The dynamics of movement in tennis and volleyball are very similar. Both require high speed movements, sharp changes of direction and stop start motions. The impact on the feet is a similar one meaning many volleyball and tennis shoes are transferable. This makes tennis shoes an ideal alternative to specialized volleyball shoes. Having more options when choosing a volleyball shoe can work wonders in terms of price range, individual requirements, and overall level of choice. This is particularly useful if you are living in an area that lacks a specialized volleyball shoe shop. In the below article, we will look at the five best tennis shoes for volleyball.

The main difference between a volley ball shoe and a tennis shoe is in the arch. Tennis shoes tend to be designed primarily to support forwards backwards movement. This means the support will be weighted to make stops and starts on court as comfortable as possible. In comparison volleyball shoes will traditionally have a stronger arch support, because most of the game is played on the balls of your feet. Arch support also allows for a more comfortable three-hundred-and-sixty-degree movement. The difference between the supports however is a subtle one and some tennis shoes will be a perfect fit for your volleyball game. This is especially true if you are playing in a defensive position where your movements will mirror a bass-line tennis game.

The best volleyball shoes tends to be highly specialized in terms of design. The reason for this is the primary court texture is wood. In tennis, matches will be played on a variety of different surfaces and textures, because of this tennis shoes in the mid-price range tend to be more versatile, covering clay, wood and grass. The difference between the two sports’ playing surfaces is translated into the designs of each specialized shoe. Broadly speaking, a tennis shoe will be heavy with a sturdy design and a volleyball shoe will be lighter, using mesh materials. For some players opting for a tennis shoe to play on a volleyball court has advantages in terms of the longevity of the shoe. A tennis shoe will certainly last longer making it an attractive choice when making a purchase of volleyball equipment.

The differences between the tennis shoe and volleyball shoe are getting slimmer. This year the Australian Open has announced it will be returning to a wooden court making it the first grand-slam tournament to be played on wood in many years. When choosing a tennis shoe to play volleyball the first thing to look for is the surface it has been designed for. Is it an all-round performance shoe, or is it specifically designed for wood? Opting for a longer lasting, high performance, comfortable tennis shoe to play volleyball can be an excellent choice, if you are aware of the kind of specifications you need. In the below article, we are going to look at the top five tennis shoes to play volleyball in.

Adidas adiZero CC Feather III

Specifications

The Adidas adiZero CC Feather III is the weapon of choice for French professional tennis player Wilfred Tsonga. In France, the primary court texture is a clay, a hard surface that can be played indoors. The adiZero is made from a lightweight sprint-skin micro-fiber that provides both ventilation as well as stability and comfort. Notably it is a sturdy material that makes for a long-lasting shoe. The heel features Sprintframe construction providing extra support for three hundred and sixty degree movements, stop start motion and slides. The patented Sprinter out-sole design allows for a greater push from the ball of the foot and there is even a torsion system added to the mid-sole of the shoe for added support and comfort.

Why is it good for Volleyball?

The Adidas adiZero CC Feather III is a lightweight shoe weighing just 14.1 ounces. Its design allows for good ventilation and indoor sports playing. As I mentioned in the introduction a tennis shoe is typically sturdier and longer lasting than their volleyball counterparts. The adiZero is guaranteed to last longer than most volleyball shoes but is also designed specifically for in-door courts making it ideal for the solid wood of the volleyball court. It has clearly been designed for 360 degree movement, stop start motion and versatility making it ideal for volleyball. The greater support provided by torsion technology in the mid-sole and Sprintframe construction in the heel make it an excellent choice for volleyball where most of the pressure will be applied to the ball of the foot. Overall the Adidas adiZero is an excellent, lightweight shoe that has all the specifications you will need for the volleyball court.

Asics Gel Resolution 6

Specifications

The Asics Gel Resolution 6 is designed for the all-round tennis player. The shoe is constructed from a synthetic mesh Felxion fit upper that allows for ventilation and lots of movement. It is also notable for its gel cushioning throughout the sole and out of the box comfort. For the fifth shoe in the series Asics have added its Trustic system which it claims help to reduce the overall weight of the shoe without sacrificing its structural durability. Despite this claim, the shoe still ways in a 15.5 ounces making it one of the heavier shoes on our list. It is also a very pretty shoe, that comes in a wide variety of colors.

