Have you ever seen volleyball shoes and wondered why they are different or why they are made differently? Volleyball shoes are shoes specifically designed for the sport of volleyball.
Volleyball shoes are typically lighter in weight than other types of athletic shoes, to allow for more speed and agility.
They also have a special tread pattern on the bottom, to help with grip and traction on the volleyball court.
Volleyball shoes come in both men’s and women’s styles, and in a variety of colors. Some brands that make volleyball shoes include Nike, Adidas, Asics, and Mizuno.
In this article, we’ll be talking about volleyball shoes, and how they are different from other types of shoes.
9 things that make volleyball shoes different?
Table of Contents
Volleyball shoes are a different breed of shoe altogether. They have to do a lot of things that other shoes don’t have to.
They need to provide good cushioning, they need to be durable since they take a lot of abuse, and they need to have good traction so you don’t slip on the court.
At a first glance, volleyball shoes and other shoes seem very similar. However, there are a few differences that make volleyball shoes unique.
- Volleyball shoes are lightweight
- They are very tough shoes
- Volleyball shoes possess flat soles and low profile
- A certain height that makes the player jump higher
- Volleyball shoes possess thick soles
- Soft foam insoles
- Net webbing system
- Deeper heel
- Volleyball shoes are versatile shoes
Volleyball shoes are lightweight
The first difference is that volleyball shoes are made to be more lightweight in contrast to other shoes. This is to make it easier for players to move their feet swiftly.
Volleyball shoes are lighter than other shoes because the sole is made of synthetic rubber instead of leather to give players more stability and control.
Mixed with air cushioning, these features improve gameplay by allowing for greater speed and quick maneuvers.
They are very tough shoes
The second difference is that volleyball shoes have a tougher sole in order to give extra traction on the court. This is because it’s hard for players to slide on the slippery court.
The most significant difference between volleyball shoes and other shoes is that volleyball shoes have “tapered toes.” This is for toes to be well-angled for kicking.
Volleyball shoes possess flat soles and low profile
Volleyball shoes are designed with specific features to improve your game. They typically have a flat sole and low profile to provide good contact with the ground, helping you make quick cuts and agile moves.
They also have extra traction on the sole to keep you from slipping as you jump and land.
Some shoes have a mesh upper that allows your feet to breathe, preventing blisters and sweat buildup.
Finally, many volleyball shoes have reinforced heels and toes to protect your feet against impact injuries.
A certain height that makes the player jump higher
The shoes also have special materials to help release the player’s foot after a jump. There are also different pieces in the shoe that help protect the player while they are running and jumping.
Volleyball shoes possess thick soles
Volleyball shoes are different than other shoes because they are made to have thick soles and a strap that goes around the ankle.
They have thicker and more durable tread, which is able to withstand the friction of the hardwood. Volleyball shoes have a tongue to help keep the shoe on and have a wide to help in the arch area.
Volleyball shoes are typically taller than other shoes because when you’re jumping around your feet need to get a little bit higher than average.
The shoe is also very light on the bottom to keep you from having too much weight on the toes. The tops are a thicker material to keep out dirt and small rocks.
Volleyball shoes usually have grips on the bottom of the shoe in order to stick to the ground so they don’t slide while playing.
Volleyball shoes are made with a more rugged sole to handle the terrazzo and clay courts. Compared to other shoes, they also need a very good grip since footing can slip very easily on that type of court surface.
Soft foam insoles
A typical volleyball shoe has a soft foam insole that provides lightweight cushioning and comfort.
The shoe is designed with various types of rubber on the sole to get rid of traction and prevent sliding as well as make for a quick pivot.
Additionally, mesh panels allow for maximum ventilation so feet will not overheat during long matches. They also have herringbone patterns in the soles to give an extra grip for speeds movements
Net webbing system
One major difference that does exist is the design of the net webbing system in these shoes which helps the toes stay in contact with the net when setting, blocking, or spiking down hard.
Some volleyball shoes have an extended ridge system which compensates for a large forefoot, while others are made with an open-toe design which increases the range of mobility some people have between their big toe and fourth toe post-surgery or injury.
Deeper heel
The shoes have a deeper heel and studs to help players maintain their balance and grip on the floor.
Volleyball shoes are versatile shoes
Volleyball shoes are made to be versatile so they may be worn at volleyball practice and then also at a party afterward.
Volleyball shoes are made of materials that have less friction than other materials. The soles of the shoes are tough and light, and the shoes were designed to withstand frequent use and abuse.
They are also made to be durable so they will stand up to constant wear and tear. In some models, the uppers are made with washable fabric.
Things to consider when buying volleyball shoes
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when buying volleyball shoes.
The surface and turf you most frequently play on
This is a very important factor to take note of. There are different types of volleyball shoes for different surfaces.
If you play indoors, you’ll need shoes that have a lot of traction. If you play outdoors, you’ll want shoes that can handle the different terrain.
Check out the cleat and outsole design
When choosing a volleyball shoe, you should consider the outsole design. The most important factor is how the shoe will interact with the court.
The design of the outsole must provide traction and stability, while still allowing the player to move quickly and change direction.
The Standard Shoelace Configuration
This is the most acceptable way to lace up your volleyball shoes, the volleyball shoelace configuration affects how a player plays.
The standard shoelace configuration is when the laces go over the top of the shoe and are tied together at the bottom. This gives you a lot of stability and support for your ankles.
Fit
Another thing you’ll want to consider is make sure they fit properly. The general rule of thumb is that the front of the shoe should come to just above the end of the toe.
If there is too much room, the shoe will wear down very quickly.
It is also important that your feet move smoothly within the shoes while being secured in place and not sliding around. A lighter shoe may feel faster if you need to change direction quickly.
Boots generally offer more arch support which can be helpful as well depending on what type of arch one has.
Quality of the shoe
What are the sources of materials? What have been the presences, duration, and stakes in international standard competitions among top athletes wearing it?
Choose shoes with thick soft leather and ample grip at crossing points.
Comfort
Feet swell during strenuous activities and your feet are not always tailored to one size so take this into consideration when choosing a shoe for your personal use.
Consider your position
Net Setters: You will want to look for shoes with a tight and lightweight fit that will provide a great grip on the court.
Liberos: You will want to look for a shoe that is comfortable and has a good grip on the floor
Middle Blockers: You will want to look for a shoe that is durable, has a good grip on the floor, is comfortable, and offers lateral stability
Opposite: You will want to look for a shoe that has more stability and has a good grip
Style
The style of the shoe should also be put into consideration. There is no one “best” volleyball shoe style. Different players prefer different shoes for different reasons.
If you like Shoes with a lot of cushioning, use shoes such as ASICS Women’s Gel-Tactic 2 Volleyball Shoes and Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 Men’s Volleyball Shoes
If you prefer shoes that are lightweight and give you a lot of control, use shoes such as Nike Men’s Court Lite 2.
Conclusion
Volleyball shoes are made specially to ease the game of the volleyball and suit all playing conditions.
There are numerous differences between volleyball shoes and other shoes, given that they are lightweight, made with less frictional material, a ventilated upper, and so on.
I hope this helped!
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