In this guide, you will learn:
- The advantages of using basketball shoes in volleyball
- Whether running shoes are also great substitutes
- What to look for in a good basketball shoe if you want to play volleyball with them
Before we get into the details for each of our top-rated basketball shoes for volleyball, check out the following list to give you a preview of what’s to come.
IMAGE
PRODUCT
OUR TOP PICK
#1 – Nike AT7843-001 Shox BB4 Basketball Shoes
- Made for fans of classic footwear design
- First-rate comfort with energy-dissipating technology
- Rubber outsole promotes excellent traction on smooth surfaces
BEST BUDGET
#2 - Under Armour Curry 3 Basketball Shoe
- Great for use on both clean and dusty floors
- All-day comfortable experience
- Breathable and lightweight material
BEST HIGH END
#3 – Nike Mamba Rage Basketball Shoes
- Top-notch cushioning promotes great comfort and flexibility
- Highly breathable mesh uppers
- One of the most stable basketball shoes on the market
#4 - Nike 2007 Air Force 1 High-Top Basketball Sneakers
- Easy to clean
- Leather upper provides optimal support
- Comfortable midsole with impact protection technology
#5 - Adidas Dame 5
- No need to break-in
- Great ankle support
- Highly breathable mesh material says goodbye to sweaty, stinky feet
#6 - Nike Jordan Ultra.Fly 3
- Woven textile construction provides top-notch comfort
- Achilles pillows enhances comfort without sacrificing impact protection and responsiveness
- The outsole uses a full-length herringbone design to promote excellent traction
#7 - Nike Jordan Rising
- The shoe’s fit feels snug
- Enhanced comfort delivered by the inner lining, tongue, and ankle collar
- Overall comfort and ventilation provided by the synthetic leather upper
#8 - Adidas Harden Vol. 3
- Design will appease basketball and volleyball enthusiasts
- Premium fabrics offer top-notch support
- First-rate safety brought by hidden mesh
#9 - Nike Kobe Mamba Focus
- Full-length mesh/knit build extends the shoe’s lifespan
- Breathable tongue improves breathability
- Optimal responsiveness, thanks to the stiff cushion
#10 - Nike Kyrie 7
- Tech-based traction patters provides optimal support
- The fit is true to its size
- The use of premium materials enhances comfort
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Nike AT7843-001 Shox BB4 Basketball Shoes
What's In This Guide?
Our Top 10 Basketball Shoes for Volleyball
Take a look at the 5 top-rated basketball shoes for volleyball the team bought and tested for your convenience.
Can Basketball Shoes be Used for Volleyball?
Basketball and volleyball are two different sports, but they do use the same fundamental movements as one another. Both rely on a lot of jumping, fast starts and stops, pivoting movement, and of course, hard landings.
Volleyball, for one, is a sport that involves a lot of jumping, and basketball is pretty much the same. Basketball shoes are designed to have strong impact protection, particularly for the heel, usually with heavier, thick cushioning. They also support the bounce players need to do a vertical jump for a dunk, so a volleyball player can certainly take advantage of a basketball shoe’s design in that regard.
Of course, you can’t talk about jumps without talking about the landing. If you’ve ever landed on bare feet from a high jump, then you’ll know from the ensuing pain that it’s not good for the knees or the back. Proper impact control is pretty much mandatory for basketball shoes, and volleyball players can use this.
Basketball shoes also have outsoles designed with glue-like traction in mind. Mostly, this traction is used by point guards for those deadly crossovers and agile pivot movements. Volleyball players could certainly use this, given that they also do a lot of hairpin turns and pivots. If you’ve ever watched indoor volleyball, you’ll probably find that the squeaky sounds their sneakers make are pretty similar to a basketball player’s shoes.
So, to answer the question, yes, you can use basketball shoes to play volleyball. Some players prefer to use basketball shoes over volleyball shoes, which we’ll talk about next.
What are the Advantages of Using Basketball Shoes for Volleyball?
Being able to use basketball shoes for volleyball is fine and all, but why would you even? Is there an advantage to opting for basketball shoes for volleyball? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few benefits to wearing basketball shoes for volleyball. Here are just some of them.
- Better Availability
Compared to basketball, there are just fewer companies that specialize in making shoes for volleyball. This makes it difficult to find a pair of shoes that you like or fit well. Basketball is pretty much its industry, with a selection of shoes for days. If there’s a shoe shop close to where you live, chances are, they have a good selection of basketball shoes in stock.
