Discounted volley shoes

Cushioning from jumps and non-marking rubber

A volleyball shoe meets two specific requirements for this sport. First, the cushioning upon landing: a hitter or a middle jumps dozens of times per match, and each return to the ground puts strain on the knees. The foams in top models, like the Asics Sky Elite or the Nike Air Zoom Hyperace with its Air Zoom units, absorb this shock and then propel you into the next jump. Then there's the grip: the rubber sole, often made of natural rubber, doesn’t mark the court and grips well during sudden movements. A circular pivot pattern under the forefoot helps with rotations to reposition facing the net.

The other clearance items

The volleyball clearance also includes:

• Protective gear, knee pads and elbow pads.
• Balls.
• Textiles.
• Supporter gear.
• Accessories.

All clearance items can be found on the volleyball page.

Hitter, setter or libero: which shoe

The hitters and middles look for a responsive shoe that returns energy at takeoff: the Asics Sky Elite, designed for jumpers, or the very light Asics Metarise, are made for them. The setter, who constantly moves under the ball to distribute it, values a stable, low shoe like the Nike Hyperset, which is aptly named. The libero, in the defensive back row, needs flexibility at the forefoot and a sole that grips during dives and slides: a low, lightweight upper, like that of the Nike Hyperspeed Court, allows for full mobility.

Mizuno Wave: a plate under the heel

Mizuno, founded in Osaka in 1906, has made volleyball one of its historic sports. Its Wave technology replaces part of the foam with a wavy plate inserted into the midsole: it distributes the shock of landing across the entire surface of the heel and limits foot collapse, ensuring better stability upon landing. The Wave Momentum, a top model for players who jump a lot, along with the Wave Mirage and Wave Luminous, are equipped with it. The Thunder Blade, an entry-level shoe, is meant for recreational and school players who want a proper indoor shoe.

Mid-top upper and ankle protection

In volleyball, an ankle sprain most often occurs when landing from a jump, as the foot lands on an opponent's foot under the net. A mid-top upper, like that of the adidas Crazyflight Mid, wraps around the ankle and limits twisting, which those in the middle and players with previous injuries look for. A low upper, which allows for more freedom, is suitable for defensive players and setters. In all cases, it's essential to check that the heel counter holds the heel firmly in place without movement during a jump. Women's models, like the Crazyflight or the feminine version of the Wave Momentum, are designed on a slimmer form.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best volleyball shoe?

There isn’t an ideal model for everyone: a hitter prioritizes cushioning and bounce, while a libero values lightness and grip. Asics, Mizuno, Nike, and adidas each offer high-end models to choose from based on position and foot shape.

Can you play volleyball with running shoes?

No: the running shoe sole, which is high and designed for moving in a straight line, makes lateral movements unstable and can mark the court. An indoor shoe, which is lower and made of non-marking rubber, better protects the ankle.

What size for volleyball shoes?

You should choose your regular size while leaving a few millimetres in front of your toes, as the foot moves forward with each landing. The heel should stay snugly in place, and trying them on should be done with the sports socks worn during matches.

How to maintain the grip of your volleyball shoes?

Keep them exclusively for indoor use, as asphalt and dust wear down and clog the rubber. During a match, a quick wipe with your hand or a damp cloth on the sole removes dust from the court and immediately restores grip.

When to replace your volleyball shoes?

When the sole becomes smooth under the forefoot or when the cushioning no longer protects the knees upon landing. For a regular club player, the rubber and foam generally reach the end of their life after about a year of use.