When designing volleyball shoes for hitters, there are several key factors to consider.
Hitters need cushioning, support, and good grip for quick direction changes, while stability and reinforced midsoles help prevent injuries. Lightweight and breathable shoes help prevent fatigue and keep feet cool during intense matches.
In terms of specific points in the hitter’s position, there are a few areas that may require different features in their kicks:
When it comes to finding the perfect shoes for hitters, stability is absolutely key. As hitters generate a lot of power and force through their movements, they really need a shoe that can support and protect their feet while still allowing for quick and explosive actions on the court.
So, go ahead and check out the list below to find the best fit for you!
Best Overall
ASICS Sky Elite FlyteFoam Mid Top 2
Provide unmatched stability and floor grip for enhanced court mobility. The ankle support is top-notch, ensuring robust support and exceptional shock absorption for intense volleyball demands. Trust these shoes to cover all your needs!
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The ASICS Sky Elite FlyteFoam Mid Top 2 is the ultimate pick for all hitter positions, leaving no competition in its wake. Its unrivaled performance is unmatched, making it the top choice for every hitter.
With its outstanding FlyteFoam cushioning, it combines responsiveness and impact protection to elevate your performance on the court.
The design is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a flawless and secure fit, providing unparalleled comfort.
Furthermore, the outstanding traction ensures stability and control with every single movement. This means you can stay confident and in command, no matter what.
When it comes to hitters, it’s crucial to ensure proper shock absorption. With all the jumping and explosive moves on the court, having shoes that can handle the impact is a must. That’s where FLYTEFOAM Propel technology cushioning comes in. It significantly enhances impact absorption and responsiveness, providing hitters with the support they need to excel.
Lastly, whether you have wide feet or prefer different design and height options, these shoes have got you covered.
For hitters seeking the ideal choice, look no further than these shoes. To maximize protection and ankle support, I highly recommend the mid-top model.
- Excellent FlyteFoam cushioning for bounce and protection
- Superior traction, ideal for various movements
- Snug and secure fit
- Suitable for wide feet
- Attractive design
- May be too high off the ground for some players
- The price is slightly higher
Runner Up
Mizuno Wave Lightning Z6
Indulge in unparalleled comfort, enjoy unwavering stability, and revel in the effortless agility of lightweight design.
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The Mizuno Lightning Z6 is a perfect blend of lightweight construction and durable design, providing the speed and support required for swift movements on the court.
Equipped with a breathable mesh upper, Wave technology for advanced shock absorption, and an XG Rubber outsole for unrivaled traction, this shoe truly has it all!
But what really sets the Lightning Z6 apart is its comfort. The cushioned midsole, padded collar, and breathable lining keep your feet comfortable and fresh during long games or practice sessions. And with its DynaMotion Fit system and D-Flex Groove, you’ll have the secure fit and efficient acceleration you need to dominate the game.
Not only does the Lightning Z6 perform, but it also looks great! The sleek and modern design with bold color combinations will make you stand out on the court. Plus, it’s available in various colors to match your team’s uniform or personal preference.
Durability is a key factor, and the Lightning Z6 excels in this aspect. With its robust build and premium materials, it can endure the rigors of intense volleyball matches. Moreover, the revolutionary Wave Plate technology effectively distributes energy, providing you with stability and cushioning during high-impact movements.
The shoe is available in both flat and mid-cut versions, offering heightened ankle stability.
Volleyball players with narrower feet due to its slightly narrower footbed.
- Exceptional comfort with Eva midsole cushioning
- Lightweight design for agility
- Stability from Wave technology
- D-Flex Groove for quick turns and power
- Not suitable for players with wide feet
Most Popular
adidas Crazyflight Mid
Known for its exceptional grip and stylish design, the mixed material upper ensures a lightweight and breathable experience
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These shoes seamlessly blend sleek design with exceptional functionality, setting them apart on the court.
Crafted from lightweight and breathable materials, this shoe keeps your feet cool and dry, even during intense matches.
One of the notable features is the remarkable cushioning and support provided by the shoe. Its mid-cut design not only adds a touch of style, but also offers crucial ankle support and stability for agile movements and injury prevention in volleyball.
The Bounce midsole delivers exceptional cushioning and energy return, minimizing the impact on feet and joints for extended comfort.
The TPU cage surrounding the midfoot elevates support and stability, catering to lateral movements frequently encountered in the dynamic world of volleyball.
Additionally, the rubber outsole offers excellent traction on various surfaces, ensuring players maintain good grip and control.
This is a reliable choice for volleyball players looking for a lightweight and comfortable shoe that delivers both style and functionality on the court.
Although there have been a few occasional reports of slight heel slipping, it would be imprudent to overlook the remarkable performance and features offered by the Crazyflight.
- Excellent cushioning and ankle support
- TPU cage for added stability and support
- Durable Adiwear outsole and good traction
- This material is susceptible to scuffing and peeling, particularly in the toe area
Best For Opposites
Nike React Hyperset
The Nike React Hyperset emerges as a leading player in the volleyball shoe market, earning accolades for its remarkable traction, responsiveness, and versatility.
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The Nike React Hyperset is widely regarded as the ultimate choice for opposite hitters in the world of volleyball. Its exceptional features and performance make it stand out among other options in the market.