- Larger Range
This one ties neatly to the previous benefit. Although our heads conjure up a specific image when we hear the words “basketball shoes”, the designs available on the market are pretty varied. You can find basketball shoes that prioritize maneuverability, or you can find shoes that have better support than others. If you play a specific game in volleyball, then there’s certainly a basketball shoe that can fit that niche.
- They Look Better
This one is more about preference, but generally speaking, basketball shoes are just more aesthetically pleasing than volleyball shoes. There are also plenty of designs to choose from. Even better, these shoes aren’t limited to the court. They look good with casual apparel, too.
Can I Use Running Shoes for Volleyball?
Just like basketball shoes, certain running shoes do have designs that overlap with the needs of volleyball, and in theory, can be used in the sport to some degree, but at reduced effectiveness. Running shoes, in particular, are built for forward movement, and although volleyball does have a lot of forward momentum, there’s also plenty of lateral movement as well as backward movement.
This focus on multi-directional movement means volleyball players spend a lot of their time with their weight on the balls of their feet. As a result, shoes with high traction are needed to excel in volleyball. Unfortunately, running shoes don’t always have such good traction. Some do, but that is not a design most manufacturers focus on when they build running shoes.
Most of the focus with running shoes goes to the cushioning and stability whilst on the move. And although this can be helpful in volleyball, it’s not as important as traction. What’s more, running shoes tend to have heavier cushioning, which is detrimental to volleyball.
Running shoes are also primarily designed to be used on outdoor surfaces, like pavement and asphalt. On the other hand, volleyball shoes, and many basketball shoes, are designed for indoor courts, which are made of smooth hardwood.
If you are bent on using running shoes or something similar for volleyball, it’s recommended that you use cross-trainers.
What Should You Look for When Buying Basketball Shoes for Volleyball?
Although most basketball shoes are already good enough to use in volleyball, not all of them are made equal. Some are more suitable for volleyball than others. But what should you look for if you’re planning on buying basketball shoes for volleyball? Well, here are a few things you should think about.
- Stability
Volleyball is a sport that involves a lot of movement. As such, you need footwear that can handle that. A shoe that doesn’t have much stability can cause you to lose footing and break an ankle, an injury that can set your career in volleyball back. Shoes with wide soles or ones that have excellent lateral cushioning are perfect for this.
- Cushioning
The cushions on your shoes have two major uses: comfort and impact protection. In particular, you’d want footwear that can withstand your entire weight on your landing. Failing to do so can not only injure your feet but also your knees and back. You also wouldn’t want the cushioning to be too soft. Otherwise, your shoe’s responsiveness will suffer. Above all, a good cushion should also be comfortable.
- Traction
Volleyball is a sport that relies a lot on keeping your feet planted to the floor and being able to move in any direction quickly. To do so, you’ll need a shoe that can help you grip the floor like glue. This can be achievable either through a thick outsole, or multidirectional traction patterns.
- Lightweight
Volleyball demands that its players are light on their feet, and extra weight is a hindrance to that. Find yourself a shoe that can offer as much support as possible without being too heavy. Using heavy shoes can only tire you out, and you won’t be able to give your best in a volleyball game.
- Breathability
Even if you are not a sportsperson, breathability is something that you should consider when it comes to choosing a shoe. Breathable shoes allow you to focus more on your basketball or volleyball game than worrying about sweat piling up on your feet.
- Shock Absorption
Both basketball and volleyball demand aggressiveness and quick movements. Achieving these traits requires you to wear shoes with an adequate shock-absorbing midsole. Otherwise, you’re going to put your legs and feet at risk of contracting injuries, particularly after doing hard landings from jumps.
Read More >> 6 Of The Best Basketball Shoes Under $200
Pick #1 - Nike AT7843-001 Shox BB4 Basketball Shoes
If you’re a huge fan of shoes with a retro look, then the Nike Shox BB4 Basketball shoes might just be the one to push your buttons. Popularized by the brand more than a decade ago, this footwear certainly gets the job done if it’s still popular today.
The Shox technology used on its cushioning helps dissipate energy your heels suffer from impact. It does so by redirecting the energy towards your forefoot and onto the floor without your entire foot absorbing much of it, reducing fatigue and the risk for injury.
For traction, the Shox BB4’s toe box has a solid rubber outsole meant to give a proper grip on smooth surfaces. Its lightweight design also means you get to enjoy this top-notch performance without the shoe ever weighing you down.
The material is far from breathable, however, and coupled with the slightly snug fit, we found it uncomfortable to wear after a while.
