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Basketball shoes are designed to provide comfort, support, and stability for basketball players. But what about volleyball players? Will they benefit from wearing basketball shoes?
The answer is yes. The best basketball shoes for volleyball are ones that offer the same features as a basketball shoe. This means a well-cushioned and comfortable shoe that offers stability and support to your feet.
Contents
- Our Top Basketball Shoes for Volleyball Reviews
- Best Overall Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Adidas Dame 5
- Best Lightweight Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Under Armour Lockdown 5
- Best Comfortable Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike Air Precision 2
- Best Traction Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike KD Trey 5 VIII
- Best Durable Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike Lebron Witness IV
- Best Kids Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0
- Best Versatile Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike Kobe Mamba Fury
- What Makes the Best Basketball Shoes for Volleyball
- Related Questions
- Conclusion
Our Top Basketball Shoes for Volleyball Reviews
There are many similarities between basketball and volleyball, so sometimes people wear basketball shoes when playing volleyball. However, since these shoes aren’t something you’d typically consider for your sport, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. I have compiled a list of the best basketball shoes for volleyball to help you out.
Best Overall Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Adidas Dame 5
Even though it’s not their latest design, the Adidas Dame 5 are one of the best basketball shoes for volleyball. They have great herringbone traction on a hardwood court so you can push off in any direction quickly, do quick cuts or jump without risking an injury.
Additionally, each line pattern is thick and widely spaced making the outsole less susceptible to dust buildup and easy to clean during the game, so you’re less likely to slip while you’re playing. They’re even durable enough that you can take them out for some outdoor volleyball.
The flexible bounce cushioning in the midsole is thicker compared to the Adidas Dame 4. While in basketball thinner cushions are sometimes preferred for a better court feel, the thicker cushion is better in volleyball to protect your feet. This cushioning strikes a good balance between softening the impacts and landings and giving you the bounce (responsiveness) you need for Volleyball.
You can get the Dame 5 in 2 materials: mesh and leather. The mesh is slightly lighter compared to leather and it’s much more comfortable and flexible.
For fit, I recommend going down half a size because these shoes fit slightly long around the toe area and you can feel the space above it as well. If you have a wide foot, you can go true to size as these basketball shoes are great for people with wide feet.
The lacing system is your standard lacing system and it works. The lockdown is excellent and your feet stay in place all throughout your game. A TPU panel goes on the lateral sides to provide additional lateral coverage so your feet are securely restrained from sliding laterally or medially, allowing you to change directions quickly and safely.
The outsole is flat and wide so it provides excellent stability just from the width alone. Better stability means better footwork on the court which is always helpful for volleyball.
If I were to nitpick about the negatives of the Dame 5, it would be that some of its materials don’t look high-end. For a signature basketball shoe, it would have been nice that it would look premium yet the Dame 5 more than makes up for its performance.
Product Highlights
- Excellent herringbone traction so you can sprint or jump in any direction quickly without risking an injury
- Great size for wide feet, something that’s rare in sport’s shoes
- Excellent bounce cushioning to balance the responsiveness you need while playing volleyball and softening impacts
- Flexible Bounce midsole cushioning
- Imported
- Lace closure
Best Lightweight Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Under Armour Lockdown 5
The Under features a synthetic upper that provides you with a responsive fit so you don’t have to spend too much time breaking them in before they feel comfortable. They also have a lightweight, super breathable sock liner that gives you underfoot enough cushioning to protect from impacts and support you to do quick cuts safely.
These basketball shoes are one of the best responsive pairs you can wear on the court. The Lockdown 5 has an injection-molded midsole which gives you a great bounce. Most Under Armour basketball shoes have great traction and these pairs are no exception. The outsole consists of rubber and it has a multi-level adaptive traction pattern that provides a more efficient movement on the court and reduces the risk of injury.
While you can go true to size with the Lockdown 5, some people found it to have a narrow fit. If you have wide feet, I recommend you go up half a size. The Lockdown 5 features a mid-top collar that gives you comfortable support and protects your ankle area from injuries especially if you land badly from a jump.
While the lace-up closure is nothing special, it gives you a secure and locked-in fit so your feet don’t constantly wiggle and move inside your shoe while you play. Additionally, these basketball shoes weigh 13.2 ounces making them one of the lightweight shoes you can get.
Usually, while I wouldn’t recommend gum rubber outsoles for outdoor use, since it’s a delicate material, these Under Armour basketball shoes work on even rough outdoor courts. However, the material can be a bit stiff and cushioning can be quite firm. That being said, once you break them in, they should feel comfortable.
