How do you gear up for a sport that combines the nimbleness of tennis, the speed of running, and the precision of basketball? With the right sneakers on your feet, you can thrive in any athletic environment. In the case of volleyball, you need the right support when you’re on the court. Choosing the right shoes can make all the difference during a match, whether you’re serving or spiking. Assistant Category Manager for adidas Volleyball Joel Wyman puts it nicely: “Volleyball players need a shoe that is lightweight, supports explosive and lateral movements, has excellent cushioning, and superb traction.”
What Shoes Are Good for Volleyball?
Shoes that support maximum movement in all directions on the court are best for volleyball players. Your shoe should support your feet and ankles during side-cut moves while providing you with explosive energy and protective cushioning for jumping. With jumping, spiking, diving and digging, volleyball has a whole lot of opportunities for shoes not purpose-made for indoor court sports to fall short. In this article, we’re going to dig into which adidas volleyball shoes are best for your matches, as well as why the support, stability, and comfort that they provide are so valuable.
Can You Wear Basketball Shoes for Volleyball?
We don’t recommend wearing basketball shoes to play volleyball, although they may bear some similarities in appearance. “Volleyball shoes are generally lighter and designed to cushion and support jumping more so than basketball shoes,” said Wyman. So not only are they lightweight, but volleyball shoes also provide ample grip and durability for the sport's explosive nature. They are also built specifically for smooth indoor surfaces—so while they might be stylish enough for daily wear, they should only be used on the court to avoid unnecessary damage.
Can You Wear Running Shoes for Volleyball?
While running shoes may be suitable for volleyball players just starting out, they won’t be able to assist or protect you in the ways that a sport-specific shoe will. Running shoes are less stable than others at providing support during lateral movements, increasing your risk for injury on the court. Stability is key for volleyball shoes, providing protection during the landings of your jump serves and spikes. Running shoes simply aren’t built to handle the speed and high-impact nature of volleyball.
How Should Volleyball Shoes Fit?
“Ensure that there is no room for the heel to slip out of the shoe, but also that it’s comfortable enough to play in for long periods of time,” said Wyman. So how do you know if it’s the right fit? Think of it this way: If you’re thinking too much about how your shoes fit, you’re taking your focus away from the game. After all, comfort is deeply connected to performance. Reduce fatigue by wearing the proper combination of cushion and comfort, and make sure that your volleyball shoes are always supporting your performance on the court.
adidas Crazyflight 5
A go-to in the adidas lineup is the Crazyflight 5, available in Low and Mid for exceptional support during your jumping and quick-cut moves on the court. Wyman is a big fan, stating, “Crazyflight shoes are lightweight and sleek, offering the best performance for agile athletes and high jumpers. The shoe contains technology that powers players to spring off their forefoot and bounce back after a big jump, great for outside hitters and setters.” Specifically made for indoor court sports like volleyball, the Crazyflight 5 has everything that you need to keep moving in comfort. The mesh upper keeps your feet feeling cool throughout the match, while the cushioned Boost heel insert pairs with a Lightstrike midsole to ensure that you always have a supportive landing from your jumping plays. For lateral moves, rely on the TPU heel counter for stability through 360° of movement.
adidas Crazyflight 5 Mid
If you’re looking for additional ankle support, try the Crazyflight 5 Mid for a truly locked-in feeling. The Crazyflight 5 Mid sports all the features of the Crazyflight 5, but features an extended collar for additional support and stability so that you can focus on maximizing your agility. While there is an inherent physical benefit to having additional support from the Mid version of the Crazyflight 5, your performance on the court may improve if you are more focused than a potential injury. By trusting in the higher collar of the Crazyflight 5 Mid, you’ll be able to keep your focus on the game instead of a potential injury that could take you out of it.
adidas Stabil
Just like the name implies, the adidas Stabil is made to keep you feeling supported and structured anytime you put them on. Wyman dives in deeper, stating, “The Stabil offers a more structured and supportive silhouette that you can feel in every step. This shoe is made for the quick, powerful middles and opposites who are looking for that extra cushion.” For those who play the position of libero, the Stabil is a terrific option. Providing a strong, planted feeling without sacrificing snappy movement, the Stabil prioritizes security and stability so that liberos can move freely to keep the ball in play. Wyman continues, “The Stabil is made for the powerful, quick athletes who value comfort and stability on the court.” For sharp cuts and pivots on a dime, lace up the Stabil before you level up your plays.
Dig into Your Game
Now that you’ve got your footwear sorted out, it’s time to hit the court. Whether you’re just starting out or are simply looking to upgrade your volleyball kit, you’ve got options that will help boost your performance. From the Crazyflight to the Stabil, there’s support and stability for every type of volleyball player.
Looking to complete your kit? Check out our What to Wear for Volleyball blog post for a detailed breakdown of our favorite volleyball gear before you ace your next match.