There’s nothing like playing an indoor sport featuring a net, where you can setup a teammate to go up high and come down hard with a well delivered pass on the court.
Oh, you thought we were talking about basketball? That would make a ton of sense, considering you’ve decided to spend some quality time reading content on Basketball Buckets.
Through the prism of basketball and its related apparel, we’re actually focusing on volleyball in this piece. Many athletes prefer to play a few different sports before specializing in one area, and there are natural links between volleyball and basketball.
To that end, we’ll take a deeper dive to understand whether volleyball players should don basketball shoes, and what type of hoops footwear might hold up the best on a volleyball court.
The Pros and Cons of Wearing Basketball Shoes to Play Volleyball
There are certainly some advantages to wearing basketball shoes to a volleyball contest. One of the most obvious bonuses comes with the amount of lift a player can get in kicks meant for basketball.
Many basketball shoes prioritize the energy transfer that players experience when they’re about to jump. The technology that serves hoopers well in this regard can also greatly benefit volleyball players looking for added bounce to smash a spike in front of their opponent.
Another aspect to consider is the format of volleyball matches, as opposed to basketball games. Volleyball is structured through sets, whereas basketball games are timed.
Depending on the flow of the tilt, certain volleyball sets can last longer than others. With this in mind, the cushioning setup of a basketball shoe can greatly aid a volleyball player during lengthy matches.
One potential drawback to wearing basketball shoes for a volleyball game is centered around the bulkiness of a basketball sneaker. It’s purposely built to provide exemplary ankle support, but there’s much less of a risk of injury in that manner in volleyball.
A shoe that is lightweight and provides flexibility might be more appealing to a volleyball player.
What to Look for in a Basketball Shoe That Makes It Ideal for Volleyball
Even though movement in a volleyball match is limited to a finite area, the emphasis on being able to change direction is paramount.
As a result, anyone looking to play volleyball in basketball shoes must ensure that selected footwear has excellent traction. A lack of grip can result in costly split-second setbacks.
Top 10 Basketball Shoes for Volleyball
1. Adidas Harden Stepback
Volleyball players are known for their digging skills, but they won’t find very many flaws with the Harden Stepback shoes no matter how hard they look. For starters, it sizes up favorably with regards to pricing.
The bang that comes with your buck is present in a few areas. First of all, the Harden Stepback has tremendous ventilation, keeping your feet cool throughout the most intense of matches.
Compared to other basketball shoes, it’s more of a low top, which won’t weigh down a volleyball player from springing into action. The Harden Stepback also has wonderful grip, which allows a player to make moves without hesitation physically or mentally.
In order to maximize the durability of these shoes in a volleyball capacity, be sure to only deploy them within indoor settings. They can be somewhat of a nuisance to clean, so putting them on a pedestal (like we did here in this piece) is highly recommended.
Total Amazon Reviews: 237
Average Amazon Rating: 4.4
2. Nike Kobe Mamba Focus
We’re not entirely sure whether the late, great Kobe Bryant was involved in tailoring his Mamba Focus shoes to both basketball and volleyball. Given how strategic and perceptive he was, it wouldn’t be surprising.
There’s another aspect of maintenance that athletes who play volleyball and basketball should care about. The toll that both sports take on players’ knees can add up over time, and the Mamba Focus’ were designed with that in mind.
These volleyball shoes(if we’re allowed to call them that), provide elite shock absorption, which allow players to land without much discomfort. The midsole is also described as responsive, which means players can instantly start their next move right after their last one ended.
Like the Harden Stepback, it’s strongly advised that the Mamba Focuses are limited to indoor use only. However, with a thick sturdy sole, this purchase should keep you in the game (whichever one that is) for years to come.
Total Amazon Reviews: 1,180
Average Amazon Rating: 4.7
3. Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity
Think about the type of style Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is known for playing. It feels like he could dribble his way out of a phone booth if a defender was trapped in there with him.
Irving is masterful at calibrating his footwork in tight areas, which is why his Kyrie 8 Infinity shoes are a good fit for athletes who need to excel in small spaces. While a volleyball player isn’t going to cross anyone up, they will need to be able to adjust to anything that comes their way.
Additionally, the Kyrie 8 Infinity’s also receive top marks for comfort. They feature Zoom Turbo cushioning, which soften the landing area for basketball and volleyball players alike.
The Kyrie 8 Infinity’s are an attractive option in this realm, but don’t buy them with the expectation of throwing them into high leverage situations right away. They’ll need some time to break in, so factor in that lead-in period as you shop for shoes.
Total Amazon Reviews: 284
Average Amazon Rating: 4.5
4. Adidas Dame 7
Now that he’s a part of the 70-point scoring pantheon, Damian Lillard’s gear will once again receive a groundswell of attention. The Dame 7’s should be on the radar for players looking to excel on the basketball court or the volleyball court.
The biggest thing the Dame 7’s have going for them is their much publicized cushioning. It’s unclear whether they have been tested in this capacity, but they may actually be so comfortable that players can use them to play a few pickup hoops games and bring them directly to a volleyball tilt afterwards without any soreness.
The Dame 7’s are also well suited for players with wider feet, who can often find a tough time finding footwear that takes that into consideration. Their price point is also very affordable for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
These shoes might compliment certain volleyball positions better than others, which is something to keep in mind as well.
