The Best Women’s Volleyball Shoes of 2022
Supportive and high-performing volleyball shoes.
Whether your position is outside hitter, setter, or libero, and no matter if you’re spiking, passing, or playing defense, wearing the proper footwear always benefits your game.
And when it comes to choosing the right footwear, you’ll find that a high-quality pair of volleyball shoes offers several features unique to the sport that you won’t find on an average pair of athletic shoes or trainers.
In general, volleyball shoes are designed to assist and boost the sport’s lateral and vertical movements, while also offering support and stability to prevent injury.
That’s a big job for a pair of shoes, so it likely comes as no surprise that certain volleyball shoes perform it better than others.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the Best Volleyball Shoes of 2022. These picks will keep you light, quick, and supported on the court.
What Makes Volleyball Shoes Special?
In their construction, volleyball shoes are more similar to basketball shoes than any other sport’s shoes. And this makes sense, as both sports are played on a court and share similar footwork, jumping, and agility.
However, volleyball shoes differ slightly from basketball shoes and other athletic shoes.
If you think of all the action in volleyball from attacking to blocking to serving, and more, volleyball players spend a lot of time on the balls of their feet in order to perform skilled and agile moves.
EVA midsoles, a foam-like material, is common in volleyball shoes to support the ball of the foot.
Impact cushioning, upper ankle support, and rubber soles for traction, are all typical features of a quality volleyball shoe to assist your movement and protect your body.
Seeing as how injury to feet and ankles is a primary concern in volleyball, shoes that can reduce slippage, cushion jumps, and stabilize the foot and ankle will keep you in top form on the court.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Adidas Crazyflight Mid Volleyball Shoes
The Adidas Crazyflight Mid Volleyball Shoes feature a unique energy-returning Boost Midsole that provides ignition for jumps and cushion for landings. These shoes have a regular fit, knitted inner sock, and Top Grip rubber outsole.
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Adidas’ Crazyflight Mid Volleyball Shoes have an ankle-hugging mid-cut design that provides a stable platform for twisting, turning, and lateral movements. These shoes utilize a durable and lightweight mesh upper and a TPU-reinforced midfoot for great support.
2. Adidas Novaflight Volleyball Shoes
The Adidas Novaflight Volleyball Shoes feature a flexible Bounce midsole that’s specially shaped for explosive jumps. These shoes have rounded edge outsoles that support natural movement with a 360-degree radius.
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Adidas’ Novaflight Volleyball Shoes feature a lightweight mesh upper, a classic lace closure, and a midfoot lockdown system to keep your foot securely in place.
3. Adidas Ligra 7 Volleyball Shoes
The Adidas Ligra 7 Volleyball Shoes feature a breathable mesh upper with supportive overlays for great stability and comfort. These shoes have a multidirectional outsole for fantastic 360-degree grip on the court.
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Adidas’ Ligra 7 Volleyball Shoes have a regular fit with EVA midsole cushioning and an abrasion-resistant toe. Like many new Adidas shoes, these are made with high-performing Primegreen materials.
4. Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 Volleyball Shoes
The Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 Volleyball Shoes feature a foam midsole with Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning that’s lightweight and provides responsive cushioning. These popular Nike shoes have a durable rubber tread for superior traction and fast reactions.
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Nike’s Zoom HyperAce 2 Volleyball Shoes have a breathable textile and synthetic construction, along with a heel cage that enhances your stability and support while on the court.
5. Nike HyperSpeed Volleyball Shoes
The Nike HyperSpeed Volleyball Shoes use Zoom Air technology under the forefoot to deliver a propelling sensation on the court. These shoes feature a NikeSkin overlay on the toe for durability and lightweight cushioning under the toe for comfort.
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Nike’s HyperSpeed Volleyball Shoes have a lightweight and breathable design paired with rubber soles for extra grip. These shoes feature lace tighten straps for enhanced ankle support and a tongueless design for easy on/offs.
6. Under Armour HOVR Block City Volleyball Shoes
The Under Armour HOVR Block City Volleyball Shoes feature responsive UA HOVR cushioning to reduce impact and return explosive energy. These shoes have a midfoot panel for durable support with lightweight mesh for breathability.