With its lightweight design, the React Hyperset ensures that players can move swiftly and effortlessly on the court. The shoe’s exceptional shock absorption capability guarantees maximum comfort and protection, reducing the risk of injuries during intense gameplay.
One of the standout features of this shoe is its stability. The lateral strap and Flywire cables work together to provide a secure and locked-in fit, giving players the confidence they need to make quick and agile movements without worrying about their footwear.
The React foam used in the Nike React Hyperset is known for its resilience, lightness, and springiness. This means that players can expect excellent energy return, allowing them to maintain their speed and agility throughout the game.
Furthermore, the shoe’s impressive traction on indoor courts provides players with the necessary confidence to execute attacking and defensive maneuvers with precision. With the Nike React Hyperset on your feet, you can focus on the game without any distractions.
Players with wider feet may encounter some fitting issues with these shoes.
- Exceptional grip for indoor court surfaces
- Achieve a secure and comfy fit with lateral strap support and Flywire cables
- Nike React foam provides excellent shock absorption
- Players with knee or ankle problems may face comfort challenges
Best For Outsides
Mizuno Wave Momentum
These shoes renowned for its exceptional responsiveness and stability. Perfect for hitters seeking a dynamic and supportive option that truly delivers on the court.
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The Mizuno Wave Momentum offers advanced features like the innovative Enerzy foam midsole, which provides exceptional responsiveness and bounciness for explosive jumps and swift lateral movements.
Additionally, they are known for their incredible traction and lightweight, comfortable design.
The shoe also excels in lateral stability, ensuring optimal energy transfer and unwavering stability during dynamic movements.
The Wave Plate torsional support system offers a perfect blend of flexibility and support, facilitating efficient energy transfer for maximum power and height when attacking the ball.
With high-quality rubber traction, hitters can confidently make aggressive movements on diverse court surfaces. This makes it an ideal choice for players who frequently play around the net, such as outsides or middles.
Lightweight and responsive volleyball shoe, perfect for outside hitters. Smooth transitions from passing to spiking.
- Incredible rebound provided by the Enerzy Foam Cushion
- Unparalleled lateral stability
- Ideal for players with wide feet
- Slightly higher price
Best For Middles
Adidas Dame 8
Unmatched ankle support, unparalleled responsiveness, exceptional stability, and dynamic performance – all at an affordable price point.
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When it comes to playing in the middle of the volleyball court, you’ll find yourself doing a lot of high jumping. That’s why the ideal shoes for this position need to check all the boxes when it comes to supporting your jumps: impact protection, ankle support, and bounce.
The Dame 8 meets all of those criteria impeccably.
Jumping in the Dame 8s is an incredible experience! The highly responsive cushioning makes every step feel like bouncing off a miniature trampoline. It’s perfect for executing quick toe jumps, especially for middles when blocking.
The cushioning configuration of the Dame 8s is unparalleled in terms of shock absorption. In an era where exceptional ankle support is hard to come by, the Dame 8s stand out, surpassing the majority of other volleyball shoes. Thanks to its prominent internal heel counter, these shoes offer a secure and snug fit.
The Dame 8s not only excel in performance but also offer impressive versatility. With their availability in unisex sizes and a wide range of colorways, they are an excellent choice—especially for those of us with wider feet.
So, if you’re looking for a stylish and adaptable option, the Dame 8s have got you covered!
When it comes to middle blockers, the Dame 8s excel. Offering excellent ankle and lateral support, top-tier impact protection, and impressive bounce, these shoes are perfect for the job.
- High-top design provides superior ankle support, ensuring stability and reducing injury risk
- The cushioned insole provides extra support and comfort
- Affordable price
- Players with wider feet may experience a degree of ankle discomfort
What factors should hitters consider when choosing shoes?
When it comes to volleyball, there are three specialized positions for hitting: Outsides, Opposites and Middles. Each of these positions has its unique characteristics, which also means that their shoes should be slightly different.
Let’s dive into the details and see what sets them apart!
Outside Hitters
Outside Hitters have to excel as both part-time hitters and back court pass specialists. Finding the perfect shoe for this dual role means finding a blend of characteristics typically found in a libero and an opposite’s footwear.
It should be low to the ground to aid in serve-reception and provide exceptional grip for flawless movements and quick foot adjustments.
Additionally, the shoe should absorb shocks to protect the joints during high-impact movements like jumping and landing.
Personally, I’ve found the Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 to be the best fit for this role.
Middle Hitters
Middle Hitters (Middle Blockers), in the other hand, are unique as their position requires no passing, minimal digging, and a significant amount of blocking.
I’ve found that the best shoes for middle blockers are those that provide robust lateral containment and ankle support.
The shoe’s primary function should be to guard against ankle sprains, a common occurrence when landing on someone else’s foot during a block.
Despite minimal passing, middle blockers do a lot of jumping. Thus, shoes with great shock absorption are a must to protect the joints.
Ideally, they should also be bouncy to aid in efficient blocking and spiking.
For the Middle Blockers position, I highly recommend the Adidas Dame 8.
Opposite Hitters
Now, as for the Opposite Hitters, the requirements are very similar to those of the Middle Blockers.
They do a lot of jumping and slightly less blocking, therefore, shoes that offer bounce but can also provide decent lateral ankle support are ideal.