When it comes to choosing volleyball shoes, the high top model isn’t as popular these days.
Instead, the mid top shoes have taken the market by storm.
So in this review, I’ll cover not only the high-top volleyball shoes but also some amazing mid-top models of volleyball and basketball shoes worth considering. Given the similar playing styles of both sports, I aim to offer you comprehensive and valuable content tailored to your needs, regardless of whether you’re a novice or a seasoned athlete.
Let’s dive right into it!
Best Overall
adidas Crazyflight Volleyball Sneakers
An exceptional combination of design, durability, and functionality makes it an excellent option for volleyball players in search of high-quality with ankle support shoes.
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Design & Build Quality
The Crazyflight has a streamlined, modern design with a low-to-mid cut profile. The shoe is built to be lightweight, making it easy to move quickly in fast-paced rallies. The upper construction offers a snug fit with good lockdown, which helps players feel stable when making sudden changes of direction.
The outsole is made with durable rubber that provides strong traction on standard indoor volleyball courts. This makes the shoe dependable when executing sharp lateral movements, defensive dives, or quick approaches.
Performance on the Court
On the court, the Crazyflight delivers excellent responsiveness. Its light build supports agility, allowing players to move with speed and precision. Lateral stability is also a strength, ensuring the foot stays secure even in aggressive plays.
Cushioning, however, is relatively thin compared to other high-impact volleyball shoes. While this allows for a closer feel of the court and enhances responsiveness, it may not provide the same level of shock absorption during heavy landings. For players who jump frequently, this could lead to more strain on the joints over long sessions.
Comfort & Fit
The shoe provides a snug, secure fit that prevents slipping inside the shoe. The materials are flexible enough to adjust to the foot while still maintaining structure for support. That said, players with wider feet may find the fit tighter than expected and should consider sizing carefully.
The adidas Crazyflight Volleyball Sneakers are a strong choice for players who prioritize agility, stability, and responsiveness on the court. They shine in quick footwork and defensive play, making them especially suitable for liberos and setters. However, players who demand maximum cushioning for constant jumping, such as middle blockers or heavy hitters, might prefer a model with thicker midsoles.
- Lightweight, agile players such as liberos or setters who value court feel and quick responsiveness over cushioning.
- Players who prioritize stylish, supportive, and comfortable footwear and are mindful of fit but less concerned with maximum impact absorption.
- Lightweight and agile, perfect for fast reactions.
- Reliable traction and court grip.
- Stable fit with good lateral support.
- Sleek and modern aesthetic.
- Cushioning is thinner, which may reduce comfort for players who rely on frequent, high jumps.
- Fit runs narrow for some, which could limit comfort depending on foot shape.
- Durability may be average, especially for athletes playing multiple matches weekly.
Runner Up
Nike Kyrie Infinity
These basketball shoes are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect choice for both basketball and volleyball enthusiasts. With exceptional traction and excellent support, they are designed to elevate your game to new heights.
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The Nike Kyrie Infinity, also referred to as the Kyrie 8, is specifically designed as a volleyball shoe. While it may not be a high top, it is an excellent option for volleyball players. Allow me to elaborate on why!
The first thing that catches my attention is the incredible design and colorways of these basketball shoes. Even though I play volleyball, I can’t help but be drawn to the captivating design of basketball footwear every single time. The colorway options available for these shoes truly make you stand out from the crowd of ordinary designs and colors.
Secondly, the Kyrie 8, with its aggressive traction pattern, advanced cushioning system, and premium materials, stands out as a top performer on the basketball court. It’s the perfect choice for defensive players who prioritize both agility and stability.
Moreover, the shoe has two interior straps that surround your heel and forefoot. When you lace up, tighten both straps to secure your foot in the footbed. This design ensures a snug fit and optimal support.
Finally, thanks to the exceptional craftsmanship using premium materials, these shoes not only deliver outstanding performance but also exhibit remarkable durability. Numerous players have attested to the shoes’ ability to maintain their greatness season after season.
Setter or Defensive Specialist looking for durable shoes with excellent traction, court feel, and responsiveness.
- Excellent traction with an aggressive pattern
- High-quality materials and appealing design
- Excellent support
- Some players find it slightly rigid
Premium Shoes
ASICS Sky Elite FlyteFoam Mid Top 3
Experience unmatched stability and exceptional floor grip, enhancing your court mobility. Coupled with superior ankle support and remarkable shock absorption, this is the ultimate choice for every volleyball player.
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This is definitely my number one pick when it comes to the best volleyball shoes. They have all the features that a player looks for in a pair of volleyball shoes!
One of the standout features of these shoes is the incredible ankle support they provide. As someone who plays volleyball frequently, ankle injuries are always a concern for me. However, with these shoes, I feel confident and secure, knowing that my ankles are well-protected. The mid-top design and sturdy construction offer excellent stability, preventing any potential twists or sprains.