Product Highlights
- Molded synthetic upper for a responsive fit so you spend less time breaking them in
- Perforated leather for breathability so they don’t retain bad smells
- Injection-molded EVA midsole for a lightweight and responsive bounce you can move quickly and safely
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added durability & support
- Engineered perforations for added ventilation
- TPU film toe cap for added protection & durability
Best Comfortable Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike Air Precision 2
The most notable feature the Nike Air Precision 2 have is their dynamic fit webbing system. This reduces the space between the foot and the shoe for so you have a more secure lockdown and feel more comfortable as you’re running on the court, jumping for an attack, or diving for the ball.
These shoes have a specialized rubber outsole with a modified herringbone traction pattern for enhanced multi-surface grip. That means you have more support to you change directions quickly, something Volleyball players do constantly, without the risk of slipping on the court. They’re solid and durable enough that you can use them even on outdoor courts.
The shank at the midfoot also has a side wrapping effect that adds to the grip and traction on your movements on the court. It also has thick phylon materials for cushioning added to the midsole that soften the impacts that come naturally from jumping while providing the bounce or responsiveness you need to play volleyball effectively.
Another feature that makes this pair of basketball shoes comfortable is the added padding on the collar and tongue to give you a more snug-up fit and prevent your heel from slipping. The lining of the shoes also consists of soft fabric that feels comfortable to wear.
The heel cushions even have plush foam pads to support your heels and protect them from any pain, blisters, and rubbing while keeping your heel in place inside your shoe. They are added with that add to the overall comfort of the basketball shoes.
The Nike Air Precision 2 consists mostly of breathable mesh material on the upper that keeps your feet dry and comfortable. This mesh also helps with airflow so your feet remain dry and smell fresh.
Unfortunately, these basketball shoes can get dirty easily. If you are planning to wear them outdoors, you will find yourself cleaning these shoes regularly. They also squeak a lot on the court because of the rubber outsole.
Overall, if you are looking for comfortable basketball shoes to wear for volleyball, Nike Air Precision 2 is an excellent choice. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and responsive on the court.
Product Highlights
- Nike Air pads in the heel to support your heels and protect them from impacts
- Durable modified herringbone traction pattern to give you more control as you move on the court
- Added thick padding on the tongue and collar to give you a more secure lockdown so your feet stay in place while you play
Best Traction Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike KD Trey 5 VIII
The Nike KD Trey 5 VIII offer such flexibility and great ankle support that you can use them in both indoor and outdoor volleyball courts.
The Nike KD Trey have one of the best traction there is. Even outdoors, you have great control over your movements. The shoes also feel already broken in so you feel comfortable from the moment you wear them.
The Nike KD Trey 5 VIII are a great alternative for people who don’t want to spend too much on volleyball shoes. These shoes have rubber outsoles that are great for playing volleyball outdoors, so you won’t have to buy a different pair. The grip can hold against rough outdoor surfaces. Hence, the grip will last longer when only used on indoor volleyball court surfaces.
The cushion of the KD Trey 5 VIII gives you plenty of comfort and bounce thanks to the dual-density foam midsole. It contains the Nike Renew foam which is soft and responsive so you can move quickly chasing the ball or changing directions. To help with stability, it has foam support made firmer thanks to the Nike Renew technology.
To help protect your ankles from the impacts of jumping, the KD Trey 5 VIII features a mid-high collar to cushion your ankles. It also has perforated foam pods to lock in your ankles. It does not restrict your movements in volleyball while also protecting your ankles.
Some downsides that you may want to watch out for are you may experience your foot sliding once the Renew foam bottoms out. Despite this, this is one of the best shoes to have if you want all-around basketball shoes for volleyball. You can use the shoes in both sports. The traction is excellent and you can use them indoors and outdoors.
Product Highlights
- Excellent and long-lasting traction so performance will be consistent for a long time
- No need to break in so you feel comfortable wearing them right away
- The Nike Renew foam gives you plenty of protection, comfort, bounce, and responsiveness
- The mid-top design with perforated foam pods helps you feel locked in around the ankle.
- Padded, breathable tongue is topped with raw-edge detail
- Two-layer textile material in the forefoot includes clear yarns that give it a dynamic look
Best Durable Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike Lebron Witness IV
The materials and features of the Lebron Witness 4 are so durable and reliable, that you can expect them to last for years. Starting with cushioning, these shoes have a foam midsole that comes with a forefoot Zoom unit that’s responsive, so you can move, jump and change directions in an instant.
