In a hurry? ASICS Upcourt 4 Kids’ Grade School Court Shoes is our top pick for the best youth volleyball shoes.
Besides the potential of getting into the sports, volleyball as a team sport is also a way to learn commitment and discipline. However, young athletes need supportive and sturdy volleyball shoes to be comfortable and healthy.
Youth volleyball shoes should provide a level of comfort on the court while protecting your child’s lower body through lateral support and boosting their athletic abilities. It’s also essential to consider durability, design, breathability, and a lightweight design. You also want to ensure they provide cushioning on the landings of every jump.
In addition, volleyball players are always on the move. So you want to ensure that the shoes are lightweight and do not slow down young athletes.
We’ve explored the best volleyball shoes for youths to help simplify your search. We have tested a lot of shoes with our expert team and made this list of the top 6.
Let’s go!
- Asics youth volleyball shoes upcourt 4 – Top Pick
- Adidas youth volleyball shoes Ligra 6 – Best budget
- MIzuno youth volleyball shoes cycle speed 2– Unisex volleyball shoes
- Asics kid upcourt 3 GS volleyball shoes -Best for upcourt
- Ligra 7 youth adidas volleyball shoes – Best performance
- Nike React Hyperset Women’s Volleyball Shoe– Girl volleyball shoes
6 Best youth Volleyball Shoes Reviews
1. ASICS Upcourt 4 Kids’ Grade School Court Shoes -Top pick
With all the cutting and digging and side-to-side movements of volleyball, young volleyball players need a maximum level of lateral stability. They need a high level of protection for their ankle and feet as they make those dives, sharp cuts, and quick turns. The Upcourt 4 provides the necessary support, in addition to a lightweight and breathable design.
You can’t but notice the kids’ sports shoe is well built even from the first glance. This Asics volleyball shoe is sturdy and durable, taking your kid through the season with excellent on-court performance—and still usable afterward. The high-quality construction has garnered many positive reviews from users. The reason for this hype is not far-fetched. The Upcourt 4’s mesh upper has synthetic overlays in critical points such as the toe box, enhancing durability. The overlays also help deliver stability and support during abrupt cuts and transitions.
What’s more, these shoes are machine washable, so maintaining them is no hassle. Many users have reported cleaning it without any issues. Another thing we love about the Upcourt 4 is the fabulous colorways. Let’s face it…kids love flair. The black and gold combo especially is a hit and also our favorite. The white and black are also excellent and blend seamlessly with gym clothes or uniforms.
The Upcourt 4 runs a bit big in size, and some users wished the shoelaces weren’t too thick and too short. The Upcourt 4 isn’t only being enjoyed by kids alone. Even adults who wear 5.5 size shoes that are hard to find in adult sizes reported it being a perfect fit.
Overall, the Upcourt 4 is offers everything kids need to stay comfortable on the court — breathable mesh upper, rubber sole for max grip, impressive stability, and lightweight flexibility. Not to mention the low-density midsole that enables midsole compression for a responsive ride.
Notable Features
- Youth-specific low-density midsole allows compression
- Breathable mesh upper
- Synthetic leather overlays for better support and durability
- Rubber outsole for improved traction
Pros
- High-quality
- Value for money
- Super comfy
- Cool design and colorways
- Impressive stability
- Lightweight and responsive
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Runs a bit big
- Shoelaces are a bit short
2. Adidas Ligra 6 Kids’ Volleyball Shoe
Although Adidas may not be popular as Mizuno and Asics in the volleyball pro circle, the Ligara 4 ticks most boxes. You get super traction, durability, versatility, performance, and comfort. Performance apart, the Ligara 4 makes a bold fashion statement, which is no surprise since it’s from Adidas. The most impressive factor of this shoe, however, is the price. These shoes are reasonably priced compared to other top volleyball shoe brands.
Traction is one aspect you don’t want to ignore when it comes to volleyball shoes. The Ligra 6 is designed to keep kids from sliding on any court surface. The combination of rubber material and treads on the Adiwear outsole provide a solid grip while ensuring durability.
The Ligra 6 also delivers in terms of lateral support. According to a user, they’re well balanced during side-to-side movements. Synthetic overlays and sturdy mesh ensure you’re well supported. The lace-up design with reinforced loopholes adds to the foot lockdown so you can perform even better.