But it’s not just about ankle support. They also provide amazing cushioning and shock absorption, making them super comfortable to wear during long matches or training sessions.
The FlyteFoam technology in the midsole delivers responsive cushioning and helps lessen the impact on joints, allowing me to move freely without any worries about discomfort.
The shoes are meticulously crafted using premium materials, resulting in a higher price compared to other footwear options. However, the investment is truly worthwhile!
This option is highly preferred by hitters due to its exceptional features of shock absorption and ankle support. It has the remarkable ability to significantly enhance your jumping prowess.
Liberos, who prefer shoes with a lower profile for better ground feel, often find the slightly elevated design of back row player shoes unsuitable.
- Exceptional FlyteFoam cushioning offers excellent shock absorption
- Great ankle support
- Comfortable and perfectly fitting
- Ideal for individuals with wider feet
- Eye-catching design
- Priced on the higher end
Also Great
Under Armour Women’s Flow Highlight Ace
An exceptional combination of design, durability, and functionality makes it an excellent option for volleyball players in search of high-quality ankle support shoes.
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The Flow Highlight Ace immediately stands out with its high-top design. Unlike bulky ankle-support models, these shoes feel lightweight while still delivering stability. The knitted upper provides a snug fit and decent breathability, ensuring that even during long training sessions, your feet don’t overheat. Many users agree that the fit feels secure and supportive from the very first wear.
Performance on the Court
What impressed me most was the UA Flow cushioning system. It’s incredibly responsive—perfect for explosive movements like quick lateral cuts and powerful jumps. The shoe also offers strong grip thanks to its outsole, giving me confidence when sprinting across the court or landing from a block. This is one of the biggest advantages for players who value agility and stability combined.
The ankle support deserves special mention. The higher cut feels protective without being restrictive. For players prone to rolling ankles or those who want extra security when making aggressive movements, this feature is a huge plus.
Durability & Comfort
From personal use and customer reviews, durability seems solid. The materials withstand frequent practices and games, while the molded heel and collar foam add comfort for extended wear. That said, some buyers mentioned the shoes may feel slightly tight, especially if you have wider feet. In such cases, going up half a size might be the right move.
Weak Points
No product is perfect, and the Flow Highlight Ace has its downsides. The most common issue highlighted by users is sizing inconsistency—many feel the shoes run small. Additionally, the limited color choices may disappoint players who like more stylish options. However, these are relatively minor compared to the performance benefits the shoe delivers.
Volleyball players and multi-sport athletes seek a shoe that offers comfort, support, and versatility, both on and off the court.
- Superb durability and top-notch construction
- Unmatched comfort and highly responsive cushioning
- Improved traction and stability for volleyball movements
- Outstanding shock absorption and excellent arch supporttion
- Limited color choices
- Inconsistency sizing
Best Budget
Nike KD Trey 5 X EP
The Nike Trey 5 X emerges as a reliable and budget-friendly choice, providing sturdy cushioning and traction.
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These Nike’s basketball shoes provide an affordable option for players who value exceptional cushioning and traction without compromising their budget.
The KD Trey 5 X offers exceptional traction with its heat map-style pattern, providing comprehensive coverage in all directions. These shoes are reliable for swift defensive maneuvers and precise cuts.
The rubber compound strikes a balance between firmness and softness, while the deep grooves make them suitable for outdoor use. Indoors, traction is commendable, but occasional wiping may be needed due to closely spaced grooves in certain areas like the forefoot.
The cushion is undoubtedly the most valuable feature of this model. It boasts a rectangular Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a full-length foam midsole, which provides exceptional impact protection for all your jumping needs.
These shoes are not just budget-friendly, they’re wallet-happy! The materials used are affordable, making them a slam-dunk choice for the court on a tight budget. Whether as your starting lineup or as a backup for practices or outdoor games, these shoes are a no-brainer for most players.
For players seeking a cost-effective option that offers impressive performance or as a backup choice for outdoor play.
If you prefer a more responsive cushioning or have concerns about support, consider investing a bit extra in higher-end alternatives.
- The heat map pattern provides excellent grip and stability for solid traction
- Great cushion
- Budget-friendly
- The materials are relatively inexpensive.
Why do I need a high top volleyball shoes?
The high-top model restricts ankle movement on the court, which is not ideal for positions that require frequent mobility.
Alternatively, opting for a mid-top or low-top can offer the freedom of movement, excellent support, and effective shock absorption.
These high-top options are a great choice for back row players like liberos or positions that involve a lot of jumping, such as middle blockers or opposite hitters. If you want to take your game to the next level, check out my list of the top 10 best volleyball shoes. You’ll find the perfect fit for you!