Why is it good for Volleyball?

The primary design factor in the Asics Gel Resolution series is comfort and support but, crucially, the comfort and support is not weighted solely to the toe and heel, as many tennis shoes are. This makes the Gel Resolution an ideal shoe for volleyball. The gel support exists throughout the sole and especially in the arches. Furthermore, the shoe is designed with a mesh fabric which is typical of most volleyball shoes on the market. Mesh allows for greater circulation of air to the feet than most other materials but, be aware, you will be sacrificing some durability; ultimately, that is a decision you will have to balance yourself. The final consideration to make for this Tennis shoe is the weight. Compared to many Volleyball shoes it is a heavier shoe, which may be worth considering before making a purchase.

Nike Air Max

Specifications

Created by one of the leading sports brands in the world the long-awaited Nike Air Max Cage does not disappoint. Built primarily for hard courts the latest offering from Nike is built for flexibility, durability, and speed on court. It features a mesh cage upper for ease of circulation and Nike’s patented air technology in the heel. It is also one of the prettiest shoes on the market with its high-tech cage patterned design and instantly recognizable brand.

Why is it good for Volleyball?

The Nike Air Max Cage is designed to be a versatile shoe for all types of court and surfaces. Having said that, it’s best performances are for the hard courts which are like the types of surface used for volleyball. The Nike air in the heel protects the foot and its overall design supports fast movements and sudden changes in direction, perfect for the type of movements in volleyball. The Nike Air Max Cage also ticks the box for durability, one of the key reasons for choosing a tennis shoe over a lighter Volleyball shoe. The only critique I have of this shoe is the ankle supports which feel a little loose, particularly when moving sharply or at pace. Having said that, for overall comfort, durability and design the Nike Air Max Cage is a great Tennis shoe, versatile enough to make the transition to the Volleyball court.

Head Men’s Sprint Pro Court Shoe

Specifications

Another beautiful sport shoe. The Head Men’s Sprint Pro Court Shoe is not all about looks though. It has some serious specifications beneath the stunning exterior. The shoe features Head’s trinity technology: shock absorption in the heel, a CXG comfort grid beneath the toes and extra protection for the ball of the foot.

Why is it good for Volleyball?

This shoe is marketed as the fastest tennis shoe available right now. The team at Head have designed the shoe for the mobile player, giving comfort and support for fast movements across the court. The shock absorption and protection grid beneath the toes make this ideal for the kind of pressure applied when playing volleyball. It is also one of the lighter shoes on the market weighing in at 14.8 ounces. This light-weight tennis shoe is in a similar weight range to most volleyball shoes on the market and should have no problem transitioning from clay to wood.

YONEX Mens Power Cushion Eclipsion Tennis Shoe, White/Black

Specifications

Yonex is an established name in the tennis shoe market place. Years of experience mean you can trust this brand to produce a high quality lasting shoe. What draws our attention to this shoe is its lightweight nature, weighing in at just 14.2 ounces. For that you get a 3D graphite sheet to keep your feet in place as well as cushioning on the toes and heel. The Power Cushion looks sturdy and is from a brand that have made a name out of producing long lasting high-quality sneakers.

Why is it good for Volleyball?

The weight of this shoe puts it in the same weight region as most volleyball shoes. Astonishingly for such a lightweight shoe, it is built from sturdy solid materials and will last a long time. So far so good. The cushioning is perfect for moving around the court quickly, as well as for jumping and landing. The only black mark against this shoe I can find is the locations of the cushion. Primarily designed for tennis the shoe offers most support in the toes and heel to support the forward backwards motion typically used in tennis. For volleyball though, the support should be in the ball of the foot allowing for jumping and 360 degree motion. Taking this into account and given the weight of the shoe with its the sturdy construction, The Yonex Power Cushion would make an excellent choice for the volleyball court.