyance at first will become a big problem over time, and the middle of a game is the worst time to realize you have the wrong type of shoes on.

Some sports shoes, like football cleats, especially the metal ones, can be heavy and are made to dig into the ground. A volleyball shoe should be the opposite.

It needs a fantastic but very lightweight cushion and should never hold the player down.

When you jump and land, the energy behind that impact is nine times your body weight. That will quickly wear on your feet if the cushion isn’t sufficient.

A volleyball shoe needs truly top-tier padding for lateral movements and tons of jumping. If your arches and soles don’t feel supported, it’s time for a new pair of shoes.

Helpful Tips To Know About The Best Outdoor Volleyball Shoes

Outdoor volleyball shoes are very well engineered for their specific task. Unlike generalist shoes such as sneakers, you shouldn’t wear these sports shoes for anything other than the sport they’re created for.

Here are more helpful tips to know about the best outdoor volleyball shoes.

  • Indoor volleyball shoes are made for smooth surfaces and have a ‘stickier’ and softer sole. You should never wear this style to an outdoor game. Moreover, it would be best to avoid walking around on sidewalks, grass, or other surfaces because they are highly specialized. Opt for outdoor volleyball shoes instead.
  • Lots of shoes look similar. It is easy to mistake a basketball or running shoe for a volleyball shoe. However, the padding type and distribution are different in these styles, and over time, they will not provide the support your feet need.
  • There should not be ‘extra room’ in your volleyball shoes unless you are a growing child. Shoe material is made to be slightly flexible since human feet spread out over a day walking or playing, but there should never be space gaps between the shoe and your foot.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right outdoor volleyball shoes for your next game can give you numerous advantages. With all the running and jumping, the soft padding on this style is made to help prevent foot fatigue.

Moreover, good ankle support can help prevent injuries. However, since these shoes are highly specialized, like tap dancing shoes, they are not meant for everyday wear.

Save your volleyball shoes for the game and wear something else when you’re walking around normally so they last longer.

Drew Thomas

My name is Drew Thomas and I’m the creator of Fun In the Yard, your one stop site for all your outdoor games, sports, party activities, outdoor gear, and lawn & gardening tips.

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