Total Amazon Reviews: 409
Average Amazon Rating: 4.5
5. Under Armour Curry 3
Stephen Curry is another NBA player whose skill set is predicated on running off of screens and changing directions to get open looks at the best. His Curry 3’s provide volleyball players with top notch balance, which is important considering the amount of lift they consistently need to generate.
Basketball players and volleyball players tend to want to play on the balls of their feet, rather than on their toes or on their heels. Be that as it may, there are instances when significant pressure is put on the back of the foot when backpedaling.
The Curry 3’s have mesh fiber that ameliorates the level of support in the heel area. They also have a rubber outsole that helps bolster traction.
There aren’t too many cons with the Curry 3’s, but they may need a little more tender, love and care to remain viable for the long haul. Make sure to wash the outsole of the shoe in order to maintain quality traction.
Total Amazon Reviews: 24
Average Amazon Rating: 4.3
6. Nike Giannis Immortality
Compared to other basketball sneakers re-purposed as volleyball footwear, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Immortality shoes will give volleyball players a unique sense of freedom.
This pair might be the lightest of the bunch, and won’t hinder volleyball players from chasing after the ball at maximum speed. The Giannis Immortality’s may come the closest to actually passing as volleyball footwear.
This type of description should yield some clues as to what type of volleyball players might find this product most attractive. Back-line players who need to dart after long volleys, and do extensive amounts of running will naturally gravitate to them.
Volleyball players’ whose game is predicated on leaping ability and power may not find the Giannis Immortality to be complimentary to their skill set. It might be wise to make this purchase only if you know for certain what your role will be on the volleyball court.
Total Amazon Reviews: 176
Average Amazon Rating: 4.6
7. Nike Mamba Rage
Mamba Rage sneakers might be viewed as a luxury buy instead of a necessity, considering that it’s one of the most expensive shoes that can be utilized on the volleyball court. Despite the pretty penny that it costs, it has a lot of things going for it.
The Mamba Rage pays special attention to the support it provides in the midfoot area. It has a specific type of technology in that spot called Lunarlon, which is sleeker than a lot of its counterparts.
Lunarlon doesn’t dominate the look and feel of the shoe, but it’s thick enough to support your foot smack dab in the middle of the arch. This is a huge plus for many athletes who deal with plantar fasciitis or variations of pain in that location.
One criticism of the Mamba Rage is that it isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing from the outside. It generally comes in a mostly all-black colorway, but fans of the shoe don’t judge this book by its cover.
Total Amazon Reviews: 436
Average Amazon Rating: 4.4
8. Nike LeBron 20
The NBA all-time leading scorer’s 20th iteration of his signature shoe is a winner for both basketball and volleyball players. The LeBron 20 is a slimmed down edition of the previous version, weighing in at a few ounces less than the LeBron 19.
Volleyball players will appreciate the slashing of mass, as well as the construct of the sneaker’s upper. It’s comprised of three different materials, which may lead some to wonder why it’s so complex.
Despite the triumvirate of materials, the LeBron 20 remains above average in the ventilation department, keeping your feet cool in the first set or match point. This product also doesn’t take any shortcuts in the grip department, featuring solidified rubber in the outsole.
The only two things that might keep an interested athlete away from the LeBron 20’s are its price and its break-in time. If you have the financial means and the time to get these kicks into game-shape, they’ll be a staple of your footwear rotation.
Total Amazon Reviews: 1
Average Amazon Rating: 5.0
9. Nike Air Jordan Max Aura Basketball Shoe
Michael Jordan is known as one of the highest fliers in the NBA history. Air Jordan, as he was referred to, would do a ton of damage hanging by the rim while his defenders were on the way down.
Jordan brand shoes are known to give hoopers a little extra lift, and would serve volleyball players well in their quest to add a little extra height to their vertical. They have a heel counter and an ankle collar that does a great job of supporting your feet whether you’re going straight up or from side to side.
Certain sneakers feel like they fit well in some ways but fall short in others, but Jordan brand footwear tends to feel comfortable in all areas of the shoe. This well-rounded approach to buildout is much appreciated by those who slip on a pair, which makes it attractive for long-term use.
Some folks on the volleyball court might a little surprised to see the Jumpman logo make an appearance, but it’s well worth the consideration. As if Jordan shoes weren’t popular enough.
Total Amazon Reviews: 791
Average Amazon Rating: 4.5
10. Nike KD 14
The KD 14 is widely known as one of the very best basketball shoes on the market. It cracks our top ten as a candidate as a hooper’s shoe that can be confidently repurposed for volleyball.
The KD 14 pours a lot of energy into ensuring a top-level experience in the midfoot area, which is an important part of any athlete’s lower extremity. There’s a lot of well-regarded technology in that spot, which keeps basketball players and volleyball players alike supported at the center of their movement.
It’s a versatile product that can be used for nearly any position on the volleyball court. This allows for flexibility for the athlete as well, who may need to wear a few different hats during a match.
Some volleyball players may not love the experience of the strap, which can hinder the ability to lace up the sneaker in a desired manner. However, once again, the KD 14 can come in and solve your footwear problems.
Total Amazon Reviews: 8
Average Amazon Rating: 4.8
