How To Buy A Great Pair Of
Volleyball Shoes
Volleyball popularity continues to grow at a
tremendous rate and the shoe industry now has multiple lines of
volleyball shoes just like they offer for running shoes. Walk into
any shoe store and the selection can be intimidating.
Here are some factors to consider when buying volleyball shoes.
Volleyball shoes have distinct differences when compared to running
and basketball shoes.
The Volleyball Shoe Sole
The gum rubber outsole is the main feature of a volleyball shoe.
Volleyball shoes use a rubber and gum rubber composite combined with
a herringbone design to provide multi-directional traction to the
the indoor volleyball player.
The Volleyball Shoe Midsole
Volleyball players spend their time on their toes and on the balls
of the foot (At least they are suppose to). A well-designed
volleyball shoe should provide a midsole which can absorb shock. The
volleyball midsole should be made of impact absorbing material such
as foam from sheet/molded EVA. Additionally, there are shock
absorbing methods (air, gel, liquid) provide cushioning and energy
return.
The Volleyball Shoe Uppers
Most shoes have leather and mesh uppers. Some volleyball shoe
designs 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.
Other Volleyball Shoe Considerations
You have weak ankles: If you don't have weak ankles, you will. All
that jumping in volleyball will ultimately lead to a sprained ankle.
Consider high top volleyball shoes or shoes like Kaepa®, which has
an ankle brace built into the shoe. You may have to look on eBay to
find discontinued Kaepa® shoes.
Correct Volleyball Shoe Fitting: Bring your workout socks with you
and try the shoes on with them. Buy volleyball shoes that feel good
when you try them on. If they are too small, don’t buy them thinking
they will stretch out. Some leather exercise shoes may stretch a
bit, but nylon mesh shoes will remain the same for the life of the
shoe.
If you’ve been exercising in the wrong type of shoe, you’ll be
amazed at the difference the right volleyball shoe will make. You
may even notice other areas of your body, like knees and back, feel
better. And, of course, your coach will love you! |
