Review Of The ASICS Gel Upcourt Indoor Volleyball Shoe
Volleyball is popular because it provides men and women alike with access to a high-energy, precise, and engaging sport. Playing indoor volleyball is a great way to stay healthy and get a little exercise during the winter. If you are interested in volleyball or are already a fan, you need to make sure you buy a good set of volleyball shoes to protect your feet.
What makes a good set of volleyball shoes for men? There are many different types from which you can choose, the most popular of which may be ASICS volleyball shoes for men. ASICS is a well-respected sports shoe designer and they provide men like you with many great volleyball shoe options. One of their best is the Gel Upcourt Indoor Court Shoe.
This shoe offers you a variety of benefits that make it perfect for volleyball. It is not only sturdy and supportive but easy to clean and comfortable to wear. Here is what you need to know about this high-quality shoe and why you should consider picking up a pair.
Basic Features To Consider
When deciding on buying ASICS volleyball shoes for men, it is important to understand what each brand offers. The Gel Upcourt Indoor court shoe is available in white/racing, red/black, lime/methyl, and blue/blacks in multiple sizes. The shaft or support for your sole is about 2.75 inches, providing plenty of lift and support for those who need it. The exterior is constructed with faux-leather with a mesh upper area.
This construction is sturdy and gives your feet plenty of breathing room. Make sure that you are accurate when choosing your shoe size, as the Gel Upcourt Indoor court shoeisn’t likely to provide a lot of give for feet that are too large. However, the padded tongue and color should provide comfort for the right-sized foot, making these a great option for the active volleyball player.
Another great advantage of this ASCIS volleyball shoe for men is the EVA midsole. This item provides your feet with firm, yet comfortable, support. It is the kind of option that should come standard on the best volleyball shoes for men, but which is often neglected in cheaper shoes. It is the kind of feature that you won’t believe you ever lived without after experiencing it.
>>Amazon link to Asics Men’s Gel-Upcourt Indoor Court Shoe<<Volleyball-Specific Traits Of The Gel Upcourt
What makes the Gel Upcourt useful for volleyball players? The Gum Rubber outsole, which provides a nice sturdy grip on the court to give you the ability to shift your position quickly and adapt to difficult volleyball situations. It also gives you the grip you need to build a solid amount of speed, an aspect that is often neglected when considering good volleyball shoes.
Another excellent quality of the Gum Rubber outsole is the way it helps your jump. The gripping sole prevents slips when jumping for a spike or a block. As a result, you don’t have to worry so much about your footwork or the dangers of falling on a hard gym floor. Instead, you can concentrate on getting into position to spike the ball and score on your opponent.
However, that’s not the only advantage the Gel Upcourt offers volleyball players. It also features a Rearfoot Gel Cushioning system. This system uses a comforting interior sole to absorb shock during jumps and when running. This protects you feet and knees from injury and gives you the chance to transition from a preparation stance into a full attack or defense mode.
Who Else Would Benefit From This Shoe?
While the Gel Upcourt is a great volleyball shoe, it is also beneficial for anyone who plans on participating in other gym sports. Amateur basketball players can benefit from the Gel Upcourt, as it is generally cheaper than basketball-specific shoes. It is also a good way to get some extra speed when practicing sprints in the gym during the winter.
As it is designed for indoor sports, those who use it outdoors aren’t going to get as many benefits from it. However, it can be used in outdoor environments and isn’t a bad choice for short-distance jogs or runs. Serious running or jogging (over two miles) exercises should be supported by shoes designed specifically for running, however.
Caring For The Shoe Is Simple
While ASICS volleyball shoes for men are typically designed for indoor use, they can also be a useful beach volleyball shoe in the right circumstances. As a result, they might end up getting a little dirt or sand stained on their exterior. Even if you don’t use them outdoors, they could end up getting gym floor scuffs and other marks that decrease their value.
Thankfully, it is very easy to clean the Gel Upcourt. All you need to do is run a little warm water in a small pan and add a tablespoon or two of anti-grease soap. Dip a used toothbrush in this mix and scrub the surface of the shoe lightly to break apart the grease.
To remove nasty smells (a common problem with this shoe), remove the sock-liner and the insole and hand-wash them using the same water and soap mix. A hand towel can be used to get dry the surface while paper towels can be stuffed inside to absorb excessive water. Heat (such as from a hand dryer or a clothes dryer) must be avoided as it will warp the shoe.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, the Gel Upcourt is a great volleyball shoe, albeit one not without some disadvantages. As mentioned above, it is often a little too unforgiving if you make a shoe-sizing mistake and is often prone to excessive interior smells. That said, these problems are very minor and shouldn’t detract you from trying out a pair. It currently has 4.1 out of 5 stars with 80% over 4 stars, and 5% at one star. We recommend the Asics Gel Upcourt Indoor Court Shoe as a buy.
