Volleyball shoes Under Armour

Under Armour, from base layers to indoor shoes

Under Armour was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a former captain of the University of Maryland's American football special teams, tired of playing in cotton shirts soaked with sweat. From his grandmother's basement in Washington, he designed a base layer made from synthetic fibres that wicks away sweat, the first HeatGear model. The brand then set up in Baltimore and expanded its range to clothing for all sports before branching into footwear in the mid-2000s. Its experience in basketball, where it supplies many players, has influenced its indoor shoes, which offer grip and support suitable for volleyball movements.

The other brands

Volleyball shoes are also available by brand:

• Asics.
• Mizuno.
• Nike.
• adidas.
• Hummel.
• Salming.
• Puma.

All shoes can be found on the shoes page.

Flow sole and Charged foam: the technique for indoor courts

The UA Flow technology eliminates the rubber outsole: a single foam, which is both cushioning and grippy, is in direct contact with the floor. The shoe becomes noticeably lighter, and the grip on the court is outstanding, to the point that the brand's engineers, testing it on a running shoe, adapted it for indoor use. Other models rely on the Charged Cushioning foam, which is compressed and moulded, cushioning on impact and then returning energy on push-off, a real plus for repeated jumps at the net. A rigid heel counter and an upper that hugs the midfoot ensure lateral support during defensive movements.

Maintaining the grip of an indoor shoe

An indoor shoe is only as good as its grip. It's therefore reserved for the gym: asphalt and gravel wear down the rubber, and even more so a Flow foam sole, designed for wood floors. It's best to put them on at the venue instead of bringing them in, to avoid bringing dust onto the court. Before matches and during breaks, a quick wipe with a damp hand or cloth under the sole removes dust that makes it slippery. After the session, the insole is removed to let it dry, the shoe is stuffed with paper, and it's kept away from a radiator, which hardens the foams and detaches the reinforcements.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a regular pattern: the Black Friday in late autumn, the festive season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a volleyball shoe and a basketball shoe?

A volleyball shoe is often lighter and lower, with cushioning concentrated at the forefoot for take-offs. The basketball shoe provides more ankle protection against contact under the hoop; nonetheless, its grip qualities also make it usable for volleyball.

Low or mid-cut to play volleyball?

The low cut prioritises agility and ankle mobility, favoured by setters and defenders. The mid-cut assures attackers and middle blockers who jump a lot, or players who have previously experienced a sprain.

What type of indoor shoe for a libero?

The libero plays very low and moves continuously: they need a low, lightweight, and highly grippy shoe that allows ankle flexibility during dives. Heel cushioning is less critical for them compared to an attacker who is landing from jumps.

Should you wear ankle support with volleyball shoes?

An ankle brace or taping is recommended after a sprain and for players who jump frequently at the net. It complements the shoe without replacing it: you should try on the pair with the brace to ensure that it doesn’t fit too tightly.

Why do indoor shoes squeak on the court?

The squeaking comes from the rubber or foam that sticks and then suddenly detaches from the floor during braking. This is usually a good sign: a sole that doesn’t squeak at all is often covered in dust or already worn out.