Are Running Shoes Good For Volleyball [2024]

You want to know if those old running shoes, which you have, can be worn on the volleyball court…

How important is it to spend a bunch of cash on a new pair of volleyball shoes?

Are running shoes good for Volleyball? Running shoes, due to their lack of court traction, lateral support, and cushioning, are simply not a good idea for playing volleyball.

Having said all that, wearing them for volleyball now and then likely won’t be the end of the world, depending on the state and type of your running shoes.

Investing in a decent pair of volleyball shoes is going to be a really wise idea if you’re playing volleyball regularly.

In this article, I’ll explain the reasons why running shoes will eventually pose problems for you on the volleyball court, aiding your understanding of the importance of volleyball shoes.

Are Running Shoes Good For Volleyball? Why Not

Designed with entirely different purposes in mind, running shoes differ significantly from volleyball shoes.

Having completely different characteristics renders them highly inefficient when used interchangeably.

Below, I’ll delve into the three main reasons why running shoes aren’t ideal for volleyball.

Lack of Lateral Support

Designed with a very thin, lightweight, and breathable upper material, running shoes promote flexibility throughout the forefoot.

It almost always features a low-top design, which aids in keeping the weight down as well.

Given that running involves a fairly safe and repetitive movement that doesn’t demand extensive lateral stability, running shoes typically don’t emphasize this area.

Requiring numerous quick lateral movements, rapid changes of direction, and frequent jumping, volleyball demands specific footwear support.

Therefore, volleyball shoes often feature reinforced or padded sides, enhancing lateral stability and containment to minimize the risk of rolling your ankle.

To boost protection around the ankles, many volleyball shoes are transitioning to mid-top designs.

Playing volleyball in running shoes instills a constant fear of awkwardly planting your foot and rolling your ankle.

Inhibiting your confidence, power, and precision, this fear impacts your ability to perform while playing.

Wearing volleyball shoes results in a heightened sense of stability and support, attributed to the thicker material on the outsides of the midsole.

Translating into enhanced safety, confidence, and performance, this aspect becomes crucial while wearing volleyball shoes.

Insufficient Traction

The outsoles between running shoes and volleyball shoes also exhibit considerable variation.

Constructed from materials like carbon rubber, running shoe outsoles prioritize durability and are specifically designed to endure outdoor elements.

Volleyball shoe outsoles, typically crafted from gum rubber, are specifically engineered to adhere to volleyball courts.

Due to the rigid nature of running shoe outsoles, they tend to slip on volleyball courts, posing both danger and considerable annoyance during play.

Insufficient Cushioning

Volleyball shoes often boast slightly superior cushioning systems compared to running shoes.

This disparity arises from the greater need for shock absorption and impact protection during jumping and landing in volleyball, as opposed to the lesser demand for runners in these aspects.

Extended volleyball play in running shoes is likely to lead to joint aches due to the consistent impact and pounding on your joints.

Over time, this may result in various complications, including chronic overuse injuries like jumper’s knee, stemming from such prolonged impact and strain on the joints.

Is It Truly Significant?

In my perspective, it’s the dosage that defines the toxicity.

Playing volleyball in running shoes sporadically or for a few weeks, especially as part of a gym class, shouldn’t pose significant issues.

However, being on a volleyball team and engaging in frequent training or playing multiple times a week would put you at a disadvantage unless equipped with a pair of volleyball shoes.

Running in volleyball shoes presents a different scenario entirely. However, playing volleyball in running shoes is notably more dangerous and uncomfortable.

Shoes to Avoid on the Volleyball Court

While most of these might seem obvious, I’ve come across some pretty unconventional footwear choices on the volleyball court over the years!

Toe shoes/barefoot shoes: These shoes often slip on hard courts due to inadequate traction, and they offer virtually zero cushioning or impact protection.

Boxing shoes: Though boxing shoes offer ample ankle support, they lack the necessary cushioning and stability for jumping and rapid lateral movements. Additionally, they don’t deliver the same level of traction as volleyball shoes.

Vans: Shoes with entirely flat outsoles, like others, suffer from a lack of a smooth heel-toe transition, causing a disruptive ‘slapping’ effect on the court, making them unsuitable and uncomfortable for jumping.

Also Read: Can You Wear Tennis Shoes For Volleyball? [Guide 2024]

Recommended Shoes to Wear

Among the range of athletic shoes suitable for a volleyball court, running shoes should be at the bottom of your list.

While you don’t necessarily require volleyball shoes for an improved experience on the court, it’s crucial to steer clear of using running shoes at all costs!

Generic Court Shoes

Regarding volleyball, most court shoes tend to perform quite well.

This encompasses shoes tailored for handball, badminton, and even tennis.

Although these shoes generally lack sufficient impact protection for extensive jumping, they offer reliable traction, responsiveness, and decent lateral support overall.

Basketball Shoes

My preferred choice for volleyball is basketball shoes due to their typically superior cushioning systems compared to volleyball shoes.

Basketball shoes closely resemble volleyball shoes in almost all aspects.

Yet, due to the expansive basketball shoe market, it’s often far easier to discover a pair tailored precisely to the needs of a volleyball player.

Volleyball Shoes

While not extensive, the volleyball shoe market showcases excellently designed footwear tailored specifically for the sport.

The design of these shoes is evolving, resembling basketball shoes more with higher tops and advanced cushioning features becoming prominent.