The Ligra 6 features a lightweight EVA midsole to deliver the needed cushioning and responsiveness as you prepare to take off into the air. It’s impressive cushioning combined with super grip results in a top-notch performance.
When it comes to kids’ volleyball shoes, you don’t want a pair that will fall apart after one or two games. Volleyball puts much stress on the shoes, and here’s where the Ligra 6 comes in handy. The synthetic material is sturdy and durable, holding up aggressive play. However, the upper is a bit stiff compared to the softer mesh of the ASICS Upcourt 4.
Based on our experience with these kids’ volleyball shoes, they’re comfortable enough for jumping and running for hours. The insole and the surrounding material are super comfy, and the mesh material helps protect from sweaty feet. They don’t need breaking in and are comfortable right out of the box. Plus, they’re great for use as everyday street shoes and fashionable as well. If your young athlete likes to make a fashion statement, Ligra 6 is well designed. Many users have reported getting compliments when they sport it.
Considering all the features it offers and coming from Adidas, this kids’ volleyball shoe is a good deal for your bucks. One gripe we have with these kids’ shoes is the back of the heel. It sticks out a bit too much. Besides, some users have noted that the material is a bit stiff around the arch.
Notable Features
- Rubber outsole
- Durable
- Synthetic leather overlays
- Breathable mesh upper
- Durable Adiwear midsole
Pros
- Soles are grippy
- Grate lateral stability
- Great grip
- Nice design for fashionistas
- Easy to break-in
- Durable
- Versatile–Great for other sports like tennis or field hockey
- Breathable and lightweight
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not suitable for wide feet
- A bit stiff around the arch
3. Mizuno Cyclone Speed 2 Junior Indoor Court Shoe
Mizuno volleyball shoes are known for optimal durability, dynamic cushioning, and great support and comfort. The Cyclone Speed 2 Junior is your kid’s best shot at comfort and top-notch performance on the court. Offering excellent stability for intense lateral movements while providing responsiveness and comfort, the Cyclone Speed 2 is perfect no matter the volleyball position.
A major selling point of the Cyclone Speed 2 is the all-round performance. It delivers in almost all aspects, making it ideal for all positions. Users are impressed with the EVA midsole and dynamic cushioning, which provide the needed responsiveness during competitive games. The synthetic overlays wrap around the upper in critical points like the toebox, sides, and back of the heel for enhanced stability. The rubber outsole ensures you have a solid grip on various court surfaces.
All the highlighted features are a waste if the volleyball shoe is not sturdy enough to stand up to use. The Cyclone Speed 2 doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. Mizuno has done a great job by using high-quality materials that stand up to the demands of kids’ sporting activities. The only drawback of this volleyball shoe is the narrow fit. It’s best you order a size up for the best fit.
Notable Features
- Dynamic cushioning
- Responsive EVA midsole
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Synthetic upper
- Excellent stability due to the unique layering of synthetic overlays
- Lace-up
- Available in youth size 2,3,4,5 — beginners to middle school
- Black and silver colorway
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great fit
- High-quality
- Stylish
- Excellent oncourt performance
- Super traction
- Comfy
Cons
- A bit narrow
4. ASICS Kid’s Upcourt 3 GS Volleyball Shoes
The Upcourt 3 is not a bestseller volleyball shoe by mere coincidence. These kids’ volleyball shoes are a favorite for indoor sports due to their style and comfort. They’re solid, well-made, and work great on the court while offering tons of support.
You’ll definitely tell the difference between playing in this shoe and playing in ordinary running shoes. They fit snugly and have a firm grip on indoor courts.
Another aspect where the Upcourt gets a thumbs up is the arch support. Many buyers with flat feet have commended these volleyball shoes’ arch support and comfort. For kids that need extra support, the sockliner is removable so that you can insert orthotics.
While they’re great, expect them not to be overly heavy at just 7.50 ounces. The lightweight build combines the responsive EVA midsole for a smooth ride through games. And if you need a cross-trainer that can handle other games besides volleyball, the Upcourt is perfect. According to a few users, it works excellent for fencing and squash.
