Are Volleyball Shoes Good For Running? No, But Why?
Don’t use volleyball shoes for running!
Volleyball shoes and running shoes are designed for two very different activities. Volleyball shoes are designed to provide support and stability for high impact movements such as jumping, blocking and quick direction changes especially when you are a middle blocker, while running shoes are designed to provide cushioning and propulsion for forward motion.
Are volleyball shoes good for running? Well, Using running shoes for volleyball can increase your risk of injury because they don’t provide the same support and protection as volleyball shoes.
Before buying any pair of shoes, you might wonder which shoes are best for volleyball? Well, Shoe choice is somehow linked with the playing positions. There are certain positions in volleyball like middle blocker, who jumps a lot or Liberos who do quick shuffles, prioritize certain features more in shoes.
Let’s compare running shoes with volleyball shoes.
In this guide, we will discuss the key differences between both running shoes and volleyball shoes and how you can pick the best volleyball shoes for you. We will let you know Why volleyball shoes are not favorable for running.
Let’s start!
Are Volleyball Shoes Good For Running? 5 differences
Is it a good choice to use running shoes for volleyball or vice versa? Are Volleyball Shoes Necessary For Running? What kind of shoes to wear for volleyball? Let’s start answering these questions with the 5 main differences between volleyball shoes and running shoes. These are:
- keep Your Volleyball shoes for Indoor Due to Less Breathability
Volleyball shoes typically have less breathable mesh with poor ventilation than running shoes. This is because volleyball players are designed for indoor sports and need more support and stability in their shoes while having high jumps and fast movements, which can sacrifice breathability. Whereas running shoes are like general purpose shoes & are more breathable with better ventilation.
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- Outsole Design &Traction
Volleyball shoes have a flat, non-marking outsole that provides good traction on a variety of surfaces, including hardwood courts. They are made up of a combination of synthetic leather, mesh, and carbon rubber. Carbon/ Gum rubber sole provides more on-court traction and grip.
Running shoes, on the other hand, have a more aggressive outsole design with deeper lugs that provide traction on softer surfaces, such as trails and roads. They are made up of a combination of mesh, synthetic leather, and foam. Foam is used in the midsole and outsole to provide cushioning and shock absorption.
In my opinion, outdoor running shoes have more endurance than indoor volleyball shoes which are more explosive.
- Running Shoes have more Forefoot Flexion
Running shoes have more forefoot flexion than volleyball shoes. This is because volleyball players need a more stable platform for jumping and landing. Running shoes, on the other hand, need to be more flexible to allow the foot to roll naturally through the gait cycle.
- Volleyball Shoes are Usually lightweight than Running Shoes
Volleyball shoes are typically heavier than running shoes. This is because they are designed for quick movements and jumping, so they prioritize stability and support. This adds a bit of weight. Typical weight range of volleyball shoes is 200-400 grams (7-14 oz).
Running shoes, on the other hand, need to be lightweight to allow runners to move quickly and efficiently. They are designed for efficient forward motion with focus on cushioning and flexibility Running shoes are lighter weight as they fall below 300 grams (10.5 oz).
- Volleyball Shoes are more Durable
Volleyball shoes are designed to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of the game, including jumping, landing, and sliding. Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, which can sacrifice durability.
Why you should avoid wearing volleyball shoes for running
There are two main reasons why wearing volleyball shoes are not good for running:
- You’ll have poor running performance: Volleyball shoes are not designed for running, and they can hinder your performance. The lack of forefoot flexion can make it difficult to run naturally, and the heavy weight of the shoes can slow you down.
- Your volleyball shoes will get wrecked: Running on pavement and other hard surfaces will wear down the soles of your volleyball shoes quickly. Running shoes are designed to withstand the wear and tear of running, while volleyball shoes are not. It will hurt your knee in the longer run due to less absorption
Volleyball Movements – How are they related to Shoe Choice?
Volleyball is a dynamic sport that requires players to make quick lateral movements and high vertical jumps. Volleyball involves a lot of explosive movements that put stress on your feet and ankles.
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Volleyball shoes are designed to provide better ankle support and stability for these types of movements. Those movements translate to what you should look for in a shoe
Wearing volleyball shoes for running can lead to poor running performance and increased risk of injury. It is important to choose the right shoes for the activity you are doing. If you are running, it is important to choose running shoes that are dedicatedly designed for running.
Can you use volleyball shoes for working out?
You can use volleyball shoes for working out, but they are not the ideal choice for all types of workouts. Volleyball shoes are good for indoor workouts such as gym that involve lateral movements and jumping, such as plyometrics and agility drills. However, they are not ideal for workouts that involve a lot of running, such as jogging or running on the treadmill.
When to use volleyball shoes for working out:
- Plyometrics: Plyometrics are exercises that involve explosive movements, such as jumping and bounding. Volleyball shoes are good for plyometrics because they provide support and stability, often a mid-top or high-top design, which helps prevent rolling during jumps and quick changes in direction for lateral movements. You can do deep jumps, box jumps and plyo-push-ups.
- Agility drills: Agility drills are exercises that improve your ability to change direction quickly. Volleyball shoes are good for agility drills because they are lightweight and provide good traction on a variety of surfaces.
When not to use volleyball shoes for working out on Treadmill
Volleyball shoes are not ideal for running because they are heavy and have less forefoot flexion than running shoes. But, You can use volleyball shoes for running when they lose their gum soles.
High-impact workouts, such as running on the treadmill or jumping rope, can put a lot of stress on your joints. Volleyball shoes are not designed to absorb the impact of high-impact workouts, which can increase your risk of injury.
Wearing running shoes for volleyball
Running shoes could be a better choice for volleyball players but again not recommended. Volleyball puts unique pressure on your feet, ankles, and legs compared to running. Running shoes prioritize lightness and flexibility to aid in forward motion. While Volleyball shoes resembles most with basketball shoes.
If you are a volleyball player, it’s totally up to you but, I recommend not to invest in a pair of running shoes specifically for volleyball because it will not help you improve your game performance.
Final Words – Can I Use Running Shoes for Volleyball?
Are volleyball shoes good for running? In a nutshell, If you only play volleyball casually, you may be able to get away with using running shoes. However, if you’re serious about playing volleyball, you must know how to pick volleyball shoes and invest in a good pair of shoes.
When choosing volleyball shoes, it’s important to consider your individual needs. Look for shoes that fit well, are comfortable, and provide the right level of support and traction for your playing style.