- Cons
- Some team members complained about the tight fit
Pick #2 – Under Armour Curry 3 Basketball Shoe
The Under Armour Curry 3 Basketball Shoe was designed specifically for quick point guards who are used to doing killer crossovers. This is achieved through phenomenal traction on the court, which certainly translates well to the fast multidirectional movements of volleyball.
The Curry 3 makes use of Charged cushioning technology, which gives its wearer enhanced responsiveness on the court. This also makes it perfect for sudden and quick changes of direction. Aside from this, the carbon fiber support on the heels helps support the ankle and the heel bones, whilst also providing balance and extra impact absorption during landing.
Traction is provided by the solid rubber outsole, which is not only durable but sticks like glue. Although traction is close to perfect, we discovered that continuous playing on dusty courts can lead to the Curry 3 losing much of its traction abilities. Cleaning your shoes regularly solves this problem.
- Cons
- Shoes lose their traction after a while on dusty courts
Pick #3 – Nike Mamba Rage Basketball Shoes
Despite its very affordable price point, the Nike Mamba Rage Basketball Shoes certainly has a lot to offer. It is certainly a great shoe that shines on a clean court, but it also shines rather well on the feet of volleyball players.
The Mamba Rage’s performance is largely thanks to the Lunarlon cushioning at the midsole. It offers significant support and impact protection but is much lighter than other types of cushioning.
Depending on the model, the Mamba Rage’s outsole can either be made from the gum or solid rubber. Either material is great, but most of the shoe’s traction power comes from its multidirectional traction pattern, ensuring that your forefoot stays on the floor regardless of the direction you pivot to.
One problem we did find is that the shoes do take a while to break in; at least a day. We don’t recommend you play with this right out of the box.
- Cons
- The team found that it takes a while to break-in
Pick #4 – Nike 2007 Air Force 1 High-Top Basketball Sneakers
The Nike Air Force 1 High is a shoe design that has consistently been giving a quality performance for more than three decades now. If a pair of sneakers has been popular for that long, then you can bet that you’re getting nothing but quality out of it.
The Air Force 1 has a full leather upper that not only provides excellent overall support but also makes it easier to clean after a long day at the courts. Another thing that set this footwear apart and what started a revolution is its iconic Air Technology midsole. It offers excellent cushioning and impact protection without the added weight.
Of course, since it is a high top, it does limit much of your movement, making it feel a lot bulkier and a lot heavier than it looks.
- Cons
- Can be a bit bulky and heavy for some users
Pick #5 - Adidas Dame 5
The Adidas Dame 5 Sneakers offers an excellent package for hooping but also works fantastically well as a volleyball shoe. With its excellent support, proper lockdown, and breathable material, you have a lightweight shoe that is a perfect match for volleyball.
The Dame 5’s cushioning is designed to have an excellent response, impact protection, and support perfect for vertical jumps. On top of this, the traction patterns are multidirectional, making pivot maneuvers that much easier on the feet. Unfortunately, we did find that the traction is less effective on dusty or dirty courts.
- Cons
- Traction is not so good on dusty courts
Pick #6 - Nike Jordan Ultra.Fly 3
When we bought the Nike Jordan Ultra.Fly 3, we set our expectations low, especially for its comfort. Make no mistake because we set our expectations for almost every item we review. That way, we can genuinely feel the good and great elements for each product.
Going back to this shoe, this shoe shattered our expectations with regards to its comfort. It has several features that make it one of the most, if not the most comfortable basketball shoe on the market. For instance, it has a woven textile construction that feels nice and soft to the touch. This flexible material also makes it possible to provide optimal comfort during those dire saves in volleyball.
This shoe also has the Achilles pillows, which enhances the comfort level to new heights. Additionally, the midsole provides has superior plushness without reducing impact protection and responsiveness.
Aside from its optimal comfort this particular basketball shoe has a full-length herringbone design on its outsole. This particular design makes the traction ideal for volleyball, especially when the team needed to do a full stop for those sudden shifts in plays.
However, the outsole does have a number 23 logo that extends to the outsole. We didn’t like this design choice because it made some of our team members slip when it got in contact with the court. Thankfully, our teammates are experienced sportspeople, so they knew how to adjust their footing to reduce the occurrences of this issue. With that said, this basketball shoe might not be ideal for volleyball beginners.
- Cons
- The number 23 logo on the outsole may cause some traction issues
Pick #7 - Nike Jordan Rising
We saw the Nike Jordan Rising in an ad, and some of the team already knew the reputation of this particular basketball shoe. So we had to try it out for ourselves. Furthermore, we tested its performance in a volleyball court to see how this shoe fairs in another sport.