What’s great about this Zoom Air unit for volleyball is that it absorbs your weight and returns the energy for a springy bounce, preventing injuries that are common to volleyball. This makes these shoes better for blockers who are constantly jumping and need to get some extra bounce on their jump.
The Lebron Witness 4 also uses a flexible rubber outsole that can be used outdoors and last for a long time, something that’s rare in volleyball shoes. However, this compromises the grip and you may slide sometimes, so make sure to wipe them often.
Upon wearing, they are comfortable and fit snugly thanks to an excellent lockdown that keeps your feet in place inside the shoes. That being said, I couldn’t help feeling a bit of discomfort in the ankle. Other than that, the Lebron Witness IV is a solid all-around durable basketball shoes for volleyball.
Product Highlights
- Made to last, these shoes can be used for years
- Suitable to play volleyball indoors and outdoors, so you won’t have to buy separate pairs
- Cushioning provides good bounce so you can burst into action quickly
Best Kids Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0
If you are looking to buy basketball shoes that your child can wear for both basketball and volleyball then the Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0 is your best option.
The Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0 features a mid-top silhouette that supports the ankles barely below the joint. This is great for preventing your foot from displacing especially when you are landing and preventing injuries.
The basketball shoes have a footbed that conforms closely to the soles of your feet and provides support to your feet arch to prevent any discomfort.
When it comes to traction, these basketball shoes give you a solid performance. While they don’t offer you the same traction you get from other signature basketball shoes, you’re able to change directions quickly without feeling like you’re going to slip on the court.
The outsole is solid and durable so your child can wear them even outside the court. Just remember that this will affect the grip and will increase the chances of slipping after frequent use.
While the Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0 in general are durable enough, the upper can crease pretty easily especially across the toe area. However, if you don’t mind aesthetics, this shouldn’t bother you a lot.
There’s also not a lot of moisture-wicking features in the basketball shoes. Kids love to play around a lot which may cause sweating around the feet area, this could lead to painful blisters, foot odor, and discomfort. That being said, the Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0 is a solid pick for the best kid’s basketball shoes you can use for volleyball.
Product Highlights
- Durable enough to last a full year of playground time and games
- They fit half a size bigger than usual, so kids have room to grow and they use these shoes for longer
- Good grip during practices and games so your kids won’t slip or twist their ankles.
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Synthetic nubuck upper with mesh collar
Best Versatile Basketball Shoes for Volleyball: Nike Kobe Mamba Fury
Finding a good pair of versatile basketball shoes is hard since not many basketball shoes transition from playing basketball to volleyball and vice versa. If you look at the Nike Kobe Mamba Fury, they’re a good pair of shoes that have all the features you need for both volleyball and basketball.
Kobe basketball shoes have become a rarity. However, a deal was made between the Bryant family and Nike to produce some Kobe shoes so I expect the shoes to go down in value.
What makes the Kobe Mamba Fury great for volleyball is their shock-absorbing feature. This is crucial to soften the impacts that come from running and jumping while playing volleyball and basketball. The Kobe does a great job of protecting your feet and absorbing shock thanks to its Zoom Air unit. You even feel some extra bounce in your jump and it feels comfortable jumping or landing.
The shoes have a complete mesh upper so they feel cool and comfortable. You rarely get sweaty feet from using these shoes. Kobe was known to practice from morning until the late hours at night so you should expect shoes made for him to have a superior mesh upper.
The outsole provides extra traction thanks to its micro-tuned design and traction pattern so you can move quickly without slipping. It’s decent to last wear and tear against outdoor courts although you would want to avoid playing it outdoors if you heavily use these for volleyball.
Overall, it’s one of the best shoes that offers everything you need for both volleyball and basketball. They’re highly versatile and their only limiting factor is how bad the outsoles can get when played on rough outdoor surfaces.
Product Highlights
- Flyweave upper construction for better movement and flexibility
- Comfortable and breathable midsole and upper mesh so your feet stay fresh and cool
- Sturdy and durable despite their lightweight design so they can last for years
What Makes the Best Basketball Shoes for Volleyball
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Traction | Greater mobility |
| Great cushioning | Shock absorption |
| Lightweight material | Improved vertical jump |
The best basketball shoes for volleyball have certain features that set them apart. These features can affect what basketball shoes you are going to pick. All people have different preferences and needs for their basketball shoes, after all.
Traction
Traction is the ability of your basketball shoes to stop and prevent you from falling or slipping. This is really important in volleyball as you will be running a lot chasing the ball or preparing to make a jump.
