5 Best Budget Volleyball Shoes

As a blogger and a long-term researcher, I’ve seen countless shoe reviews, and I’m here to share my expertise on finding the best budget volleyball shoes without sacrificing performance or comfort.

But before diving into specific shoe recommendations, it’s important to consider the most important factors, like your unique needs as a volleyball player. So before we proceed, these are some of the factors of consideration:

Playing Surface: Indoor or outdoor courts have different surface types, requiring specific traction patterns.
Playing Style: Aggressive hitters and blockers need more ankle support, while setters and liberos prioritize agility and court coverage.

Foot Type: Arch type and foot width can influence the fit and comfort of a shoe.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Great Budget Volleyball Shoe?

Before we jump into specific recommendations, let’s talk about what to look for in a budget-friendly volleyball shoe. You might think that “budget” means compromising on quality, but that’s not true. A great budget shoe must be able to balance affordability with key features crucial for volleyball:

Cushioning: Volleyball is a high-impact sport, so good cushioning is essential to protect your ankles, knees, and feet. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole, often made of EVA or similar materials.
Support: Lateral movement is key in volleyball, so you need shoes that provide excellent ankle support and prevent rolling. Features like a high-top design, sturdy sidewalls, and a supportive insole can make a big difference.
Traction: Volleyball courts can be slippery, so you need shoes with aggressive outsoles that provide superior grip. Look for shoes with a herringbone or multi-directional pattern.
Breathability: Volleyball is a sweaty game, so breathability is crucial to keep your feet cool and dry. Mesh uppers are your best friend here.
Durability: even low-budget shoes should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular play. Look for reinforced stitching and sturdy materials.

Top Budget Volleyball Shoe Brands

There are several shoe brands that offer high-quality volleyball shoes at affordable prices, and some of such brands that are popular among volleyball enthusiasts include:

Asics: a brand known for their innovative technology and comfortable fit.
Mizuno: This brand offers a wide range of shoes for different playing styles and budgets.
Under Armour: Their brand has shoes with excellent support and durability at affordable prices.
Nike: This popular brand offers stylish and high-performance volleyball shoes at affordable prices.

Best Budget Volleyball Shoe Picks (Under $100)

So we’ve scoured the market to find some of the best budget volleyball shoes available, keeping in mind the features mentioned above. But remember, prices can change at any time, so always check current prices before purchasing.

Shoe Model	Key Features	Pros	Cons	Price Range ($)
ASICS GEL-Rocket 9	Excellent cushioning, supportive upper, good traction	Comfortable, durable, great for all skill levels	Can be a bit heavy	70-90
Mizuno Wave Bolt 8	Lightweight, responsive cushioning, durable outsole	Lightweight, agile feel, good for quick movements	Cushioning might not be as substantial as some other options.	75-95
New Balance Minimus Volleyball	Minimalist design, flexible, lightweight	Great for players who prefer a low-profile shoe, very agile	Less cushioning than other options; may not suit all foot types	60-80
Adidas Crazyflight X	Comfortable, supportive, good traction	Versatile, suitable for various court surfaces	Some users report limited breathability.	70-90
Under Armour Highlight Ace	Durable, supportive, good value for money	Great for beginners, long-lasting	Cushioning could be improved for high-impact players.	65-85

Note: These are just a few picks based on our reviews. There are many other great budget options out there that may not be on this list.

Finding the Perfect Low-Budget Shoe that Fits your Feet

No matter how great a shoe is, it won’t perform well if it doesn’t fit properly. As such, we have recommended that you keep the following in mind when trying on volleyball shoes:

Size: Volleyball shoes generally fit true to size, but it’s always advisable to try them on before purchasing. Consider going up half a size if you have wider feet.
Width: Pay attention to the width of the shoe. Volleyball shoes come in various widths (narrow, medium, wide), so choose the one that best suits your foot shape.
Comfort: Walk around in the shoes for a few minutes to get a feel for their comfort level. You should feel supported but not constricted.
Support: make sure the ankle support feels secure and prevents excessive movement.
Flexibility: the shoe should be flexible enough to allow for natural movement but not so flexible that it lacks support.

Choosing the Right Budget Shoe for Your Playing Style

Your playing style will always influence your choice of shoe. For example:

Power hitters might prefer shoes with excellent cushioning to absorb the impact of powerful jumps.
Libero: might prefer lightweight shoes that allow for quick movements and agile defense.
Setters might benefit from shoes that provide good stability and support for quick changes in direction.

How to Maintain Your Volleyball Shoes for Long-Term Use

The life span of most sport shoes depends on usage and maintenance. To extend the life of your budget volleyball shoes, follow these tips:

Clean them regularly: remove dirt and debris after each use.
Air them out: Allow your shoes to air out after each use to prevent the build-up of moisture.
Rotate your shoes: avoid using the same pair of shoes every day to allow them to recover.
Store them properly: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I replace my volleyball shoes?

This depends on how frequently you play, but generally, you should replace your volleyball shoes every 6-12 months or when you notice significant wear and tear.

Can I use regular athletic shoes for volleyball?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Volleyball shoes are specifically designed to meet the unique demands of the sport, providing superior cushioning, support, and traction.

Can I wear basketball shoes for volleyball?

Basketball shoes may seem similar to volleyball shoes, but they are not specifically designed for the lateral movements and jumping required in volleyball. Volleyball shoes offer better ankle support, traction, and durability for the unique demands of the sport.

How do I choose the right volleyball shoes?

Consider your budget, your needs, your feet type, and your position. While looking out for low-budget shoes, remember that quality is what really matters.

Can I wear volleyball shoes for other sports?

While volleyball shoes can be worn for other court sports like badminton or pickleball, they may not be ideal for running or other high-impact activities, and to prolong their lifespan, it’s important to use them specifically for the purposes they were made for.

Conclusion

Finding the best budget volleyball shoes doesn’t have to be a struggle. It is better to focus on important features like cushioning, support, traction, and breathability. Also consider your fit and playing style.

All these together can help you find a pair that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Remember to always prioritize comfort and support. While considering your budget, also consider quality.