Shop at Under Armour: UA HOVR Block City Volleyball Shoes
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Under Armour’s HOVR Block City Volleyball Shoes use increased foam in the ankle collar for enhanced comfort and a molded sockliner that forms to your foot. These shoes have a lockdown lacing system and a rubber traction pattern for superior floor grip.
Also available in a breezy Elite Version.
7. Under Armour HOVR Highlight Ace Volleyball Shoes
The Under Armour HOVR Highlight Ace Volleyball Shoes feature an extra high design for ankle support that doesn’t feel heavy or restrict your movement. These shoes use UA HOVR cushioning to reduce impact and return explosive energy.
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Under Armour’s HOVR Highlight Ace Volleyball Shoes have an extended ankle collar for support that’s super stretchy for easy on/offs. These shoes have a lockdown lacing system, molded sockliner, and a rubber traction pattern for superior floor grip.
8. Under Armour Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoes
The Under Armour Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoes feature a high ankle support design that’s lightweight, comfortable, and offers flexible support. These shoes utilize UA’s Charged Cushioning that absorbs impact and produces responsive comfort.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: UA Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoes
Under Armour’s Highlight Ace 2.0 Volleyball Shoes have a webbed lacing system for superior stability and customizing fit, as well as a molded sockliner that forms to your foot to eliminate slippage and provide ideal underfoot comfort.
9. Mizuno Wave Momentum Volleyball Shoes
The Mizuno Wave Momentum Volleyball Shoes feature a signature Wave design for stability and cushioning at the heel with great support and responsiveness on the court. These shoes have XG Rubber traction and Dura Shield toe protection.
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Mizuno’s Wave Momentum Volleyball Shoes utilize a 3-layer no-sew upper for comfort and a booty construction for a secure fit. These shoes have an AP+ lightweight midsole for cushion and durability.
10. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Volleyball Shoe
The Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6 Volleyball Shoes feature an EVA midsole and a re-engineered sole for explosive movement. These shoes utilize a breathable mesh upper portion with a half-bootie construction to give you flexible and effortless movement.
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Mizuno’s Wave Lightning Z6 Volleyball Shoes are lightweight and allow for fast reaction. These shoes provide an extra secure balance with a stable outrigger sole.
11. Asics Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes
The Asics Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes feature a unique TRUSSTIC midsole that’s lightweight and improves overall stability and structure. These shoes use a breathable and flexible mesh upper construction to assist your natural movement.
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Asics’ Gel-Rocket 10 Volleyball Shoes utilize GEL technology in the heel for shock absorption and a heel wrap-up for smoother landings. These shoes also have flexible grooves in the outsole for improved side grip.
Do I Really Need Volleyball Shoes?
If you’re new to the game, you might be wondering: Do I really need a pair of volleyball-specific shoes to play? Or can I just wear a pair of athletic shoes that I already have?
Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. If you’re playing volleyball competitively, then you absolutely need a pair of volleyball shoes to wear for both practices and games.
Volleyball shoes are designed to be lightweight and supportive, while providing cushion and traction for all the quick cuts and high-flying jumps that are performed.
Additionally, when compared to other shoes, volleyball shoes provide better ankle support to help prevent or lessen the severity of ankle injury.
In other words, you’ll definitely notice a difference between wearing a quality pair of volleyball shoes and a non-specific athletic shoe when you’re on the court.
Volleyball shoes will allow you to play at your highest level and provide support and protection while you do.
But if you don’t have volleyball shoes or you’re waiting on a new pair to arrive and don’t know what wear in the meantime, the best alternative option would be a pair of basketball shoes.
As we mentioned above, volleyball shoes and basketball shoes serve similar purposes and therefore share several design similarities.
If basketball shoes aren’t available to you either, then choose a pair of your athletic shoes that offer the best traction and ankle support.
These two areas are important when it comes to performing at a high-level and avoiding injury.
Just like with any other sport that requires agility, jumping, and quick reactions, if you choose to play volleyball without the proper gear and footwear, you run the risk of injury.
A great pair of volleyball shoes isn’t the only volleyball essential that you’ll need. Be sure to check out our top picks for the best volleyball shorts and the best volleyball knee pads.