Having excellent traction on your basketball shoes will benefit you in playing volleyball as it can prevent injuries caused by slipping on the court.
Basketball shoes are usually made for indoor courts and are catered for hardwood. Hardwood floors are really slippery to walk on. That’s why most basketball shoes have excellent grip. The herringbone pattern on the outsole is commonly associated with basketball shoes that have excellent traction.
Cushioning
Being comfortable with what you wear is important. You don’t want to spend time on uncomfortable shoes when playing games as it will affect your performance. Having the right amount of cushioning will ensure your feet are well-protected.
Look for cushioning that prevents heel pain and plantar fasciitis. The tongue should also be well-cushioned as it’s the part that will constantly rub on your foot as you move.
Some basketball shoes also have exclusive cushioning features that greatly enhance the comfort you experience when wearing them. For example, Nike employs Nike Air cushioning on some of their shoes that make the shoes bounce and feel comfortable. Make sure to check if these features really do work.
Material
The materials used on the basketball shoes often decide their longevity and on what situations they are good at. You also have to look at the quality of the materials used too.
If you want to use your shoes for a long time, look for basketball shoes that consist of leather or strong fabrics. While leather is a great material for shoes in terms of durability, it’s also on the heavy side.
If you are looking for lightweight basketball shoes to maximize your movement then look for basketball shoes of lightweight material.
Synthetic leather is a great example and it’s the material that most basketball players use today. They are a great alternative to leather with almost identical yet lighter qualities.
Lockdown and Support
The best basketball shoes should always have features that protect your feet. Basketball shoes with proper support will keep your feet from experiencing pain and getting injuries.
Some foot pains happen by overextending your arch after long hours of playing.
Look for shoes that have support in the arch to prevent this. The design should be comfortable for your feet and prevents overextending of the arch. Make sure you also have a cushion around the ankles to prevent a sprain
Your feet should also be locked inside the shoe with the lacing system. The traditional lacing system has been tested to work effectively and is most commonly used in basketball shoes. Also, look for features that provide support from landing on jumps and provide a bouncing feel.
Durability
Your basketball shoes should be durable enough to last for at least a season of play. Make sure the materials used on the basketball shoes are high quality.
You can’t have basketball shoes that suddenly break during a game. You might not have an extra pair to change into. It can be embarrassing and definitely affect your game.
Shock Absorption
Volleyball requires a lot of jumping especially if you’re a hitter or a blocker. Shock absorption on your shoes helps reduce the pressure and risk of injury when you land on your feet.
Shock absorption isn’t limited to jumping. A sudden burst of movement also stresses your feet and with shock absorption, you can lessen that stress and pressure to make your feet more comfortable.
Lightweight
Extra weight on your feet will only expend more energy from you. Lightweight shoes allow you to be fast and increase your stamina on the court. However, you should find the right balance of lightweight and at the same time comfort and cushioning.
Lightweight shoes tend to generally sacrifice comfort and cushioning which adds weight to the shoes. A balance between being lightweight and good cushioning is the best option for volleyball. Volleyball isn’t about speed so you don’t necessarily need extremely lightweight shoes.
Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about basketball shoes for volleyball.
Can You Wear Basketball Shoes for Volleyball?
Yes. However, while basketball shoes can be worn for volleyball, don’t expect them to perform the same way. Brands specifically design volleyball shoes to be great when it comes to performance. Therefore, picking shoes that are not designed specifically for your sport, might be counterproductive.
Though, some athletes choose basketball shoes because they feel more comfortable wearing them. Therefore, since your comfort is what matters, choose the pair of shoes that you feel comfy with.
What Basketball Shoes are Best for Volleyball?
There are many basketball shoes that are great, however, the Adidas Dame 5 are great all-around shoes that you can almost use in any indoor sport. On top of that, the Nike Kobe Mamba Focus are a really good alternative too.
Is There a Difference Between Basketball Shoes and Volleyball?
Yes, while both shoes are designed for leaping and stability, basketball shoe designs promote forward running. Volleyball shoes, on the other hand, are designed to promote lateral mobility. They also have gum rubber outsoles, which improve grip on indoor courts.
Since basketball can be played outside, basketball shoes can be made of either gum rubber or regular rubber.
Conclusion
These are the best basketball shoes you can use for volleyball. Make sure you check what features you need the most for your basketball shoes. It’s better if the basketball shoes meet all the features so you can fully maximize your performance.
