If you are looking to play volleyball, you will also need to think about what kind of shoes you might wear. Without the right kind of footwear, you will never be able to play the game seriously and can even risk getting injured.
The following are some of the best volleyball shoes for men (2021 ultimate guide) that you can consider:
ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9 is a great volleyball shoe for men who actively play the sport. It has a synthetic and mesh upper which provides incredible durability and strength.
The rubber sole also ensures that you get great traction and grip while playing on any court, whether indoor or outdoor. This is a lightweight and comfortable shoe that will see you through several heated games.
The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the shoes:
Features
- The shoes have a synthetic and mesh upper that provides great durability. The synthetic outlays also provide support at strategic areas.
- It has a rubber sole.
- There is an EVA midsole that also offers enhanced cushioning and shock absorption.
- The Forefoot GEL Cushioning System is able to distribute the energy from the impact while playing.
Pros
- There is a sock liner that you can easily remove if you want to add a medical orthotic.
- The shoe design used Trusstic System technology which is able to make the shoe lightweight by reducing the weight of the sole unit.
- The EVA midsole provides good bounce and cushioning.
- The synthetic upper ensures the shoe retains its structural integrity while also providing it with durability.
Cons
- The shoe tends to run big in size.
- The mesh toe area can sometimes get frayed.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Tactic 2 Volleyball Shoes
- Combining enhanced technology with upgraded performance, the new GEL-Tactic 2 model is the go-to choice for elite pickleball, squash, and badminton players including PSA World Tour player and multiple Canadian Champion Andrew Schnell.
The ASIC Men’s Gel-Tactic 2 Volleyball Shoes have a fabric and synthetic upper, which ensures structural integrity and durability.
The rubber sole provides great traction and grip when you are playing. Since the upper also has a mesh lining, it ensures that your feet are also well ventilated during a heated game.
The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the shoes:
Features
- The GEL-Tactic 2 is an enhanced design that provides great bounce and shock absorption while playing.
- It has an open mesh upper and is made of fabric and synthetic.
- The shoe boasts a seamless construction.
- It has a rubber sole.
Pros
- The seamless construction ensures that the shoes are an integrated whole. There are no angles and ends that will prick you, nor will a portion of the shoe fall off from wear and tear.
- The rubber sole is great for providing traction and stability on a hard court.
- The shoe is great not only for volleyball players, but also suitable for squash, badminton, elite pickleball, etc.
- It has a springy EVA midsole and a mesh insole that provides ventilation, durability and stability.
Cons
- The shoes tend to be a bit stiff.
- The shoe also tends to run a bit small.
Mizuno Men’s Wave Momentum Volleyball Shoe
- 3-Layer no sew upper: for an overall incredible fit and feel
The Mizuno Men’s Wave Momentum Volleyball Shoe is a great and reliable shoe that one can enjoy while playing a strenuous game of volleyball.
This is a 100 percent synthetic shoe that provides great durability and comfort. It has a three-layer no-sew upper which maintains structural integrity while also providing it with a great look.
The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the shoes:
Features
- This is a 100 percent synthetic and imported shoe that offers great structural integrity and durability.
- There is a booty construction inside the shoe which offers a secure and comfortable fit.
- The no-sew upper provides a lightweight and comfortable construction.
- It has a loop at the back that allows you to get into and out of the shoe with ease.
Pros
- The three-layer no-sew upper ensures you get a clean and comfortable construction.
- The shoe is 100 percent synthetic and provides great strength and durability.
- The synthetic also gives the shoes structural integrity.
- This shoe has a snug and lightweight fit that allows you to play for a long time without getting tired.
Cons
- The shoe does not have a tongue in its design, which can make it a little complicated to put on.
- The shoe can run a little small in size.
ASICS Men’s Netburner Ballistic FF MT Volleyball Shoes
- FlyteFoam Midsole Technology - Our FlyteFoam technology provides exceptional bounce back and responsiveness no matter the distance, utilizing organic super fibers to help reduce packing out that traditionally happens with softer, low density foams.