It comes in two colorways. The black and Sour Yuzu — a blend of black and yellowish hue — is particularly attractive. You also the classic white and black that kids can easily pair with uniforms. Not only do they look good on feet, but they’re also durable. According to a user, her daughter has used the shoes throughout the year, and they’re still holding up.
If you’re looking for stylish, durable, and comfy volleyball shoes without breaking the bank, the Upcourt 3 does a great job.
Notable Features
- Mesh and synthetic upper
- Removable sockliner
- Rubber outsole
- Lace-up
- EVA midsole
Pros
- Kid-friendly design and colorways
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Great arch support
- Snug fit
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Runs a bit narrow
5. Ligra 7 Track and Field Shoe
Offering a multidirectional rubber outsole for super grip and breathable mesh upper, the Adidas volleyball shoe Ligra 7 has proven to be a great volleyball shoe option. Similar to the Ligra 6, these kids’ volleyball shoes are fortified in critical areas for durability. The synthetic leather covers the mesh material for adequate protection, preventing abrasions on the toe box. The overlays enhance support, while the lace closure adds to foot lockdown.
Besides providing top-notch comfort, the Ligra 7 absorbs shock perfectly, thanks to the lightweight EVA midsole. Users have praised the in-step comfort offered by these kids’ volleyball shoes. The shaped ankle collar combines with the lace-up design for a secure fit.
To ensure your kid stays on top of the game on any court surface, the Ligra 7 has a tread pattern on its multidirectional rubber outsole for the best traction. Adidas replaced the typical rubber outsole for Adiwear outsole to ensure lasting use. These shoes feature a flexible mesh upper for ventilation for all-day comfort and breathability.
Currently, the shoes are available in two colorways. You get the all-black with three white stripes or the white with three black stripes. Overall, the Ligra is an excellent performance shoe at a budget-friendly price. Best of all, these shoes can handle it all running, squash, handball practice, tennis, badminton, and more. It’s also Versatile to pair with all kinds of sportswear.
Notable Features
- Breathable mesh upper
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Synthetic overlays for support
- Non-marking Adiwear outsole for 360-degree grip
- Leather toe for abrasion resistance
- Classic lace-up design
- EVA midsole for responsive cushioning
- Up to 50% recycled upper material
Pros
- Great lateral support
- Comfy
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Excellent quality
- Snug fit
- True to
- Versatile
6. Nike Women’s React Hyperset girls Volleyball Shoes
Nike’s React Hyperset gained popularity among professional volleyball players for its tech-loaded design. From Nike’s React midsole to the tech-driven pattern on the rounded outsole, these volleyball shoes pack a lot of excellent features. Straight out of the box, the Nike Hyperset looks more like basketball shoes due to its bulkier build, longer tongue, high sole, and unique bubbly shoes of the sole. You’ll also notice the strap that goes across the upper of the shoe at an angle with Nike’s slogan “Just Do It” embedded on it.
The upper material is super soft and breathable all the way around and much thicker than other volleyball shoes. However, the padding is a little too thick, especially for wide-footed folks. It has a tight fit.
The rounded edges of the sole look like what you would see in basketball shoes. It helps the shoe transition from any angle, essential when landing from a jump or going low on defense.
Thanks to the wide sole, the ankle support is powerful for all types of intense movements.
In terms of performance, the traction is super. The tread pattern does a perfect job of biting the court surface, making it easy to change directions quickly. The traction is way better than most volleyball shoes we’ve tested. It’s not too sticky like the gum rubber we’ve come to associate with volleyball outsoles. This shoe perfectly balances just enough floor bite and just enough slide.
Featuring Nike’s React, the sole is way thicker than you’d see in volleyball shoes. And the rubber is also a bit stiff. So while it’s responsive for jumping, it’s just decent in terms of shock absorption.
Some users with wide feet have reported that the top of the strap cuts into their ankles during play. It offers top-notch performance. It’s responsive, durable, and has excellent support. However, comfort is lacking. In addition, the footstraps restrict airflow and aren’t functional most time. But it does provide extra security and foot lockdown. Besides, the shoe already looks bulky, and the strap adds more bulk.
