When it comes to choosing volleyball shoes, the high top model isn’t as popular these days.
Instead, the mid top shoes have taken the market by storm.
So in this review, I’ll cover not only the high-top volleyball shoes but also some amazing mid-top models of volleyball and basketball shoes worth considering. Given the similar playing styles of both sports, I aim to offer you comprehensive and valuable content tailored to your needs, regardless of whether you’re a novice or a seasoned athlete.
Let’s dive right into it!
Best Overall
Under Amour HOVR Highlight Ace
These high-top volleyball shoes are truly unique, offering exceptional comfort, stability, and ankle support.
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These shoes also rank as the top choice for ankle support among the best volleyball shoes on my list.
The HOVR Highlight Ace with UA HOVR technology revolutionizes your playing experience. Featuring its compression mesh Energy Web, it effectively conforms UA HOVR foam to efficiently return the energy you input.
These shoes excel in traction and stability, exceeding expectations with an innovative rubber outsole featuring a herringbone pattern. No matter the surface, the grip is superior, enabling agile movements and peak performance.
The plush sock liner conforms to your foot, ensuring a personalized and comfortable fit. Unlike other high-top shoes that require significant effort to put on and often run smaller than expected, the HOVR Highlight Ace offers a true fit and exceptional comfort.
With a thoughtfully designed midsole, you’ll get excellent arch support, stability, and balance even during intense games.
Players who frequently engage in high jumping during matches require both comfort and ankle protection.
Back row players who do not require excessive ankle support or players with wider feet.
- Unbeatable comfort and ultra-responsive cushioning
- Enhanced traction and stability for volleyball movements
- Exceptional shock absorption and superb ankle support
- The toebox can be overly spacious and high for specific individuals
- Not suitable for individuals with wide feet
Runner Up
Nike Kyrie Infinity
These basketball shoes are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect choice for both basketball and volleyball enthusiasts. With exceptional traction and excellent support, they are designed to elevate your game to new heights.
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The Nike Kyrie Infinity, also referred to as the Kyrie 8, is specifically designed as a volleyball shoe. While it may not be a high top, it is an excellent option for volleyball players. Allow me to elaborate on why!
The first thing that catches my attention is the incredible design and colorways of these basketball shoes. Even though I play volleyball, I can’t help but be drawn to the captivating design of basketball footwear every single time. The colorway options available for these shoes truly make you stand out from the crowd of ordinary designs and colors.
Secondly, the Kyrie 8, with its aggressive traction pattern, advanced cushioning system, and premium materials, stands out as a top performer on the basketball court. It’s the perfect choice for defensive players who prioritize both agility and stability.
Moreover, the shoe has two interior straps that surround your heel and forefoot. When you lace up, tighten both straps to secure your foot in the footbed. This design ensures a snug fit and optimal support.
Finally, thanks to the exceptional craftsmanship using premium materials, these shoes not only deliver outstanding performance but also exhibit remarkable durability. Numerous players have attested to the shoes’ ability to maintain their greatness season after season.
Setter or Defensive Specialist looking for durable shoes with excellent traction, court feel, and responsiveness.
- Excellent traction with an aggressive pattern
- High-quality materials and appealing design
- Excellent support
- Some players find it slightly rigid
Premium Shoes
ASICS Sky Elite FlyteFoam Mid Top 2
Experience unmatched stability and exceptional floor grip, enhancing your court mobility. Coupled with superior ankle support and remarkable shock absorption, this is the ultimate choice for every volleyball player.
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This is definitely my number one pick when it comes to the best volleyball shoes. They have all the features that a player looks for in a pair of volleyball shoes!
One of the standout features of these shoes is the incredible ankle support they provide. As someone who plays volleyball frequently, ankle injuries are always a concern for me. However, with these shoes, I feel confident and secure, knowing that my ankles are well-protected. The mid-top design and sturdy construction offer excellent stability, preventing any potential twists or sprains.
