As you’re about to head out, you notice your cross-training shoe sitting pretty on the shoe rack, and a sudden thought hits you – it’s time to change into a new pair of volleyball shoes.

Are training shoes good for volleyball?

Believe it or not, you’re not the first to ask this, but the answer is YES, albeit with complications.

Training shoes are great at fulfilling their designed purpose. However, when it comes to quick lateral movements and lightweight design, they fall short in comparison to volleyball shoes.

So, the questions I’ll discuss in this article are: What makes them different? Why shouldn’t you wear your training shoes for your volleyball games?

So Let’s Start!

5 Key Differences Between Training Shoes and Volleyball Shoes

Training shoes are primarily intended for intense training and fitness activities, offering support, stability, and comfort during workouts.

Volleyball shoes, on the other hand, are specifically designed for the demands of volleyball gameplay, focusing on features such as agility, quick lateral movements, and lightweight design.

Here’s the breakdown of the differences between volleyball shoes and training shoes:

Sole Design

Training shoes are engineered to provide support during weightlifting or cardio sessions. Consequently, their soles are typically flat and crafted from rubber to maintain stability throughout your workout.

Volleyball shoes, conversely, feature gum rubber soles tailored to enhance traction on the court without leaving skid marks. These soles ensure stability for the player during dynamic movements.

Cushioning

Volleyball shoes are equipped with responsive, low-profile cushioning that doesn’t impede movement.

This design prioritizes support without hindering agility, crucial for players who need to move swiftly and jump comfortably during gameplay.

Training shoes, in contrast, feature significantly more cushioning. This extra cushioning is intended to offer heightened protection and stability during various training activities, such as weightlifting or cardio workouts.

Lateral Support

Lateral support, arguably the most crucial aspect of a volleyball shoe, is prioritized due to the sport’s requirement for agility and frequent quick lateral movements.

Volleyball shoes are engineered with cushioning and support strategically placed to facilitate vertical movement with minimal friction, enhancing agility on the court.

Cross-training shoes, while offering decent lateral support, do not match the level provided by volleyball shoes. Consequently, wearing cross-training shoes may compromise movement flexibility during volleyball gameplay.

Weight

Protection is the primary objective of training shoes, leading to increased cushioning. However, this additional cushioning adds weight to the shoes.

Conversely, volleyball shoes are meticulously crafted to minimize weight, prioritizing agility and speed for players on the court.

Breathability

Volleyball shoes, while not as breathable as running shoes, offer better breathability compared to training shoes.

The mesh uppers on volleyball shoes are specifically designed to promote air circulation, helping to dissipate heat during intense games.

In contrast, cross-training shoes generally lack significant breathability. While some training shoes may incorporate breathable features, many prioritize other aspects since they’re primarily intended for indoor use.

Can You Use Training Shoes for Volleyball?

Training shoes, although offering decent lateral support, are not as agile or lightweight as volleyball shoes. Additionally, the extra cushioning may feel restrictive to some users.

If you’re playing casually or in practice games with friends, using training shoes may suffice, especially if no other options are available.

However, for competitive games, it’s strongly advisable to stick with volleyball shoes, as they are specifically designed to meet the demands of the sport and provide optimal performance and agility on the court.

Can You Wear Volleyball Shoes for Training?

Just as it’s not advisable to wear training shoes for competitive volleyball, wearing volleyball shoes for intense training sessions isn’t recommended.

For general cardio activities like jumping jacks or running, volleyball shoes are suitable. However, for weightlifting exercises such as deadlifts or squats, it’s better to avoid wearing them.

The thicker midsoles of volleyball shoes elevate you too much off the ground for weightlifting exercises, compromising stability and form. In such cases, going barefoot or opting for flatter shoes would be more suitable.

Alternative to Training Shoes

Since training shoes are not suitable for volleyball, the primary alternative I recommend is using volleyball shoes, as they are purposefully crafted for the sport.

However, if you’re having difficulty finding volleyball shoes, two alternatives can serve you well.

Court Shoes

Court shoes, such as those designed for tennis, handball, or badminton, can be a great alternative for volleyball.

These shoes provide excellent lateral support, solid traction, and overall better responsiveness compared to training shoes.

However, since they’re not specifically designed for jumping like volleyball shoes, they may wear out sooner with frequent use in volleyball games.

Basketball Shoes

Basketball shoes share similarities with volleyball shoes in both design and function.

With a vast market for basketball shoes, you’ll likely find it easier to locate a suitable pair that meets your preferences.

Before making a purchase, consider exploring some reviews of basketball shoes that are suitable for volleyball, as they may offer insights into which pairs could be a good fit for you.

Let’s Recap: Are Training Shoes Good for Volleyball?

While training shoes can suffice for practice or casual volleyball games, it’s advisable to avoid using them in competitive matches where proper footwear can significantly impact performance.

If you’re seeking an alternative to training shoes, basketball shoes are a better option for volleyball due to their design similarities.

While court shoes might also be considered, they tend to wear out faster compared to basketball shoes.

I hope this article provides clarity on whether training shoes are suitable for volleyball, and I wish you the best of luck with your footwear choice and games!

Also Read: Are Running Shoes Good For Volleyball [2024]

Are Training Shoes Good for Volleyball?