When we talk about performance, manufacturers of shoes meant for volleyball and basketball are after the same objective, and that is to meet the basic needs of athletes or users. Most sports professionals will recommend that if you find basketball shoes that support your performance on a volleyball pitch, you should go for it. Similarly, volleyball is running shoes with traction, but basketball shoes offer more protection. In comparison, it is possible to play volleyball with basketball shoes, experts’ advice to avoid wearing volleyball shoes for basketball games.
So, Can You Use Basketball Shoes for Volleyball?
Yes, you can wear basketball shoes for volleyball, but it is always recommended to wear volleyball shoes for the sport.
How Are Volleyball Shoes Designed
Picking the proper shoes for a summer season volleyball or all-year-round volleyball if you indulge in the sports can be a little difficult. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, it can help you personalise your preferences and make better choices.
Volleyball shoes are designed differently than most other running shoes like basketball shoes. One of the objectives of designing volleyball shoes is to help users handle the constant movements in lateral and vertical positions. In the design of volleyball shoes, there are three sections that are considered, and these are; lower rubber sole, mid-sole, and upper section.
The rubber sole of the volleyball shoes is made of gum material, and this material provides great traction for the user. With more excellent traction on the floor, you will achieve solid foot while movie in different directions. One of the features of a good shoe with a good sole is that it is non-marking, which will decrease the risks of ankle injuries.
The mid-sole of the volleyball shoes is designed to support the foot’s ball. Therefore, the mid-sole is designed for quick movements and those jumps that volleyball players make during the game. The mid-sole is often made from foam materials, or gel, or air cushions that will create flexible and more robust support.
The upper section of the volleyball shoes comprises nylon or mesh material. These materials make the shoe lightweight and breathable, thus reducing moisture and keeping your feet cool while you play your favourite volleyball games.
Choosing The Right Volleyball Shoes- What To Look Out For
The following should be a guide for choosing the right volleyball shoes;
1. How Long Do Volleyball Shoes Last?
The lifespan of volleyball shoes will depend largely on their frequencies of usage. Typical solid volleyball shoes should last a full year if you wear them 4-5 days a week. One of the signs that your shoes are begging to wear out is when the ankle support begins to weaken. If the sole starts losing traction, causing you to slide more often while playing volleyball, you should consider replacing the shoes.
2. Look Out for the Cushioning
One of the things you must watch out for when looking for volleyball shoes is cushioning. Your feet must feel comfortable and great in the shoes, and having painful feet may cause exhaustion when playing volleyball. The cushion on the inside of the shoes will provide comfortable rest whether you are standing, running, or jumping.
3. Look for the Stability of the Shoes
Since players are constantly moving in different directions when playing volleyball, the stability of volleyball shoes becomes very important. Stability in typical volleyball shoes means they must provide great support for the ankles, and that will reinforce confidence in the users to play their games comfortably.
4. Breathability
The breathability of volleyball shoes will determine how well and how long the user’s feet will remain dry and cool when playing the game. Most manufacturers will put mesh or vents to allow better airflow within their shoes. A high-tech polyester is also a good material to consider in volleyball shoes if breathability must be enhanced.
5. Choose Lightweight Volleyball Shoes
Since volleyball players are constantly on the move, their shoes must be light enough to support such moves. Heavy shoes, for instance, can slow them down, and they may not achieve the right height when they jump.
The shoes must also be durable to withstand constant use and abuse but must remain light to support quick movements. It would be best if you had an idea of what you are looking for in volleyball shoes. Sometimes you will find these shoes in grades, and these could be shoes for amateurs, beginners, and professionals.
How Fit Should Your Volleyball Shoes Be?
Volleyball shoes should be worn when playing the game, but if you have to wear them for something else, like in the gym, you may want to compare these shoes with other shoes. There are shoes that can perform much better than volleyball shoes on the gym floor, for instance.
Volleyball shoes should not be used for everyday activities because concrete and asphalt materials can wear them out fast. It is recommended that you have a change of shoes for other purposes outside volleyball if you want your volleyball shoes to last long.
Answers To Common Volleyball Shoe Questions
The following are answers to common questions about volleyball shoes;
1. What Shoes are the Best for Volleyball?
Indoor volleyball courts are played mostly on hardwood, synthetic or rubberized surfaces because they match the game perfectly. For this reason, the best shoes for indoor volleyball is one that can provide the best support and comfort when playing on hardwood, synthetic or rubberized surfaces.
You should wear volleyball shoes that have been engineered for enhanced performance, jumping, lateral movements, secured fitting, cushion, and maximum protection. These shoes will reduce the risks of injuries drastically while enhancing performance.
Volleyball is a fast-paced game; hence your shoes must provide the best traction to support all movements and activities.
2. What is the Right Design and Fit for Volleyball Shoes?
Since volleyball involves a lot of quick and directional switching of movements, your shoes should be of the right design and fitness. Great design and fit shouldn’t compromise durability and stability.
Your volleyball shoes must not be too tight or too loose. Too loose shoes may cause your feet to slide, triggering sprains and even more painful injuries. Sometimes, too loose shoes may fling away from your feet, causing injuries to someone else or getting you penalized for a foul.
Volleyball shoes that are too tight may cause blisters and sore toes on your feet. Sore toes and blisters can cause excruciating pains that can force you to quit the basketball game. If you have larger feet, you should consider volleyball shoes with a larger width.
You may want to have your volleyball shoes extend for at least 1cm beyond your toe tip to give you enough space to prevent injuries in case you hit your feet against an obstacle.
3. How Well Can I Maintain my Volleyball Shoes?
Maintaining volleyball shoes is not different from maintaining other sports shoes. The most important thing is to keep them dry and off water. Water can quickly damage your volleyball shoes and make them less effective because water can destroy the shoe fibers.
When cleaning your volleyball shoes, do not immerse them in water; rather, you should use a cleaning fabric dipped in soapy water to wipe the dirt off the shoes. There is no need to leave the shoes in under the sun, and a cool, dry place will be the best place to dry the shoes out.
It would be best if you learned to tie your volleyball shoelace properly, make sure they are not tied in such a way they can become loose when playing the game. Loose shoelaces can lead to someone stepping on them and making you trip over.
4. Get as Many Pairs of Shoes as You Can
From experience, god volleyball shoes frequently used will last for a year or a little over a year. For this reason, you may want to consider buying more than a pair of shoes if you want to save money. Secondly, having spare shoes can cover you up when the main shoes suddenly develop problems, and you don’t have the money to purchase new shoes.
If you want to purchase new pairs of shoes, you should consider another brand, as such can help you compare them and see which you should consider in the long run.
Conclusion
Volleyball shoes are specifically designed for the game of volleyball. Though, they can be useful for other purposes and general workout activities. It is also possible that you wear shoes developed for other sports to play volleyball, but your chances of getting injured may become higher, though some people may get away with such behavior. Make sure you compare as many brands of volleyball shoes as you can before arriving at your final choice. This can help you save money and reduce your injury risks in the long run.
