Before You Volleyball Shoes

The volleyball shoe's main characteristic is its gum rubber outsole. Modern shoes use a rubber and gum rubber composite combined with a herringbone design giving the player the absolute best traction on various indoor playing surfaces. Some shoe companies, reacting to the growing popularity of outdoor volleyball, have developed shoes that will have an outsole specifically designed for grass.

Vball players spend their time on the ball of the foot. Well designed shoes have advanced materials added to the forefoot vice the heel like running & basketball shoes. The midsole, which absorbs shock, is usually made of foam from sheet/molded EVA. Most shoes have a combination of sheet & molded EVA foam. Other shock absorbing methods (air, gel, liquid) provide cushioning and energy return.

Most shoes have a suede and mesh upper. Some will add mesh to the upper to lighten up the shoe and for allow for air flow and breath ability. Some manufactures offer a leather or light weight synthetic leather and mesh upper on mid and high cut shoes, adding ankle support for those players that desire it. Kaepa®, offers a shoe with an ankle brace built into the shoe.