The ASICS Men’s Netburner Ballistic FF MT Volleyball Shoes have a synthetic and mesh upper, as well as a rubber sole that provides great traction while playing on a hard court surface.
It has a removable sockliner that allows you to add a medical orthotic if required.
The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the shoes:
Features
- The synthetic and mesh upper provides great ventilation as well as structural integrity.
- The rearfoot and forefoot GEL technology provides adequate cushioning and shock absorption.
- There is an Ortholite sock liner that also offers incredible moisture management.
- The shoe boasts FlyteFoam Midsole Technology.
Pros
- The shoe has an NC rubber outsole that provides just the right kind of grip while playing on any kind of court.
- The GEL technology is excellent for shock absorption and distributes the energy upon impact.
- The GEL technology also allows you to move easily at different angles, allowing the foot to transition easily through the gait cycle.
- The FlyteFoam technology ensures that the shoe uses the softest and most organic super fibers.
Cons
- The fit can be a bit too snug.
- The shoe could do with some more ankle support.
Mizuno Men’s Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Volleyball Shoe
The Mizuno Men’s Wave Lightning Z6 Mid Volleyball Shoe has a comfortable and durable rubber sole for traction and grip. This is a lightweight and comfortable shoe that one can enjoy no matter how strenuous and heated a match is.
Mizuno’s signature Wave technology is able to provide the shoe with a great bounce and cushioning.
The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the shoes:
Features
- The shoes have a rubber outsole and an EVA midsole.
- This is a lightweight shoe with a 360 degree, breathable and engineered mesh construction.
- The Wave technology provides incredible cushion and stability.
- It boasts of a Diagonal flexible or D-flex groove.
Pros
- The engineered mesh ensures that your foot is well ventilated during the game. Additionally, the mesh construction ensures the shoe is lightweight.
- The D-flex groove design is such that the mid-foot area has been constructed such that the player can turn at the maximum speed.
- The EVA midsole provides great cushioning and shock absorption. The rubber outsole provides good traction on the court.
- The shoe also provides good ankle support.
Cons
- The insoles wear out quite fast.
- The shoe can have a little snug fit.
How to Choose the Best Volleyball Shoes for Men
Lightweight
One of the first things you should consider when looking for volleyball shoes for men is that they should be lightweight. Volleyball is a sport that requires a lot of movement.
It is an impact sport that will require you to cover several parts of the court, depending on what position in the team you are playing. So, a pair of shoes that are lightweight will ensure that you can move around with ease and agility, without the shoes weighing you down.
Shock Absorption
Since volleyball is such a high-impact sport, there are several aspects you must consider to ensure that your body is protected. Without the right kind of gear, over time your joints may sustain injuries.
A pair of shoes that offer good shock absorption and do an effective job of distributing the energy from the impact is something you should consider.
Shoes that offer good shock absorption will also give you a lift while you play. It will protect not only your feet but also your knees and spine in the long run.
Ankle Support
Ankle support is another important thing to consider. Based on how the player places their feet and moves, the shoes should ensure that they are able to do that with confidence.
If ever you are afraid you may sprain your ankle, that can affect your game. A shoe that reduces your confidence to play the game is something you should not even consider.
Breathable
The shoes should provide good ventilation so you do not feel uncomfortable and stuffy, no matter how heated the game gets.
You want to be able to move with comfort without your feet feeling like they have been imprisoned. A mesh upper and lining will be able to provide you with the appropriate amount of ventilation.
Comfort
It goes without saying that comfort is something you must consider. What is the point of wearing shoes that will leave you with blisters or will cause pain while you play? You may as well play barefoot then!
Final Thoughts
The shoes that have been reviewed above are some of the best in the market for men looking for volleyball shoes.
They are durable, comfortable and strong shoes that provide just the right amount of support required while playing a heated game of volleyball.