Notable Features
- Overlay on the toe box
- Lateral strap
- Breathable fabric and synthetic upper with NikeSkin overlays
- Flywire cables
- Hook-and-hook security strap
- Nike React cushioning
- Bootie-style extended collar and tongue
- On-and-off pull tabs at the collar
- Wave-pattern rubber at the rounded outsole
Pros
- High-arch support
- Extra arch support and stability
- Fit well and super comfortable
- Good grip
Cons
- Not lightweight
- Runs small
- Takes time to break-in
What to Consider When Buying Kids Volleyball Shoes
At some level, kids can wear everyday sneakers for volleyball. So why do they need specialized shoes? A quality pair of running shoes or cross-trainers might work just fine for an occasional player. However, for players looking to get in the game in the long term, a shoe specially designed for volleyball is a necessity.
Here are some factors to consider:
Enhanced Traction
To improve kids’ athletic abilities, they need superior traction. Volleyball shoes typically feature gum rubber soles. This rubber material helps provide traction on the gym floor, preventing the player’s feet from sliding. This feature is essential in avoiding missteps and increasing the player’s ability to react instantly. You want to make sure your kid has solid footing to stop on a dime, cut side to side, and control their body during intense moments. Besides, the gum rubber is non-marking to prevent scrapes on the gym floor.
Lateral Stability
Another aspect you don’t want to ignore is lower body protection. The shoe’s midsole should support the ball of the foot as players spend much time on the balls of their feet. This position allows for quick side-to-side movements and is a significant difference between running and volleyball shoes. A volleyball shoe provides stability for these side-to-side movements. So if you want to guard them against injury, it’s crucial to give them max support where they need it most– ankles and sides of their feet. Shoes with lateral stability decrease the risk of injury due to sharp cuts.
Toe Box Cushioning
Volleyball players’ knees and feet take the brunt of absorbing each contact with the hardcourt. The intense movements of the game put stress on the balls of the player’s feet. As such, the midsole absorbs most of the shock. They feature extra cushioning at the toe box. Due to these rigors of play, the midsole must be sturdy while being responsive. In higher-end models like the Nike Hyperset, this foam is enhanced by air cushions or gel. ASICS also uses GEL cushioning in some of its models.
The extra cushioning layer in volleyball shoes also helps protect the feet, shins, ankles, and knees. So while running shoes are lightweight than volleyball shoes, the added cushioning and material in volleyball shoes preserve your child’s body.
Shoe Sizing and Brands
Different brands have a precise fit, as seen from the kid’s volleyball team we’ve tested. For instance, ASICS seem to run wider than Mizuno. While exploring options, it’s advisable to pay attention to reviews from other buyers where they mention shoe brands running smaller or larger.
In addition, pay attention to your kid’s exact size. Unless you’re sure the shoes run big or small, resist the urge to buy a bigger or smaller size. If the sneakers are too big, they may impede your child’s performance in competitive games.
Breathable and Durable
Volleyball shoes typically feature breathable material to keep feet fresh and dry. The soft material also makes the shoe lightweight, essential for volleyball shoes. In addition, boys and girls like to look cool. Fortunately, there’s a variety of cool sneakers with lovely designs on the market.
Finally, ensure the shoes are sturdy and durable to stand up to the intensity of volleyball games. This is to prevent the sneakers from getting ripped and affecting performance.
Read reviews of previous users to ensure the shoes won’t break down within a short period. You want shoes that will last through the season.
In summary
Youth volleyball shoes help protect the child’s lower body while improving athletic ability. You want to make their on-court performance as comfy as possible. Their feet shouldn’t be the thing keeping them from their best performance.
FAQs
1. Do volleyball shoes help you jump?
Volleyball shoes absorb shock and stick to the floor so you can land comfortably during jumps. They are also lightweight to make lateral movements and jumping easier.
2. Are high top shoes good for volleyball?
Due to the quick sudden moves required by volleyball, low-top shoes are a better option. High-top shoes provide the best ankle support, but they might be heavier and restrict ankle movements. However, mid-tops and high tops provide more for side-to-side movements.
3. What is the best volleyball shoe brand for youth?
All top volleyball shoe brands have various models for different positions and types of players. It also depends on the feature you’re looking for in your volleyball shoes. Some brands like Nike are known more for performance, support, and aesthetics, while others like ASICS and Mizuno are popular for their simple designs, comfort, and traction.
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Additional Resources:
https://poshmark.com/browse/kids-volleyball-shoes?department=Kids&sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true
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