But it’s not just about ankle support. They also provide amazing cushioning and shock absorption, making them super comfortable to wear during long matches or training sessions.
The FlyteFoam technology in the midsole delivers responsive cushioning and helps lessen the impact on joints, allowing me to move freely without any worries about discomfort.
The shoes are meticulously crafted using premium materials, resulting in a higher price compared to other footwear options. However, the investment is truly worthwhile!
This option is highly preferred by hitters due to its exceptional features of shock absorption and ankle support. It has the remarkable ability to significantly enhance your jumping prowess.
Liberos, who prefer shoes with a lower profile for better ground feel, often find the slightly elevated design of back row player shoes unsuitable.
- Exceptional FlyteFoam cushioning offers excellent shock absorption
- Great ankle support
- Comfortable and perfectly fitting
- Ideal for individuals with wider feet
- Eye-catching design
- Priced on the higher end
Best Grip
adidas Crazyflight Mid
Renowned for its outstanding grip and chic design, the stretch mesh upper combines lightweight construction with a snug, comfy fit.
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When it comes to indoor volleyball, this option is a top-notch choice. Its Top Grip rubber outsole provides excellent grip on all indoor surfaces, ensuring you stay on top of your game.
Moreover, adidas Boost technology provides an extraordinary energy return, propelling your feet with force while reducing the likelihood of injury. With exceptional shock absorption, Boost enhances your jumping ability for effective blocking and spiking.
The stretch upper of these shoes not only provides a lightweight feel, but also enhances durability, ensuring a longer usage timelife.
One of the aspects I truly admire about these shoes is that they are made from recycled materials. This environmentally friendly choice is perfect for players who are passionate about protecting our planet.
With this innovative design feature, you can enjoy both comfort and longevity in your footwear.
For players seeking the perfect option for indoor volleyball, this selection offers exceptional grip, lightweight design, and optimal performance.
- Sleek, stylish design in multiple colors
- Great cushioning and ankle support
- TPU cage provides stability and support
- Slippage-free
- Material susceptible to scuffing and peeling, particularly in the toe area
Best Budget
Nike KD Trey 5 X EP
The Nike Trey 5 X emerges as a reliable and budget-friendly choice, providing sturdy cushioning and traction.
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These Nike’s basketball shoes provide an affordable option for players who value exceptional cushioning and traction without compromising their budget.
The KD Trey 5 X offers exceptional traction with its heat map-style pattern, providing comprehensive coverage in all directions. These shoes are reliable for swift defensive maneuvers and precise cuts.
The rubber compound strikes a balance between firmness and softness, while the deep grooves make them suitable for outdoor use. Indoors, traction is commendable, but occasional wiping may be needed due to closely spaced grooves in certain areas like the forefoot.
The cushion is undoubtedly the most valuable feature of this model. It boasts a rectangular Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a full-length foam midsole, which provides exceptional impact protection for all your jumping needs.
These shoes are not just budget-friendly, they’re wallet-happy! The materials used are affordable, making them a slam-dunk choice for the court on a tight budget. Whether as your starting lineup or as a backup for practices or outdoor games, these shoes are a no-brainer for most players.
For players seeking a cost-effective option that offers impressive performance or as a backup choice for outdoor play.
If you prefer a more responsive cushioning or have concerns about support, consider investing a bit extra in higher-end alternatives.
- The heat map pattern provides excellent grip and stability for solid traction
- Great cushion
- Budget-friendly
- The materials are relatively inexpensive.
Why do I need a high top volleyball shoes?
The high-top model restricts ankle movement on the court, which is not ideal for positions that require frequent mobility.
Alternatively, opting for a mid-top or low-top can offer the freedom of movement, excellent support, and effective shock absorption.
These high-top options are a great choice for back row players like liberos or positions that involve a lot of jumping, such as middle blockers or opposite hitters. If you want to take your game to the next level, check out my list of the top 10 best volleyball shoes. You’ll find the perfect fit for you!