First, let’s talk about this shoe’s fit; it was good, to say the least. The team members that got the chance to wear it didn’t have significant complaints in this category. They even said that the inner lining is quite comfy and the tongue is sufficiently soft. The ankle collar is also reasonably plush.
Next, we can say that the support is top-notch. The shoe has a built-in heel counter, lateral outriggers, and soft ankle collar that works extremely well together. The excellently built outsole also adds to the overall support, which is important for those hard landings while jumping around in volleyball.
Moving forward, the upper is made of synthetic leather, while the fuse panels are on some high-wear areas. These materials are quite standard for an athletic shoe. Although these elements doesn’t blow some of our socks off, it still enhances the overall comfort and ventilation of the shoe.
- Cons
- Some materials used might to be improved
Pick #8 - Adidas Harden Vol. 3
At first glance, we found the Adidas Harden Vol. 3 to have a design that fits both basketball and volleyball enthusiasts. Also, we can’t seem to take our eyes away from it. In other words, it’s a sight to behold, thanks to its visual appeal.
But you might be wondering, what about its performance? We can answer that question in one word – great.
For instance, this shoe offers top-notch support. The brand went modern with the materials by going with premium fabrics. To be fair, it’s also what the company did with the previous iteration. Layers were practically non-existent, which gave minus points to enhanced comfort. However, the lack of layers added safety and support.
We also found that there’s the mesh is practically non-existent. At first, we were scared that this shoe would increase the risks of injury because of this factor. Thankfully, the mesh is hidden under a layer under the upper. Plus, the shoe still made our feet feel safe during intense plays.
Finally, we liked that the BOOST midsole is wider than usual. In turn, this shoe provides optimal support, balance, and lockdown.
- Cons
- Not as comfy as other competing models
Pick #9 - Nike Kobe Mamba Focus
While many modern on-court performers can offer something to fit any type of player, we found the Mamba Focus stays true to its core by focusing on providing players with a lightweight, fast, and durable construction for both basketball and volleyball players.
Let’s start the explanation with its materials; the Mamba Focus is a full-length mesh/knit shoe that features an upper with high-quality materials. Additionally, the toe box area uses sturdy rubber bands to keep this part in place and with minimal risk of falling apart. The tongue is also made of mesh to improve breathability and reduce weight.
Next, this shoe a stiff cushion setup that provides a low profile ride and responsive feel. With that in mind, it does require a bit of breaking into for the stiffness to subside. Aside from that, it also comes with a small Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for extra breathability.
The sole is solid. We found that this area is reasonably stable and wide due to their fairly wide dimensions. In the back, there’s a heel counter that keeps the wearer’s foot in place while moving.
On the downside, we found that the toe box was too small to fit our feet properly. Although it suffers some points in comfort, it didn’t have any significant adverse impacts on overall performance.
- Cons
- Toe box is smaller than average, reducing overall comfort
Pick #10 - Nike Kyrie 7
As soon as the Nike Kyrie 7 was announced, some of our teammates were aching to get their hands on this shoe. Now, they have that chance and were pleasantly surprised by this athletic footwear’s performance in the volleyball court.
The team members that had the chance to wear this shoe enjoyed several things. For instance, the Kyrie 7 features a tech-based traction pattern that allows wearers to monitor and identify specific areas of the foot that require the most amount of support.
In other words, this unique rubber outsole design that is an ideal choice for many athletes, especially volleyball players. With it, you’ll know which part of the foot to focus on your weight, promoting improved gameplay and reduced risks of injuries.
As for the fit, the Kyrie 7 is a true-to-size shoe. It features a snug fit and it even has removable heel pads. We also liked that this product has a wrap-around footbed at the forefoot for enhanced stability in that area.
This shoe is also sufficiently comfortable, thanks to the use of premium materials. However, in our experience, the comfort level is quite similar to the shoe’s previous iterations, particularly the Kyrie 5 and 6. Therefore, if you already own those shoes, you may find the comfort levels presented by the Kyrie 7 to be anything but new.
- Cons
- Comfort levels are virtually the same with previous iterations
Our Top Pick: Nike AT7843-001 Shox BB4 Basketball Shoes
Our top pick for the best basketball shoes for volleyball is the Nike Shox BB4 Basketball Shoes. Volleyball players need shoes that not only bite on the floor well but also feel lightweight and offer plenty of impact protection besides. The Shox BB4 certainly delivers on that and then some.
Check out the low price on Amazon.
